Learning a few card tricks and performing at children's parties is not enough to become a magician. A true magician bases his career on the feelings of wonder and fun he arouses in the public, always trying to improve his skills and his art. If you want to find out if you have what it takes to become a wizard, read on!
Steps
Part 1 of 7: Simple Card Trick
Step 1. Ask a volunteer to choose a card
Shuffle a deck of cards, then fan them out in front of the audience. Ask a volunteer to choose a card, without showing it to you.
Step 2. Return the card to the deck
With the deck compacted again, take the top half of the cards and tilt them down to see the last one. Ask the volunteer to place the card face down over the bottom half of the deck.
Remember that the chosen card does not have to be shown to you
Step 3. Look at the card above the chosen one
The top half of the deck is facing you. Quickly look at the last card and memorize it. This will be your "key card". Join the two halves of the deck. You haven't seen the chosen card yet, but you know it's under that key.
Step 4. Ask the volunteer to cut the deck
Do this to prove yours isn't a trick. He can cut it as many times as he wants.
Step 5. Turn the cards over on the table
Discover the cards from the top of the deck on a pile on the table. When you see the key card, take note of the one that follows it: the one chosen by the spectator. Keep turning the cards without slowing down three or four more times. Arrange them slightly apart, so that that choice is still visible.
- The audience should think you made a mistake. If you slow down or show a reaction, you won't convince viewers.
- When you stop turning the cards, move the first one slightly, as if you were about to reveal it.
Step 6. Reveal the chosen card
He declares to the audience, "The next card I turn over will be the one you chose." Bring your hand over the top card of the deck, pretending to be about to reveal it, then move your hand to the chosen card on the table and slowly reveal it in front of the audience.
Part 2 of 7: Trick with Deception
Step 1. Prepare the makeup
Before starting, choose a card from a normal deck. Write his name on a piece of paper, then fold it and hide it. Put the card on top of the deck.
These preparations allow you to do a trick where a volunteer believes they have a choice, but is actually forced to follow your plan. This specific trick is one of the simplest to perform
Step 2. Ask a volunteer to cut the deck
Hold the cards in front of him, then ask him to cut the deck and leave one half on the table. Hold the other half in your hands.
Step 3. Complete the cut with a cross figure
Place the cards in your hand on top of those on the table so that they form a 90 ° angle with the others. You can say: "For now we will only mark where you cut the deck."
This is a lie: the card between the two halves is not the one that cut the viewer. It is actually the top card of the deck, which you wrote on the sheet of paper
Step 4. Distract the audience
Take viewers' attention away from the cards by lifting your head to look them in the eye. It will take you a few seconds to keep them from thinking about what just happened.
For example, try saying, "As you can see, the volunteer could have cut the deck anywhere. After ten cards, after twenty, anywhere. But I can predict with absolute precision the chosen card."
Step 5. Take the top half of the deck
Go back to the deck of cards and declare: "Let's see which card you have chosen." Take the top half of the deck and ask the spectator to take the top card.
Step 6. Reveal your prediction
As the viewer shows the card to the audience, he reveals the prediction you wrote on the slip. Show everyone the name of the card.
Encourage skeptics to check the deck of cards to prove it is not rigged
Part 3 of 7: Simple Coin Trick
Step 1. Choose a coin
Coin tricks are common in magic shows. Thanks to the one described here you can learn a fundamental technique: the "French fall". It relies on distraction and careful movements made to make a coin disappear - for starters, take any large coin. You may try a few and find the easiest one to use.
Step 2. Hold the coin with a C-grip
Make a "C" with your hand and squeeze the edge of the coin between your thumb and other fingers. Turn your hand and face the coin up, with your fingers curved underneath it. Make sure the audience can see it well.
The edge of the coin should run along the thumb and fingers
Step 3. Imagine taking the coin with your other hand
Hide it from public view.
Step 4. Drop the coin
Instead of grabbing it, drop it onto the lower knuckles of your fingers. Keep your fingers slightly bent, so as not to drop the coin to the ground, squeezed between the knuckles and the top of the palm. At the same time, withdraw your empty hand, as if you were holding the coin.
Step 5. Make the coin disappear
Lift the hand that should be holding the coin. Slowly raise your fingers one at a time, revealing that the palm is empty.
Step 6. Make the coin appear
Raise the hand that actually holds the coin and show it to the audience.
