Whenever we perform magic, there are often a myriad of decisions, some tiny, others more fundamental, which we have to make. In isolation, each decision may not seem that significant, but I would suggest that the combination of many good choices can make a noticeable difference to us as magicians and to our show.
So that you can better understand what I’m getting at here, let me pose a number of options that require a decision to be made and explain briefly the potential thought processes that you might take in order to make a selection.
Red or blue backed playing cards? On the face of it there may not seem to be an obvious answer – it’s just a choice of two colours, isn’t it? Well yes, but if you intend to have a card signed on the back with a black Sharpie pen, a red back will show up the writing a lot better. However, if you use a red close up mat, using a blue backed deck will make it more visible, as would a red backed deck on a blue or black close up pad. Decisions, decisions.
One and a half or two inch sponge balls? In terms of visibility, the larger balls are easier to see and make more impact. The trouble is, when working very close to your spectators you are more likely to ‘flash’ when handling the bigger ones. Also, from a practical standpoint, it takes less pocket space to carry around a set of the smaller sponges. Decisions, decisions.
Regular suit or dinner suit for black tie events? From a couture point of view, fashion would dictate that to fit in the performer should wear a dinner jacket and bowtie. But I have a purpose designed three piece regular suit which houses my close up props precisely and conveniently, and by always working from its pocket layout, I perform better and more slickly, which surely trumps looking the same as all the other male diners, doesn’t it? Decisions, decisions.
US dollars/half dollars or English coins? As I perform mainly in the UK, logic would perhaps dictate that I use British coinage as it would be familiar to my audiences and therefore seem less suspicious. Trouble is, the biggest coin we have is a £2, which is a bit chunky and its colour scheme means it doesn’t show up very well. Silver half dollars and dollars, on the other hand, are much more visible and are a great size to handle when performing. Decisions, decisions.
Amplifier or good voice projection? Having a portable amp and microphone ensures that you will be adequately heard and will help to get and maintain audience attention. But it means you have to invest hundreds of pounds in kit and lug it in and out of the venue each time. Better just to get some voice training to enable your natural speech volume to be heard, isn’t it? Decisions, decisions.
For working outside, burn your head or wear a hat? Summer close up work often requires strolling magicians to work outside, and if it’s hot, you stand the risk of getting your head burnt (especially if, like me, you are noticeably thin on top). I have a baseball hat displaying my performing logo, which not only protects my head, but also shields my eyes from the sun. But is that suitable attire to entertain at a wedding? Decisions, decisions.
So what decisions do you have to make?