Finding Magic Tricks
Because magic is apparently
doing the impossible, one might think finding
out how to perform magic would be difficult.
In actuality magic can be found easily.
This site, in modesty, is an excellent resource,
but even better magic books can probably
be found at your local library (link to
library list). Local magic stores (link
to stores), which can also be found in your
phone book, sell magic tricks and books
of a wide magic variety. But buying tricks
can be frustrating unless you keep certain
things in mind. But before you buy a trick
or learn one, there are a few things you
should know about them.
Parts of a Magic Trick
Magic tricks, can be easily
divided into two categories effect, and
method. Effect is what the audience sees,
hears, feels and believes when a magician
performs a trick. Method is how the magician
does the trick, the secret. The method can
be further divided into three parts, materials,
preparation and performance. Materials,
or props, are the items the magician uses
in the trick. Preparation, or setup, involves
what the magician needs to do before his
or her performance. Performance is what
the magician does while performing.
Shopping for Magic
Eventually, you are likely
to want to buy a magic trick, if not sooner.
It is not uncommon for beginners to want
to know the secret behind ever magic trick
they see, and not want to perform it as
much. Because of this it is best to shop
at a brick and matter magic store. There
you can see the trick performed, and then
ask questions. The Following are good questions
to ask.
- Are they any sleights
or moves that are needed to do the trick
- How long is the set
up time (in other words, how long does
it take to set up the trick)
- Is there a gimmick
involved
- Does the seller recommended
it and why or why not
The last question is an
especially good one, the seller can even
recomend a similar but better trick. Often
after learning the secret new magicians
can become disappointed with it. When they
saw the effect, they were blown away, but
became disappointed once they learned the
method If they find the trick's secret to
simple or to complex, they may give up on
the trick entirely. Its important to remember
that when you are shopping for a magic tricks,
that you are shopping for effect. If an
effect blows you away, good, if it's method
is really simple, all the better. If the
method is really hard, then you have to
evaluate if the work you do is worth the
result -- If you spend a lot of money and
time into a trick, and the audience does
not like it, you just wasted your time and
money.
Next:
How to Practice
