When you do not speak a foreign language, it can be a somewhat challenging proposition when performing magic with abundant patter. On such occasions, I have decided to use more visual effects without the reliance on patter. Patter-less magic, or silent magic can be challenging if you do not have flashy and ostentatious props and costumes. How do we perform parlour type magic with simple props or ordinary items? I would distil this down to several aspects in my proposed model for entertaining with magic:
Place, Replace, Space, Face and Pace.
Place is your location and venue. Where will you be you presenting your magic? Is it a stand-up or sit-down performance? Do you perform at a fixed location, or are you walking from table to table? The place also refers to the level of sophistication of venue and patrons. Is it a family day outing, dinner and dance, or a private engagement at a five-star restaurant? Open-air venues are, probably, the most challenging ones because we are exposed to the elements: rain, humidity, sunlight and wind. Performing with a jacket outdoors can be uncomfortable as you can perspire profusely after two tables. Get into an air-conditioned environment to cool off, as you set up or work another table. A hot and bothered magician, dripping sweat, can be an unpleasant sight regardless of the strong magic that you do. A noisy venue like a crowded and smoky bar presents other challenges like noise and other distractions. Patter rarely works here, and you have to consider the lighting or lack of it.
Replace is about substitution, elimination or customisation. If an effect does not go well with a group, change it. So, the group does not enjoy card tricks – then do something else! Do Professor’s Nightmare, Colour Changing Silks, Coins Across, Rollover Bills, suspend a folded bill, or even a Paddle effect. Variety is the spice of life, and your livelihood as a magical entertainer. What does not add to your overall performance distracts and detracts!
‘Space – the final frontier. These are the adventures of the Starship Enterprise’…sorry – I got carried away. Space is your working and storage area. How much space can you work with? Are you working out of your pockets or from a briefcase? Do you work on a close-up mat, or in your hands? Your working space is your stage, and you need to establish your stage as that is where your authority and control stems from. Space is our area of influence. It determines the type of effects that we can do, or not. Without a table, you can hardly do a gambling demonstration or ace assembly. If you have to do it standing only, then you are restricted to working on your spectator’s hands, or from yours. Thus, rope magic may be most relevant, as is also above the waist level coin routines (Three Fly, ExTROYdinary, TRIO), or Cards Across. Table-free effects that you can consider are Visible Coins Across, Asher Twist, McClintock Twist, Waving the Aces (Guy Hollingworth version), topit transformations, sleeving effects, and manipulation with cigars (wooden ones).
Face is your appearance, and the impression you wish to create. It is your persona, or stage character. There are introverts who behave like extroverts when they are on stage. It is all an act, and it is an outlet to express themselves as artistes and performers. Be neat and presentable. Dress well, and stand out in your favourite colour, unique tie or tie-clip design. Stay dry, and sweat-free if you can. Dab off your perspiration between sets.
If you can speak a few phrases that meet the profile of your audience, it can build a huge deal of rapport. Rapport is comforting and builds closeness with our audiences. Face up to your audience by being prepared and well-rehearsed, and you will be confident and self-assured.
Pace is how fast you work. Magic that is rapid and overflowing with flourishes can be confusing. Confusion is not magic, echoed Dai Vernon. Slow down if you tend to speak faster, slur your words or mumble. Speed up if your patter exceeds your magic, and reduce dead-time (awkward silence). Vary your tempo, alter your rhythm and modulate your voice. It will appeal to different members of your audiences.
Yours Magically
Solomon
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