What to expect? First performance!

[Arzon]

For about 6 months now, I have been practicing magic at my house, in front of a mirror, recording my self with a webcam, etc... But my friends are having a birthday party and that is going to be my first debut with magic outside of my house.

I got a whole bunch of tricks lined up. Here are my main ones:
here then there (opener)
ambitious
2cm
triumph
factory sealed
prophet
stigmata
thread
de'ring
levitation (maybe)
some simple sleights
and im pretty good at improv too.

What should I expect from my first performance? Most of the people at the party know who I am, but don't really KNOW me that well. No one within 500 miles of me even knows I do magic.

-But one question in particular I want to task is: when they see you do magic, of course they will be impressed, but is it a long-term impression or a short-term impression?
Like, are they gonna just be baffled for the night and forget all about it the next day? Or is your name really gonna start to spread?

-Another question is, how do I bring up the subject of magic? Do I just say "you wanna see something?" like blaine or what?

Thanks!

 

[ZacEckstein]

If it's your first time you probably won't perform that great so it would be short term. You are probably going to be shaky but that's unavoidable. Don't use "um" , or"uh".

 

[SKSleighofHand]

I am really glad that these people have the chance to know you because you don't want them to see you as a magic guy. You also want them to define you as a human being too. So, here's my advice.

I would start the routine as an opener, middle and a closure. These tricks are need to be order of strength.

For an opener, I would start with 2CM because you want to get their attention and it leaves the audience to wanting more. The middle would be Triumph. The closure would be Ambitious Card Routine, Stigmata or Thread.

Lastly, you may want to have one trick as an emergency backup if the tricks gone wrong. Here's a quote from a good acquaintance of mine in which I started a thread back in the past.

RDChopper

Okay, here are some of the steps that I take when preparing a routine:


__________


*First, know the mood that your trick is going to set, in other words, your PATTER, you have to know if you are going to use a general theme for all your routines ( for example, I did my whole routines all under the patter and mood of Astral Projection) or if you wanna use different patter for each trick.

*Take a routine that you have, lets take something that everyone knows, for example the ACR, before you routine your whole thing, you have to know the end, to work your routine so that way it all flows right to end, (obviously taking your patter into consideration thats why is that the first step) you have to prepare a closer depending on the patter that you used for that routine, and now that you know how you wanna end that routine, start with a opener that gets their attention (of course it would be a good idea to gain their attention and rapport even before the trick starts,but that is for another post) and then, build it from there, also, judgin from other performances, take wich effects are stronger than others, because you dont want to put a great effect before a less dramatic and impactful closer, think of that.

*now that you have your patter down and your routine down (hopefully) you need to start to practice it in a mirror, if you can get a video camera and you can record yourself, that is even better, what you watching for in here is to see that all your actions, words and effects flow naturally, a part of the trick has to flow perfectly with the next effect and so on, if you see something akward, or something that breaks the little flow that you have, you should consider to either change it for another thing or to actually remove it.

Now that you have all that, in my personal opinion, you areready to take your routine to live .

A couple of notes before I finish my post:

*Each sleight has its place, I have seen a lot of people that love the clipshift, and for that reason, they use almost everytime, ( I know, I also commited that mistake) think about what would the spectators would like, and their neccesities, your routines should be adapted according to their tastes, not yours.

*Also, adjust your patter depending the situation, it would be a good idea to have to kinds of patter for one routine, the patter that you have will not be of the liking of everyone .

*Using the videocamera is also good because you see how much time each routine takes you, also if you can, you could make a little script for your routines and use it, there will be less "uhms" in your performance.

*Learn to adapt, sometimes we need to learn to listen to our audiences and there will be times that you are going to need to adjust your routine and sleights depending on the audience, so also take note there.

 

[Sherlock]

How long is your show if its under 30 minutes then you have way to many effects, just get back to me about this.

Also, no disrespect but how are you good at improv if you've just been practicing. Maybe you have before or somethign but some more clarification on your actual performances and presentation skills would be helpful.

 

[Arzon]

If it's your first time you probably won't perform that great so it would be short term. You are probably going to be shaky but that's unavoidable. Don't use "um" , or"uh".

I am really glad that these people have the chance to know you because you don't want them to see you as a magic guy. You also want them to define you as a human being too. So, here's my advice.

I would start the routine as an opener, middle and a closure. These tricks are need to be order of strength.

For an opener, I would start with 2CM because you want to get their attention and it leaves the audience to wanting more. The middle would be Triumph. The closure would be Ambitious Card Routine, Stigmata or Thread.

