Performing Street Magic

Although fairly new as a performance art, street magic is probably the hottest form of magic, thanks in part to performers like David Blaine and Criss Angel who popularized the genre on TV. There are currently a wide array of magicians making a living or subsidizing their income performing and busking on the streets. The magic tricks performed by street magic performers are generally simple tricks, but tricks that are geared to entertain an audience.

What Do I Perform?

Probably the most common effect is the Cups and Balls. This magic classic has been supersized by current buskers, who use oranges, lemons, and even mellons. The color and size of these objects make them ideal for the Cups and Balls. Street Magic legend, Gazzo, makes small balls vanish, and they are replaced by large fruits, and finally a mellon. The audience reaction is one of amazement.

Another favorite is rope tricks such as the Professors Nightmare. Again, these type of effects are very visual and easily seen by everyone in the crowd. Professors Nightmare can be customized in any number of ways to make the performance individual to the performer.

Card Tricks are not commonly used, as it's so hard to see them from a distance. Some performers use greatly oversized playing cards and perform monte type effects. Card Tricks are not out of the question, especially if you perform for small, intimate crowds. Check with local and internet magic shops, and asks if they sell stage sized card magic effects.

The classic Linking Rings are still popular with magicians, again, because they are easily seen. You don't see the linking rings performed as much as you did ten or twenty years ago, as the public seems to have 'figured it out', so to speak, and makes the performace more challenging. Keep in mind that virtually ANY magic effect, regardless of it's age or popularity, works great with the right patter and pinache.

Torn and Restored Newspaper effects are another great effect. There are many different versions, and with the proper patter, they are a very successful magic effect for street magic performers. Torn and Restored newspapers are the type of effect that will make someone want to stop and watch, which is what it's all about.. right? They see you tear up the newspaper and their curiosity is peaked. They want to see where you're going from there...

Remember, visual effects are a necessity. If the audience can't clearly see the magician and the effects , they're going to move on. Visit an online magic store that features video performances of their effects and put yourself in the audience's position.

Google "learning magic tricks" or "street magic" to find free resources. There are many websites devoted to helping beginner and intermediate level performers. Take advantage of the skill and experience others have to offer.

Although I'm not suggesting you should 'steal' from other magicians, it is a good idea to watch several other street magic performers as they perform to see what effects get the best response from the audience. Then, you can take similar effects and make them your own. Add your own humor to go with your performance and you should be good to go.

A rule of thumb is three to five effects totaling no more than fifteen minutes at the most. Longer than that and you'll lose your audience. Getting the audience to the end of your presentation and getting their cash in your hat has to be the goal. Yes, you should enjoy what you do and get personal satisfaction from performing street magic, but if you're serious about making REAL money, concentrate on 'closing the deal'.

Remember that some towns and cities have regulations governing street performers, and if you are going to perform in a public area you might need to either secure permission and/or get a permit. If you choose to work a fair or festival, you most surely will have to have permission, as they restrict the total number of street performers to give those performing the opportunity to earn the maximum amount of money.

Good luck, and be sure to take our poll at the end of the Hub.