4 Things I Learnt at a Magic Convention
It wasn't just magic tricks
Do you ever have way too much magic and not enough time to go through it all? That’s what I’m experiencing now more than normal after Sydney Magic Day, a book full of material, many DVDs and tricks to go through and devour. I’m not sure where I’ll find the time, but I’m motivated with a busy season of gigs coming up to incorporate them where possible!
This past Monday in Sydney, Australia the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 102 and Geniis Magical Society organised and hosted a one day convention called Sydney Magic Day.
The guest of honour was UK magician Chris Congreave and the day consisted of performances, lectures, short TED style talks, dealers room and an evening show to cap off a successful day. While the Sydney magic scene isn’t as large as the US, Canada or UK scene, we make up for it with some great magicians and great weather.
Rather than do a detailed recap of what happened, I’ll note down the things I found interesting or helpful in my magic journey which I hope will be of use to you too.
Personality Over Magic Tricks
The day started with close up magic performances where we were split into 4 rooms and each performer rotated between the rooms performing a short set.
One of the magicians that performed was Josh Staley, specialising in gambling style sleight of hand magic for his close up set. While performing his impressive set full of seconds, bottoms, centres and who knows what other techniques I didn’t catch, he messed up one of the reveals during a centre deal demonstration, producing another card, before continuing on to complete his set. During his lecture he noted that he intentionally messed up at some point during each set to make a point that audiences won’t remember those little mess ups if they’re enjoying your personality and your magic.
Josh has a very casual and comedic style that came across in his set. Perhaps you are similar, serious or downright goofy when you perform, whatever it is, as long as it results in your audience liking you or appreciating you then any screw ups will likely be overlooked or even better, forgotten.
I know that when I’ve messed up in the past, I have let it get to me, which resulted in a horrible set/show, but with more experience, I enjoy the jazz opportunities when I’ve found the wrong card or messed up bad, just to see how I get out of it. Having a carefree and fun personality has allowed me to explore this side of magic.
Don’t Trust Mental Notes
Chris Congreave gave a lecture that was jam packed with commercial and practical magic that I’m looking forward to adding to my sets.
Lectures can fly by with so many things taught that if you weren’t taking notes in a book or phone, you’d struggle to remember any of the effects to try out. I made sure to have my notepad out to record each effect taught and write down all the important points. Even though the lecture material was a mix of marketed effects or were taught in his book1 (which I bought and will review in due course), I think there is still merit in taking notes, especially in the subsequent talks which had no lecture notes.
Taking notes has also allowed me to revisit moments from each lecture and talk.
Do you take notes?
Be Open to All Types of Magic
There were a series of TED style talks after lunch, with each talk running about 20 minutes from a variety of magicians.
I currently specialise in close up and stand up magic for adults and found something interesting from all the speakers.
I’m currently trying to expand into the kids show market, so the talks from Jack Sharp about how he approaches his family shows were helpful. From trick selection to finding bits of business to add to the routine and the importance of bring original by writing your own script.
Peter Wood showed how one principle in Grandmother’s Necklace could be presented in two different ways for family shows, which I’ll be looking to incorporate into my own kids shows.
Harry Milas, who has a show in the pylon of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge2 spoke about how he came to get the show. The actual how wasn’t very important, but the journey to get to that point was filled with gold. I may never put on my own show, but his thoughts on captivating then surprising and failing forward was advice I can use in any space.
Dale Trueman shared his experience of how he created a character for a play set in the 1920s-30s. He did a deep dive into a routine he had never done before (the salt pour) and shared all the creative and technical challenges he faced. He then performed this and other effects in the evening while in character, which was such a contrast to his real personality and a treat.
Dale Trueman talking about Snowy McKenzie Busker Mark Watson gave a talk encouraging us to try out street performing, and how being able to perform in all sorts of weather conditions can make you a stronger performer. The importance of comedy lines as a busker was also highlighted.
Finally, Sean Taylor shared two new effects he created, ‘The Same But Different’ and ‘Poker Flash’. He spoke about the problem where two magicians release the same effect to the market they both independently created and how to approach and resolve that the right way. In his case he did so by contacting the other creator and talking through whether he was okay with Sean’s release or not, which he was as both presentations were different enough despite the same principle used. If he didn’t okay it, Sean would not have released his version.
After the Event Is Where the Real Magic Is
As much as I enjoyed the talks, lectures and evening stage show the most memorable moments where had in those pockets of downtime in-between.
I got to meet magicians I had seen or connected with in an online capacity. Sitting together and talking magic tricks, sharing gig stories and performance ideas were a highlight. My only regret as an introvert was that I wasn’t more prepared with material or questions, only thinking “that’s what I should have asked/said!” as I was driving home.
Be prepared and don’t be afraid to ask questions, share material and just perform!
Recharged and Rejuvenated Magically
It appears this type of event will be an annual foray, with this being the second one run after last years which I unfortunately missed, but I look forward to the next one.
I know that to most reading this, the magicians named are not recognisable, but in Australia they’re some of the best in our small community. And I’ve got a renewed sense of motivation in my own magic after having been to this day event.
Support those magicians in your own community by going to their shows, attending any convention events or just meet up in general to chat and jam magic.
What do you look forward to at conventions and events?
Thanks for sharing this post David! The cool thing about the magic community is whether we are across the ocean or across the street from one another, we are one big happy worldwide family. By the way, hello from the USA in the state of Georgia. I’m happy to be one of your readers! I look forward to your future posts