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I have had an interest in magic for some little time, but never had the real nerve to perform it. Quite strange for someone who's background has been in theatre and drama. I am now on the verge of looking at the whole magic thing again, for the fun of it.

Still not quite sure about how to get around being scared to death, or how to adapt what I have learned in acting to performing tricks.

Dave

well welcome to Tm where we will try out best to help you with magic!

Hello duboisuk and welcome,

Scared to death eh? Sounds about right.

To be honest acting is 75% of magic. The sell is the most important element. The story, the mood, the emphasis, the emotional content and impact, get that right and you can sell any trick.

Magic presentation is a cross between scripted acting and improvisation. You generally go in with a concept and a set series of key points to make about your effects, even some specific wording will crop up to help convince, but beyond that it is reading the situation and moulding your performance to fit and to make it all the more captivating for your spectators.

Your nerves will calm as you confidence builds...no revelation there. Your technical skills and knowledge will build as you become familiar with termnology and names. It'll all seem overwhelming perhaps but there are many of us here who envy the wonderful "AH HA!!!" and "Oh WOW!" experiences you will be having soon.

Welcome and feel free to browse. Please use the search function when you find a topic that interests you...it really is a great help!

Hi, just read through the old postings and you'll see you're not alone about performing. Confidence takes a little time and you'll need to have a few tricks under your belt but, once you've done a good session of performing two or three items, you'll be able to develop your 'act' further and further. Just take it slowly and make sure you feel comfy with what you're doing and saying - the rest will come naturally.

For me, the heart racing adrenaline attack that hits me at the crux of an effect is one of the things I love about magic. Then that feeling of relief when somewhere in the back of your mind you go " I can't believe they didn't see that."

man I love magic.

That can be really hard. I remember my first proper paid booking. I was scared to death It is just a case of getting used to performing in front of an audience. Stick with it and i am sure that you will be fine. Relax before you begin, do some breathing exercises and tell yourself how good you are. The more relaxed you are the more confident you will become.

Remember the Golden rule: Magic should be fun for the audience and the magician.

Also (this may sound obvious but this HAS happened) only perform effects that you know very well and are 100% happy with.

Good luck!

fear produces adrenalin which produces acting, so says dame judy dench and i have to agree if you don't feel nervouse before each performance then your doing something wrong.

starting off with an effect you can do in your sleep is a great confidence boaster and allows you to engage with the audience.

Also the first thing i do is have a quick chat with the audience (ideal when i table hop) and maybe tell a cheesy joke to break the ice.

For example (this will only make sense to people who have 'classic coin AKA silver copper brass transposition) I take the chinese coin and say "do you know why Chinese coins have holes in....{hold coin up to eye} "for peeking!". This always gets a groan and breaks the ice.

I am a full member now do i get anything free (Joke!)

no but you will get away with that joke

daryl does a similar joke concerning chinnese coins so your in good company.