How to Work With a Magic Accomplice

We've all seen movies or television shows wherein the magician has some sort of an assistant who seems to be a plant in the crowd. The magician performs the trick for this "spectator," resulting in a tremendous reaction, only to be revealed that the "spectator" was working with the magician all along. Developing the best working relationship between magicians and assistants or accomplices takes time--and this tutorial will discuss that.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pick someone you trust. Regardless of magic knowledge, you need to work with someone you trust. In fact, those who are magically inclined may try to do too much, which could result in a failed trick.

2. Share everything. Though magicians are generally told not to reveal secrets (Oh God...I should stop), your accomplice needs to know how everything works or else he cannot help you as well.

3. Scout locations. Is your trick that requires an accomplice location specific? As in, can it only be performed in a certain place? If so, make sure to practice there extensively.

4. Script it out. You don't need to memorize lines or anything, but in a trick like "Card Thru Window," your accomplice is going to need to know your timing on things. Otherwise, he won't know when/where to look/be.

5. Do not overdo tricks with an accomplice in a single performance. If you abuse this technique, your spectators are going to figure everything out and think much less of you (they will think you could only get things accomplished through outside help).

6. Be sure that all of the spectators you performed for are well out of sight before reuniting and "breaking the fourth wall" with your accomplice. Otherwise, exactly what happens in Step #5 will happen.