How to Be Magician Performer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 22, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A magician performer can create a unique and captivating show for their audience. This can be done through a combination of illusion and entertainment, utilizing various props and skills to create a memorable experience. By utilizing their creative presence, the magician can captivate audiences with their sleight of hand and illusions.

Through their showmanship and engaging acts, the magician can leave an unforgettable impression on the audience. by using various types of props such as cards, coins, and other objects, the magician can further enhance the show and create an atmosphere of amazement for the audience. the magician performer's ability to captivate an audience with their skillful techniques is sure to leave a lasting impact.

Steps How to Become

Research the different types of magic and decide what type of magician you would like to be. There are a variety of types of magicians, such as close-up magicians, stage magicians, childrens magicians, and mentalists.
Learn the basics of magic. Start by reading books about magic. You may also want to find a local magic club to join or take a class from a community college or professional magician.
Practice your magic tricks and effects until you have them mastered. Do not try to take on too many tricks at once; focus on learning just a few of them until you can perform them perfectly.
Develop your own style of performance. Think about how you want to present yourself as a magician do you want to be funny, mysterious, or something else?
Create your own promotional materials, such as business cards and flyers, to advertise your services. You may also want to create an online presence, such as a website or social media accounts.
Begin performing at small events, such as birthday parties or school events, to gain experience and build a customer base.
As your skills improve, start booking larger shows at venues such as theaters or corporate events.

Magicians who wish to become competent and ideal performers must take the time to practice and perfect their craft. Dedication to perfecting the art of magic is essential in order to be successful. Having a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of magic and the ability to adapt and innovate are key components of becoming a great magician.

Developing effective showmanship, honing personal skills, and continually learning new tricks are also essential steps for aspiring magicians. With consistent practice and dedication, magicians can learn the nuances of their craft and become a top-notch performer.

You may want to check Comedic Performer, Ventriloquist Performer, and Storytelling Performer for alternative.

Job Description

Design and perform magic shows for audiences of all ages
Create innovative and original magic routines to entertain audiences
Prepare props and materials for use in magic performances
Manage and coordinate show logistics
Promote shows to potential audience members
Train assistants in the performance of various tricks
Research new magic techniques and incorporate them into performances
Interact with audience members before and after performances
Update and maintain a website to promote the business
Sell merchandise to audience members at the end of the show

Skills and Competencies to Have

Showmanship - ability to engage and entertain an audience
Creativity - coming up with new ideas and illusions
Dexterity - skillful manipulation of objects
Acting - ability to create a character and perform with conviction
Sleight of hand - quick and precise movements with the hands
Memorization - ability to remember complex routines and lines
Misdirection - ability to distract and draw attention away from important events
Communication skills - ability to speak clearly and effectively
Technical proficiency - knowledge of equipment and tools used in the performance
Problem solving - ability to troubleshoot any issues that arise during the performance

In order to be a successful magician performer, there are several important skills that must be cultivated. Developing a strong stage presence is essential; the ability to captivate an audience and create an atmosphere of mystery and wonder is key. Equally important is the ability to think on one's feet and improvise; if a trick goes wrong or the audience does not react as expected, it is crucial to be able to find a way to effectively save the trick.

In addition, having a deep understanding of magic history and theory is necessary in order to come up with creative and original tricks. Finally, practice makes perfect; regular practice is essential in order to perfect each trick and keep them fresh in the mind. All of these skills are essential for any magician performer wanting to become successful.

Voice Performer, Dance Performer, and Stage Performer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Magician?
What is the most creative/innovative magic/illusion trick you have ever performed?
How would you describe your style of performing magic?
What kind of preparation is necessary for a successful magic performance?
How do you ensure that your magic presentations are age appropriate?
How do you handle difficult audience members during performances?
What techniques do you use to engage the audience?
What challenges have you faced during your magical performances?
How do you develop new tricks and stunts for your performances?
How do you ensure that your performances remain exciting and entertaining?

Common Tools in Industry

Magic Wand. A wand used to perform magical tricks and illusions. (eg: The magician waved his magic wand to make a rabbit appear. )
Magic Hat. A hat in which a magician can make objects appear or disappear. (eg: The magician pulled a rabbit out of his magic hat. )
Cards. A deck of cards used for card tricks and illusions. (eg: The magician shuffled the cards and performed a card trick. )
Props. Objects and items used to enhance the presentation of a magic trick. (eg: The magician used a top hat and a flower to create a magical illusion. )
Illusions. Tricks and gimmicks used to create the illusion of something impossible happening. (eg: The magician made the table levitate in an amazing illusion. )

Professional Organizations to Know

International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)
Society of American Magicians (SAM)
Fellowship of Christian Magicians (FCM)
Academy of Magical Arts (AMA)
Magic Castle
The Magic Circle
The Conjuror's Guild
Magicians Alliance of Eastern States (MAES)
International Association of Illusionists (IAI)
International Magicians Society (IMS)

We also have Variety Performer, Juggling Performer, and Stilt Walker Performer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Prestidigitation. The art or practice of performing magic tricks with the hands.
Illusion. An effect created by misdirection that deceives the audience.
Escapology. The art of escaping from restraints or other traps.
Misdirection. A technique used in magic tricks to direct the audiences attention away from what is actually taking place.
Sleight of hand. The deceptive use of hand movement in order to perform a magic trick.
Conjuring. The performance of a magic trick using sleight of hand or misdirection.
Mentalism. The art of performing mental feats such as telepathy or clairvoyance for an audience.
Ventriloquism. A form of entertainment in which a performer speaks in a voice that is not their own.
Showmanship. The art of staging an entertaining performance.
Audience participation. When audience members are actively involved in the performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of magic tricks does a magician performer typically do?

A magician performer typically performs tricks that involve sleight of hand, illusions, card and coin tricks, mentalism, and other forms of magic.

What skills are required to be a successful magician performer?

To be a successful magician performer, one must have quick reflexes, good showmanship, the ability to read an audience, and a deep knowledge of different kinds of magic tricks and illusions.

How much does a magician performer usually charge for a performance?

This can vary depending on the performer and the length of the performance. Generally, prices range from $100 to $1000 or more for a single show.

How long does a typical magician performance last?

Most magician performances last from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

Are there any safety precautions that must be taken when performing magic?

Yes, safety is always a priority when performing magic. Magicians must take precautions to ensure that their props and tricks are safe for both themselves and their audience. They should also be aware of any potential hazards posed by their environment.