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Barry McDonough

Professional Magician

Barry McDonough is a Professional Magician based in Boston, Massachusetts. He is an experienced magician and entertainer, bringing excitement and fun to audiences of all ages. Barry performs for children's birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and a variety of other types of events. Barry now runs a Magic School and Workshop to teach tricks and techniques to those eager to learn the art of magic from a professional.

Education

  • JD, Suffolk University Law School
  • BS, Engineering, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Professional Achievements

  • Has received accolades from both audiences and professional groups, including the Society of American Magicians
  • Started performing magic professionally at 12 years old

Certifications & Organizations

  • Member, The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.)

Favorite Piece of Advice

Practice, practice, and then practice some more! When you're ready, perform for as many audiences as you can. Your job as a magician is not to fool people, but to entertain. To that end, always prepare an original script or dialogue to go with your trick.

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Q&A Comments (6)

What other beginner card tricks can I learn?
Start by hopping onto YouTube or searching online for "beginner card tricks." You'll find a variety of tutorials waiting for you. Additionally, check out various online magic stores. While many brick-and-mortar magic shops have disappeared, there are still plenty of big online companies with extensive catalogs. They're stocked with decks of cards and beginner-friendly tricks just waiting for you to master. If you're lucky enough to have a magic shop nearby, pay them a visit. You might find decks of cards that come with predetermined tricks.
Do you have any other mind-reading tips that I should follow?
For further knowledge in mind-reading tricks and mentalism, you can explore a variety of resources beyond online tutorials. Look for articles, forums, and videos that discuss the psychology behind these illusions. Understanding the principles of misdirection, suggestion, and cold reading can significantly elevate your performances. Also, consider studying the history of mentalism and the techniques used by famous mentalists throughout the years. Practice regularly and seek feedback from your fellow magicians or mentors, if you have any, to refine your technique. 
How can I improve my sleight of hand with cards?
The best way to improve your sleight of hand in card tricks is by dedicating time and practice. Allocate around half an hour each day to focus on a specific sleight you want to master, like the double lift or the second shuffle. Slow things down and concentrate on each movement. When I teach magic classes, I always emphasize the importance of taking it step by step. Repeat the sleight over and over again to build your muscle memory. So, just take your time, break it down, and repeat until it becomes second nature. 
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Co-authored Articles (13)

How to

Do a 21 Card Card Trick

The 21 card trick doesn’t require any kind of sleight of hand, so it’s the perfect trick for beginners to learn. The trick relies on math to work, and it practically performs itself. As the magician, you’ll have yo...

A Beginner’s Guide to Juggling (3, 4, or 5 Balls at Once)

Wow your friends with this classic, endlessly entertaining party trick Juggling is a fun and rewarding hobby that’s even more entertaining to perform than it is to watch. Plus, studies show that people who learn to jug...

6 Easy Ways to Write & Read Invisible Ink Messages

Send secret messages to your friends with these DIY tricks If you want a way to write a note to someone without the risk of anyone else reading it, invisible ink is the perfect way to keep prying eyes away. Invisible ink...

How to

Pass Your Body Through a Sheet of Paper

A sheet of paper is a lot like gold or your large intestines; it can appear larger than it seems. Trick your friends and learn a new party trick by betting them that you can fit your body through an average piece of pape...

How to

Make Someone Feel Like a String Is Being Pulled from Their Hand

This imaginary string pulling trick is a great one for kids to play on their friends. The key to making this trick work is to convince your friend that it will work. Set up the trick by having them clench their fist and ...

How to Use Numbers to Pull off Mind-Reading Tricks

Learn fun and easy number tricks and the math behind them You don’t have to be telepathic to read your friends’ thoughts. All it takes is a little math know-how and some showmanship to blow their minds! We’ve compi...

How to

Juggle Four Balls

Have you learned how to juggle three balls and need more of a challenge? Are you ready to move up to four-ball juggling? There are some basic techniques as well as some tricks you can learn to become a master of four bal...

How to

Make a Person Disappear

The act of vanishing someone from thin air doesn't require ''real'' magic. It's all an illusion. Despite how elaborate you are, the key to success is in convincing your audience. Perfecting a vanishing trick will require...

How to

Do Tricks with Your Fuzzy Magic Worm

Want to impress your friends with your fuzzy magic worm? Here are a few tricks to cause their mouths to stay open wide or to get a few good laughs.

How to Do Water Cup Magic Tricks from TikTok, Step By Step

Plus, pro magicians share how to put on a fun and convincing showHave you seen videos of people pouring water into a cup, and it magically disappears? This simple magic trick is fooling tons of viewers, but it’s actual...

How to

Make Someone Say Carrot

Looking for a fun, easy routine to bring out at parties? Need a way to start conversation at the local hangout spot? Try this parlor trick, which uses the peculiarities of the human brain to force a volunteer to say "car...

How to

Juggle Two Balls

In this article you will find out how to juggle two balls. Technically, this is not really juggling, it is however, the first step in learning how to juggle. First, practice throwing one ball in a simple arch from one h...

How to Do the Coin in Mouth Trick: The Secret Revealed

Amaze your friends with this simple sleight-of-hand illusionHave you seen TikToks of people making a coin disappear from their hand and have it magically reappear inside their mouth and wondered how it’s done? The coin...