talkmagic.co.uk

Hi,

As I'm at risk of buying enough tricks, gimmicks, books and DVD's to start my own market stall, could some kind soul please advise me?

The thing is, I really like certain effects - mentalism and cards, preferably close-up. I can't ever see myself on a stage or anything so scary or grand. But, the idea of impromptu magic really gets me going. Yes, I'm a Derren Brown fanboy, but am also conscious of wanting to do things for myself when I build up enough skill and knowledge. It's been good to buy lots of different effects and gimmics as it's given me enough of an idea of what I'd like to learn and what doesn't suit me.

As I kept reading about RRTCM and 13 Steps, I bought both and have started practising at the beginning of the former and reading through the latter. Crikey, there's a lot of info in those two books. At the rate I'm going, it's probably going to take me until 60 before I can do some of the simplest sleights. It's very hard to work out from a couple of pictures and a paragraph of text how to do some things. Also being left handed makes this rather more complicated as I have to reverse all the instructions. I'm patient, but need focus and practical help. Would joining the local Magic Circle be a good idea? I think there's one not too far away (Bradford), but seem to remember reading somewhere that you need to perform a routine in order to join. That's way too scary in terms of confidence, never mind skill.

I think my question is about how to get help. I'd really like to join a club or group to learn from and share with.

Cheers,
Wishmaster

I've had a positive experience with joining the Hull circle. I've got to see some excellent people perform and can get advice from people with more experience. I've also seen some people whose presentations I couldn't stand, but that in itself is helpful for me learning about entertainment. They also have a good magic library, which has books that are out of print and I'd be unlikely to have come across if I hadn't joined.

However each magic society is different. Some have very bad reputations for being nothing but back slapping exercises. These just encourage people to continue bad habits. I'm sure other people will winge about that sort of thing more. For me joining has been very helpful.

In terms of joining you normally do need to do an audition, but most local ones are very friendly and there is little pressure to anything outstanding. They know your going to be nervous and take this into consideration. They've all been up there at some point and want to see you do well. Mine was about ten minutes, three pretty much self working trick and that was fine. It's worth the effort.

Or flit over to the regional meetings thread and check out the meeting in Leeds next Sunday.

Lawrence will fill you in with more detail but you'd be very welcome to come down and hang out with us.

Or if you fancy a trip to Manchester next saturday there is an informal social type gathering going on (bring the partner if you want) bit of magic involved but a bit of a pub crawl as well.

I personally get more out of these meets than the local magic club. Though I do love the local magic club and it's worth going to see some world class magicians performing their effects.

If you need to audition, but don't have enough skills to pass the audition, it's a tricky circle to break out of.

Quite a few clubs will let you do an interview, or a talk about why you want to join, your interest in magic etc instead of a performance.

A quick search brought up that Mark Waddington is the publicity officer for Bradford, so I'm sure he can give you more info if that is your closest.

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic28500. ... t=bradford

Agecroft's advice is spot on - the regional meetings impose few expectations other than a genuine interest in magic, have the tipple of your choice, engage in happy conversation and generally enjoy the time shared with other like-minded people.