I’m 36 and just wondering if I’m too old to get into magic? If not what sort of thing should I be practising, I would like to start up close street magic, misdirection card magic, that kind of thing. Not really sure where to start. Thank you – Craig
Hi Craig
Case in point. Paul Daniels was 39 when he got his big break. That gives you over 3 years of solid practice before it’s your turn… Plenty of time 🙂
Seriously though. Get out of your head about it.. Just learn great tricks one at a time and have fun..
So, If you agree with me that you are NOT too old to get into magic, You too main approaches:
1)You can Focus on easy self-working methods and presenting them in an entertaining way
2) Tackle sleight of hand that that is going to require a lot of work to master the mechanics ON TOP of presenting the tricks in an entertaining way.
Either way is fine.. or perhaps you will do a little of both… It doesn’t matter!
The ONLY important result is that you have some magic that you can perform well that other people find entertaining to watch. Being caught up on the methods you use, is like not seeming the wood for the trees.. Magicians perform magic, rather than techniques.
Personally, I’d pick a few self working tricks to begin with. Forget about learning sleight of hand for a few months and just master two or three tricks that are very easy to do. Pick up a Svengali deck, or a Cap and Coin Monte set. Perhaps go for something like off world. Easy methods to get you going.. Then a few months later, add in a technique. The Elmsley count perhaps…
If you prefer to start a course of sleight of hand right away, maybe go for a structured learning system. I’d start with the sleight of hand beginners course here: https://www.magicshop.co.uk/sleight-of-hand-for-beginners-dvd-training-course
Or if you want to just dip your toe in, this DVD: https://www.magicshop.co.uk/born-to-perform-card-magic-by-oz-pearlman
The truth is that magic is a wonderful hobby for any age group, There’s something for everyone and the young have no real advantage over the old when it comes to entertaining people. If you want to go for it.. Begin now!
Best wishes
Dominic Reyes
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I am 75, and started magic three years ago. My teacher said I was the fastest learning student he ever had, and advised me to attend a Master Class and McBride’s Magic and Mystery School.
I am having the time of my life.
Hi Craig,
No you are not, I didn’t pick up the RRTCM magic book till i was 48, I am 50 now and have just had my first paid gig for someones birthday party, and i have my first wedding in November. I just wish I started at 36 😉
I didn’t start doing card magic until I was 52. The inspiration was as a result of booking a magician for our Silver Wedding Anniversary party in 2010. I am now 62 and although I don’t perform professionally, I really enjoy doing tricks for family & friends. I also love the challenge of learning new sleights and tricks and find studying dvds and books, especially theory books, fascinating. A great hobby to keep the mind active at whatever level.
I was wondering the same thing. I’m 39 and chose writing as my thing at age 32. I wrote a romance suspense novel as well as a dozen comedy screenplays and truly thought I would be a big time writer/author by now. I know my stories are good and have taken down contests but can not for the life of me get an agent to read my work. I think I’m giving up. I just hate that I’m almost 40 when I’m once again deciding to go another route… this post was inspirational though. Thanks for the words to everyone on here.