Practice holding the coin between your palm and lower finger joints. In this position, you can move your hand with your fingers spread, making it appear hollow before the sudden appearance of the coin
Part 4 of 7: Learn More Magic Tricks
Step 1. Learn other simple tricks
There are tricks for wizards of all levels. If you like the simple sleight of hand described above, learn other fundamentals such as disappearing on the back of your hand, appearing a card on top of the deck, or rolling a coin on your knuckles.
While all wizards are familiar with sleight of hand, not everyone specializes in these tricks in close contact with the public. You can also indulge in club magic (average audience), stage magic (large audience), escape tricks and mentalism
Step 2. Watch other wizards perform
Masters of this art know what the public wants to see, so be careful what types of tricks and styles are adopted by modern magicians. Look for the professionals who appeal to you the most and try to think about which elements of their style and their approach to the public convince you. You can observe contemporary magicians or even watch videos of famous magicians to find out how they have perfected their art. Here are some examples you can take inspiration from:
- David Copperfield
- Tommy Wonder
- Mark Wilson
- Doug Henning
- Lance Burton
- Penn & Teller
- Harry Houdini
- S. H. Sharpe
- Criss Angel
Step 3. Read dozens of books on magic
Leafing through any biography of a wizard you will find that almost everyone started by going to the library and reading books on magic. This can help you understand that becoming a pro requires great discipline and that you will not spend most of your time performing in front of an enraptured audience - you will have to train yourself and learn to master the more complex tricks.
- Tarbell Magic Course Volumes 1-8
- Books of Wonder by Tommy Wonder
- Strong Magic by Ortiz
- Drawing Room Conjuring by Hoffman
- The Fitzkee Trilogy by Fitzkee
- Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic by Wilson
- The Amateur Magician's Handbook by Hay
Step 4. Buy DVDs of magic shows, or watch videos on the internet
While you should still read a lot of books to learn how to become a wizard, DVDs and videos can also help you refine your art. You will find thousands of them and you should make sure the source is a trusted professional. Be careful not to pay big bucks for trivial videos that contain only simple tricks. Online communities of professional and amateur magicians can help you find the best sources.
Part 5 of 7: Developing Your Show
Step 1. Try to get a wizard to guide you
When you have good skills, ask a local professional to become his apprentice and give you helpful advice. You will be surprised at how much more experienced wizards are available to help those approaching their profession, remembering when they were beginners. You will just have to be open to criticism and advice that can help you improve your skills.
Your mentor may not reveal any tricks to you, but they may give you advice on how to perform your first professional shows. If you don't have this opportunity, try to learn as much as possible from your mistakes. Over time, you will understand what the audience really wants
Step 2. Be original
When you've learned the simplest tricks and taken your first steps as a wizard, it's time to find your own style; you can't rely on other people's tricks if you really want to be successful. Nobody wants to see unoriginal magic shows repeated over and over again. Of course you should propose some (or many) old magic tricks known in your show (such as that of balls and glasses). Audiences might like some classics, but you should avoid hackneyed clichés, like making a rabbit appear out of a top hat (rather pull it out of a box).
- Think of ideas that have never been realized before. For example, make guitar strings disappear. Then, decide how to get the effect and think about how to make the makeup look believable. Prepare equipment if necessary. You may even need copies of the items you work on. When you have thought of all the components, start trying the trick.
- Develop a unique performance style. Don't steal other people's ideas. You could choose the style of an old (deceased) wizard and transform it with personal touches, but never imitate the style of a contemporary wizard. Better to have a unique style and perform tricks already seen, rather than proposing new tricks by copying the style of another.
Step 3. Develop the qualities necessary to become a good magician
If you want to be an exceptional magician, a large repertoire of tricks is not enough if you do not have the personal qualities that allow you to perfect your art. Here are some of the traits you need to master:
- I commit.
- Self-discipline.
- Patience.
- The ability to process information.
- Good communication skills.
- Taste in the choice of stage clothes.
Step 4. Take acting classes, experience theater and work with a capable director
Magic is a theater and the magician is an actor. You don't have to go to acting school, but if you are shy in front of an audience or if you want to learn to feel more comfortable in front of an audience, acting lessons can help you a lot.
