I've got a question for you: Can Close Up Magicians perform in a character persona, or should they always be themselves?

The Merchant of Magic always advises magicians to be themselves when they perform close up magic. However, what should you do if you play a character that is very different? Is it possible to convincingly adopt a fake persona when performing magic off the stage. Magic in a 'show' has a different dynamic to close up magic. A magic show is a controlled presentation, compared to walk-around close up magic. The walk around magician needs to create a personal relationship with the group they are performing for. Can that be successful whilst maintaining a fake character?

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below:

The Merchant of Magic Team are often asked questions about how to create a performing persona as a magician. Many magicians that have yet to perform their magic tricks to an audience worry about how to present themselves in an entertaining way.

Dominic Reyes has recorded a short video, in which he talks about how to present yourself in an authentic way, yet maintain a professional and entertaining persona as a magician:

4 Quick Tips on how to be yourself when you perform as a magician:

1) Most magicians, unless they have a specific character that dictates their performance, just need to be themselves. An energetic, happy, and enthusiastic version of yourself.

2) Try to avoid stock jokes and one liners, they usually come across as fake, unless they have been cleverly built into your presentation in a way that perfectly matches your personality.

3) Assume that the group of spectators already loves magic, and can't wait to see you perform. Appraoch with a sence of fun an excitment about the magic you are about to show them.

4) Remember that a close up magic presentation is really a conversation. Your smiles and eye contact are just as important as the magic trick you are showing. People want an interaction with someone they like, far more than the trick itself. Your personality needs to be authentic, so it feels genuine. It's very easy to spot a fake persona.