The Look

In 1985, at the age of 16, I was a budding magician in Cincinnati, Ohio, eager to make my mark. An opportunity arose for an audition at a local shopping mall to entertain shoppers in the bustling food court. This was a big deal for me, and I was beyond thrilled.

Now, keep in mind, video cameras were quite a rarity back then. So, imagine my surprise and luck when the auditioning agent—another magician—not only agreed to film my performance but also brought along a video camera. This was my chance to shine and, hopefully, get some valuable feedback.

After my audition, which consisted of a couple of sets of walkaround magic in the mall, the agent and I sat down to review the footage. He was complimentary about my set, which gave me a much-needed boost of confidence. But then he asked, “Can you tell what the problem was?”

I watched the video again, scrutinizing every move. None of my tricks flashed, and the effects were strong. Yet, I couldn’t pinpoint the issue. Sensing my uncertainty, the agent enlightened me: my audience never looked away from the props. They were glued to the magic, eyes locked on my hands the entire time. While that’s a good thing in some ways, it wasn’t the whole picture. The agent explained, “We can be more powerful magicians if we control the audience’s attention with broader direction and stronger storytelling.” (or something along those lines.)

That was a lightbulb moment for me. He was right. It’s limiting to have an audience only stare at the effect. The real power comes from engaging them on multiple levels—telling a story, using the space around you, and directing their attention where you want it to go. Plus, who wants to be known as the magician with amazing hands but no personality?

Despite this flaw, I was lucky enough to get the gig, but the lesson resonated deeply. From that day on, I started focusing not just on the tricks, but on how I could create a complete experience for my audience.

That audition was a turning point. It taught me that magic isn’t just about what you do with your hands and it’s not always about the trick – it’s about what you do with your whole self and how you connect with the people watching. And that’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since, and now it’s yours to do the same.

Takeaway Tips for Magicians

1. Use Your Space: Utilize the entire performance area to direct attention and create a dynamic experience
2. Engage Through Storytelling: Weave a compelling narrative into your performance. This draws the audience in and makes the magic more memorable.
3. Connect with Your Audience: Make eye contact, use facial expressions, and interact with your spectators. This builds a stronger connection and enhances the impact of your magic.
4. Control Attention: Guide your audience’s focus not just to your hands, but to your overall performance. Use gestures, pauses, and movement to control where they look and what they see.
5. Reflect and Improve: Always review your performances critically. Seek feedback, watch recordings, and identify areas for improvement.

Remember, the magic isn’t just in the tricks; it’s in the connection you create with your audience. Keep practicing, keep engaging, and keep growing as a magician.