Performing Magic With Ease
"The amateur practices to get it right. The professional practices so he can’t get it wrong."
Jim Coles’ latest post on Performing Magic With Ease is a fantastic essay on the differences between professional and amateur magicians. As usual Jim’s posts have the wisdom that he has gained in his thirty years in the business.
There are some real gems:
“Here’s the real problem. You’ve probably heard the old saw about amateurs having to change tricks whereas professionals change audiences. It’s an old saw because it’s true. The typical amateur moves from trick to trick so as not to repeat himself; the worker repeats himself continually but no one’s really aware that he’s doing so. Who has the best shot of polishing and perfecting his material? It’s obvious.”
and:
“To sum up, a good magician understands that performing magic with ease is essential. To make sure he does perform with ease, he builds a repertoire of effects that can be done under almost any circumstances. He doesn’t equate difficulty with worth. He understands that the effect is the most important factor and technique is only important in how clearly it allows the effect to be communicated. He always performs his magic professionally no matter if he’s paid or not.”
Head on over to Unexpected Wonders and read the full article, you will definitely get something out of it.
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