Master Your Magic

Recently I asked the members if they had any ideas for improvements in the membership area.  I received tons of replies and I’d like to thank everyone for their great ideas. Here’s one reply from a member, Jean, who had a wonderful idea. “You may want to explain how magic tricks can help the community.  On TV last week they had a girl doing magic tricks in the hospital to try to help patients feel better about recovering.”

David Blaine visits a Children's Hospital - Christmas 2008

Jean definitely hit the nail on the head with that one. Magic is really one of those rare things that can be used for such good without a lot of effort. My problems are usually pretty small, but to this day I forget all of them when I watch a great magic show. Even if I know how they’re done! It’s even better for children. To them, magic is still real. It’s mystifying and it makes their imagination work overtime, which is a lesson often missing in schools these days. If you need a little more incentive, think about this. For those of you in Middle or High School, it’s impossible to ignore how great community service looks on a college application. It only takes a couple hours once a week to visit your local children’s hospital and perform a quick magic show for them. Trust me, the benefits you will reap go far beyond your college applications.

I also know a lot of you are thinking about the best way to move from performing magic as a hobby to performing magic as a career. Performing at a children’s hospital is a great free way to make some friends, get experience, and get your name out! Take some business cards, and casually hand one out when a staff member or parent lets you know how great they thought your show was. Now I hope it goes without saying, but of course you want to be subtle. You definitely don’t want to look like the only reason you are there is business. Do that, and your act will have a completely opposite effect!

Remember, children’s hospitals are not the only place you can go. Community centers and church groups are also great places to give back. Just make sure you call ahead, and check with the supervisor to make sure it’s okay for you to come, and set a time. You’ll be surprised how excited everyone is when you get there!