3 Tips from a Magician on TV
When I’ve shared my magic on television before it’s always exciting and frankly a bit nerve-racking. More people will see a single T.V. appearance as a professional magician than a decade’s worth of live performances to packed houses.
So it’s important to choose magic that I’m completely confident in.
While sometimes I’ll rescript a performance piece to better match the television show I’m appearing on, the magic I’ll perform is something that’s been honed over hundreds of performances. Whether you’re a magician, musician, or a brand ambassador, I’ve put together 3 tips that have been useful to me as a magician on television.
I’ve found it very important when performing magic on television to remind myself of three things before going live:
Breath. Over my years of studying theatre and film at NYU I had many professors who focussed on breath more than anything else. I could count on heading into a room, full of other students all dressed in our required black clothes, knowing that breath would come up. And as much as that study has influenced my performances, it never seems to be enough to be fully engrained. A reminder to breath (I’ve tried many techniques but I find simple slow breaths best for me) can mean starting off the segment smoothly.
Rehearse. (A Lot). Rehearsal is always part of my process as a professional magician. But, with the added stakes of live television, rehearsal becomes all the more necessary. I’ve learned to love rehearsal and I find the repetition of the same actions over and over to be a great way to work. But, it’s important to not get bogged down in just the sleight of hand. Rehearsing the script, body language, and having a few banter points prepared all are part of my rehearsal process depending on the live performance and the context of the show.
Prepare for More. Especially on live television anything can happen and that includes the host asking to see one more! Having an extra magic trick or illusion in my pocket ready to go keeps me prepared for that moment. Even more importantly perhaps it gives me the confidence I need to not be worried about “what if they ask to see more?” Think through all of the directions the segment may go and be prepared for all of them.
While it’s important to breath, rehearse, and prep for the unexpected, it’s also important to go with the flow of the show. The segment may go in a direction you didn't expect. It’s ok, don’t let that phase you. Use your preparation as solid ground so you can improvise.
If you’re appearing to promote something, remember all the details of the date and time! I’ve appeared on T.V. to promote corporate events and gala fundraisers I’m performing at.
On set at HLN minutes before performing sleight of hand for hundreds of thousands viewers.
Alexander Boyce is a sleight of hand artist and magician whose performances have been seen in The Magic Castle, The McKittrick Hotel, The Rainbow Room, Lincoln Center and many private corporate events around the world. He’s performed at company holiday parties, meetings, and theatrical shows in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Brooklyn, Long Island, and all over the United States.