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Learn by Watching
A Visit to an Amazing Magic Show
Well, I don’t know about you, but my best “learning for choosing and gathering…this is a talent that comes
material” comes from observation! I try to catch with experience. As you know, sometimes pushing
magic shows anytime I can since I delve into small our audience members to “volunteer” can sometimes
magic. I know many of you are magicians, big and backfire. Super nervous audience members can
small, so my suggestion is to catch this show if you sometimes throw the show, but Mr. Reed seemed to
get a chance to travel to mid Missouri. Some of you have this in his “pocket.” He continually asked one
drive right through here, it’s so worth the stop! I was nervous member if she was okay and made some
so happy to find my favorite magic show right in light jokes to make her feel more comfortable. Here
my own hometown of Lake of the Ozarks, are some great educational things I learned or at least
Osage Beach. renewed for future performances from this fabulous
show:
Taylor Reed at the Main Street Music
Hall Theater was simply MAGIC! His 1. Don’t forget music and lighting that adds drama,
family friendly show fit right into the fun and color to your show
genre of what most of us do, but of
course, he does BIG magic. His energy, 2. Make your program filled with variety, Taylor Reed
easy flow and comfortable family included audience participation, children, dance,
atmosphere was wonderful. Mr. Reed can music, fabulous magic, video snippets and so much
stand up to and bypass every big magic I more. It reminded me that we need to keep reaching
have encountered. I totally purchased a standing for professionalism…something that makes us stand
rope and some other small tricks at intermission. I
loved that he used some of our traditional “clown” out from the pack.
tricks and small magic fun in between his amazing
large feats including making a huge motorcycle and 3. Check out these types of shows for
pretty girl appear from nowhere. Of course it helps additional ideas for your program, I love
that I know some of the cast as he hired some local the small magic he showed us. He did
talent here, so that made it even more special. show us the “disappearing” water trick
with magician’s powder. I use this stuff
Reed was a contestant on America’s Got Talent and at every magic walk around I do.
his video snips of great appearances added to the
magic of the show. He was a Branson icon for years 4. Be a storyteller, it adds so much to
and traveled the world with his shows. There were your show. He was a master at this.
a couple of things that really stood out to me as a
fellow entertainer. This magician included audience 5. Make sure you practice. Magic isn’t always
interaction with every step. I noticed he had an eye easy… practice in a mirror to make sure that you
are palming correctly. Items shouldn’t be visible to
10 MAGAZINE your audience unless you want them to be. I loved
that he showed his audience and the kids how to do
small magic.
I never thought I would be interested in magic until
just a couple of years ago when our very own Mark
Miller started showing me things. If you want to
incorporate small magic to your shows and talents,
make sure you check out some great shows. These
programs are the best “teachers” and can help you
expand your talents in a well-loved genre. A special
shout out to Taylor Reed and the cast in Osage Beach,
Missouri at the Main Street Music Hall Theater for my
favorite new magic show.
