i finally recieved it!

[Alex Shusterman]

My new beautiful 30gb hardrive sony camcorder finally arrived so now i can record my shows and tricks. I attempted it today but found it soo difficult to come up to a stranger and ask them if they want to see something. The first person was this woman and she said "sure", then when i said its magic (i was going to perform the voodoo thing that criss angel did on his show with the doll), she said "get away from me with that black art".
The secnod person i came up to said no i dont want to see anything.
The third person turned out to be a magician (what are the odds right?). He told me i need more confidence (which completly shattered it.. instead of getting a HOW DID U DO THAT?? I got a i would have done it like this... and you need to be more confident.)

This is a lot harder then i thought!
Not to mention its cold in central park and handling cards isnt that comfterable...

Also, whoever reads this, for the voodoo trick i need a cream that makes you feel warmth. Something like bengay but without the smell. Any suggestions?

[Chris Clemmons]

Well I hope you didn't stop at the third person
Anyways maybe some KY warming gel/liquid/lotion etc... would do the job

[Kipp Sherry]

Alex,

I hope you didn't stop at the third person as well, and I hope you took the advice of the third person. Keep in mind that when doing street magic, not everyone will want to see it, or maybe they are just in a hurry and don't have time to see it right now. Respect that, don't force it on people who don't want it, and don't take it personally.

Words you should never say:
"Do you wanna see a trick?"
"And now for my next trick."

When you develop your patter, try to come up with something more conversational to get into your routine.

Here is an example of one I use. Sometimes I use a shrinking dime as an opening effect. I'll say something like: "I've discovered something really cool. I've discovered how to get the copper out of the center of our quarters, dimes and fifty cent pieces." That comment is usually odd enough that it gets peoples attention. Usually someone bites and says "How's that?" Then I reply with, "It's a lot easier than you might think. Here, let me show you. Hold out your hand." Now one person is involved and the others who were to shy to say anything are watching. The effect is so visually strong that I prove to them that I am a magician, and boom, I have an audience. Now I show them more.

I hope that helps. Keep up the confidence.

Until we appear again,
Kipp Sherry

[John Logan]

The first time I ever did street magic to a stranger, I did Stigmata. I did everthing perfectly and he just looked at me saying, "cool". He wasnt interested in it at all. I then performed to these 2 old ladies which loved it.

What Im trying to say is to try to find people that look like they like to be entertained. Dont just go up to a random person.

[Hayk Dilanyan]

Alex, I loved the fact that you were so Enthusiastic and the moment you got your camera you went out to Do some Magic. That says alot. The only way you can build up confidence, is just by going outside and doing it over and over, trying different lines and see what fits your character, but dont look for your character, have it find you. You will see when it happens.

Good luck and hope to see some footage from you,
Keep us posted.