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The performing art of Magic has a long history, the art has evolved to a point that for each magical effect to be achieved, there are several possibilities of handling. So when a magician wants to create a new routine or magical act for various reasons, what process does he usually go through before standing on the real stage?

For example, when he would like to add a production effect to the routine, he usually has three choices of action. To read books on magic, to watch performances of fellow magicians or to visit magic shops over and over again.

Of course, the deliberate decision to add an effect of a definite nature is not the usual way the average magician adds to his routine or repertoire. The usual trick is added by the run-of-the-mill magical enthusiast simply because something in the number appeals to him. It might be the appearance of the apparatus. Or the apparent profundity of the method, the deceptive feature. Or the comedy potentialities. Or any of a number of other factors. I’m convinced this is not the correct way to add program material. It seems far better to me to add material from the viewpoint of its importance in adding entertainment value to the performer’s routine.

First method magicians would use when attempting to add an effect to his routine, is to search for the tricks or gimmicks that achieve the general effect. Taking production as an example, there are thousands of tricks that provide such effect. But the trick being chosen usually determines what kind of object is used. Like the raven, it is only suitable for vanishing small magnetic objects. After deciding what object to be used, the magician then modify it to suit his use.

The somewhat more exacting magician will usually adopt the second method. Here, he will decide to add some type of production or mysterious appearance. Before embarking upon his search, he will determine the object or objects with which he wishes to accomplish the effect. Then, as before, he will make the search. But this investigation is not so general. Specifically, he knows what he wants to cause to appear. His hunt is limited to tricks in which the desired object is used. If he fails in his search, or if the tricks he finds do not seem satisfactory to him, usually he will decide upon a second object to take the place of the first choice. Then he makes the search all over again.

A successful magician always has his own style of performance. Try the above process and create your signature act!

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