What are the biggest misconceptions people have about magicians?
Ask a Magician, a series of blog posts answering your questions! - Issue VII
In this issue, the question comes from Neil who online has asked me:
What's the biggest misconception people have about magicians?
Well, the misconception that most grinds my gears is that magic is easy. When you hire me to perform magic, you might think that what you are booking is just my time eg. two hours of close up magic, but in actual fact, you get a lot more.
My prices reflect the decades I have spent practicing and perfecting my routines into not just a trick that works, but a performance that people enjoy. It's not easy to walk into a room of strangers and instantly build rapport with them, to make them laugh and to impress them too.
Check out some of my reviews to see what people have said about me in the past.
In fact, the irony is that when it's all working correctly, it looks effortless and looks smooth. Don't believe me? Try watching an amateur magician struggling their way through a 'performance'. Maybe they flub the trick, but even if they don't their manner with people just makes it painful to watch.
I heard it said once, that all a performer needs to do is to make the audience feel comfortable that they themselves are comfortable where they are. Some 'magicians' don't even manage that!
Anybody can call themselves a close up magician, but would you want someone who can't interact with others? That's what close up magic is!
Fortunately, I have a lot of experience and I know how to interact with groups, I know how to work a crowd and I know how to make others feel valued. Just take a look at the video below for an idea of how I interact with people.
I'm also one of the few magicians in the UK who performs professional stage magic on a large scale. That uses even more techniques that you can't just pick up quickly. My shows on stage build on my experience in acting, in comedy, and the many many times I failed (don't worry these were in practice sessions, open mic nights or free events!)
So how do you get good? My advice to beginner magicians is always the same. Magicians only get better by performing, (and then analysing their performance) and so beginners need to find a place where they can improve, and at a level that suits them. That's what I did for many, many, many years to get to where I am now.
Got a question to contribute? I would love to hear it! Leave a comment, or click here to email me.
Find out more about:
Looking to hire a magician?
Get in touch today for an accurate quote or more information.
Disclosure: Some of the links on the blog part of this site are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the site at no extra cost to you.
YOUR INCREDIBLE EVENT IS
JUST A FEW STEPS AWAY
1. CONNECT
It's easy to get in touch with me, either:
email ↓
ed@edsumner.com
call ↓
07792 129 828
or fill in an enquiry form.
2. DISCUSS
During a short phone or video call, we'll talk about your event and your initial ideas. Don't worry, if you're not sure. I've helped to plan many events so I can advise on the best use of magic and other events entertainment.
3. AGREE
Once all the details are agreed, I'll send you a booking confirmation and ask you to make the first payment which confirms your date in my calendar. Then it's time to start looking forward to your big event.
4. ENJOY
I'll check in with you in the week before your event, and on the day of the event. All you need to do now is enjoy the magic, mind reading and conversational comedy.
[…] written about this before, and how sometimes this misconception about my magic performances can be quite frustrating. Sometimes, I even teach someone a simple trick while I’m at an event, and only then do […]