“Magic & Laughter| A Combustible Mix Your Guests Will Love.”
Boston Massachusetts Comedy Magician
From Tricks to Performing, the road to become a Professional Magician
As we begin, we learn a magic trick because it fascinates us. Little do we know our family may not find the same fascination. However, if you are a parent or a grandparent, you are familiar with “applauding” everything our children do. If you do not belong to the school of “You can become anything you want.” You may reserve your applause, not wanting to see your child face disappointment.
The good news, with magic, is there are opportunities to perform from hobbyists to professionals. You must have an honest assessment of your talent. It’s not good when someone prematurely treads into professional status and can’t deliver the goods. This is harmful to magic and magicians, as you will create a poor reputation for the craft. So, stay in your lane.
Professional Magicians with other jobs
You do not need to give up your “day job” to be a magician. Here’s a few that are successful in other fields and magic. John Guastaferro, John Bannon and Marc DeSousa. These gentlemen aren’t exactly hobbyists, but you get the point.
The rest of us fall somewhere in between.
Massachusetts Close-Up Magician Joe Ferranti
Realistically, we will not attain the stature of those I named, and there is a simple reason, and I do not think I have to mention it.
Still, there are opportunities to perform for all who wish to, there is only one rule…” First, do no harm.” (Fact… this is not a part of the Hippocratic oath, go ahead, look it up… I’ll wait.)
Here is my advice: be the best you can be, within your skill set. (BTW, we practice for life, so our skills are not static.)
Putting Together Your Show
This means you need a beginning, a middle, and an end. Additionally, there are many sources to learn how to do this. Don’t expect to learn this for free or by trial and error, but here’s some good advice for free.
There are many sources to learn how to structure your act. Firstly, if you belong to a club, seek the advice of someone who is working. However, be careful not to ask everyone in your club. In my experience, I’ve found that everyone likes to give advice, even those who have never actually performed. Surprisingly, they are happy to share their misinformed opinions.
Tap the Knowledge of the Pros:
Some magicians gladly share their individual tricks and their shows. Additionally, watching a professionally structured show is a luxury and an education. This is a starting point. Furthermore, the oldest and truest advice is to make the act yours. Your act will develop over time, changes usually come slow. “Listen” to your audience. They will teach you with their interactions.
Finally, do not copy anyone’s act. Yes, it happens, even on the highest levels. Considering the number of professional magicians offering their time-tested material, there is no reason to “steal” another’s tricks or their act. Furthermore, consider the ability we have to contact people through the internet. You can almost contact anyone and ask for permission if you want to use an idea. Please respect the decision of the creator. After all, it’s a big sandbox, and there’s plenty of room for all of us to play.
Good Luck
Joe Ferranti
Boston Magician |Close-Up |Walk Around | Parlor
