The Magic Industry Changed. Did You?

Hi, during 2019 pre-pandemic, I was working for a shipping company. I had began to do my first couple of performances in bars, performing on stage, or table work and just as I got my first offers for possible paid gigs, covid shut everything down. Unfortunately that completely stalled any momentum I may have began to build. As well, a fair bit of my drive and passion for performing. My goal at the time was to try to perform if not full time at the very least a few paid gigs a year. I work for a furniture company picking and shipping orders. And my goal with magic now is just continue to grow as a performer and magician. The only thing truly standing in my way today is my fear of failing and lack of drive. Not just to perform, but to practice. I would like to have a mentor or be a part of a community of magicians. But there is no magic where I live.

Ellusionist could help me achieve my goal by offering mentoring or guidance for those of us who may be struggling with building.

I’ve considered these questions myself lately. And though I feel for anyone who may have lost that spark. I do find some solace in knowing I’m not the only one.

Thank you for this post. And have a great day!

1. Retired elementary school teacher in 2019.
2. To master Eugene Burger’s handling of the Gypsy Thread with another of my own versions of a story or song.
3. Retired (pension)
4. To focus on ONE effect at a time, master the handling and then rehearse it until it is ready for others to see.
5. I drift from one effect to another to another – or from one idea to another to another. The result is frustration and true mastery of nothing.
6. This won’t win me any gift card, but I think the answer is that Ellusionist cannot help. I must pick one effect, put everything else away (books, DVDs, magazines, looking at more things to buy) and stick with it until I have mastered it. This was Eugene Burger’s advice on Stevens’ Magic Greater Magic Series (DVD) Volume #4. It’s all up to me – no one else.

Please do not put me in the running for a gift card. Others deserve it more. But I think my message, which is mainly that of the late, wonderful Mr. Burger, is important.

Thank you.

1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?

I was working an IT position in a hospital. Pretty soon IT personnel were sent to work from home. I was really exploring magic at the time too, finding what suited me and my style.

2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?

I really wanted to find magic tricks that fit my personality. I bought a lot of magic related stuff to explore what’s out there. During covid I had a dream of throwing a party where I did a kind of show for friends and family, but at the time it was difficult to get groups of people together.

3. What do you do for work now?

I still work in IT, but not in healthcare anymore. I’m much happier now, even if I get paid less.

4. What’s your goal with magic these days?

I took about a year and a half off from doing much magic. I went through a lot of life changing events, but now I’m married and am overall happier. Only recently did I rediscover my love for magic, and it has rekindled this idea of throwing a party with a magic show. I’ve even considered attempting strolling magic in public places.

5. What’s standing in your way right now?

Me. I’m standing in my way. I am decent at several foundational sleights, but need to work on entire routines. I’m currently working on some card routines as well as some coin routines. I want to build a 25 minute set, throw a party and do some magic. My biggest issue is being terrified of performing for people.

6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?

Ellisionist has already helped me! I bought Unreal Card Magic, and found I really love Ben Earl’s style of card magic. It’s simple, but gets great reactions. Knuckle busting stuff is fun to practice, but I am moving on from just practicing moves and sleights and am now going for full routines and affects. I’m hoping Ellusionist continues helping as you all are already with these releases.

2019 worked in Insurance and did magic
Work my way in to bigger shows
Tv background actor and magic
Book larger shows
Promoting getting name out there to the right person
Give guidance

1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?

I worked the midway games at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.

2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?

To do something! I’ve loved magic for most of my life, but I’ve been too scared to try. I need to overcome that.

3. What do you do for work now?

I’m a scare-actor at a year-round haunted attraction.

4. What’s your goal with magic these days?

To go out there and perform. I don’t care where. I just want to be a magician. Hopefully, I can make a career of it at some point.

5. What’s standing in your way right now?

Mostly myself. I’ve studied at the Magic Castle thanks to some generous folks. I’ve read many books and I’ve practiced. The only thing I haven’t done is perform in front of real people. However, I do have a gig coming up. There’s still time for me.

6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?

Well, these things are expensive. There are books that I would love to own but can’t currently afford. This would be a big help in that regard.