Philosophy
While every magician should be entertaining, at a fundamental level they must also deliver on their implicit promise as a magician to do something that defies logic. Amusing props, jokes and stories are all fine, but what makes a magic show unique is its ability to deliver the impossible. Failure to do so is a discredit to the Art.
Most audiences are smart and rarely take a passive role when watching a magician. They enter into the performance with the suspicion that props are gimmicked and secret devices are hidden in the sleeves. Historically, the most effective magicians are the ones that took those suspicions head-on, allowing their props to be examined, performing with their sleeves rolled up, taking any number of infinite pains in order to placate the masses. Only if the audience is convinced the items used are legitimate can the subsequent effect be deemed impossible. Yes, it’s more work to do these things, but the audience cannot have their sense of wonder released if their skepticism is anchoring them to the ground.
As a general rule, people expect a magician to conduct demonstrations with many things, just as you would expect a professional juggler to do more than toss and catch little bean bags. The audience prefers variety and texture to a performance, so it is best not to overburden them with a multitude of demonstrations with the same prop–such as playing cards–unless specifically contracted for just such a speciality.
Media plays a large role in how the public perceives magic. TV and film have brought us a long established history of bumbling magicians, often performing only days (or sometimes minutes) after having bought magic props from some happy-to-oblige dealer. Is it any wonder that people often give credit to the apparatus and not the magician? Yet this sad mentality becomes an aid to the resourceful magician who perform using ordinary and borrowed objects. I can think of a no more effective tool than this to immediately separate quality magicians from their mechanically-dependent counterparts.
The title “Magician” is a bit of a misnomer, as more correctly they should be known as Illusionists, for they create the illusion of magic in the minds of their spectators. Much like the unheard tree falling in the forrest, without the spectator to interpret the performance, nothing magical can be observed. The audience should be treated as close friends and allies, for indeed they are the linch pin upon which resides the performer’s success.
What Others Have Said:
- Icon Recovery Corp Says:
- East Central Veterinarians Say:
- Dave Surine Says:
- Dennis Anderson Says:
- Accenture Says:
- Susan Brust Says:
- Laservision Says:
- Initiate Consulting Says:
- Administaff Inc. Says:
- Winner’s Edge Says:
- Wolf Tax Advisory Group Inc. Says:
- Security State Bank Says:
- John T. Wetzel, Ph.D. Says:
- AT Group Says:
- Maximum Potential Says:
- Brandt and Rachelle say:
- Mark O. says:
- CHS Inc. Says:
- Vision Share Says:
The show was a very big hit, my business partner is still talking about it. I asked my wife what she thought and she said she expected to have fun but she didn’t count on being blown away! I kept hearing the following quote “ how the hell did he get those damn cards into his pocket with me staring right at him!!”
Charles Severson, CEO
Icon Recovery Corp
Tyler did a great job…My staff was still buzzing days afterwards, wondering how he did what he did! I was so satisfied with his performance, I hired him for a private party at my home.
Kurt Thompson Area Manager – Minneapolis & Kansas City Administaff Inc.
He was easy to work with and a true professional. I would recommend Tyler for any event, and am looking forward to the next time we can have him back!
Tyler’s wit and interaction with his audience complements his talent as a magician. His superb sleight-of-hand amazed even the most skeptical guests. The stage show had our staff completely mystified. Tyler’s magic isn’t just a performance, it’s a First Class Show! We couldn’t be more pleased.
Tyler, thank you SO much for all that you contributed to our MOCA (Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance). Know that you amazed and fascinated many people last weekend!
John T. Wetzel, Ph. D.
Tyler did a great job! He was very friendly with our potential clients at the convention. His personality and smooth performance made him worth every penny. I would definately hire him again!
Dan Reynoso, AT Group
Your dry wit and humor on stage, along with some awesome magic made our evening a total success! We’ll be recommending you to others.
Bill Schult Sr. CEO Maximum Potential
You did an outstanding job, everybody was truly amazed! You were the talk all night long. Just amazing. we hope we can hire you again soon!
Brandt and Rachelle, House Party
We had a great time …We would not hesitate to re-hire you for another magic show!
Mark O., House Party
It was a great night! Everyone enjoyed themselves. All of the feedback that I received was positive. Again, thanks so much for a successful evening!
Cheryl Mack, Event Planner CHS Inc.
You certainly impressed everyone… nice work!
John D., Vision Share Inc.



