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

May 17, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a professional magician requires a great amount of skill, talent, and practice. Working on perfecting their craft, magicians must create illusions and routines that will captivate audiences. In order to do this, they must have the ability to think critically and come up with creative solutions to problems.

they need to study the art of misdirection and learn the science of how to create tricks that will leave an audience mesmerized. Finally, they need to have the confidence to perform in front of a large crowd and ensure their show will be entertaining. With the combination of all these elements, professional magicians are able to provide awe-inspiring performances that will leave audiences wanting more.

Steps How to Become

Learn the Basics. Before you can become a professional magician, you must first learn the basic principles of magic. This includes familiarizing yourself with different types of illusions, sleight of hand, misdirection, and other techniques used in the craft.
Practice. As with any skill, practice is key to becoming a professional magician. Practice your existing skills and develop new ones by studying books, online tutorials, and attending workshops.
Create Your Act. Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you can begin to create your own act. Start by selecting a few simple tricks and then build upon them. Consider the timing, presentation, and audience engagement of each trick in order to create an entertaining and memorable performance.
Get Noticed. Once your act is perfected, youll need to get noticed. Join local magic clubs and organizations, and network with other magicians. Look for opportunities to perform in front of an audience and build up a reputation for yourself.
Market Yourself. Once you start to build a name for yourself, you can start to market your services. Consider creating business cards and/or a website. Advertise your services on social media and look for opportunities to perform at private events.
Stay Up To Date. The world of magic is constantly evolving. Stay up to date by reading books, magazines, and blogs about magic, attending conventions, and networking with other magicians.

Staying updated and capable as a professional Magician requires dedication and hard work. Consistent practice, researching new techniques, and attending conventions and seminars are all necessary steps to improve one's skills. By practicing regularly, a magician can develop their skillset and stay up to date with the latest trends in magic.

Researching new techniques can also help one to broaden their repertoire and explore different methods of performing tricks and illusions. attending conventions and seminars allows magicians to meet and learn from experienced professionals in the field, as well as gain insight into the newest tricks and methods being used around the world. By taking these steps, a professional Magician can stay up to date and capable of performing the best tricks and illusions.

You may want to check Childrens Magician, Escape Room Entertainer, and Mind Reader for alternative.

Job Description

Event and Party Entertainer: Perform magic shows at birthday parties, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, and other special occasions.
Street Magician: Perform for people on the street, in parks, and at other public locations.
Close-up Magician: Perform close-up magic for small groups in a private setting, such as a restaurant or home.
Illusionist: Perform large-scale illusions for larger audiences in a show setting.
Mentalist: Perform mind-reading and other psychological tricks to entertain and amaze audiences.
Magic Educator: Teach magic classes or workshops to those who wish to learn the craft.
Magic Consultant: Provide advice to magicians who are looking to improve their skills.
Magic Creator: Develop and create new magic tricks and illusions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Perform a variety of magical tricks and illusions
Follow directions accurately
Maintain a professional attitude and appearance
Interact with and entertain audiences
Maintain a high level of energy and enthusiasm
Work independently and as part of a team
Perform under pressure
Use a wide range of props and equipment
Be creative and come up with new ideas
Adapt to changing situations quickly
Have good organizational skills
Have excellent communication skills
Possess strong problem-solving skills
Have a good understanding of the principles of magic
Have an up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends in magic

Being a successful professional magician requires a unique combination of skills, including creativity, showmanship, public speaking, and sleight of hand. Creativity is vital for conjuring up unique and memorable tricks that will amaze and entertain an audience. Showmanship is essential for captivating the attention of the audience and maintaining an engaging performance.

Public speaking skills help magicians engage with their audience and build a connection with them. Finally, sleight of hand is a key component of any magicians act, allowing them to perform seemingly impossible tricks with speed and precision. These skills each play an important role in creating a successful professional magician, as they are all necessary for producing an unforgettable performance.

Pickpocket Performer, Stage Magician, and Parlor Magician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How did you get into magic?
What kind of magic do you specialize in?
Tell us about your most memorable performance and why it stands out?
How do you handle audience members who are disruptive or resistant to the show?
What is the most difficult trick you have ever performed?
How do you handle potential liability issues during your shows?
Are there any special requirements you need to be aware of when performing in different venues?
Describe your approach to developing and rehearsing routines for a show.
How do you respond when the audience doesnt react to one of your tricks?
Do you have any experience with marketing and promotion?

Common Tools in Industry

Magic Tricks. Short illusions used to entertain audiences (eg: card tricks).
Props. Special items used to supplement magic tricks (eg: a wand).
Performance Skills. Abilities to interact with the audience and engage them in the performance (eg: audience participation).
Stagecraft. Knowledge of how to design a stage to maximize the audiences experience (eg: lighting).
Public Speaking. Ability to speak in front of an audience confidently and professionally (eg: speaking clearly and concisely).
Marketing. Strategies to promote the performer and the show (eg: creating a website).
Technical Skills. Knowledge of how to use sound, video, and other special effects (eg: operating sound equipment).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)
Society of American Magicians (SAM)
The Magic Circle
The Fellowship of Christian Magicians International
The International Magicians Society
The World Magic Seminar
The Magic Castle
The World Magic Awards
The International Federation of Magical Arts
Magician's Alliance of Eastern States (MAES)

We also have Card Trick Magician, Balloon Artist, and Rope Walker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Sleight of Hand. A technique used by magicians to manipulate objects, such as cards and coins, in a manner that appears to defy the laws of physics.
Illusion. Magic tricks that involve the manipulation of light, sound, and other elements to create an illusion that appears to defy the laws of nature.
Escapology. A type of magic trick involving escaping from a seemingly inescapable situation, such as being bound and locked in a box or being submerged underwater.
Close-Up Magic. Magic performed while close to an audience, often done with cards and coins.
Street Magic. Magic performed in public places, often involving the use of everyday objects and props.
Mentalism. A type of magic trick which involves the use of psychology, suggestion, and misdirection to perform seemingly impossible feats.
Stage Magic. Magic performed on a stage, often using large props and illusions.
Levitation. An illusion in which an object appears to be suspended in midair without any physical support.
Cardistry. A type of magic involving the manipulation of playing cards to create visually interesting patterns or displays.
Conjuring. The art of creating illusions with objects such as coins, cards, and other props.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a professional magician?

A professional magician is an entertainer who performs magic tricks, illusions and other feats of skill for an audience.

What skills are necessary to be a professional magician?

Professional magicians need to possess strong performing and showmanship skills, as well as sleight of hand and dexterity. Additionally, a professional magician must understand the principles of misdirection and be able to engage with an audience.

How much does a professional magician earn?

Professional magicians typically charge per performance, with fees ranging from $200 to $10,000 depending on the gig.

What organizations are available to professional magicians?

Professional magicians can join organizations such as the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians to network, learn from other professionals, and gain access to resources.

What awards are available to professional magicians?

The International Magic Award is an annual award given to magicians who have made significant contributions to the art of magic. The Society of American Magicians also bestows the Masters Fellowship Award to recognize members who have excelled in their craft.

Web Resources

(DOC) A quality professional magician | Magicman A K Shah www.academia.edu
How to become a professional magician. - library.villanova.edu library.villanova.edu
WATCH: Penn State IT specialist doubles as professional www.collegian.psu.edu