tip 7 preparation for shows

I have a show tomorrow so i thought that i would share a little bit of how i prepare for a show. The preparation consists of three basic steps. Number one is planning, number two is organizing, and number three is practicing/rehersing. So for step one, planning, i typically start by thinking about the crowd i will be performing for and then the kinds of tricks that i have that will suit that audience. I then catagorize them into openers middle and closers. I then narrow it down to one opener, one closer, and around 12-14 middle tricks depending on the length of the tricks and the length of the show. Once all of that is settled i move on to step number two. For step number two it is rather a simple yet everchanging method. I typically start off by thinking of how i should start my show. With the trick in my hand or produce the trick or just introduce it from a case or something of that sort. I then figure out where i am going to place my magic while i am on the stage. i place 3-4 tricks in my close up case that i talked about in a recent post on this site. Any that fit into my pockets i place in there and the rest i place on tables behind me. My setup for a show normally consists of my close up case on one table me doing magic on one table and my magic on a long table behind me. Finally step number three practicing. This is a very important part of preparation for a show. I will sometimes spend three months planning for one show and two of those months i am practicing. I practice by getting my tricks out and just going at them. Once i feel comfortable with all of my tricks i call in some family members (the most honest critics) and perform my show for them. If they say to change something then i think about what they said and see if they were right. Performing the show for my family helps me to make sure everything goes smothely when i get up on stage and only have one shot at nailing all of my tricks. You will also feel much more confident going into a show if you have performed that same show several times before the actual performance. These steps are the best way for me to prepare but you might find a better way for you to prepare. Preparation can take up to months or just a few days depending on when you are notified of the show. I have gotten a call less than 24 hours before a childs birthday party and yet i put my mind to it and it was one of if not the best show i have ever performed. No matter what remember that the show will never go completely as planned but that is part of the job. Magicians are trained through performances to think on their feet and be quick to resolve problems so just be patient and the skills will come in time.