Although all wizards realize illusions, those who do so on a grand scale to surprise and confuse viewers are often called illusionists. The illusions can be of different types: some illusionists rely on an intelligent manipulation of the props, others on their own particular dexterity, others still perform in death-defying feats by escaping from situations that seem to have no way out.
To become an illusionist, a magician must have a creative mind capable of deceiving the perception of their audience. By creating new and confusing tricks, mastering the execution and drawing inspiration from the characters of famous forerunners such as Harry Houdini or Alexander Hermann, your dreams of becoming an illusionist could come true.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Moving the First Steps as a Novice
Step 1. Do some physical exercise
Whether you decide to specialize in micromagic or grand stage illusions, you will need to be in top shape to perform your tricks at their best. Maneuvering the props, breaking free from the chains or making a quick change of clothes behind the scenes are all tiring actions. If the audience sees you out of breath, they may find you not particularly impressive.
- Famous magician and illusionist Harry Houdini is said to have been in excellent shape and had a very sturdy build to the point that he claimed he could take any punch in the belly.
- Consider doing aerobic exercise such as cycling, jogging or swimming. Behind the scenes of a performance can be quite hectic, so a little aerobic strength will help you complete the show.
- A little strengthening physical exercise, such as a moderate weight lifting activity, can help. Some equipment will inevitably be heavy, and in case it makes up a big part of your number, you may prefer to install it yourself. A little muscle tone could be useful in these situations.
Step 2. Train your reflexes
Once you've become a famous illusionist, everyone will continually try to catch you out to prove that you are an ordinary man. Having great reflexes will not only help you defend your reputation, it could also save your life. Some tricks, especially those of escapology, can be very dangerous.
- Start practicing racquetball.
- Play ping pong.
- Practice with a reaction ball.
Step 3. Develop your dexterity
Many numbers of magic, especially micromagic, involve the agile manipulation of objects with the hands. It is a skill that can also make the difference between a perfect execution and a total fiasco.
Make numbers with coins. They usually require excellent dexterity which can often also be used with other small objects
Step 4. Control the mind
A great illusionist will have to deal with several distractions during their performance. There could be cheering from viewers, light from camera and camcorder flashes, or a pointed ceiling that gradually descends towards your head. The ability to stay focused, present and calm is the main characteristic of a professional.
- Improve concentration with specific exercises.
- View the execution of your number. Some studies have shown that it can improve the quality of performance and concentration.
Step 5. Study the literature of magic
There are several books that analyze simple tricks and illustrate different techniques for practicing the most common magic numbers. Even if you are unable to practice a certain number, knowing the method behind it may help you along the way.
Step 6. Create a character
Some stage characters can be completely different from the artist in their private life. There are no right or wrong ones, but you must be able to wear one like a second skin, so that the public will believe you if you say that you are about to disappear and that everyone is trembling with anticipation when you announce your next illusion.
Part 2 of 3: Developing Your Repertoire
Step 1. Practice stage illusions
Some of the most famous stage illusionists have been Siegfried and Roy, David Copperfield, Harry Houdini and Penn and Teller. Often this type of illusions exploits the physical distance between the audience and the illusionist on stage to maintain a semblance of reality. To come up with your personal number you will need to understand the psychology of perception, have a creative mind and possibly a trusted carpenter.
- Instead of dedicating yourself to complex mechanisms and Rube Goldberg-style machinery, start first with the effect you want to achieve. Do you want the audience to think you are capable of handling a fireball? Or do you want to make believe that you are able to manipulate space and time? It starts with the effect and works in the opposite direction.
- It can take a long time to devise a stage illusion, a longer time to design it and even more to adapt it to stage standards. You will have to be patient if you wish to become an expert illusionist.
Step 2. Become familiar with micromagic
It is a type of magic that is usually practiced about ten feet from the audience, with the conjurer sitting at a table. It makes use of simple props such as cards, coins and other objects, which are manipulated with ease and elegance and made to appear, disappear and move in space in an unusual and surprising way.
- Practice keeping your hands busy all the time. Carry a deck of cards or a coin with you wherever you go and practice hiding the object in the palm of your hand, dropping it and shuffling the cards until you are able to grab practically anything and skillfully make it disappear.
- Since micromagic is applicable to almost any small object, it should be one of the main skills in an illusionist's repertoire.
Step 3. Explore the territories of mentalism
Even if you have no intention of building a reputation as a psychic or telepathic, the psychology you will learn by studying mentalism techniques will help you better understand and manipulate audience perceptions. Mentalism is a branch of magic that uses body language, cold reading ("cold reading") and suggestion to give the impression of possessing psychic powers such as telepathy or precognition.
One of the most important weapons of a mentalist is the ability to recognize the truth from the lie
Step 4. Learn about escapology
While this is a rather creepy aspect of magic - since it stages dangerous situations within a time limit - some basics in this area can help you build your character and create a halo of charm around your persona.
The ability to open a lock, handcuffs or a trap can impress people to the point of wondering how it is possible to do so and if you are not actually prodigious
Part 3 of 3: Building a Reputation
Step 1. Stand out from other illusionists
It does not mean challenging other successful wizards, although if you win the competition, your credibility would certainly be strengthened. It is simply important to find your niche and establish yourself as an expert in that particular category.
Try to improve, or give an unexpected twist, to a number created by an illusionist who inspired you. The more famous the trick, the more other illusionists will see you as an expert
Step 2. Make a name for yourself in the audience
It is impossible to become a famous illusionist if no one is watching your tricks, at least not in the world of show magic. You need to take one of your most innovative illusions to the stage and tour or find an event in your city to start building your following.
- Some associations of illusionists endeavor to put artists in contact with event organizers. There are several associations locally, nationally and internationally that can help you find a stage.
- Some venues make use of live performers. Once you have a number that you are sure will blow everyone away, you can find out and audition at clubs or restaurants that promote live performances.
- Don't forget that the internet is a great way to use it to get visibility. A site with your contacts and a list of your skills can serve to connect you with interested people.
Step 3. Make a sensational number
Once you have perfected your basic skills, develop some tricks of your own invention; gained a reputation as a successful illusionist, it is time to complete your greatest work. This is something unique for every professional illusionist: the flagship of your career should amaze even the brightest minds in the world of magic.
David Copperfield wowed the whole world when in one of his most famous illusions he made the Statue of Liberty disappear
Step 4. Prepare a show that you can keep repeating
The ability of first-rate illusionists to continually impress and amaze the public can turn into the career of a lifetime. Cities that revolve around entertainment, such as Las Vegas, are famous for hiring professional artists, including illusionists.
Step 5. Retire
It is not necessarily required of a successful illusionist. Many public figures such as Pen and Teller have continued to perform for decades. However, at the peak of your career, once you've made your greatest masterpiece, or your best number, wouldn't it be amazing if you decided to disappear from the scene?
Advice
- Always perform in front of an audience, even if the show is being recorded or broadcast on TV. A live audience reassures viewers that no special effects were used to achieve the desired illusion.
- If you work as a professional illusionist, it might be better to join an association such as the International Brotherhood of Magicians or the Italian Magic Club. These organizations (and others like them) provide support, assistance, teaching and advertising for magicians of all kinds.
- Practice until you have perfected your tricks. One mistake is enough to get the word out and your carefully prepared makeup is known to all. Take your time when practicing.