Lastly, you may want to have one trick as an emergency backup if the tricks gone wrong. Here's a quote from a good acquaintance of mine in which I started a thread back in the past.

How long is your show if its under 30 minutes then you have way to many effects, just get back to me about this.

Also, no disrespect but how are you good at improv if you've just been practicing. Maybe you have before or somethign but some more clarification on your actual performances and presentation skills would be helpful.

THanks zmagic I'll remember that.

Actually, for the sake of the thread I said I have never performed before, but I actually performed only once before.

One time, I was waiting for a movie to start (Transformers 2) and the most recent show sold out, so I had to wait for the next one. That was about a month ago and I did some here then theres and 2cms to random movie goers.

At that time, I didn't know how to correctly perform 2cm and people preliminarily flipped cards ALOT and that was really bad. Since then, I've watch David blaine and others performing it a dozen times and I think ive got a pretty solid 2cm.
---
Thanks SK,
But I read somewhere that if you don't show them magic within the first 20 seconds or talking, they're gonna get bored, which is why I chose to start with "here then there".
---
I'm not going to do all of those tricks. That is just the main list of the best tricks I know. I'm probably going to choose certain ones depending on the situation. Most likely WILL do here then there as openner, triumph somewhere in the middle, and stigmata with a name.

I think i've pretty good at improv because I know passes or card controls for any situation. Middle to top. top to bottom, bottom to top, middle to 2nd to top, etc... I've practiced them ALOT and in front of the mirror, they are pretty legit.

 

[Sherlock]

Well, I usually associate improv with presentation not about moves. Anyway, make sure it flows and you capture their attention and please please try your best to not have any filler script parts and reducing any dead time.

 

[enieves]

If this is your "official" first time, the first thing to remember is that the nerves are inevidable. There is no "cure" for jitters except to just go for it. But the easiest way to open for friends who don't know you do magic is tom simply take out a deck and start doing some simple cuts and flourishes. Couple charliers and fans are good. Whenever I start doing that at like a barbecue or a party someone almost always says "Hey, you do magic?" Which sets you up for "Yeah, can I show you something ?". I agree with using here then there as an opener. Its simple, and transposition effects are always solid & reliable. Then build from there...

 

[Nino]

First you are going to get so nervous while performing. But if you do a simple trick(like 2CM) the audiciene will want more and you feel more confident about yourself. Also one more hint: Be yourself! Don't try to be something your not. Good luck I have full faint in you.

 

[RDChopper]

I've watch David blaine and others performing it a dozen times and I think ive got a pretty solid 2cm.

Sorry, but that's not good enough, when you have performed a lot and have tested the trick at least One hundred times(with live audiences) and see what works and what not.... then you are entittled to say that you have a pretty solid 2CM.

---
Thanks SK,
But I read somewhere that if you don't show them magic within the first 20 seconds or talking, they're gonna get bored
---

Ok? That will only happen if you have cero personality and cero showmanship skills, in order to be a good performer you need to understand that the tricks represent only the 20% of your performance, the other 80% relys on your presentation, in how you connect with people and build rapport and the memories that you can create with them.

I'm not going to do all of those tricks. That is just the main list of the best tricks I know. I'm probably going to choose certain ones depending on the situation. Most likely WILL do here then there as openner, triumph somewhere in the middle, and stigmata with a name.

And the main presentation is going to be??? What?

"Hey I can do magic!!!"

I would love to hear the way in wich ou are thinking of rutining them and presenting them.

I think i've pretty good at improv because I know passes or card controls for any situation. Middle to top. top to bottom, bottom to top, middle to 2nd to top, etc... I've practiced them ALOT and in front of the mirror, they are pretty legit.

And? that means nothing with live audiences. Live audiences breathe, react speak and heckle.... things that a mirror doesn't do.

Im happy that you feel comfortale with your sleights, but Im feeling atinsy little bit of arrogancy there, I wish yu good luck and remember:

If you don't entertein, you are not being a magician. And the tricks is about them, not about you.

Good luck

P.S Thanks for quoting me SK, I didn't expect that and Im glad that you found it useful

 

[-Ty]

Your first performance will be one of the most thrilling and least successful performances you will ever do. You will stumble, fumble and mumble and feel great about it afterwards. It's like a load off your back, but while you're getting it off it's gonna hurt. Best not to say that last bit out loud at work...

As far as your effects go, don't go for too long. You're inexperienced, so you probably will be relying a lot on the weight of the effects rather than your presentation. Have a definite beginning, middle and end to your set. Don't go for too long, and leave them wanting more.

If you can do at least one of the things said without saying "um" five times, you will have done a better job than my first "performance". Remember, humility is a virtue in these parts

And have fun!

