Breaking the Rules?
It is a magician’s rule to never reveal their secrets. In fact, it’s a pledge you have to take when joining the Society of American Magicians. So even though I am about to reveal something that has to do with conjuring, I’m not going to expose the behind the scenes of performing legerdemain. Instead I’m about to share with you something that has to do with the subject of illusionary arts.
Developing a What?!
What is it? Drum roll please…It’s the news that I have started developing a magic act! It has been more than three decades since I worked professionally as a prestidigitator. The exception to this is the fact that I have in the recent past performed in a school classroom setting for whatever grade my 10 year old daughter was in at the time.
Magic Neighbors Theater Company
Except now she’s going from the fifth grade into Middle School and she professes she’s too old for that kind of thing. And another form of magic performance I have done more recently is working with the Magic Neighbors Theater Company (see image) and pulling rabbits out of hats (allegorically) with the group in various branches of the New York Public Library.
Magic for Grownups?
All of this has been done using Kid Magic, magic tricks that appeal to children. But now, probably due to attending S.A.M. meetings, I’ve gotten bitten by the bug to perform magic for grownups. Also, I’m getting my Master’s Degree within the next month so the present is a good time to start on a new adventure.
Three Decades!
Don’t get me wrong, I may never actually perform, let alone plan out the details of the act. Constructing a magic show is a very time consuming activity especially due to the reality (or illusion) that it’s been over 30 years since I’ve really seriously been an entertainer.
Marketing Tip of the Week
Among magicians it’s almost a clique for someone planning a new program to do so in the realm of mentalism. And yes, that’s exactly where I may end up (or not!). Which brings me to this week’s marketing tip: don tell people what you are going to do before you do it. It’s always the best policy when planning a marketing campaign or some such thing, that you keep your lips sealed about it.
And Finally…
When you talk about what you’re planning, you run the risk of people giving you all kinds of advice. They mean well of course, but it can be awfully distracting and even make you question your goal. Plus, in all things marketing, it’s best to deliver surprising and fresh content. So again, to hit the point home, keep it to yourself and…Don’t do what I’m doing!