I have been referred to The Magic Way by Juan Tamariz. There is also Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz. The honest truth if you want to get better at performing is just to perform more I believe. I could be wrong, if so just disregard this post. I know
@RealityOne will contradict me in some way.
The Magic Way is a good read and has some great effects. It is very thought provoking if you have a basis in theory but I wouldn't recommend it as a first book on theory. Strong Magic is probably the most extensive book on magic theory out there. It is best for people who have a good amount of experience performing because it provides a context and nomenclature for things that you have experienced. I agree that the best way to become a better performer is to perform more. The continued performance combined with an exploration of theory does help take it to the next level. That wasn't too contradictory... was it?
The best books in my opinion are ...
Maximum Entertainment - This is the most practical book on the performance of Magic
Scripting Magic 1 & 2 - I think this is good to explore scripting, but less so on theory beyond that.
Strong Magic - I think the other books are probably better. I do like Designing Miracles. I saw Darwin perform and lecture but I was not particularly impressed -- I admit I had very high expectations reading his book but his performance wasn't significantly different than other magicians I've seen.
The Show Doctor - Jeff is amazing. His columns are responses to questions which cover a whole bunch of stuff. There is an overarching theme that it is written like he is advising people on medical conditions. I've seen Jeff perform and lecture and have attended workshops with him. He walks the talk.
Magic and Showmanship - They had me with the ham sandwich.
Absolute Magic and Pure Effect by Derren Brown - Good, but not great. At least Absolute Magic. Haven't purchased Pure Effect yet.
Alchemical Tools by Paul Brooks - That has been on my to buy list since you mentioned it to me in NYC.
Our Magic by Maskelyne and Devant - There is a lot that can be learned from that book. The best part is that it explains it in the theory sections but puts it into practice in the sections discussion effects.
Mastering the Art of Magic by Eugene Burger - Anything by Eugene Burger is amazing. He has a sense of how to imbibe magic with importance.
The Paper Engine - More about mechanics than performance. Good stuff about tension in performing.
Tangled Web my Eric Mead - I found most of what is in there trivial magic. I like Eric and like to see him perform, but there wasn't much substance beyond the effects.
Magic Matters by Robert E Neale - I lover Robert E. Neale, but Magic Matters was a tough read. The Magic Mirror (which I think he wrote with David Parr) is also good, but more heavy on the theory. Life, Death and Other Card Tricks is great... if you can find it. I think of Robert E. Neale to be more of a philosophy of magic than a theory of magic.
The 5 Points in Magic and The Magic Way by Tamariz - Five Points is a great resource for how to use your body in performing. As I said above, The Magic Way is something that needs to be read once you have a basis in theory.[/QUOTE]
Would that be a good starting by point for both of us to go over together? Or are there better choices?
My top recommendations are Maximum Entertainment and Transformations: Creating Magic Out of Tricks by Larry Haas.
Maximum Entertainment is the mechanics of performance while Transformations is the concept of how to design routines. For working with her, I would start with Transformations. Larry's main concept is that you take a trick (i.e. the method) and add elements to it that make it a performance piece. That concept is truly transformational because you no longer look at magic tricks as "that is a cool trailer" but more so as "how can I take that and personalize it into something that would be a signature piece for me to perform." For a young performer, the idea of having material that is polished and "presentation ready" is essential.
Also, go over to Vanishing Magic and pick up the free e-book Over/Under which is directed toward young magicians and their parents.