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Step 1
Choose a performing persona. The great magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin said "A magician is an actor playing the part of a magician," and this is essentially true. Every successful magician portrays a character when they perform.
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Step 2
Evaluate all potential magic tricks for a performance against the character that is being created. Simply ask if it makes since for the character to perform these magic tricks. For example, a mad scientist character would probably not mesh well with card tricks while a riverboat gambler would.
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Step 3
Establish a link between the selected magic tricks. The overall goal is to create an entertaining routine with magic tricks that flow together in a sensible manner. It is often helpful to establish a theme to connect the magic tricks.
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Step 4
Arrange the magic tricks in an order that maintains the entertainment but allows for the "dirty work" of magic to be accomplished. For example, if an effect requires a live weasel to be strapped to one's chest, the weasel should be produced and freed before the effect that fires a cannonball into one's torso. More realistically, if a trick leaves one with wet hands, do not follow it with a trick that requires precise control of cards.
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Step 5
Acquire the proper wardrobe for the character being portrayed. Make sure that any required props make sense for the character as well.
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Step 6
Study acting and, if the performance is meant to be funny, study comedy too. If seriously pursing magic as a career, take classes in performance skills and stage craft.
