Discourse in Magic

Reza Borchardt, a leading illusionist from Branson, Missouri, shares his magical journey from a young enthusiast inspired by TV shows to a successful performer. He discusses the impact of mentorship in his career and how storytelling transforms grand illusions into captivating experiences. Reza delves into the intricacies of managing a performance team, the challenges of modern magic amidst evolving technology, and the blend of music with illusions that elevates his shows, creating unique and exhilarating moments for his audience.

Transform your magic career by distinguishing between the flashy allure of marketing and the powerhouse of sales. Join me as I unravel the myth that appearing on big shows like Fool Us or America’s Got Talent is the golden ticket to success. Instead, discover how the real breakthroughs lie in mastering sales tactics such as SEO, ads, and strategic cold emailing. This episode promises to equip you with actionable insights to effectively convert interest into bookings and sustain a thriving magic business in the digital age. Through engaging stories and real-world examples, I share how even magicians with impressive media exposure rely on fundamental sales strategies to keep their calendars full. Reflecting on the evolution of media influence, from the heyday of late-night TV to today’s digital platforms, the discussion reveals why honing your sales skills is crucial for long-term success. Whether you’re an up-and-coming magician or a seasoned performer, this episode offers a fresh perspective on prioritizing the right strategies to ensure consistent growth and recognition in the magic industry. Mentions https://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent https://www.cwtv.com/shows/penn-teller-fool-us/ The post Marketing vs. Sales appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

Magician and comedian Mike Hammer takes center stage, unveiling the secrets behind his 13-year run on the Las Vegas strip. From his humble beginnings with a simple magic kit in Chicago to captivating audiences in the entertainment capital of the world, Mike’s story is as magical as his performances. With humor and heart, he opens up about the challenges of transitioning from small gigs in restaurants and strip clubs to the bright lights of Vegas, revealing the persistence, networking, and a sprinkle of serendipity that got him there. Mike’s candid reflections on the art of blending comedy with magic can’t be missed! Crafting a standout act in Vegas requires more than just tricks; it demands a deep understanding of humor, audience engagement, and a strong stage persona. Mike shares his evolution from collaborating with a partner to performing solo, emphasizing the importance of scripting and developing material that resonates with diverse audiences. His advice for aspiring magicians is as enlightening as his performances: stay true to your style, but never stop refining your craft. Mike provides insights into the unique life of a Vegas performer. He contrasts the stability of a residency with the excitement of touring, highlighting the creative freedoms and logistical headaches that come with each. He offers a glimpse into the magic of performing in one location, where night after night, the show becomes a familiar yet ever-evolving spectacle. Whether you’re an aspiring magician, a fan of comedy, or simply curious about the life of a Las Vegas entertainer, Mike Hammer’s journey is sure to captivate and inspire! Building a Comedy Show in Vegas We discuss Mike’s early career challenges and successes of a magician breaking into the Las Vegas entertainment sceneMike landed a gig at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino, performing at an unusual time of 3 PM. The challenge of attracting audiences at this time led me to try street magic, a tough endeavor that demanded engaging the public one-on-one. Despite a slow start with small audiences, Mike sustained myself through corporate work and gradually built a larger audience over two years. Crafting Stand-Up Comedy Material  We explore Mike’s unique approach to blending comedy and magic by focusing on writing humor that stands independently of the tricks themselves. Mike shares his journey from relying on the humor inherent in magic tricks to crafting jokes that enhance the magic without depending on it. We discuss the importance of writing and how it transforms a performance, moving away from stock jokes to personalized material that aligns with my comedic character. Mike emphasizes the value of recording live shows to capture spontaneous humor, allowing me to refine and build upon these moments. Through anecdotes, I highlight the necessity of balancing improvisation with prepared material to ensure consistent audience engagement, regardless of their reactions. The Realities of Performing in Vegas This chapter explores the contrasting experiences of performing in a fixed location versus touring as a magician. I share my reflections on the idea of owning a magic lounge in Toronto and the allure of corporate gigs that offer a good balance between enjoyment and financial reward. The conversation shifts to the joys and challenges of having a residency in Las Vegas, including the benefits of stability and the opportunity to continually refine material. However, it also touches on the logistical headaches like technical issues, ticketing problems, and traffic delays affecting show timings. Despite these challenges, performing in one place allows for creative improvisation and a stable life. There’s also a nostalgic appreciation for touring, where audiences in different cities often provide unique, memorable experiences, highlighting the contrasting excitement of being a special event in a town compared to being one of many entertainment options in Vegas. Endless Chain Bernardo Sedlacek Mentions Instagram :officialhammer TikTok: @officialmikehammer Facebook: mikehammershow X:  officialhammer Website: https://mikehammershow.com/ The post Mike Hammer’s Vegas Adventure appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing your holiday bookings this year! Prepare to transform your magic business with our latest episode of Discourse in Magic, where Jonah Babins, guides you through the essential tactics to capitalize on the peak holiday season. Discover why October and early November are the golden months for gig inquiries, and learn how doubling your marketing efforts can yield incredible results. This isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter to ensure a phenomenal end to 2024. In this episode, we break down actionable strategies to boost your visibility and secure more gigs during the holiday rush. From ramping up your ad spend to proactive client outreach, you’ll gain insights into maximizing your opportunities when demand is at its highest. Don’t miss out on this crucial window—prepare now and let’s crush those business goals together. For personalized tips, feel free to reach out to me directly through email or social media. Tune in and make the most of this lucrative season! Maximize your client contacts Double your ad spend: Whatever it is that you were spending on ads, double it throughout September, October and November.  Contact all of your past clients: Everybody who has ever booked you in the past, send them a message!  Double your marketing efforts: If you’re running some sort of ads, double it. If you’re doing some sort of cold email, double it. If you’re DMing people on Instagram, double it. If you’re posting on LinkedIn, double it.  The post How to Prepare for December appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

