Magic…at work!

Tired of constantly checking the bottom right hand corner of your computer screen and hoping it would magically read 5:00 PM every single time of every single work day? Work is good. It pays the bills. But even the most intense workaholics need a break, from time to time. So why not spice up just 5-15 minutes of your 8-hour work day with a little bit of magic tricks? Just view it as a new hobby. A quick breather.

A simple magic trick can brighten up even the dullest and slowest hours of the day, and that of your coworkers’ too. Large magic gimmicks, props, and tools are not always necessary. You can make someone’s day at work with just a simple Magic Doodle pen, Little Pea Can, or even with the clever Telethought Wallet magic trick!

You can visit our online magic store and view our selection of magic tricks by skill level—just click on Basic Magic for starters! The Electronic Psycho Sharpie is also an excellent magic helper to use in the work environment as well as the Rubik Remembered magic trick!

So, go for it. Give your coworkers something else to gossip about! Take on a new hobby for a bit of pastime in your day at labor and spray a little magic on those who are also counting down the seconds.

Taking it to the Streets: Street Magic

Whether you want something to do while hanging out on the boardwalk, want to earn few extra dollars in tips, or simply practice your act outdoors, performing street magic is a fun and rewarding way to fine-tune your craft and gauge reactions of audience members. When it comes to hitting the pavement and wowing pedestrians with your street magic, it’s helpful to have a plan.

Start by analyzing what you want to accomplish with your street magic act. For example, are you doing it for yourself, to entertain others, or both? If you’re doing it for yourself, what are your motives? Are you trying to improve your skills? Make a few extra bucks? Try out a new act in a less formal environment than a magic show? By knowing your primary motive, you’ll be better able to accomplish your street magic goals.

Your motives should dictate your approach to street magic. If you’re doing it to earn money from tips, you may need a permit to perform in certain areas. In addition, you’ll want to set up a convenient way for collecting tips. If money is your goal, your street magic must be fantastic with all of the right props and showmanship.

On the other hand, if you do not want to receive tips, print up some cards or fliers with your favorite charity’s information on it and ask anyone who’s compelled to tip you to donate a similar amount to that charity instead.

In addition, street magic needs to be portable as hauling huge props to the streets isn’t practical. Look for high-impact coin magic, card tricks, rope tricks and other portable magic tricks to perform on the streets. Invest in a street magic kit that you can easily transport. A rolling suitcase, cart with wheels, briefcase, duffle bag, or backpack all work well.

Take your magic to the streets with a plan and prepare to meet your goals!

Secrets to being an Effective Magician

As you peruse your favorite magic stores in search of new magic tricks, it soon becomes apparent that there’s more to magic than meets the eye. Sure, you can go to a magic shop, buy tricks off the shelf, and perform basic magic by following the provided instructions. However, if you’re serious about becoming a talented magician, you’ll want to take your skills to a higher level. But how? Magic is shrouded in secrecy, but you can break through, one step at a time.

The following tips aren’t exactly secrets, but they will help you perfect your skills.

• Attend workshops – Many magic stores hold clinics or workshops. Attending these classes is a great way to learn the art of magic while also meeting fellow magicians. If classes aren’t available, ask employees of your favorite magic stores if they know of any local magic groups or classes.

• Practice – If you’re not practicing your tricks, you’ll forever be a beginner. Magic requires mastery of the trick itself as well as theatrics, both of which require extensive practice.

• Become a student of theatre – Take a drama class, attend plays, and learn about acting. After all, as a magician, you will be playing many roles. Your showmanship and a flair for the dramatic have their roots in basic theatrical skills.

• Be stingy with your tricks – You don’t want your audience to figure out your tricks, do you? Your audience may want to see a trick again because it was truly amazing. However, if you repeat the trick, the illusion will wear thin – and you don’t want that.

• Visit magic stores often – Magic stores are your source for inspiration and new magic tricks. Stop by often!

• Keep your secrets – While you may want to share the secret to the trick, don’t break the spell by sharing your secrets with non-magicians.