talkmagic.co.uk

Hi Folks
This is the first time I've ever posted on a forum like this but I feel the time has come whereby I need to seek help and advice from people who are far more experienced in this field than I am.
My first Introduction to Magic, in particular, card magic was whilst working at sea, on an offshore Gas platform. I met a guy from Middlesborough, England who claimed to have grown up with The Great Paul Daniels. Every night he would entertain me and the Crew. After that I was absolutely hooked. I was desperate to learn how to perform card magic just like him. The first chance I got I visited a small trick shop in Hull, where I bought The Royal Road to card magic, a packet of Bicycle cards and a tub of zinc stearate. A couple of years later and having reached the end of the royal road, I purchased other great video's and DVD's including Simon Lovell and The Magician's magician 'Daryl'. Although these are great learning tools, I feel like I need to be meeting other people who have similar interests who I can get tips and ideas from.
I have enquired about joining a magic circle in my area. they have kindly informed me that I would have to have an interview and give a short perfomance. Does anyone have any advice as to what standard they would require because I wouldn't want to make a fool of myself in case I didn't quite reach their expectations. Most laymen who I perform tricks to are very impressed with my pick a card style of tricks, flourishes and fancy revelations however this may be a different story in front of seasoned pro's.

hi and welcome..........if you do a search for magical societies there will have been loads discussed

Hi and welcome to TM

Enjoy your stay

stay active!

Hi and welcome to TM

I'm sure someone will be along soon with a club in your area.

Hi there!

I've read through a few replies most of which were post-count-uppers so I hope this doesn't come too late.

Please for the love of god dont do any more than two or three pick-a-card trick, making sure that it is original and using techinques that show greatest your skill for example if you are able, classic/turnover passes, color changes (avoid simple ones unless you use them well i.e Erdnase's Color change) and make sure whatever you do is at least semi-original.

There are quite a few good tricks out there that u can incorporate into your routine, some more difficult then others.

My final word of advice is don't use trick decks like svengali or strippers, these decks destroy your routine infront of proffessionals.

I wish you the height of good luck!!
~Kieran~

KieranTehPerson wrote:My final word of advice is don't use trick decks like svengali or strippers, these decks destroy your routine infront of proffessionals.

Sorry, but this is a load of c*** (not the best)! ANY professional worth his salt should be able to appreciate your routine regardless of what props you use providing it is well constructed, interesting and provides the spectators with their daily allowance of astonishment.

I'm also sure forum members Tomo (Who has published work on the stripper deck) and Mark Lewis (Who has published work on the svengali) would both strongly disagree with you and be more than capable of blowing away any so called professional who discredits people for using a gimmicked deck.

Well, aside from oeb's point, I find that Kieran's advice is absolute rubbish too.

I was sorely tempted to delete it, because it's such bad advice—and yet I've left it as perhaps Kieran isn't mature in the magic world to realise this.

It's typical 'a little knowledge is a dangerous thing' stuff in play... others, please take heeeeeed!

A real magician shouldnt need cards any way.

I take it our young friend isnt out there and performing much. When he dose he will learn the power of a gimmicked deck.

Markdini wrote:A real magician shouldnt need cards any way

Indeed. But let's leave that misconception to the XCM-Gen YouNoob kids... eh?

Mr B wrote:I have enquired about joining a magic circle in my area. they have kindly informed me that I would have to have an interview and give a short perfomance. Does anyone have any advice as to what standard they would require because I wouldn't want to make a fool of myself in case I didn't quite reach their expectations. Most laymen who I perform tricks to are very impressed with my pick a card style of tricks, flourishes and fancy revelations however this may be a different story in front of seasoned pro's.

Just to readdress this.

It might be worth checking out if there is an IBM ring in your area. They generally don't require entrance tests and are alot more casual.

That being said, the interview / performance is more a measure to scare off secret seekers and messers I'm sure. (I'm not a member of the magic circle, so I don't know for sure) They more than likely just want some proof that you have a genuine interest in the art and that you have put in some effort before attempting to join.

I appologise for my post count upper, I just don't know anything about the Magic Circle so didn't have anything add on the subject.

And yes you can have as many pick a card tricks as you like, so long as they work together. My best card routine is made up of 5 pick a card tricks that I've linked together using the same card. With a little thought, anything can work.

seige wrote:

Markdini wrote:A real magician shouldnt need cards any way

Indeed. But let's leave that misconception to the XCM-Gen YouNoob kids... eh?

hey... about calling it the whole Generation, can you kind of change that? I'm 12 years old, and do you ever hear me talking about the new Ellusionist product, or my "c00l utube vid"?

HenryHoudini wrote:

seige wrote:

Markdini wrote:A real magician shouldnt need cards any way

Indeed. But let's leave that misconception to the XCM-Gen YouNoob kids... eh?

hey... about calling it the whole Generation, can you kind of change that? I'm 12 years old, and do you ever hear me talking about the new Ellusionist product, or my "c00l utube vid"?

OK, I apologise... by generation, I didn't mean everyone of that age... I am pigeonholing I guess. The type of people I refer to are the ones on YouTube who perform an Erdnase and suddenly think they're a magician. Or, because they know the difference between Houdini and Houdin, they are an authority on magic.

I really, do, sincerely apologise. I have the greatest respect for many younger members here (with the exception of Kras) because they are prepared to learn and accept advice.

And of course, by doing so, your efforts are rewarded by the freindship of the myriad of professionals who walk these forums.

Again, my sincere apologies for that generalisation... I hope I have explained my comment a bit better.

Oh, and sorry for hijacking the thread... but I do so hate it when BAD advice is given.

no problem! Just wanted to clear the whole generation thing up, because it gets on my nerves sometimes. and yeah, that advice was definitely not the best I've read.

But I know the difference between Houdini and Houdin!!!!!!!!!!!!!