Very often do I hear the argument that our audience is not stupid enough to "actually believe" us if we present our magic as though it is a real occurrence happening before their eyes. This is in no way implying that you dress up as Mickey Mouse like in Fantasia, carry around a fancy sparkling wand and yell "Hocus Pocus!" or "Abracadabra!" before each effect... I suppose you could if you wanted though... I won't speak for the rest of you, but I will speak for myself. I can tell you that I know very intellectual people who honestly believe that the work of David Blaine for instance is real. I thought what David Blaine was doing, was real. That is why I got into magic. I wanted to go on a whim to see if there were some sort of way, through some weird fashion, that I could possibly possess these powers of his. I wanted to know what sort of spiritual routine he goes through to be able to do this. I knew of magic "Tricks" yes, I had a kit at one point. Color changing dice, linking rings, etc... I have even gotten books when I was little on "easy card tricks". So I had some limited knowledge. But what David as well as other magicians I have seen, have done and are doing, MUST have been real and not what I was doing. So naturally, when I got into magic, my family was a bit worried that I was selling my soul over to the devil and I was joining a dark cult or legion. Although, when doing deep study, I came to discover the real secrets slowly, and was pleased that I didn't have to have been born with supernatural abilities that would qualify me to join the X Men... Even though, if offered the opportunity, I'd gladly accept. People still believe this. Just because people don't believe YOU, does not mean people don't believe this. You can still present yourself as having a great knowledge of sleight of hand, or con, or anything of this sort if you want. But come to an understanding of this position. Do not decide upon this character because you don't think the audience will believe in REAL magic. Don't force your audience to believe any certain way, sure, just as you wouldn't (or shouldn't) force religion onto someone, no matter how religious you are. Your audience ISN'T stupid. Meaning, they will see through you more than likely with an improper presentation, and they will call your bluff without any hesitation. I am in no position to be lecturing anyone, if I was, I'd at least split this into paragraphs... my apologies. I just want to present an opinion and thought for conversation.
