L Writes: I’m currently struggling with creating a themed magic show from the drawers full of magic stuff I’ve collected through the years (some of which I’ve never even opened!) I know the theme I want, but not sure I have the tricks I need to achieve my aim.
We’ve all been there… overwhelmed by the sheer number of magic tricks we’ve accumulated over the years. Those drawers filled with unopened gaffs, forgotten props, and half-developed effects can be both a blessing and a curse. Building a magic collection is fun, but if you are looking at the effects you have selected with no overall goal or direction while still creating a themed magic show. You may be struggling because you are trying to solve the problem the wrong way around.
Building your working material from what you have acquired over the years works OK for a general close-up magician, jumping from effect to effect with no overall theme or flow other than the pacing of the effects. But for a themed professional show, you need to do the following BEFORE you decide which effects you will use.
1. Define the Message of Your Story
The best magic acts tell a story. The first step in creating a themed magic show is to define the core message or story you want to convey.
Ask yourself:
* What do I want the spectators to feel or understand by the end of my performance?
* Is there a good lesson, emotion, or idea I want to leave them with?
The message serves as the backbone of a themed magic show. It could be a tale of victory over adversity, a journey of discovery, or a moral lesson… Whatever you choose, the message should be clear and compelling.
Example: If your theme is about the power of imagination, your message could well be, “Imagination can turn the impossible into reality.”
2. Set the Theme and Situation
Keep your message central as you create the theme and situation of your themed magic show. The theme is the core concept that pulls everything together while the situation sets the scene for your performance.
Consider:
* What world or setting does your story take place in?
* What atmosphere do you want to create?
* How does this setting support the message?
Your theme could be anything from a magical trip through a distant planet to a fantasy dream where technology comes to life. The magic should naturally occur due to the situation, making what happens a seamless extension of the narrative.
Example: If the theme of the magic show is imagination, the situation might be a magical land where the limits between reality and unreality fuse, with amazing events unfolding.
3. Identify the Protagonist
Next, we need to decide who the protagonist of your show is. In magic, the protagonist can be the magician, the spectator, or an external force that you interact with. Setting the protagonist will significantly impact how your effects are presented and viewed by the audience.
Think about this:
* Are you the one creating the magic, or is it happening to you?
* Are you a wizard in control of mystical powers or an ordinary person encountering magical events?
Understanding the role of the protagonist helps you make a consistent narrative when creating a themed magic show. If something incredible is happening to you, the tricks should feel surprising and a little bit out of your control. If you are the cause of the magic, the tricks should showcase your skill and magical prowess.
Example: In creating an imagination-themed magic show, you could be a daydreamer who discovers that they can shape the world with only their thoughts, making you both the magic’s creator and protagonist.
4. Develop the Story Arc
With the message, theme, and protagonist set, it’s time to craft the story arc. A well-made story arc keeps your spectators engaged and interested in your performance. Your act should have a clear beginning, a middle, and a climactic end:
* Beginning: Introduce the situation and the protagonist. Set the stage for the magic to happen.
* Middle: This is where the bulk of your tricks should happen. Build tension, introduce challenges or surprises, and show how the magician deals with them.
* End: Bring the story to a satisfying finish. Solve any conflicts, reveal the final twist, and reinforce the message of your themed magic show.
Example: In this example, the beginning might involve the magician discovering their newfound power to control things. The middle could have increasingly complex and amazing examples of magic. The end would show the magician mastering this power and finding the true potential of their imagination.
5. Select Effects That Build the Story
With a clear story arc, you can dig into those boxes of stored magic tricks and select the effects that best go with your narrative. Look for effects that:
* Align with your theme: The magic needs to naturally fit into the world you’ve made. Stay away from tricks that feel out of place.
* Support the message: Choose magic tricks that help tell the story’s message or move the plot forward.
* Enhance the magician’s journey: The magic should reflect the magician’s story, whether it’s their growing confidence, their struggle against the odds, or their ultimate triumph.
Remember, not every trick you own will suit this particular act, and that’s okay. Focus on quality over quantity—each effect should have a purpose in your story.
Example: Creating a themed magic show with an imagination theme, effects that involve visual transformations, impossible predictions, or objects coming to life would be ideal. For instance, a routine where a blank picture suddenly fills with colour could represent the magician’s power of imagination.
Creating a themed magic show is about more than just stringing together a series of effects you already own. It’s about crafting a cohesive experience that captivates and resonates with your audience.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, refine, and adapt your themed magic show as you go. The magic is in the details, and with a strong foundation, you’ll be well on your way to creating a magic show that entertains and tells a powerful story.
I hope this helps you.
Dominic Reyes
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