As Simon Lovell stated in one of his many lectures ... "Magicians
worry about "How do I do it?" Instead of "Why" do I do it?
There in lies one of the biggest problems -- there has to be a
reason. Magic intrinsically is an illogical thing, but you can do
it at least in a logical way. You ask, what's more important to me
-- an audience remembering me or the tricks I perform? I would
rather them remember ME than the tricks I perform. It's
essential to create uniqueness about yourself - separate yourself
from the masses"...
-Simon Lovell
Master sleight of hand artist/ Lecturer
__________________
While at a cookout last weekend I was talking with the host (Tim)
and he wished for me to entertain all the guests, excluding himself
as he told me ..."I am not fond of "magic", I do not
enjoy it"... There are those who honestly do not enjoy it, and
this is not a bad thing in this case DO NOT SAY ..."YOU HAVE
NEVER SEEN ME PERFORM"... (Unless of course in that same sentence you have the ability to make a 2 ton elephant
appear in his swimming pool all while you begin flying around his yard...
CAUTION- he may call upon a local minister to perform an exorcism.)
In this scenario for instance I asked VERY unaggressly ..."have
you ever seen a live close-up magician"...? to this Tim said
"yes" (In a sarcastic, oh my --magic is for kids type of tone).
His comment did not offend me as I have heard this before, I
responded to him with ..."so you have not seen any good
sleight of hand artists?" to this he said "No".
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
To make this a shorter story A sigh of relief from you...I heard
it), by the eveningīs end he was requesting that I perform
for ..."this individual and that one over there, oh and they
would love the one you just did with me"...
Most people have seen the "pick any card trick" and
"make six piles", etc. Remember, Become an entertainer,
not just a magician.
At my kid shows I entertain the adults as much as the children,
part of my guarantee! is that ALL THEIR GUESTS WILL BE TRULY
ENTERTAINED OR THEY PAY ME NOTHING! I have NEVER had any one take me up on this offer...EVER (Humbly Stated).
Usually as the guests are arriving (at a kidīs party) I will
do 15-20 minutes of walk around magic (FREE, the client loves this
as there is NO dead space and you have even more opportunity to
connect with the adults and children before "show" time).
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Some times while doing this type of walk around I will have maybe
one or two of the laid back "cool brew drinking guys and their
buddies saying (As I approach) ..."no, go show the kids I do
not want to see any of that stuff it is for children"... I will
usually come back with ..."oh, you know I have been working on a
few things for this show, for the kidīs and all"...
I will usually look around as if I am sharing an intimate secrete
with them and suggest ..."would you mind/ be so kind to allow me
to show you something that I may want to perform for the children
later and since you are family/ friendīs of the family you would
be a great judge of me, let me know if you think the children will
enjoy this or not"...
Now at this point I bring out "Hunters Monte`"
(Rudy T. Hunter-Canada), Blizzard Deck (Dean Dill-California) or
maybe some mentalism/ card sleights of Dai Vernon (The Professor).
The response to this is ALWAYS phenomenal!!! Why? I first think as
an entertainer, then as a magician".
(those guys will always have me show more of their friendīs
and get involed when it comes to the "kidīs" part
of the show!
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Now you may go into a magic shop and purchase the newest,
neatest, trick on the market. After you get it home, the package
ripped open, you can hardly contain the excitement, you read the
directions, go through the routine a couple of times and then run
out of your room showing your parents, husband, wife and/ or
children.
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Having done this many times, after six months you believe you are
"prepared" to "perform" as a "professional"
magician. Showing off your "skills" you now possess with
your T.T., Professors Nightmare, and a stripper deck.
Your friends encourage you and say ..."wow"... that is
neat, your parents tell you that ..."you are the best magician
they have ever seen"... and because you have six months of
"practice" and have bought 15 of the "coolest"
tricks sold today you believe you are "ready" to perform as a professional.
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Make up business cards with your name stating that you do birthday
parties, etc. Now you are making...
PLEASE! STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP
First, have you taken the time to consider why you want to do
"magic Tricks"? Is it for the fame and fortune? If I
called you and asked if you know who David Blaine and David
Cooperfield are, more than likely you would not hesitate to say
..."they are famous and wealthy magicians"... . Right
you would be. But if I were to ask you if you knew the name of
Puck, Scott Alexander or Dennis Haney to name a few
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Your reply may be ..."who is Puck, Scott Alexander or
Dennis Haney?
Why haven't I heard of them?"...
..."They are amazing magicians"...
I say to you.
You reply, ..."if they are so amazing, I would have at least
seen them on TV"...
The answer to your last statement is simple -- they have been
working.
(Practicing, taking advice, practicing, learing, creating and
practicing)
Scott Alexander has been a top pro for many years and one of the
busiest professionals in the world. His credits include Denny & Lee,
Malone's Bar in Boca, cruise ships all over the world,
Caesar Magical Empire, and now he's starring in his own show
at Fitzgerald's in Las Vegas. His style is simple -- comedy that
goes right to the center of the audiences brain.
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Puck headlines in the new "Magic and Mischief" theatre
in Orlando, FL MagicAndMischiefTheatre.com Puck is one of
the most sought after entertainers in the nation.
Dennis Haney is one of the most famous of all three named here.
He owns two magic shops/ studios "Where the pros shop"
(Baltimore, MD & Las Vegas, NV); Mr. Hanney is amoung the
whoīs who in the world of magic (worldwide). DennyMagic.com
(When you purchase something, tell them David Breth says "hi" and
that you heard of this shop via-eMagic Deluxe)
Again...the answer is simple -- they have been working. They have
"First though as an entertainer, then as a magician"
If you try and follow fame and fortune more than likely you will
be as Client Eastwood so calmly said in one of his movies ..."
You are a legend in your own mind"...
Donīt pursue fame and fortune, let it find you. Keep on
practicing, reading and listening to those in the trenchs learn
from their misteaks and their victorys.
David Copperfield, did he "just appear" on the scene
(bad play on words, I know but hey...it is a free article what do
you expect), no he was practicing over and over again. Practice does
not make perfect, no as one individual told me some time ago, ...
"perfect practice, makes perfect"...
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Practice, practice and then practice some more. Once you have
practiced several times, multiplied by 10 then go into your nearest
magic shop, or to a local full time magician and show them what you
have been working on, you have two ears and one mouth listen to
what they have to say. Go back and practice, oh, by the way have I
stated to you that you must practice? (I say this with a curious grin).
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
A Fellow Entertainer,
David Breth
www.davidbreth.com
www.amazementandlaughter.com