Take Charge of Your Magic

When I was in Orlando a few weeks ago, I took a day to visit EPCOT Center. There was a troupe of Chinese acrobats preparing to perform in an open-air courtyard. People were walking by and an announcer (actually a pre-recorded message) stated that the show would begin, but in order to allow as many people as possible to see the show, they asked that everyone please sit down.

I had already staked out a seat in the back in the shade, so I was glad they made the request.

Unfortunately, those who were standing at the front shifted awkwardly for a moment, and then — when none of their peers made a motion to sit — decided to remain standing. And so the show began with a row of people seated, followed by a crowd of defiant standers, and then a lot of people who gave up hope of seeing anything and decided to move on.

What should have happen (had they been more professional) was for the leader of the troupe to reiterate the request to sit, and to steadfastly refuse to start the show until everyone was seated.

Had the acrobats done that, they could have played to a larger audience. The audience would have been able to see and would have responded better. And perhaps most importantly, the troupe would have looked more professional. As it was, they came off looking like a second class act because they didn’t take charge of the situation.

If an actor on stage knocks over a pitcher of water but continues on with his or her speech as if nothing had happened, the result is awkward, comical, and amateurish. Not because they were clumsy (accidents happen), but because they didn’t have the sense to take charge of the situation and respond to what was really happening.

As magicians, we need to be ready to take charge and respond to what’s taking place onstage and in the audience.

If, during your stage performance someone is talking loudly and disturbing those seated nearby, you need to address the situation. First of all, you owe it to the other members of your audience to give them the best experience you can. And second, if you ignore the situation, it reflects poorly on you because you look clueless.

How your respond to the loud talker is a complex issue that depends on your status, the environment, and how much real power you have.

In some cases you may initiate a direct confrontation (“Hey, motor-mouth…give a rest will ya?”). Or direct but circumspect (“Holy smokes lady, we can hear you all the way up here.”)

In some instances you may not find it wise to risk any confrontation, however, you still need let the audience know that you know what’s happening or they’ll think that you’re completely ignorant. Instead of addressing the offender directly, you might say to the audience, “Is it just me, or is that really annoying?”

There are lots of unexpected things that can happen during your magic act, and your response can range from forceful to polite, but you need be prepared to respond.

What would you say if a baby started crying during your show?

What if your microphone began behaving erratically?

What if a cell-phone rings? Or during a walk-around set, someone begins texting a friend?

What if someone with a video camera begins to walk toward the stage?

In most cases, it will behoove you to issue your response quickly to nip it in the bud. Don’t wait until the situation becomes unbearable. Issue your remarks at the first sign of trouble.

Of course, you needn’t excoriate the person with the crying baby from the first waaah. But if you quickly issue a gentle humorous rebuke, the parent will know that you won’t tolerate a major disturbance, and the audience will feel more at ease, knowing that you’re prepared to take charge of the situation.

Since I’m a big advocate of scripting, it will come as no surprise that I recommend writing up a list of responses to probable scenarios, so that you’ll be prepared for the unplanned interruption. Don’t be a door-mat like the Chinese acrobats, practice being firm but fair, and you can avoid looking like a second-class act.