Q&A for How to Become a Magician

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  • Question
    How can I further improve my magic trick presentations?
    Zach Waldman
    Professional Comedy Magician
    Zach Waldman is a Professional Comedy Magician based in Los Angeles, CA. He has over 20 years of experience as an entertainer and performer. He is a comedian, magician, and mentalist, and he customizes his show to be distinct for every audience he performs for. His clients include some of the biggest corporations in the world, including Microsoft, Google, BusinessWeek, Absolut, the L.A. Kings, Anheuser-Busch, and more. He has been a member of the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) since 2001, and performs regularly at the Academy’s clubhouse, The Magic Castle. For the past 20+ years, Zach has been a mainstay at many other reputable Los Angeles theaters and comedy clubs including the El Portal, the Comedy Store, the Improv, Flappers, and the Laugh Factory. Before moving to L.A., he attended the Player's Workshop of the Second City. He received his degree from the University of Central Florida.
    Professional Comedy Magician
    Expert Answer
    Consider expanding your skills beyond just magic itself. One tip is to explore other forms of performance, such as acting, improv comedy, juggling, storytelling, or spoken word poetry. By learning these additional disciplines, you'll gain insights into various aspects of performance that can be applied to your magic presentations. For example, acting can help you convey emotion and engage your audience, while improv comedy can sharpen your wit and ability to think on your feet. Additionally, having diverse interests outside of magic provides you with a broader range of experiences to draw upon when crafting your presentations. These experiences can enrich your storytelling and make your magic performances more compelling and relatable to your audience. So, invest time in exploring different forms of performance and nurturing your interests, as they will ultimately contribute to creating more captivating and memorable magic presentations.
  • Question
    How can I be a magician if I am young and want to do it now?
    Frail Hunter
    Community Answer
    Actually, you should learn now! All great and famous magicians are only so good because they started at a young age. They didn't have the sources we do now, websites, YouTube, all these places are a great way to learn.
  • Question
    Does it matter how old I am when I start learning magic?
    Community Answer
    Of course not. You can learn magic at any age.
  • Question
    What if the heckler keeps going on and on about how he/she knows the trick?
    Community Answer
    In a group situation, talk about the fact that they don't know, and if they do, then they will spoil all the fun for others. Magic to me isn't about secrets but rather enjoyment for the audience and magician. In a one on one, just say the truth. If they don't want to watch, they don't have to. In a gig, find a way to simply avoid them without losing credibility.
  • Question
    Who should I pick as a volunteer?
    Community Answer
    Pick someone who looks engaged and confident, but not desperate to get on stage (unless you’re picking a child). Have a 30-second trick ready as a backup, so you can quickly get rid of problem volunteers.
  • Question
    How do I handle hecklers?
    Community Answer
    Ignore them whenever possible. Only respond once they’ve gone on long enough to annoy the crowd, and keep your retorts light-hearted and funny. If you’re performing on the street, do a trick that makes the heckler look confused or embarrassed.
  • Question
    How do I invent a new trick?
    Community Answer
    Find inspiration in videos and books on a specific trick or type of tricks. Once you’ve got an idea and practiced it, test it as part of a performance. Put it in between two good tricks, so you can recover if the trick flops.
  • Question
    How do I make my performance unique when I’m not yet a master magician?
    Community Answer
    Your stories and personality can sell a performance even if you only know basic tricks. Developing a likable and memorable stage presence should be a major focus when you practice your routine.
  • Question
    What can I do if no one from my family and friends want to be my assistant?
    Community Answer
    Place an ad online to search for the perfect assistant.
  • Question
    How do I get more confident in knowing what I'm doing?
    Community Answer
    Practice your sleight of hand as much as you can, it should become second nature. Try it on your family and friends. Keep performing for larger audiences, and your confidence will grow.
  • Question
    I’ve been studying magic for a while, but I’ve stopped improving as fast as I would like. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Talking to other magicians is invaluable at the intermediate level. Join a magicians’ club and come to the meetings with questions ready.
  • Question
    What if my family member finds out my trick?
    Joshua Sargent
    Community Answer
    Ask them if they want to be your assistant or never do that trick again.
  • Question
    Is 16 a good age to start learning?
    Dude30112
    Community Answer
    Any age is good, especially if you're passionate about it!
  • Question
    How do I get more bookings for your shows?
    Community Answer
    Make interesting websites, cool fliers or just try to spread the word to a friend and ask them to spread the word and so on. Sometimes, it's just a matter of time and effort. The more shows you do, the more people you are going to have.
  • Question
    Which type of magic is good to show at a school function?
    Community Answer
    Card magic and money magic are great for quick, casual performances.
  • Question
    How do I perfect sleight of hand?
    Frail Hunter
    Community Answer
    Years and years of practice. If you don't give up, you will see yourself grow. Sleight of hand is only amazing when done well.
  • Question
    Which books are perfect for learning magic?
    Community Answer
    There are many types of books you could get, really. It's really a matter of opinion. If you are into card tricks, then get a nice and extensive book on card tricks. If coin tricks, do the same. Just make sure the book will give you good information.
  • Question
    Is it hard to be a magician?
    Community Answer
    Its very, very hard to become a professional magician and it requires a lot of practice. But it's fun, and if magic is your passion, it's worth it.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a magic club in my country, but want to join clubs in other countries?
    Community Answer
    There are plenty of online clubs you could join even if you don't have one near you.
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