The Billet Article - The Final Load Column

This article is taken from The Billet Issue - 401 - May 2005, Authored by Simon Jackson

The Final Load Column

Keith made me do it, honest! Following Mr Pickles' recent request here is my offering. I hope I don't offend too much and if I do please take this up with Keith!

With nothing better to do with time than wash my rubber chicken (I kid you not, Henry the Hen had a soapy bath tonight) I turned to the internet for company and solace, stop sniggering at the back! I like to surf the net looking at the websites of other magicians, to check out the layouts and presentations that magicians feel will somehow entice the paying public to book their services.

A common theme among many is the mysterious stare into camera while fanning a deck of cards. What possible effect is intended by this pose is beyond me. No matter the appearance of the magician, he (and it is always a he) is attempting to convince others that he is a man of mystery, of inner secrets and profound existential understanding that will prove to be irresistible to those non magicians tuning in.

I always feel that what it actually conveys is a lack of understanding as to what the public actually want from a magician. Yes they want professionalism and value for money from the trickster but above all of that they want entertainment – and the mysterious stare with fanning dexterity gets nowhere near this. Here's a tip to those putting together a website, get a non magician to take a look at it and give you some feedback. Don't ask a family member or a friend but opt instead for someone maybe at work. Ask them to give you honest and open feedback and then wait for the results it may be a none too pleasant experience but it will be worth it.

Often performers shy away from feedback, we fear that what we may hear will be destructive and cause us to run away to a cave on a remote Scottish Island (actually I once spent a night in a cave on a remote Island on the Western shore of Scotland, but that's a story for another time and not for the Billet). Feedback should be constructive of course but it has to be honest. If my performance was poor than I need to know to change and improve. I've seen shows and then read the report and it bears no resemblance to the performance.

Let's get back to that entertainment factor. An individual may have all the chops in the world, technical skill flowing out of every pore yet may get very few bookings compared to the individual who entertains while performing a simple card trick, a coin vanish and the good old sponge balls. Non magicians want to be entertained and care very little for that multiple card routine that used 10 sleights and an amazing cutting sequence. In other words the guy (or girl) with very little experience but who can entertain will be chose over the sleight disciple who spend 10 hour a day in a dimly lit bedroom learning the secrets of cardmanship. Just my opinion of course and I dare say that many of you reading this disagree with me. However, what we all strive for is combination of both, to achieve what the likes of Doc Eason, Aldo Columbini and Gazzo manage, the moves and the entertainment.

I don't like offering advice, after all who I am presume that it's of any importance, but seek out real and honest feedback and learn the skills of communication and entertainment before the perfect pass. Finally choose those to listen to wisely!

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