Private acting lessons are expensive, but you can learn a lot in group courses too
Step 5. Prepare well
Before a show, rehearse your performance many times. You could also study the composition of the room where you will perform. For a show at a friend's house, it is not necessary. Just make sure no one is behind you, your gear is in order and everything is working properly.
It also tries to combine multiple tricks together to create original effects. For example, after turning a ball into a handkerchief, pop a coin out of the cloth before it vanishes in your hand
Step 6. Create your props yourself
If you are unable to do this, ask a few friends to help you, or visit a magic shop or website and shop. You can also consider seeking help from someone to assist you during your performance. Choose a person who already knows most of your secrets and make them part of the show.
Step 7. Choose a costume that makes a good impression
Traditional wizard attire is black jacket, elegant red vest underneath it, and black pants to coordinate with the jacket. The jacket should have many small pockets to hold coins, cards, balls etc. The vest should have large pockets for large objects, such as plates, to disappear or appear. Pants should also have two long pockets, one on each side, made under the folds of the fabric.
- Consider using the same costume pattern to create a more modern one. But remember that you should be more elegant than the people you perform for.
- Remember that comfort is important when choosing a stage costume. If you do nothing but scratch or fix your clothes, their beauty doesn't matter.
Step 8. Improve the flexibility of arms, fingers and hands
Start with handling the coins. It's the easiest trick to master, but it still requires commitment. In the external links section of the guide, you will find links to websites that can help you. Learn in particular to hold a coin in the palm of your hand: find a point on the palm where the coin remains stationary even if you open and close your fingers or if you point your hand down. Then, learn how to create illusions (for example by pretending to put an object in your left hand when, in reality, it is still in your right).
Once you have mastered the handling of coins, you can move on to that of balls and finally to that of cards
Step 9. Develop artistic talent and a good sense of humor
Try telling a story while doing your tricks. Be funny and comical (if your style isn't mysterious and understated). If your magic show was boring, no one would want to watch it. Remember, from time to time, to make a few jokes related to the makeup you are presenting. You may also decide to accompany your show with music, to make it more exciting.
Sound effects can have a big impact. However, avoid putting on shows accompanied only by music and in which you do not speak, because no one would understand what you are doing
Step 10. Learn to understand audience emotions
To be a great magician, the relationship with the public is fundamental. What kind of spectators are you in front of? Are they enthusiastic and ready for anything? Are they very critical or bored? Are they slightly tipsy? You have to know your audience and propose tricks that suit the mood of the viewers.
- This ability requires improvisation skills. You may quickly realize that your opening trick is not suitable for the audience and change your lineup at the last minute.
- If you have to attend an event where other shows have preceded you, evaluate the audience's reaction to those who performed before you and try to make references to gain the sympathy of the spectators.
Part 6 of 7: Finding a job
Step 1. Start performing for friends and acquaintances
When you're a beginner, don't think about getting your shows in front of 500 people. You will need to start with the people you know: friends, family, acquaintances and friends of friends. You have to hope that one of your viewers will be impressed with your performance and offer to repeat it for a birthday party or other event - this is the best way to land your first real job.
- Be patient. It takes time to develop the skills that can allow you to find work as a magician. Make sure you are really ready when performing in front of an audience and you are more likely to get noticed.
- Performing in front of a small, intimate audience will make you feel more comfortable when facing an audience of strangers.
Step 2. Take your magic to the street
Some magicians like to perform as street performers and try their tricks in front of random people. The only compensation you will receive will be the coins that passers-by will throw into your hat and you will happen to encounter difficult spectators. However, it is a great way to strengthen your nerves and to familiarize yourself with everything that can happen during a performance.
If you decide to go this route, make sure you don't occupy the space of another magician or street artist. People are quite aggressive in defending their territory and you shouldn't generate unnecessary conflicts
Step 3. Accept small-scale jobs
As you build your following, you can start working "for real": children's birthday parties, hospital and church shows, adult parties or any other event. All of these experiences will help you step into the world of magic and better understand what audiences really want. They can help you find out what kind of wizard you want to become; you may find that you only want to perform for adults or children.
Get ready to cook for some time. It can take years to pass this level
Step 4. Advertise
If you really want to get a good reputation as a wizard, you need to promote yourself. Print professional business cards, talk about your career on social networks and create a curated website, to let people who want to hire a magician for an event know you better. Consider asking a marketing professional for help if you really want to be successful.
