How to Become an Illusionist

The saying, "The hand is quicker than the eye" is an old one and one people have come to believe. According to Milbourne Christopher's and David Copperfield's book, "The Illustrated History of Magic," the hand is not quicker than the eye-it only appears so. It's the illusionist's or magician's ability to draw the audience's attention to focus away from the hand.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Study by reading works from other magicians. Go to the library or a bookstore and check out or purchase a book on magic. Besides Melbourne's and Copperfield's book, there are many other good books. Steinmeyer has written an informative book on how the illusionist connects with his audience and how he creates an illusion in their mind. The book is titled "Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear." "The Magic of Alan Wakeling: The Works of a Master Magician by Jim Steinmeyer" is a book professional illusionists have looked to for years. Illusionists world-wide are thrilled with Herbert L. Becker for revealing their secrets in his book "101 Greatest Magic Secrets Exposed."

2. Watch illusionists perform on TV and in person. Watch for their connection with the audience, their flamboyance, their attire. Listen to the music. Illusionists command the stage. If the illusionist is handsome and sexy, watch the faces of women in the audience (most illusionists are men). Illusions are about more than techniques-illusions are about presence and psychology.

3. Acquaint yourself with other illusionists. The International Brotherhood of Magicians is the largest and most respected organization for magicians and illusionists in the world. Members include professionals and amateurs. Another organization for illusionists is The Society for American Magicians.

4. Learn how to perform illusions and remember that practice makes perfect. First practice by yourself in front of a mirror, and then invite family members or friends to critique your technique. Listen carefully to their feedback and practice some more--perform some more-- until they are completely mesmerized.

Resources

• Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear
• 101 Greatest Magic Secrets Exposed