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Monty's Magic
 Fun family entertainment for magicians and wizards of all ages.
Monty’s magic wizards have hidden secrets all over this site. See how many you can find and enjoy.
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Secret Code FAQs

Performance Tips for Magicians


Stage entrance

Entering through curtains. Learned from live theater. If it is a problem have
someone page (move them for you) the curtains. The stage hand will usually be
happy to do this for you if asked. The second best way is to spike the curtains
with tape as mentioned but put the spike tape at arm level near the edge of
each of the curtains. Then simply grab the tape like a handle and pull the tape
and curtain aside to walk through. Some times it is dark back stage and you
cannot see the spike. In that case use glow tape or two clothes pins on the
curtains.

Give Them Their Money’s Worth


Don’t be a clock-watcher! There’s nothing less professional than a performer who continually checks his watch. I’ve seen magicians leave a gig exactly at the hour’s mark - amid trick!. Though you are working to the contract, your social skills will suffer and your call back rate will plummet!  

Keep your audience in suspense; never let them know what to expect. Unless it is absolutely necessary, never warn the spectator what to expect,e.g., "I shall now make this coin appear," or you will sound like a caricature of a bad magician. Besides, what if the trick flops? You will have no way to cover.

Listen to criticism. You probably won't like it, but it will be helpful.

Creating and Using an Audition Tape  


Get a tripod. “Documentary-style” shaky camera shots are comical at best and you will wind up looking like your Aunt Betsy filmed you as you performed for the birthday party. You will not impress a prospective employer that way.

If possible, get your audition tapes done professionally. The expense will be repaid when you get twice as many gigs with a good tape as you could have with a bad one.