In the last post we talked about the importance of preparing for your shows. We talked about setting up computer files for each of your magic tricks so that you can know what is involved and don’t miss a beat when it comes to performing. In this post we will break down each of those categories for your files and explain why they are each important.
Trick name- this is self-explanatory! If your effect doesn’t already come with a name come up with something creative for yourself. Make sure it is something memorable so that years down the road you can look at this trick and remember exactly what it is.
Items needed to perform the trick- this is the most important section of them all. This is where all of your preparation comes in. List in detail every item needed to perform a trick. Now, some of your items will be perishable and need replacing every time you perform. I usually make 2 lists, one of perishables and the other of non-perishables. Perishables would be thinks like flash paper, lemons, things that may get wet or crushed during the execution of a trick. Make sure to include everything on your list.
Notes on setup- this section would include any special details about how to organize and set up a trick. This section is especially important if you haven’t done a trick in a while and can’t quite remember all the little details. Believe me, you will be so glad you did this!
Description of Effect- this is just a brief synopsis of the trick. When describing it, write if as if you are the audience describing what you see. What happens in the trick, and what the climax should be is what you should consider when detailing this one.
Performance script- write out exactly what you want to say before, during and after the effect. This is especially important for tricks that you haven’t performed in a while. This is also something that will need updating from time to time, depending on reactions that you get from audiences, or just a change in the times.
Miscellaneous notes- this section is for any notes you want to take for your effect. Such as how it played for certain venues, and ideas that you have on changes that may not be fully cultivated in your mind yet, something that didn’t go well, or something that went really well.
Taking some time after every performance to update your files will keep your performances fresh and keep you confident and ready!
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