Boston Adult Birthday Magician
Society of American Magicians
Continuing from my last entry, I was at Diamond’s Magic getting to know the owner, Eddie Gardner. To my delight, I learned that Eddie discounted all books at 20%. If memory serves, it was the same with VHS Videos. (It was a long time ago.) Fortunately, at this point in my life, I had some expendable income, so my library quickly filled in.
Discovering SAM 104
During one particular visit to the shop, Eddie was telling me about a lecturer coming to SAM 104. (SAM stands for The Society of American Magicians.)
Initially, I hesitated, since I tend to be a loner and never chose to join clubs when I was a young boy. Apparently, Eddie took my hesitation as a sign that I didn’t want to pay the fee for the lecture. As a result, he offered to host me as his guest… no charge. Admittedly, that was nice, but money was not the issue—just my insecurity. Nevertheless, I took a leap of faith and joined the club. In hindsight, it was a great experience. I learned a lot from the lectures and had a place to perform without judgment.
Learning the Craft of Performing Magic
The members of the club were welcoming and encouraged me to perform. Over time, I made a few friends who remain friends to this day. That said, I still was not performing for “real people,” which refers to laypeople. Nonetheless, a few of us who wanted a little more than a monthly meeting began getting together once a week. This became an additional safe space to perform.
Discovering Professional Possibilities
During these gatherings, I learned that several members performed professionally or semi-professionally—something I had never considered, as I always thought I was not good enough to do so.
Meanwhile, with all the information I had from my library and videotapes, I began learning Strolling/Walk Around Magic. Even so, when I thought I was ready, I still did not want to take anyone’s money until I was confident in my ability to entertain with magic.
My First Performance
Eventually, a friend of mine knew a woman who was putting on a graduation party for her son and recommended me as entertainment. And just like that, I had a job—well, not an actual job, as I would not take any money. Instead, I insisted on working for free.
My first performance at the graduation party went very well. It was obvious the graduates enjoyed the magic by their excited reactions. The success of that performance gave me the confidence to proceed performing as a semiprofessional magician.
My Website:
At last, I felt ready to go to work, and as luck would have it, another friend offered to set up a website for me—at no charge. Needless to say, this was a game-changer.
Walter Osterman’s Generosity
I had met Walter Osterman through the SAM. Over time, we discovered a shared interest in magic and enjoyed each other’s company at the local club, even attending a few local conventions together. Unbeknownst to me, Walter ran his own business, Social Mavens—a marketing and communications agency.
From that point forward, Walter did it all. He came to my house, took pictures and some promo videos. Soon after, he put together a professional website and ran it for me for ten years, simply out of kindness.
Looking back, if not for Walter’s efforts, I would not be doing what I enjoy in my retirement years. So, with deep gratitude, all I can say is THANK YOU. (In capital letters.)
Performing as a Semi-Professional Magician in Massachusetts
Over the last eleven years, I have had a great journey. To this day, I still perform much of the same material I used in my first performance. However, the material evolves with repeated performances. In fact, you get some of the best lines simply by listening to your audience. As a result, the more opportunities you have to perform, the more every aspect of the material improves. Even now, I am still learning and working at being a better entertainer each time I perform.
Respect for Full-Time Professionals
Referring to being a semiprofessional is intentional to not ruffle the feathers of the “professionals.” I deliver professional-caliber magic, but I don’t pay all my bills, health insurance, etc. from my magic income. (I pay taxes on it.)
As for the full-time professionals, I have the ultimate respect. A serious professional needs to work constantly and earn enough to pay for their own health care, not to mention, setting up their own investments for their retirement. This requires serious self-discipline, and few “pros” really commit strictly to this regiment.
Advice on Becoming a Professional Magician
If you decide to take this path, I recommend you seek the wisdom of Paul Gertner.
Learning from Paul Gertner
If you ask nicely, I know Paul will share the “secrets of success.” I’m talking about the business side requirements. Paul is one of the most successful trade show magicians of my time.
What he cannot share is his hard-earned talent. His list of accomplishments is very long. You may have heard of him from his appearances on Penn and Teller: Fool Us. Magicians know Paul for his Steel and Silver routine—a cups and balls routine with steel ball bearings. The steel balls make the trick “impossible” to understand for magicians and laypeople alike.
He has contributed magic to David Copperfield and to the fraternity. He released a VHS/DVD series named after his book Steel and Silver. One of his most popular card tricks in his book and video series, Unshuffled, has found its way into the repertoire of many working magicians.
If you are visiting Boston, you can catch Paul at his show, Miracles and Other Deceptions.
Final Thoughts and Contact Info
If you live in the Boston area and want a Parlor Show or Strolling Magician, please contact me: 339-927-4710 The Very Best in Close-Up Magic! (Except for Paul Gertner and a couple of others—call me and I’ll let you know who they are.)
Thanks for making it through 5 blogs of Magical Beginnings.
Boston Magician Joe Ferranti