Oh and btw give the guy a break. We can't turn him into a great or even good magician for his first performance. People should want to perform. I'm all for one taking the time to learn an effect, but he needs experience performing now, to help him find and iron out the things you guys have said. It takes a bit of time.

 

[RikAllen]

When is the party?

If you have time, go out and perform like Blaine in the streets, or at a mall, for as many people as you can. Pick 4 or 5 of your effects and only do those effects, over and over and over, for as many people as possible.

While you're performing you'll want to say Um or Uh...don't. If you feel yourself grasping for the next line and an Um or Uh is coming, pause. Don't say anything. It'll look like you're putting thought into your next line. This goes for anyone doing anything that involves speaking in front of people, ever. Magic, School presentations, Interviews, casual conversation...takes practice, but it's worth it.

These are the only pieces of advice I have. Have fun while you're performing.
If it goes well, don't let it go to your head.
If it doesn't go well, Don't get upset, Take and remember where things went wrong so you can improve. Then go ahead and thank the heavens for your bad experience, it'll teach you more than 100 'good' performances ever could.

 

[RickEverhart]

Here are some things that ran through my mind.

1.) Be yourself and not try to imitate Blaine or other magicians you have watched. This will make you look and feel silly. People want to see you for who you actually are - A likable person who is fun to hang out with whether you are the magician or not.

2.) The shaking / sweating of the hands will occur and might be noticeable to the spectators. This will go away after many more performances. It's just the nerves and eventually this turns to adrenaline if the gig is going well.

3.) You do not need to kill yourself with that many effects. I would do 4 or 5 of your most comfortable effects and leave them "spectators" wanting more and these people may want to consider hiring you at a later date.

4.) Dress a step above the rest. Shower, finger nails trimmed, little bit of cologne, etc.

5.) Interact with the people and listen to what they say. Play off of their lines. You will get good at this with more and more experience.

6.) Some effects are going to go well and others which you may think you have down perfectly might "flub" and you can't let that ruin the experience. Just move on and laugh it off. It happens to the best of us even at paid professional gigs sometimes.

7.) Please don't repeat effects even if someone comes late to the party and everyone is begging you to do such and such "again". You WILL get caught and look embarrassed.

 

[RikAllen]

4.) Dress a step above the rest. Shower, finger nails trimmed, little bit of cologne, etc.

I second everything except the bold text above.

Depending on age this may or may not be good. Some people find certain scents offensive so even a nice, light cologne can irritate/distract from a performance. I haven't worn cologne in years and still get compliments on how nice I smell...go figure that I shower and wear deodorant (Old Spice Original, if your grandfather hadn't worn it you might not be here right now).

Scented deodorant/body wash (soap if you prefer) is usually good enough.

I also find that even if you think you're wearing just a little bit of cologne, sometimes you're so use to it you have more than needed and can overpower.

I will say that if it works for you, don't change your routine. But if you don't wear it all of the time, don't bother when you're performing.

 

[RickEverhart]

That is what I meant by just a "little" cologne. I agree with you though that if you are used to your own scent, that you might accidentally put on more and then people will really notice it and it might be a bit much.

Scented body wash does work well too if you don't want any cologne.

 

[Sherlock]

Alright, after reading all of the posts on this thread I have come to a final conclusion post.

You will most likely suck, I know I did and I imagine many others did in the forums also. Do not be discouraged but if you can go in this knowing it will not be your best and still entertain them then you are on a very solid road to success. Knowing you will fail and still go on to succeed is the first obstacle.

In terms of what you think you know, you know very little. Practicing in a mirror lets you know your angles and that you can do the sleights, you will most likely still be nervous about many different things going on throughout your performance. Just stick to your basics about what you know and what you can do well.

Here is my suggestion on effects you should perform

Two card transpo with a duplicate- will work your audience management
ACR- various sleights and presentation
Triumph- same as above
2CM- How you interact with an audience and audience management.
Here then there- no clue

I would not recommend anything non card related for now, especially stigmata or anything since it relies heavily on presentation. I really want you to take this advice into deep consideration, coming from someone who has many performances under his belt and understands a thing or two. Please do not mistake this for arrogance but for experience.

You will understand a 100X better what the hell I am talking about when you actually perform. You will be anxious, nervous, giddy, along with many other feelings that will be a bit overwhelming. Keep working at it, understand that people have attention spans and using Blaine's type of style will most likely work against you. Be yourself and go from there, remember that you have nowhere to go but up and with the help that we have given you, you have a headstart above many of us.

Best of Luck

 

[Arzon]

Alright, after reading all of the posts on this thread I have come to a final conclusion post.

