Theory & Thoughts for Magicians

Ideas and inspiration to grow as a magician. Each episode will give you something to think about for improving your performances, creativity, and audience engagement. Presented by magic creator, author, and lecturer Ryan Pilling.

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Episodes

Is Self-Working Magic Working For You?

Ryan digs in to one of the biggest lies magicians tell... themselves. A critical look at the prominence of self-working tricks in the magic industry, and whether it might be a short-term gain for a long-term loss. Don't be a stout Uncle George!

Dec 05, 2023•26 min

Take My Advice

Some magicians keep their distance from the magic community because of bad advice. Be it unwelcome, unwarranted, or unfounded there seems to be no shortage of shaky advice being thrown around. In this episode Ryan looks at the wisdom of advice, how it comes to be, and how it gets passed along. It's not all bad, though. There is a more productive way to work together and offer guidance.

Jun 26, 2023•20 min

Hooks, Lines, and Thinkers

Through every moment of a routine your audience's interest is rising and falling. If it drains away, you're in trouble. Are you maintaining interest, attention, and creating a desire to see what happens next?

Dec 15, 2022•16 min

Magic Is Crumbling

Max Maven was a giant in magic, whose long shadow kept many in line. So, where does that leave us now?

Nov 08, 2022•13 min

Hooked On Classics

In 1954 the Magic Circle presented the Hoffmann Memorial Lecture by Charles Harrison on "The Qualities of a Classical Feat of Magic." In it he suggests eight common features of a trick which make it a "classic." Not everyone is on the same page. In his introduction to "Magic By Misdirection" Dariel Fitzkee makes the opposite argument; that no trick is, in itself, "great." In this episode Ryan Pilling takes a look at both sides, and asks why any particular trick does or does not become immortaliz...

May 31, 2022•23 min

Weakness Is Strength

A look at your personal style as a performer, as defined by your strengths, weakness, and limitations. Magicians generally tend to be all happy-go-lucky razzle-dazzle, but being yourself means bringing both the best and worst of yourself to the stage. Suggestions for further watching and listening: If you'd like to hear my favourite musical artist, John Hartford I recommend starting with his album "Aereo-Plain." https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2sh1eP4JA_O-HkoIOrRiiGJTzjPd4W-l Alan Watts ...

Apr 23, 2022•19 min

Setting The Stage

The success of your magic show hinges upon your audience being ready to receive it. I have a four phase process I use to develop a relationship with my audience, maintain a positive mood, and roll out the red carpet for a magical evening.

Apr 05, 2022•19 min

Creating Chaos

Magicians strive to control every detail of a performance, yet the more you control, the weaker the magic becomes. What happens when you let more chaos into your presentations? How can you make your process feel more random?

Mar 21, 2022•21 min

Do You Believe In Magic?

In this episode we dig into what your magician character believes they are actually doing when they present magic. What is really happening to cause the magic effect? What does it mean when they snap their fingers? Understanding the source of your power will clarify your presentation, fill out your character, and make your show more interesting. Ryan explains the "Spectrum of Magicality," an indication of how much your character does, or does not, believe in magic. WIZARD - Knows magic, and know...

Mar 08, 2022•17 min

Sum of Your Choices

Theory and Thoughts for Magicians will be a series of focused topic discussions about improving your magic performances. In this inaugural episode Ryan introduces a foundational belief in what it takes to become a unique, artistic magician. Why it's important to choose your own adventure in the magic world. The missing ingredient to the common advice; "be yourself."

Mar 02, 2022•12 min

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