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In every game or sport you play, there are rules in which you must follow. These rules govern what 
you do and how you do it. Magic is no different. Although it is not a game, their are rules of which we can say apply to proper performance and conduct.
The other day I was going through some old files and I came across a list I generated for myself years ago. I had long since forgotten about it but it was simply a list of things to remember as I perform. Many were simple things and common sense. However, seeing them on the paper made me realize that many of us forget simple rules that make us better performers.
I wanted to try and share some of them with you in hopes that it may help us all 20 remember just some of the many little things that can make the difference between an amateur and a pro.
1) Try not to turn your back to your audience: Not only is it bad stage movement, it also rude to your audience. Work on proper prop placement so as to prevent from having to do this. There are times when turning the back can work for dramatic effect etc. Just have a reason for doing so.
2) Don’t block your face: Many times I see performers who hold the props so that their face is hidden or blocked. Always remember that the magic is not about the prop but about YOU. Use the props and the apparatus to frame you.
3) Engage the audience with your eyes: Many performers get so caught up in the show and remembering what goes next, that they forget the audience is out there. Engage the audience with your eyes. Look at them and learn to scan the audience engaging people at various times. This makes you more personable.
4) Stop hiding: Simple stated, this means to not hide behind your tables or illusions or props. I have seen so many magicians stand behind tables too much. Try and work in front of the table or to the side of the table. This way they see YOU and it does not look as if you are hiding something.
5) Don’t fall in love with yourself: As magicians we can fall in love with a move or a trick so much that we will perform it even if we know that it is not right for the act or for the show. Learn when to take something out because it just is not the perfect fit.
6) Speak up and speak out: When you perform make sure you speak clearly and speak out towards your audience. Many magicians tend to speak too fast, talk downward towards their chest and do not project their voice as well as they should.
7) Greet your helpers: Always make sure you treat your helpers as if they were a guest in your own home. This means asking for their name, shaking their hand and giving them proper applause for ass isting you.
8) Never forget your audience: Always remember that to a magician, our audience is everything. Without our audience, we are all just lonely people on stage by ourselves. Remember your audience and make sure to thank them for being there.
9) Be prepared: Never assume anything. Always try and be as self-contained as you can be and learn to be ready for any situation that may come up. Proper preparation can save you many headaches.
10) Be a professional always: Being a professional means acting like one at all times and not just when the curtains open and stop when the curtains close.
There are certainly countless others but I will leave it at this for now. I hope to be able to expand on this list with future articles in the future. It is my hopes that some of these will help you to remember the little things th at mean so much to a better performance.
As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from
you.
**No part of this article may be copied or duplicated in part or full without prior written consent of the author.**
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Email Kyle at magic4u02@aol.com or visit his website here.