Do You Challenge Your Audience to Find Your Secrets?
Figuring out the secrets of magic
It’s human nature to seek knowledge of how things work. It separates chaos from order. Even if we don’t truly understand we may convince ourselves into believing false theories.
What does this have to do with magic, especially close-up magic, where “miracles” are performed inches from our eyes? Well, step back to separating chaos and order. It is perfectly natural for a layperson to speculate how a Magician performs his feats of dexterity. (or is it skill) However, if you are to truly enjoy the entertainment, it is the Magician’s job to end this as quickly as possible.
Joe Ferranti Strolling Magician Massachusetts
When performing strolling magic, I open with some pretty powerful magic. I do not challenge my spectators to seek solutions. That is not the game I want to play. Why? Because that’s not entertainment.
The Opener
Allow me to be blunt and courteous. I open every show with a piece of hard-hitting magic. Think of it as a Maze. Knowing where your mind will go to seek a solution, I set up a wall. If I can anticipate your next path, I set up a wall there as well. I use no more barriers than necessary to have you give up finding the solution. Hopefully, you will decide to relax and enjoy the magic.
Relax and enjoy the magic
You might as well relax and go for the ride; I assure you it’s far more enjoyable. When you reach this point, you can stop looking where you think I don’t want you to look, as you know you will not find the answer that you seek. Now I am not suggesting that you will believe it is “real Magic”. What I am suggesting is that we do the dance. I am the entertainer, so it’s my job to lead. I have to earn your trust so you can enjoy the Magic.
Joe Ferranti
