This month, we had two fantastic nights. The first was our regular meeting themed as a lecture “How to Routine Your Magic” presented by Jeff Jenson. The second one was a great lecture given by Marcos Waldemar.
Our Thursday meeting started off with Jeff Jenson sharing how he turned his TNR toilet paper act into a well-structured routine. He emphasized the importance of selecting music that complements the flow and beats of your performance.
During Shawn Preston’s act, he realized that his music was a few seconds off from matching the timing of his performance. To quickly fix the issue, he simply rolled up both sleeves, and that solved the problem. Sometimes, the solution can be that simple. If you’re considering adding music to your act, start with walk-on and walk-off music, and then build upon it.
Joe Givan and Carole Massie emphasized the significance of engaging and connecting with the audience during your show. They explained that paying attention to the audience’s reactions, such as their “oohs” and “ahs,” can provide valuable feedback on which tricks worked well and how your patter was received. They also stressed the importance of maintaining eye contact and scripting your performance.
Tara Headberg recommended always facing your audience, standing at a 45-degree angle towards them, ensuring that both the audience and any helpers can see and hear you clearly. The key thing to remember is to always be prepared to recover when something goes wrong, as it’s a possibility that should be anticipated.
For trade shows, it’s important to highlight the key points for the company you’re representing. If the music suddenly stops, have a patter trick ready to keep the momentum going. Additionally, when using instrumental music, keep the volume low. Your music should enhance the magic without overpowering it. Always allow time for applause, greet your audience at the beginning, and express gratitude for attending your show. It’s crucial to practice and time your act and consider using video or audio equipment to help you improve your skills.
Marcos Waldemar’s featured an opening performance where he delighted us with a variety of fun magic tricks. One of the highlights was a card trick called “Card at Any Number,” where he amazed us by accurately guessing a chosen card’s position in the deck. He also demonstrated “The Tree and The Better Half,” a clever trick involving torn cards that were later matched perfectly. Marcos explained his usage of the Penelope Principle in one of his tricks and showcased his skillful handling of the Erdnase Color Change. Additionally, he astounded us with a trick using business cards and amazed our senses with a candy wrapper that smelled like the flavor we named. Finally, he showcased his unique pet fly, which miraculously located a spectator’s chosen card. ~ Glenn Proulx, secretary