Search results

Some thoughtful replies here. One angle that I believe needs to be considered is that one size does not fit all. I won't post any of it here, but there have been studies showing that different people learn better through different media. In other words, our brains are hardwired differently...

BTW it is DARIEL (not Daniel) Dang auto-"correct" !*%*#@^%*!

Something that really stuck with me when I read Showmanship For Magicians, by Daniel Fitzkee, years ago. He said that the two things that people are primarily interested in are (1) themselves and (2) other people, and that the wise showmen will tailor his performances with those principles in...

This is an interesting discussion. As it turns out, my best teachers have been the laymen I have performed for. I did not expect it, and they did not intend it, but they are the teachers, and the lessons are sometimes painful. Many times, they do not think, act or react the way we expect...

Color changes go over v nicely for little kids, especially between the ages of 4 and 8. Pretty much any kid can identify red and black and understand when one changes to the other. It's quick, visual, easy to comprehend and strong. Just be sure they clearly see what color card is there before...

Must the opener be a card trick? In my opinion, it's hard to beat the sponge balls. Many laymen have seen weak card tricks that have been poorly performed or done in a mediocre fashion. Their experience could have been with their grandfather, an uncle, a friend or even a professional...

I use a brand new deck for every performance. This means up to twice a week at bar/restaurant gigs, and each time I perform at a special event. I like to do (a tasteful amount of) flourishes, such as the spread and turnover, pressure fan, Giant fan, dribbles, springing, and waterfall shuffle...

To add to the already excellent suggestions: (1) Card under the Drink (Suggested presentation: Palm off or side steal the selection,, hand deck to spec to count down to any number between 1 and 10. Under cover of this misdirection, get the card under a wine glass. When they have dealt to the...

One more thing. I had originally missed Christopher T's post and it contains excellent thoughts and advice. Alarte, you were wise to turn to your friends here on the Forum, to openly let them know your feelings and to ask for their advice. I have been doing magic all my life - since my first...

I was going to express a few more thoughts on this, but Reality One must have read my mind - well, it is light reading. There is so much wisdom in his post, and he has said it better than I could even attempt to do. The only thing I would add is that I suspect most of us got into magic because...

Please don't quit. It would be a shame if you let a jerk discourage you from doing what you love. Don't be afraid to fail and you will find more and more success as time goes on. If that ever happens again, the minute someone starts acting like that, politely thank the people and excuse...

Multiplying Rabbits

Yes, it makes a lot of sense. I appreciate that you and also Reality One have helped to enlighten me on what mentalism is about and how it clearly differs from mental magic. After decades of performing "magic," I am finding myself being drawn more and more toward mentalism.

Al e Cat Dabra Wrote: "I feel that am kind of stating the obvious, but it depends on the performer who is doing the chop cup or cups and balls. While I personally prefer to perform the chop cup over the cups and balls (I do both routines), I don't think I would categorically state that the chop...

I agree that gimmicks and gaffs may unjustifiably get a bad reputation because a lot of people think that they do everything for you and that it takes no skill to perform the magic. Generally speaking, it takes skill and finesse to use a gimmick effectively. Take the time-honored TT, for...

I feel that am kind of stating the obvious, but it depends on the performer who is doing the chop cup or cups and balls. While I personally prefer to perform the chop cup over the cups and balls (I do both routines), I don't think I would categorically state that the chop cup is more exciting...

I am in the process of learning and understanding the distinctions between mental magic and mentalism, whereas for a long time, I believed (incorrectly so) that it was nothing more than a semantical difference. I believe, and I welcome others more knowledgeable than me to correct me if I am...

I think that is an important point that makes a lot of sense. Besides, why would we want to imitate someone else or their presentation of an effect? If I try doing that (which I did early on in my development as a performer) it will never come off that well or ring true, because it is not the...

Option C: Have a great performance and entertain the audience AND be praised by a lot of other magicians. I believe that if it truly was a great and entertaining performance, then most magicians who happened to witness it would be impressed, and give credit where credit is due. Contrary to...

I would recommend going with the Morgan Silver Dollars. I use them all the time myself. They are beautiful, the right size for you, highly visible, and they are intriguing and a great conversation piece.