Interesting read for all... enjoy! :lol:

How To Become A Better Magician Without Learning New Tricks
by Gary McCaffrey
A famous quote from the 'father of modern day magic', Robert Houdin stated, "A magician is an actor playing the part of a magician". This is so true, as we all know that what we are doing isnt really 'magic', I mean there are no spells or magic words to make the magic happen. So, we must become actors and act as though we do have magical powers. But how would you get on if you where really magical?

If you perform your tricks as though they are just fun puzzles or goofs, that is how your audience will take them, and your magic will be undervalued.

You have to remember that your audience has no idea how your tricks are done, ok, most of them will know that its just a trick and not really magic, but they are allowing you to convince them that they are really miracles. Its the same situation when you go to the movies, you allow the actors to convince you that the part they're playing is really them!.

So, when practicing your tricks, go through them and try to imagine what you would do if it truly was happening by magic, what would you say, how would you act? Try to communicat your magic as though you are sharing a mystery, and not as though your showing off your skills. Practicing your acting skills will help elevate your 'tricks' to a miracle class. Good luck!

Word, Ning. Ken Weber also covers this in his book "Maximum Entertainment" which has helped me a LOT. Also, talking to Huron and observing his performances helped a lot too. Hehe.

-Kev

Right... this was available online, as credited to the original writer Gary McCaffrey
:) By the way... What's Maximum Entertainment about? is it a performance guide? Or it teaches techniques for stage?

Max Entertainment is a book that focuses on the QUALITY of magic. Not just during performance, but also outside it. Getting the paychecks and all those stuff are covered in M.E.. And its reasonably priced too.

SELL YOUR SOUL TO THE DEVIL!!!! NO STRING NO MAGNET YOU BUY YOU REGRET!! HURON IS HIGH!!!

I've read part of Maximum Entertainment and it's fantastic!! However, IMO... I think you can't exactly learn how to entertain... the ability is gained through experience!

Huron

But then there definately are things to learn from that book, wouldn't you agree Huron?

Of course. The book has AWESOME tips that you can observe... It serves as a great reminder of what NOT to do. It actually has little 'reviews' on famous magicians like Bill Malone, constructively criticizing their performance. Regarding what TO do, experience does it best.

Huron