Ben Train, a passionate advocate for magic and a returning guest, dives into the launch of the Campers Playing Cards. He shares the creative journey behind designing the deck, emphasizing its camping theme and practical features tailored for magicians. The discussion highlights the significance of custom decks at magic events, making them memorable gifts. Ben also introduces an innovative marking system and promotes engaging learning opportunities through a Zoom session, encouraging community support for their Kickstarter campaign.

Bruce Gold, a talented magician and comedian with a vibrant Hollywood career, shares his captivating journey from a childhood love of magic to the high-stakes world of entertainment. He discusses the harsh realities of early performance life, honing his unique blend of comedy and magic, and navigating challenges in the comedy club scene. Bruce reflects on the evolution of magic and the significance of originality, enhancing audience engagement, and the importance of intentionality in performance, providing valuable insights for aspiring entertainers.

Delve into the intriguing world of magic beyond corporate gigs. Discover why these seemingly glamorous events may not be the best choice for every performer. Learn about the unpredictability and high expectations of corporate shows. Explore alternative markets like restaurant residencies, wedding entertainment, and theater performances that can provide more consistent opportunities. Uncover how engaging with college crowds, house parties, and religious venues can unlock new avenues for success and creativity in your magic career.

Danny Orleans, a master magician with a rich career from children's theater to corporate stages, shares his transformative journey into trade show magic. He discusses key strategies for captivating audiences and securing high-profile bookings, influenced by mentors like Eugene Berger. Discover opportunities in this niche market and learn how technology can enhance lead capture. Orleans also tackles the evolving magic landscape amidst social media and the challenges of performing in high-stakes environments. A treasure trove of insights for aspiring magicians!

Discover how to turn your magic passion into paid gigs without leaving your day job. Learn the three pillars of success: building authority with strong visuals and testimonials, mastering sales techniques to convert inquiries, and generating leads through targeted outreach. Hear creative strategies for showcasing your skills—even if you're just starting out. Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to the scene, this guide offers essential tips to kickstart your magic career and secure your first bookings.

Join Chris Michael, a remarkable magician whose captivating performances light up corporate events. He shares the deeply personal impact of magic on his life, especially a touching bond with his mother. Chris emphasizes the power of storytelling in magic, illustrating how life experiences enhance performances. He offers practical insights on securing gigs, nurturing authentic audience connections, and understanding the business dynamics of magic. Dive into strategies for successful ticket sales and the importance of consistency in mastering the craft.