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Hi,

My name is David Woods, and I have been interested in magic for about thirty years or so. I have not however performed a great deal as the idea of doing it scares me half to death. I have a bit of a shake in the hands that doesn't help either. This is not to say that I am not a keen performer in other areas, for example my degree was in drama and writing, and I have always enjoyed acting. It is just when I get to the magic side of things somehow my brain starts to panic, and I feel worried and anxious. Mainly I think this is about what happens if you get it wrong.

I have been know to overthink things and I think this is one of the challenges I face when it comes to the art. I tend to want to know not only how an effect is to be performed but also the why that goes with that. The deeper philosophy that is part of the performance of magic, and the reasons why people wish to be entertained in such a way. I am finding I guess that it is the same reasons we allow ourselves to be taken along by any other form of fiction. The need to escape, to be entertained, perhaps even to be made to think differently about things.

I am and probably always will be a keen amateur, always with that question on my lips...why?

Dave Woods

Hi Dave and a very warm welcome to TM. We've had several threads about nerves and the shakes when performing, or leading up to a performance, so you're certainly not on your own by any means. I'm sure someone will find the links to some of those old threads in due course. In my case I tend to lose my voice a little, and it sounds almost like I've just sucked from a helium balloon - not good unless doing a Joe Pasquale impression! The only 'cure' is to sip water and use any brainpower I have to induce a calm and stress free atmosphere - a few minutes alone usually helps. Bear in mind that many professionals also get pre-show nerves but in their case it could seriously affect their income so they just have to shove nerves aside and get on with things - show 'em who's the boss sort of thing!

I have a small tip if you ever perform ?? Try and get a Gig at a old folks home, so if you do get nervous it won't matter because most of them will be sleeping.. OK, they may not see you performance as you wanted them to see it, but at least you can have a bit of a edge by breaking your nerves down a bit.. Simples!!! Welcome along too the madhouse..
Regards Garry.

Hiya Dave, welcome along to TM

I used to get terrible nerves before performing, so bad that I was often physically sick before going out there (I used to do a lot of dancing and played in a band and never had the same problems with those that I do with magic). But what I find is that although those pre-show nerves never really go away, once I'm out there and performing I slip into my comfort zone and I feel fine. I think it's just one of those things that the more you do it, the easier it'll become.