“Find out insider secrets of performing strolling magic.”

An Interview with Magician Jim Pace.

Interviewed By J.L. Siefers, Learn-Great-Magic-Tricks.com

[J.L.] What kind of tricks do you use when doing strolling magic?

[Jim] I will use coins, cards, mini linking rings, rubber bands, string, glassware, watches, fingertips, napkins, table knives, dollar bills and pretty much anything that will reset immediately.

[J.L.] How do you approach a group of people?

[Jim] My methods differ depending on how I feel about the table. Sometimes I will just hand a piece of flash paper to someone in a group. I will take it back…not saying a word then light it on fire, where it turns into a silver dollar. Sometimes I will take my handkerchief and ask who ordered the glass of water. I will produce a bottle of water then set it down on the table for people to see, I say “..no…that is not it, this is!” I produce a glass of water. I want them to know that I am the magician right away. I really do not like asking for permission to perform my magic. That in mind if you would like to carry the same thoughts…be careful, not every one likes magic. You must learn how to read people before you become seemingly reckless.

[J.L.] Does your approach change if there are children in the group?

[Jim] Yes, depending on the age. From 5 years and up I will pluck a coin from the air and proceed to do Miser’s dream and place them into the parents open hands. Every once in a while I will take one from the kids ear or elbow and then once I have their confidence I will make a shower of coins fall from the kids nose. It always gets a laugh and laughs are important in this field.

[J.L.] What advice do you have for the opening effect?

[Jim] The magician’s opener should be short and visual. Your table should know who you are within the first moments of your approach.

[J.L.] What advice do you have for the closing effect?

[Jim] A closing effect should be strong and visual. It should also represent who you are or the establishment from where you are working, such as a business card trick, or a card trick that spells the name of the restaurant you are at. Perhaps the Hot Leads wallet although not a trick could be used as a closer. It is visual and your client will remember you for the rest of their lives.

[J.L.] How do you dress for strolling magic?

[Jim] Either a tux, a sport coat and nice slacks, or a vest and shirt with nice black pants.

[J.L.] How do you market yourself to get strolling magic jobs?

[Jim] Lao Tzo once said …” The longest journey begins with a single step…” Just start doing it. Go into restaurants, have a meal, ask questions. You will get some no’s. Go to the places that you least like to work at first. By the time you get to the one that you like you should have a Yes in your favor. A restaurant gig will book you more shows than you need. Try them first. Agents also work well for gigs in the non restaurant field.

[J.L.] What do you do when it is clear the group does not want to see magic?

[Jim] Leave.

[J.L.] How long do you perform for a group?

[Jim] Restaurant or strolling? I would suggest that every trick is part of a three phase routine where each builds on the other but each could be stopped at any time for many reasons.( food arrives, Uncle Edward from out of town) Not more than two minutes at each trick, and each trick visual.

[J.L.] What kind of effects do you recommend that don’t require a table?

[Jim] Rope magic, mini linking rings, Misers dream, and multiple card selections from people around the table (eight cards are selected lost and then found each in a different matter.)

[J.L.] What kind of magic tricks do you avoid when doing strolling magic?

[Jim] Pick a card tricks. In strolling situations many people have a drink in their hand and often food in the other. If there is a card trick involved it would be from a glanced at card.

[J.L.] What kind of performer is best suited for strolling magic?

[Jim] The performer who is not shy and enjoys being around crowds

[J.L.] What kind of outs do you use when things go wrong?

[Jim] I do not pretend that a mistake never happens. I say oops and laugh an obvious mistake off. Many times the audience is unaware that anything has gone wrong. Most the time it is only you.

[J.L.] How do you handle the issue of tips?

[Jim] I do not solicit tips. I will never turn a tip down and I will encourage tips by performing magic with their money. I have a friend who wears a badge for his tips. it reads ” I am Dyslexic will work for spit!” I enjoy his badge

[J.L.] Do you pass out your business card or do other things to get more jobs while performing strolling magic?

[Jim] If you are not passing out cards, then you are not getting work. Pass them out at any chance. You are your best salesman. Did I mention my Hot Leads wallet as a way to pass out business cards in a way that the client will always remember?

About the author:

J.L. Siefers has been performing great magic for years. He has shown hundreds of people how to successfully learn to do great magic tricks. Want to learn to do magic? Click now to get your FREE magic tricks!

Jim Pace has over thirty years of experience in strolling magic. Visit his White Rabbit Magic Company

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This is not only the oldest Magic Trick ever has but also the most popular one. Close up magic can be played in front of a small group that could stand or sit right behind you. That is why your hand and your acting ability will be really needed. You can use card, coin, rope, matches, cigarettes and anything small thing rather than a big box full of tricks.

Playing Close up Magic basically same with the Street Magic or an On Stage Magic. The more complicated you’re your game then it will become more attractive and fun. Your audience could be just one or a group. You can play a close up Magic it spontaneities or using the psychology tricks and the same tricks you use at the stage. You may also asking audience to get involved and that’s could make your show more interesting.

About the author:

Sugi General Manager of Magichest.com - Learn FREE Magic Tricks For Rookie Magician http://www.magichest.com

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With magic, illusions, spells, tricks and ceremonials are usually performed for entertainment. It is a supernatural power which makes the seemingly impossible occur.

‘Looking Back’

In ancient Egypt, there was a magician named Dedi who performed in front of a crowd, where he supposedly beheaded two birds and one ox. He eventually restored the heads of these three animals.

Because of this, the Egyptians were considered to be the first magicians recorded in history.

As the popularity of magic developed, tricks involving cups and balls were shown to the public. Then, playing cards, silver coins and dice were added to their slew of magical tricks.

Later on, ancient Greek magicians invented tricks involving the human body. A trick where a performer thrusts a dagger through one’s arm without being hurt has been developed and shown in public places.

The ancient Chinese civilization also paved the way for magic. The “linking rings” is one of the earliest tricks ever invented. To begin with, a number of rings link themselves. The rings are made up of solid metal and the illusion is that they eventually unlink themselves.

‘Famous Magicians’

One of the greatest magicians of all time is Harry Houdini. He started as a trapeze performer in the late 1800’s and eventually became famous for his magical abilities.

He was an “escape artist” who bonded himself using locks or ropes and eventually extricated himself.

Spanish, Italian, British, French and American magicians presented their acts as magic regained popularity in the 1920’s.

‘Sawing a Woman in Half’

In 1921, the world first witnessed a magician saw a woman in half. British performer Percy Tibbles cut through a box containing his woman assistant. After the trick, she appeared without a harm.

This trick became even more complicated when the woman assistant was ‘operated on’ with her hands, head and feet in full view of the audience. The assistant was sawed in half using a power-driven saw, and was later restored without a scratch on her head.

‘Reaching a Wider Audience’

Before, magicians only performed in theaters which were open to the public where food and drinks were offered but the magic tricks were performed without any fee given by the viewers.

By the mid-1900’s, they paved the doors for magicians to be ‘professional performers’ by requiring the public viewers to pay for watching magic shows.

In the 1950’s, television was invented so magicians were able to reach an even wider audience spectrum.

During the 70’s, Siegfried and Roy re-ignited the interest in magical tricks by making large animals disappear. David Copperfield is also a major player in the field of magicians who offered great entertainment to the viewing public.

About the author:

Preston Houer has been involved with the art of illusion and slight of hand for over 30 years. Let Preston show you how to Have Fun With Magic. Visit His Site Today! http://www.have-fun-with-magic.com

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