performing magic – MagicShow.Tips

Have Fun…

Last weekend I went to Nashville and saw some live music at some of the bars in The District. One of the things that struck me was that there were a lot of good musicians, but not a lot of good performers. I guess it’s harder to be both. I think that one of the two comes more naturally than the other to most people.

What I noticed was that people onstage looked like they were working, not having fun. What you want in a show is someone that looks like they are having a blast. Yes, there are moments where you should look like you are working, but in most cases you should look like you want to be there.

The easiest way to look like you are having fun is to smile. That’s the most effective way to show an audience you like what you’re doing. Why do a lot of performers not smile? I’m guessing they don’t practice their show while smiling. Their faces default is the face they have when they practice. The simple solution is to practice smiling while you practice!

Unplugged Variety Show…

It’s amazing how much you learn by going to shows, especially shows you’ve seen before. Last night I went out to watch a variety show that three of my friends were in. Its’a show where I knew all of the performer’s acts very well.

What made this interesting was that in this venue non of them used the pre-recorded music that they normally use in their shows. They either performed with without the music or were accompanied by an organist playing on the venue’s Wurlitzer organ.

The really hadn’t rehearsed with the organist, so he played and the performers and organist tried to sync up. It helps that the organist was also a performer, so he could anticipate some beats. Also the performers would notice patterns in the music and try to hit beats that they saw coming up.

Having your music played live was the standard until probably about 50 years ago. Performers would travel with sheet music for the band. Live music is better than canned, as they can add little embelishments during the act. However it’s the rarity now.

I’ve only worked with a live band a few times. I think if I were to do it again, I’d try my best to have the band leader watch me do the act how I normally do it, so they could find the bigger moments in the act and be ready for them.

Last Night I Pulled a Kreskin…

Several years ago I went and saw Kreskin perform a the Pantages Theater in Tacoma, WA. He’s an amazing performer and I highly recommend checking out his show if you get a chance. At the end of the show he got a standing ovation from the audience! He deserved the standing ovation, and he worked … Continue reading “Last Night I Pulled a Kreskin…”

He deserved the standing ovation, and he worked for it. By worked for it, at the end of the show, he stood, arms outstretched and waited. People clapped, eventually some stood. Kreskin didn’t move. Eventually everyone was standing clapping!

That’s something very important I learned from watching Kreskin. You have to wait for them to stand up. They aren’t going to instantly leap to their feet like other performers bragging will make it sound like. Go see virtually any show that gets a standing ovation, it’s a slow burn. Some stand, then others, it’s a wave that takes a few moments. My advice is that if you feel a standing ovation coming, wait for it!