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I'll now post, in order to break the norm of the thread. The first video was very nice, the only thing I would suggest you attempt (and this is for every performer, including myself) is to reduce the 'ums' when you talk. It's simple, every time (everyday) you feel yourself saying 'um' 'like'...

I can vanish a coin without having it switch hands. Just a thought. On minimizing 'tells' and alluding suspicion, Audience management is the real key. Yes, technical perfection is nice to have, but knowing when to do something is the real key. Max Malini was one of the best at this, one of...

Close-Up: The Real Secrets of Magic by David Stone Perfect for the close-up performer of any kind. The list looks great Jon! And great additions too, definitely one of the best comprehensive lists I've seen.

I don't know about actual speed reading or photo reading, but the apparent ability to be able to is quite easy to fake. As far as him counting a 4 deck stack, he may or may not be able to do that, he could have set it all up or even been using the same system as the MIT students which is a...

Yeah the dvd's are a product of the book, I believe the book is as good if not a better value (but I don't own the dvd's either). Sponge balls are always fun, so much you can do with them. I always enjoy pulling one from a spectators sleeve, saying that I don't keep stuff up my own sleeves...

Sad I couldn't wish you luck. Also bummer on the lack of audience. You're out performing though, and that's more than most magicians. If you want to eventually branch into restaurant work, or even just want to do close up magic, pick up David Stone's book, Close Up : The Real Secrets of...

tonights 1 on 1

Maybe pick up a book like Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic (Josh Jay has a complete course book too) and try and learn a few different things for one low price. After experiencing a little bit of everything you can see what it is you really want to do with magic and buy more specific...

Erdnase, Top change (yeah, it's not 'visual' but it works), I find myself doing the Ego change with small audiences, Winter change is great (though these spirit fingers sound like they'd double the impact...) Just a few The clipshift is pretty amazing in the right hands, not my cup of tea...

I've never had the need for a closeup pad. If I did 30+minute shows with gambling demonstrations, hell yeah I'd want a nice pad or padded table. But I don't. I practice standing, in the hands (mostly) magic that is suitable for most situations. I am able to do a little bit of table work, but...

Depends on how soft you want your surface. Some workers swear by super-soft sponge-like pads...others want a stiffer surface to work on. Don't go super cheap, but don't buy into super expensive ones either.

The only Wayne Houchin effects I own are Control and Sinful. Sinful is one of my second tier effects, it's big enough to be a first wave effect, but at a party or something I'll do a few tricks and then if the same people ask for more I'll tell them 'one more' and slam a signed quarter into a...

Play to your age, be original, and be entertaining. I don't know much about the Magic Castle auditions, but if you tell them a story about how you got into magic, and do a routine using (I don't know) legos (stealing Josh Jay's material suggestions) then you'll stand out. But you have to...

I believe it is...all young illusionists just need to listen :-p Wayne Houchin, among others, have pushed getting a college degree even if you're already making money as a magician. The fallback and the extra education can't hurt you, but not having them can. Advice is given every day...

Tis True. Practicing with them on can also help you avoid this. I usually have a watch and one ring on when doing magic. Never been in my way, but the ring is on my left hand.

He's played in a lot of con movies, he's also regularly a consultant for movies and shows that want to incorporate magic or con artistry into the production. He did a good job on lie to me, and the palm was sick...but what else would you expect from Ricky Jay?

If he doesn't do magic, stage illusion isn't the best place to start. Too many factors involved to make it seem effortless, and with 2 people it takes a lot of practice to get it right. If they really want to do magic, just browse through the stage section of some magic dealers. If he buys...

A lot of magicians hold onto full and part time work until their income from magic can fully support them. As a guise though, if you get into restaurant work you can develop a steady income with just a few hours a night a few nights a week, and still take private parties and gigs to...

Message Dan Sperry directly on T11, he's pretty good about responding, though it would probably help to send him an email too. Like everyone said though, most magic stores/suppliers will have some form of fanning powder available.

Do whatever you think is right. We could sit here and tell you a thousand different things, and they'd all be right...for whoever said them. Part of growing in magic is to experiment and try different things, if it works stick with it, if it doesn't toss it out. Maybe get a walk-around...