The Magic Industry Changed. Did You?

In 2019, I was a tech support hoping to reacquaint myself with magic after having spent many years without the time, money, and frankly, energy to practice (economic downturns and being a new father tend to eat into that). Now, I’m a senior tech support with a goal of taking my new mentalist character and putting him on stage. The main obstacle at this point is, well, still money (I’ve been able to set aside time, and I’ve clawed back the energy to practice), much as it feels greedy to say that. While it’d be easy to just say “give me money,” the biggest help would probably be more in the curation side of things: suggested effects geared to specific interests/styles/budgets would help newer performers figure out what’s achievable for them in the short term, and what might make an ideal next step in developing an act.

1. Back in 2019 I was working at a movie theater before taking a seasonal job at a shoe store.
2. At the time I was aiming to perform as a magician once I got out of high school. Covid and personal reasons forced me to put that goal on the back burner and nearly forget how much I loved performing and practicing magic.
3. Now I work as a videographer and social media manager for a dog training company and as a scare actor for a haunted house.
4. These days my goals for magic have evolved from performing at parties to performing at business/social events and at restaurants.
5. Right now all that’s standing in the way is my own self doubt about my own proficiency at sleight of hand and my social anxiety.
6. Ellusionist has already helped me plenty. Magic Stream has introduced me to several amazing tricks that I plan on using including Lightspeed and Astro. As I continue working towards my ultimate goals, these posts will help me reach those next steps.

In 2019 I was working an assortment of gig jobs, I still am. I was hitting a few open mike events to get some flight time my technical skills are strong but my presentation needs practice. The pandemic saw most of those venues close. I still do occasional parties and would love to be a part time pro. Not much else to say. I do have a few ellusionist items I like and use.

1. What were you doing for work back in 2019? My magic earnings went from $100,000 down to $20,000 with the lockdown.
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time? I used some of my savings to create a studio and started selling Zoom shows for after-school programs and libraries.
3. What do you do for work now? Now I am back to over 200 shows per year.
4. What’s your goal with magic these days? To create a more compact show that will still play large.
5. What’s standing in your way right now? Nothing but myself. I create and work on my show daily.
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there? Your online video streaming is great. I wish you geared more towards family-type magic and magic effects. I know that’s not what sells online, and most people are looking for packet-type or small magic. Keep up the great work! You are the only site I know of that ever asks for your consumers’ opinions. Bob Durante
Zap Entertainment

1. What were you doing for work back in 2019? Real estate
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time? Perform as much as I can, doing closeup, parlor or even stage magic
3. What do you do for work now? Still in real estate
4. What’s your goal with magic these days? This year my goal has been achieved. Landed a lot more private gigs, larger venues such as SoHo house.. and do what I love, performing for amazing audiences
5. What’s standing in your way right now? Performing too regularly, as I fear that you may lose the passion
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there? I’m keen to see more stage props/books that can help elevate my showmanship