There is a wizard who cloaks his mysteries in a pseudo-shroud of impenetrable darkness. He is the Merlin who nudges the occult in his performances, who wishes his audiences to believe, if ever so little, that he possesses powers not granted to the rest of the world - he is one of the pseudo-mentalists, soothsayers and pryers-into-the-future. Convincingly done, this sort of thing is an art in itself and, as in the case of the humorous magician, it is an art in which no instruction can be given. If you possess the personal magnetism which would enable you to sell racoon coats in Death Valley, you may be such a magician. This type of presentation does not readily lend itself to general magic of the type under discussion, and it is even more difficult to present card magic in this métier. (Few alive) can say “Take a card!” and still convince his spectators that fairies and goblins perch on his shoulder.
One: I don't really understand what it is you are trying to say here. The onlything that I can take from how you word things is that you don't approve of or like this style of performance. Pitty.
Two: Playing cards are
not the be-all end-all of magic. Contrary to popular belief among the younger magi these days. I highly doubt anyone who performs this kind of character would be relient on card tricks anyways. Unless they fit the theme and character of course. I could see a deck of Tarrot cards being used or something equally like themed.
Three: I personally don't see anything wrong with this kind of character for performances. After all it is about entertainment, not about magic. Think long and hard about that before you flame me in response. I'm right. Magic is the tool, entertainment is the result. I've performed a simular style character the past year and It's worked well for me. Got me on national TV a few times.
I personally would rather perform something that is unique, edgy, or away from the cookie cutter "street" magician image that all the younger magis are flocking to. Why? Because I stand out compaired to the rest of the custom deck wielding, jeans and t-shirt wearing, assult innocent people walkind down the street with card tricks, david blaine/criss angel wish you weres
The performance style isn't as limiting as one might think. You sure as hell won't be doning many kids birthday parties... but there isn't a lot of money in doing those anyways. I think it takes a special kind of magician to do those for a living, and I know I'm not one of them.
You're going to be performing for a lot of adult venues. Night shows, clubs, TV spots, burlesque, fairs, festivals, so forth and so on. The public isn't as damning to that kind of style either.
Sure you don't out right proclaim "I'm an illusionist, and I'm going to fool you with stuff you may think is real. But really its not." Personally to throw in such a disclaimer before your show I find to be quite arrogant.
If you perform such a act outlined by the thread starter, sure you are going to illude if you don't right out say that your effects are accomplished by some other method than slight of hand. Here's what you are failing to get a grip on.
People don't care! They want to be entertianed! No one in their right mind is going to buy that load of horse hocky. You can tell them that you can bend metal with your mind but no one really buys that. In their minds, hearts, and souls they know it's just an effect.
IF someone honestly does think there is a slight chance that you may possess some supernatural power, thats when you politely tell them it's just an act. You don't broad cast it to everyone, just inform those that need to know. (for their own sake of peace of mind.)
Honestly, I think I've ever only had a handful of times where someone honestly questioned me. After I told them it was just "part of the act" they were like 'Oh. Okay.' and were quite content to move on with their life.
That might have a bit too much of an edge to it... I may edit it later once I re-read it. But for 12:20am I'm pretty sure it will do.