You will most likely suck, I know I did and I imagine many others did in the forums also. Do not be discouraged but if you can go in this knowing it will not be your best and still entertain them then you are on a very solid road to success. Knowing you will fail and still go on to succeed is the first obstacle.

In terms of what you think you know, you know very little. Practicing in a mirror lets you know your angles and that you can do the sleights, you will most likely still be nervous about many different things going on throughout your performance. Just stick to your basics about what you know and what you can do well.

Here is my suggestion on effects you should perform

Two card transpo with a duplicate- will work your audience management
ACR- various sleights and presentation
Triumph- same as above
2CM- How you interact with an audience and audience management.
Here then there- no clue

I would not recommend anything non card related for now, especially stigmata or anything since it relies heavily on presentation. I really want you to take this advice into deep consideration, coming from someone who has many performances under his belt and understands a thing or two. Please do not mistake this for arrogance but for experience.

You will understand a 100X better what the hell I am talking about when you actually perform. You will be anxious, nervous, giddy, along with many other feelings that will be a bit overwhelming. Keep working at it, understand that people have attention spans and using Blaine's type of style will most likely work against you. Be yourself and go from there, remember that you have nowhere to go but up and with the help that we have given you, you have a headstart above many of us.

Best of Luck

Thanks for that advice. I probably will hold back on prophet and stigmata until I am more experienced. But one question... when you say I will probably suck, do you mean that everyone is going to see through my effects and I'll go home crying or are you saying my presentation is just not going to have as much effect? I hope its the latter lol.

And yeah "Here then there" is a 2 card transpo from Brad C. at Ellusionist.

 

[Sherlock]

The latter, I should have specified sorry. This goes for many magicians even with years of experience, they fine tune after many performances so they can get the most out of the effect.

 

[RikAllen]

You will most likely suck, I know I did and I imagine many others did in the forums also.

If by suck you mean complete disaster...yeah. I like remembering such times, they remind me of what not to do.

Not sucking only comes from performing more. Practice helps, and your sleights should be automatic, but presentation is not something you can read from a book and then immediately do. Just like a difficult sleight you have to do it sloppily, repeatedly until you stop fumbling around and start getting everything in place. Your words for certain effects will change and develop over time until they are original and work well with the effect.

I learned most of the jobs I've ever done basically trial by fire. Learned to run a register (I was a produce clerk) by being set on one and told 'these buttons do cash...if the do credit/debit you hit these buttons' and then the manager walked away. Then the rush came in. Twas fun.

 

[Arzon]

Alright, after reading all of the posts on this thread I have come to a final conclusion post.

You will most likely suck, I know I did and I imagine many others did in the forums also. Do not be discouraged but if you can go in this knowing it will not be your best and still entertain them then you are on a very solid road to success. Knowing you will fail and still go on to succeed is the first obstacle.

In terms of what you think you know, you know very little. Practicing in a mirror lets you know your angles and that you can do the sleights, you will most likely still be nervous about many different things going on throughout your performance. Just stick to your basics about what you know and what you can do well.

Here is my suggestion on effects you should perform

Two card transpo with a duplicate- will work your audience management
ACR- various sleights and presentation
Triumph- same as above
2CM- How you interact with an audience and audience management.
Here then there- no clue

I would not recommend anything non card related for now, especially stigmata or anything since it relies heavily on presentation. I really want you to take this advice into deep consideration, coming from someone who has many performances under his belt and understands a thing or two. Please do not mistake this for arrogance but for experience.

You will understand a 100X better what the hell I am talking about when you actually perform. You will be anxious, nervous, giddy, along with many other feelings that will be a bit overwhelming. Keep working at it, understand that people have attention spans and using Blaine's type of style will most likely work against you. Be yourself and go from there, remember that you have nowhere to go but up and with the help that we have given you, you have a headstart above many of us.

Best of Luck

Thanks for everyone who has helped me with this thread. Yes, during my performance I did feel 100x better what you were talking about. My hand was shivering like crazy when I attempted double lifts.

They were pretty impressed throughout, but for some reason they were most impressed with the 2 card transpo. They were questioning all night how it worked. I now understand what you mean by sucking the first performance. I didn't FAIL but it could've been better.

I was very fortunate because I was holding my deck of cards and a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to see a magic trick. I said sure and she showed me the 7 x 3 card location (tell me which row it is in) (don't know the name). Then I busted out my moves.

Makes me smile thinking about how they reacted

THanks again everyone!

 

[magic_slave]

I think that this thread is very good for begineers, even though for me.
But as what i think, the two main problems that they will need to overcome is just patter and shaking hands. But time will solve these problems.