- Hand out your business cards as often as possible.
- Visit local magic shops and ask if they need a wizard for a show or if you can leave your business card.
Step 5. Consider taking out an insurance policy
This can help you cover expenses due to any accidents that may happen during a show. While you should always put safety and attention first, unexpected events can always happen. For example, a spectator might get injured with a prop.
Step 6. Build a network of contacts
After working for some time, you will start attending wizarding events and gain more important jobs. In theory, you should already have contacts in the world of magic, thanks to your previous performances and experience with the professionals you asked for help. Keep attending as many events as possible and promoting yourself (without bothering anyone). The more people you know, the easier it will be to find work.
If you prioritize working relationships, it will be easier to meet a manager or agent (see next step)
Step 7. Hire a manager or agent
These professionals can be the secret of your success. If you really want to become a magician, you need a person who can help you find jobs, promote your image and establish working relationships with people in the industry. An agent can also be helpful in this regard, but they may ask for a 15-20% commission on all the jobs they can find you. You can continue to work independently, but these people can be invaluable to your career.
Step 8. Join the circles that matter
If you've worked for years, promoted your image well, developed a following, and performed many times, you might be lucky enough to be able to turn your wizard career into a full-time job. Don't be discouraged if it isn't; you can still consider yourself a true magician even if you have to do a part-time job to make ends meet. What matters is to follow your passion, not to earn mountains of money. If, on the other hand, you have managed to enter the elite of magic, you may be able to perform at some of these events:
- Corporate events.
- Shows in exclusive clubs.
- High-profile charity events.
- Private events of great importance, such as anniversaries, parties for children of rich or famous people, shows for the holidays.
Part 7 of 7: Living as a Wizard
Step 1. Don't reveal your secrets to people outside the industry
A true magician never reveals his secrets - especially those he shares with other professionals. If you talk to a close friend about magic, you may decide to confide something from time to time. If, on the other hand, you are approached by annoying people who want to know at any cost how you did a trick, you must learn to reject their requests.
A true magician respects his art. To reveal a scene secret is to betray your commitment to magic
Step 2. Learn to keep your audience engaged
To become a great magician it is not enough to amaze the audience with one trick after another. It is also important to charm them during the execution - no easy feat. If you really want to kidnap the viewer, you need to be able to capture their interest, hold it, and divert attention away from you when you have to do a tricky trick. Basically, you have to be able to chat with a room full of strangers to get them involved; do not be afraid, it is not as difficult as it seems.
Step 3. Join a magic club
If you want to become a master magician and get to know other professionals local and from around the world, you should join a magic club, to know what your colleagues are working on and to continue perfecting your art. Some of the more well-known clubs include The International Brotherhood of Magicians and The Society of American Magicians. You can also join clubs on the internet, such as The Magic Classroom.
Step 4. Keep your repertoire updated
If you want to become a successful wizard, your tricks must always be current. Check out what other professionals in your industry are offering by attending local shows. Talk to your wizard friends and ask what they are working on. Don't repeat the same tricks year after year or people will start to think of you as an "old rabbit with a hat".
Advice
- Don't feel embarrassed if you make a mistake in front of an audience. If you can't fix it without anyone noticing, joke with the audience. Laugh as if the trick wasn't supposed to work then move on to the next one without making any further comments.
- At the start of the show, introduce yourself formally and only start making jokes during the first trick. The audience must find you interesting to laugh with you!
- Speak clearly. Try holding a pencil between your teeth when you speak to better pronounce words. You could also use a microphone, to allow all viewers to hear you better. Microphones to clip onto the lapel of the jacket are ideal, because they do not occupy the hands.
Warnings
- Never perform a trick that you haven't tried well before. You should have fully mastered a trick before proposing it.
- Never reveal the secrets of your tricks, because in a short time everyone would be aware of them. If you really want to talk about what goes on behind the scenes of a magic show, try writing a book instead.
- Never warn the audience of what you are going to do during a performance, other than to get a specific scenic effect.
- Never show the same trick twice, however much the audience may insist. The only exception to this rule are variations, but be especially careful, as viewers will try hard to notice the trick.
- Never argue with the public. If someone makes a negative comment (for example, "I think I saw a second coin behind your back!"), Don't be distracted. Ignore the sentence and continue. Smile, answer viewers' questions and comments only after completing the trick (if necessary).
