How to Develop a Magic Show

Magic shows are a favorite at everything from children's parties to sophisticated shows. Magicians have the unique ability to both humor and dazzle us with seemingly amazing and logic-skewing tricks. If you are magician or want to be one but have no clue how to start, there is hope. Follow a few steps to help develop a magic show that impresses an audience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of magic show you want to have. Consider whether you want it to be extremely theatrical and funny or just simple and to the point. Research what tricks you want to perform or tricks you wish to perform.

2. Watch other magicians' shows and take note of the things you liked and things you didn't like. Brainstorm ways in which you can make your show unique and entertaining.

3. Seek out new ways to perform tricks, keeping your thoughts and logs in a securely locked place. Begin outlining your routine and the ordering of the tricks you plan to perform.

4. Practice your routine repeatedly, perfecting each sleight and nuance of the show. Plan your show so you can know the timing of each trick.

5. Save your best trick for last. Build up to the final trick throughout the show, starting with the most simplistic and ending with what's the most confounding to the audience.

6. Market your show using fliers, word of mouth or any other means of advertising available to you. Network your show to your magician friends. If possible, register with a magicians' guild for support.

Tips & Warnings

• Movies like "The Prestige" are wonderful inspiration for aspiring magicians.
• Try taking old tricks and putting a twist on them. This is a great way for beginners to begin developing their own styles.
• Card tricks are great, but they're often not enough to sustain an audience unless you are doing street magic. Limit card tricks to only one or two per show.
• Don't share your show secrets with anyone, except perhaps an assistant, if you have one.

Resources

• Magic World is a great magician resource.
• You can find magic trick ideas and props at MagicTricks.com.
• Get free trick ideas here.