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Hello I am quite new to this magic thing and something has been bothering me. When I start performing (using either my Master's Edition Gaff Red deck or Master's Edition Gaff Blue deck, I haven't used either yet as I don't know which is best) I'm not sure how to approach people.

Obviously I will put on my dogtags and eyeliner before going out on the street with my friend who has a video camera, but once I am on the street how's the best way to go up to someone? I have considered spotting a target then putting my right foot in front of my left and repeating this until I have reached them but would it not be better to set off with my left foot? Which would gain the best result? Are they more likely to scream and run off if you start with your left or right foot? Also what is the best type of marker for drawing an eye on the palm of your hand? I don't feel able to do any urban performing until this extremely important issue is addressed.

Thank you.

As the old saying goes, put your best foot forward. As for how you decide which foot is best........dunno.

well you raise some very imporant points here, first when walking up to a 'spec' adopt a limp. this can help make your appear either in need of help or a like a young street gangster which are both bound to put your potential audience at ease. you could try doing a moonwalk but be careful not to knock down any passing old ladies as they may take umbrage at such an unexpected intrusion.
when drawing an eye on your palm DON'T USE A MARKER, use something that will come off easily preferably on any cards, spectators clothes or anything that you touch.
another tip is to make sure your friend with the camera gets some good close-ups of the specs reactions by pushing the camera right in their faces.
good luck.

My preference is to shuffle up to them in an aimless way, which gets them wondering whether you're a street magician or a hobo asking for "a sip of that, mate?". Perfect misdirection for your first trick, in which you teach them all the classic pass!

Of course, you're forgetting that it doesn't matter in the slightest - after all, after 5 minutes actually on the street, the week you spend editing the footage will make it easy to create those "genuine, real life reactions."

Very interesting thank you. However I still don't know which foot to use. I think I'll have to buy the Brad Christian Limited Edition Signed Viper Foot X2 which comes with bonus handlings from Wayne Houchin and Daniel Garcia, all filmed from 27 different angles for the optimal learning experience. Although expensive at $650 plus shipping I gather you can use it to perform almost any effect that uses magical techniques. In the words of Mandrake it would truly be the best way to 'put my best foot forward' in my new professional career.

Wait until Friday when all those 'Kewl' Youtube vids are posted - all will be revealed.

what is the best type of marker for drawing an eye on the palm of your hand?

eyeliner pencil my friend used by all the best street magicians, i belive a black no 9. is most common.

i prefer to lead with my left as i already have alimp on my right side, i also recomend taking along some honeys with you for that authentic gangster magician look, they also help with misdirection and are great fro producing bunnys when yopu don't have a production box handy.

I would suggest going with my particular favourite footstep forward 'The multi-phase cybil with cobra cut'.
Now this may be far too practical and straight forward to someone just starting so I would suggest just looking at some old material on this subject first and then just try to pass it off as your own invention.

Where's John Cleese and the Ministry of Silly Walks when you need 'em most?

I suggest you start off a new craze, and do 'skipping' magic.

You could skip inline with two assistants twirling the rope, whilst you jump up and down and flourish cards to Arctic Monkeys or Kasabian.

Would look Re4Lly K3wL

Who walks up to people and performs magic? I roller-blade, ph00l!

Don't forget the teflan pan... after all, the whole purpose of magic is to FRY spectators.

if you put enough eyeliner on, you'll create that mysterious look we are all after.

and throw away all your vocabulary. all of it. after all, great magicians like Damon Wayne dont need presentations!!

Man that is a fat question innit, when I'm out performing in da street I like to put my left foot first up to some crazy mofo and tell the foo how its goin down.



Bronz you've just made my night (it wasn't great so far as I had to clean out my hamster cage)

it wasn't great so far as I had to clean out my hamster cage

Is that new urban gangsta speak that can be used on the streets?


Also we seem to be concentrating very much on the left / right foot issue but surely people are forgetting the *rse / elbow ?

ha nope I literally had to clean out a cage, then the wee bu**er hid on me as well.

But never mind *rse / elbow I'd rather go *rse over tit, especially after a few vodkas.