The Magic Industry Changed. Did You?

1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?
- I had just made the switch to being a full time entertainer, but there was a local tragedy that took the country back a few years, which cut down on the number of gigs I got.
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?
- Perform at restaurants and bars along with corporate cocktails and events.
3. What do you do for work now?
- I am still in entertainment, performing magic at events and also a full time musician.
4. What’s your goal with magic these days?
- To increase my repertoire for stage performances.
5. What’s standing in your way right now?
- Me, myself and I. I just need to practice more and find more stage performances. There is also a financial barrier since I need to pay in dollars as a Sri Lankan.
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?
- Provide discounts and special offers that give you the opportunity to win gift cards, just like this!

1) In 2019 I was selling solar panels door to door.
2) My big goal in magic was to impress people (especially women) so that people would ask me to perform when they saw me. I am proud to say this has pretty much come true.
3) I am retired but pick up part time work from time to time.
4) My goal in magic right now is to prepare for Halloween. I belong to SAM#4 and we will be visiting hospitals and homes. I want to have some scary fun. Then I want to get ready for Thanksgiving (with the family) then Christmas.
5) I am standing in my own way. I am kind of lazy :(
6) Ellusionist could help me by having themed effects (tricks for Halloween, tricks for Christmas, etc); some close-up and some parlor effects. Maybe even a small routine tying various effects together.
Thanks for asking for input. Ellusionist has taken very good care of me over the years :)

Back in 2019 I was retired trying to entertain my grand kids with magic. I’m still retired and still trying to impress my grand kids with magic. Just don’t have enough tricks they haven’t seen. I need more tricks for kids.

John

1-) Back in 2019, I was working as a publishing sales rep and consultant.
2-) To be honest, I didn’t really have a goal. It was for fun, something I would do at parties or family gatherings. Loosely, I just wanted to learn a new trick every now and again.
3-) I still work as a publishing sales rep and consultant. I now also do some training and international work for the same company.
4-) Now, my goal is to expand my repertoire, but in a way that makes sense. I don’t just want to learn and acquire new tricks because they’re cool. But do they fit with what I’m trying to do. I’d also like to put myself out there for some gigs.
5-) Aside from time management, I don’t know what my identity is as a performer. I like close-up, have a few bigger tricks. I don’t want to pigeon-hole myself, but I don’t want to stretch myself too thin either.
6-) I would love help on making sense of what’s in my repertoire and how to string it together for a show, whether it’s a “strolling magic” routine or a set, 45 minute production. I struggle with order, narrative, and helping the audience feel engaged.

My answers:
Q1. I was working as a program
Administrator for the federal government, but I was also performing part-time.
Q2. My goal was to perform full time after I retired (but while I still had some vitality left) with a safety net. Still, I knew it would be tough, but I also knew that my goal was a sound one given my skill and the reputation I had built to that point. But here’s the thing…I was committed, because I wanted to elevate my magic and my regular job was robbing me of the time I needed to do that. Keep in mind, I had won magic competitions before, and I also performed for 6 years at Monday Night Magic, and I’ve done the Castle a couple of times, but I wanted more than that.
Q3. I am now a full-time pro; my day revolves around magic.
Q4. My intermediate goal is to book more parlor and stand up shows. Most of my gigs have been corporate walk around. My close-up magic is solid and skill based, but I’m aiming for more shows with a captive audience to sharpen my stagecraft and show structure. Ultimately, it comes down to this—-if I elevate my performances, more doors will open for me. This continuous improvement mentality will ultimately be the foundation to my success.
5. Nothing is standing in my way. I’m fortunate to have the support I need to be successful.
6. I subscribe to Magic Stream—just being tapped into this resource helps me find material and methods best suited for my next project whether it be stage or close-up. As we all know, many close-up routines can be adapted to stage. Ellusionist can help by continuing to add a variety of quality content to Magic Stream. It’s a great resource at a great value!!!!