In considering how to prepare for a Magic Show, 'focussed practice' should not be overlooked.
In every trick, there is what I call a 'crisis point'.
This is the crucial moment where the trick is actually made to happen.
Once you pass this point the magic is done, and the rest is smooth sailing to its conclusion.
Take, for example, the Ball and Vase.
The ball is taken, and is made to disappear.
It re-appears inside the vase.
The crisis point in this example is having the ball disappear.
It needs to be done in such a way as to convince the audience that magic has just occurred.
What happens before and after this point is much less important.
Therefore, the crisis point requires 'focussed practice'.
Spend more time practicing this particular move than with the rest of the trick, which is fairly simple by comparison.
Look through your collection of tricks, and pick out the 'crisis point' for each.
Then, when practicing, apply that focussed practice to the troublesome crisis point.
You can use this same principle for any moments of a trick which you find awkward to handle.
By the way, speaking of awkward moments, you don't need to stick rigidly to the instructions.
Treat instructions as a recommended way of working and presenting a trick.
If you're having trouble with a trick in the way the instructions suggest, don't be afraid to try something different.
It may be more comfortable for you to use the opposite hand to that mentioned.
It may feel better to you to reverse a trick, so instead of using a 'Flip Box' to disappear an object, show it empty and produce the object.
That's the beauty of Magic.
It's an art, and as such it allows you to be creative.
It's helpful to know how to prepare for a Magic Show, because being prepared ensures a smooth presentation, and this puts your audience at ease in your company.
Our next topic is Organising Your Table.
Since you're examining how to prepare for a Magic Show, you've probably considered having a table or stand to hold your items.
To the audience, this table or stand is functional in containing your equipment, but nothing more.
To a magician, however, an innocent table is anything but innocent.
It can have a shelf or servante (large pocket) attached to the back edge, ready to provide or discard magical items in a timely manner.
It can have a black-art well in the top, to receive a magician's unwanted objects.
But even with an unprepared table, it's wise to consider the placement of the items you'll be using during your show.
Think about the order in which you want to present your tricks.
Organise your objects so you can access them easily as needed.
Arrange them in an order that will help you present them smoothly without a clumsy fumble.
Do these things, and I promise your Magic Show will have polish and intrigue.
Practice well, and truly enjoy what you do.
In every trick, there is what I call a 'crisis point'.
This is the crucial moment where the trick is actually made to happen.
Once you pass this point the magic is done, and the rest is smooth sailing to its conclusion.
Take, for example, the Ball and Vase.
The ball is taken, and is made to disappear.
It re-appears inside the vase.
The crisis point in this example is having the ball disappear.
It needs to be done in such a way as to convince the audience that magic has just occurred.
What happens before and after this point is much less important.
Therefore, the crisis point requires 'focussed practice'.
Spend more time practicing this particular move than with the rest of the trick, which is fairly simple by comparison.
Look through your collection of tricks, and pick out the 'crisis point' for each.
Then, when practicing, apply that focussed practice to the troublesome crisis point.
You can use this same principle for any moments of a trick which you find awkward to handle.
By the way, speaking of awkward moments, you don't need to stick rigidly to the instructions.
Treat instructions as a recommended way of working and presenting a trick.
If you're having trouble with a trick in the way the instructions suggest, don't be afraid to try something different.
It may be more comfortable for you to use the opposite hand to that mentioned.
It may feel better to you to reverse a trick, so instead of using a 'Flip Box' to disappear an object, show it empty and produce the object.
That's the beauty of Magic.
It's an art, and as such it allows you to be creative.
It's helpful to know how to prepare for a Magic Show, because being prepared ensures a smooth presentation, and this puts your audience at ease in your company.
Our next topic is Organising Your Table.
Since you're examining how to prepare for a Magic Show, you've probably considered having a table or stand to hold your items.
To the audience, this table or stand is functional in containing your equipment, but nothing more.
To a magician, however, an innocent table is anything but innocent.
It can have a shelf or servante (large pocket) attached to the back edge, ready to provide or discard magical items in a timely manner.
It can have a black-art well in the top, to receive a magician's unwanted objects.
But even with an unprepared table, it's wise to consider the placement of the items you'll be using during your show.
Think about the order in which you want to present your tricks.
Organise your objects so you can access them easily as needed.
Arrange them in an order that will help you present them smoothly without a clumsy fumble.
Do these things, and I promise your Magic Show will have polish and intrigue.
Practice well, and truly enjoy what you do.