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During walkaound magic, I find a group of spectators to perform for. However, after I've started the trick, more spectators arrive but stand at bad angles. I've attempted to overcome this by either moving myself or the spectators, but this is not always practical. At my level, I've found it is also not practical to stop or change the trick at this point.

So, when in this situation, I just try to ignore the other spectators and focus on my primary audience. Usually after the trick the other spectators move on, but I usually wonder in the back of my mind whether they were able to "see" the trick or see me "cleaning".

I was was wondering how others handled this situation.

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Do non angle sensitive tricks?

Oh and there's been a whole post on hecklers. So if anyone tries to ruin what you're doing, just follow some of the advice on there as well

Depending on you're personal performing style you could get away with a bit of tongue-in-cheek style comedy. If someone see's you doing something fishy and looks like they're about to speak up then say "erm...excuse...do you mind? I'm trying to misdirect him her ya know, and you're not making it very easy." It takes some of the pressure off you to be "everyone's magician". You can be a magician for your participant and just an entertainer for everyone else, even if you do expose one of your tricks. I'm sure you know plenty more and can move on to something the whole group can be amazed by after you finish that trick and be everyone elses magician again.

when in this situation, I just try to ignore the other spectators and focus on my primary audience.

I think this is a bad approach. Firstly, if you ignore a new spectator they will not feel included in the audience, therefore they are subconciously free from paying attention to what you want them to. Also, if you alienate them from the group and they spot something, they are going to be even more inclined to tell you about it.

Personally, if I find myself in this situation I always do my best to stop the trick and properly introduce myself to the new person. If that's not possible I will always make eye contact and smile. This immediately gets them involved and now they're just another member of the audience.

If they've positioned themselves at an awkward angle I'll try to re position myself "so that they can see everything" (in actual fact I'm shifting position for the exact opposite reason).

Having said that, there are very few parts of my routines which are angle sensitive, for this very reason. If this is an increasing problem, I suggest you reassess the material you're using.

Your control of the trick in a walkaround situation is only secondary to your control of the audience.

Your situation is important. And your positioning should always be such that you have control of the spectators around you. Such as, if you are performing an effect which can be ruined by people standing behind you, simply stand in front of a table or wall to ensure that the audeince cannot get in your weak spot!

I suggest the Art of hopping tables by Mark Leveridge, which covers angles and audience control.

Either make sure that you are in total control of the situation, or otherwise, as suggested, re-think your act.

Walkaround magic is very difficult, but also can be one of the most rewarding.

I appreciate the feedback. I agree with and like the advice given particularly the invite to bring other spectators so that they can "see better". As far as the act itself, I recognize that I'm a beginner and need to continue to build my repetoir so that I have more choices available to me during different situations. This is exactly why I joined this forum.

Again, my thanks to all.

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Obviously alot depends on the trick you're doing and the guys above have given top advice.

Another thing I'd consider is to approach the whole presentation of the trick differently. If it is an angle sensitive trick (and it allows it), why not make the atmosphere and performance smaller, quieter and more intimate. If you're not so much 'on show' the passing spectator will be less inclined to watch, also you make it more personal for your initial audience.

Just a thought...