First, aspiring Magicians should study the magical arts, from books and magazines, to web sites, videos and DVDs. There's a lot of information available to learn about magic. The library is an excellent resource, especially if you look on the shelves for books categorized under "793.8". That's the Dewey Decimal classification number for magic books.
Second, all serious magicians should take advantage of the many magic clubs, associations and societies available today. These groups offer monthly magazines and newsletters, meetings, lectures and competitions. It's a great climate to evolve as an entertainer. Here's three of my favorites:
- Academy of Magical Arts is a private club for Magicians in Hollywood, made famous by their clubhouse called The Magic Castle; Magician, associate & non-resident memberships are available; they have a monthly newsletter, competitions, lectures and a fabulous library; call (323) 851-3313 x444 or visit the web site at www.magiccastle.com.
- International Brotherhood of Magicians is one of the largest groups in the world; their monthly magazine is The Linking Ring; they have yearly meetings, competitions, lectures and groups called Rings throughout the world (including Ring 76 in San Diego); call (314) 845-9200 or visit www.magician.org.
- Society of American Magicians is the oldest magic society in the world; their monthly magazine is M-U-M, and their monthly youth newsletter is called The Magic SYMbol; they have assemblies throughout the world, a yearly convention, lectures and competitions; call (888) 726-9644 or visit www.magicsam.com.
Third, for the most current information in the world of magic, magic enthusiasts should read the monthly magic magazines and journals. Each issue features tricks, product reviews, interviews, columns and lots of fascinating ads. Here's some of my favorites:
- Magic is a monthly magazine published from Las Vegas, Nevada; subscriptions are $48 per year; call (702) 798-0099 x103 or visit www.magicmagazine.com
- Genii is a monthly magazine published from Washington, D.C.; subscriptions are $48 per year; call (301) 6562-5800 or visit www.geniimagazine.com
- M-U-M is sent to all paid members of the Society of American Magicians
- The Linking Ring is sent to all paid members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians
Fourth, the aspiring Magician should focus on trick selection. As a beginner, it's best to use "self-working" tricks which don't require a lot of technical skill. Practice with a few tricks until you are comfortable with the presentation. Some Magicians utilize a mirror for practice sessions, while others love sharing magic with family and friends. If you perform tricks you really enjoy, the audience will enjoy it too.
Fifth, the up and coming Magician needs to develop a personal style, one which reflects the individuality of the performer. Try to blend your passions and interests with your magic. Let your original sense of humor flow. Sometimes, it helps to study the personalities of today's greatest Magicians. Here's some web sites worth visiting:
The sixth and final step is to practice, perform and evaluate your work in a continuous cycle. Seek out as many performance opportunities as possible, because practice makes perfect. Guage your progress by the response your audiences give. If they really like you, they'll let you know. They'll seek you out. They'll ask you to perform tricks. Then, you'll know you're a Magician.
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