Constrained by the circumstances of COVID19, there is an impending need to adapt and change the way I perform my iPad Magic.
There are a few concepts in the show that is exemplified in my show with huge amount of success. I currently perform regularly at business meetings, conferences and events virtually.
1. Interaction through a Different Mode
There is a common saying that if the audiences wanted to watch magic, they could easily log on to Youtube to do so without having a need to hire a magician for an online magic show.
However, for magic (contrasted to other art forms like singing and juggling), we have the ability to interact with our audiences.
The challenge now is to make interaction organic rather than forced; I have seen a virtual show where the magician chooses his own card and then proceeds to find it! This type of performance mentality limits what a virtual magic show should be and it showcases the lack of thinking on the magician’s part.
I structure my magic to be easily participative. The magic involves simple instructions and an openness that is at the same level of as if you were in the same room as I was.
Hence to the magician who chose his own card and then find it, a simple solution is to have a member of the audience to say stop as you deal the cards down for a fair selection. (Its easy when you give it more thought!)
2. Personalize Entertainment
A Virtual Show should feel as close as possible like a physical show. In my show, Digital on Digital, I apply 2 layers of personalisation in my show. The first is to add a signage to show that this show is meant for the, and them only. This can also be seen in the shows done by my team, Front Row Seats and Magic on Demand.
On a deeper level, I customize my magic content to showcase the audience’s branding or concepts. In a recent sales networking virtual performance, I programmed and designed various products of the company to be used as part of the magic.
3. Tell a Story
The way I designed my show to encourage engagement and interest was to build a full show with a cogent theme from start to end. This way, the narrative of the performance is easily understood and the audiences are then compelled to the take part in the magic.
While this seems like common sense, many of the virtual shows that I have watched seems like a series of magic demonstration (“Let me show you a trick”), rather than a show. Without a thematic structure to the performance, it makes no difference for the audiences to turn to Youtube and watch a playlist of magic tricks
4. Bonus Tip: Production Value
I take pride in my magic and I also take pride in making sure that the audiences consume the show in the best way possible. All my shows are performed in Meta Illusions’ Studio with photography lighting and a 3 camera set up. This allows me to change the camera angle to showcase the magic in the best view possible. This also prevents digital fatigue where the audiences are facing a static screen view.
Hope you enjoyed my thoughts of Virtual Magic Show! I would love to be a part of your virtual event in the future. For more information, you can drop me an email or visit here!
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Alexander Y. is Asia’s Top iPad Magician, who has been invited performing in several countries such as Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, India. However due to COVID19, he has been working from home, reading and practising his magic. Hopefully the time will come soon when he can be performing in the real world live, in the meantime, check out his virtual magic shows!