How to Be a Magician - Time to Prepare

Magic is often seen as a mysterious and difficult skill to master. In this art, there are many questions that have never been answered until now. Wonder what it takes to become a magician? This guide will provide you with expert advice for how to be an accomplished wizard or sorceress in no time!

“How to be a magician for beginners” is a guide on the basics of magic. It includes information on how to build an act, what type of magic can be performed, and where to find resources.

We’re back with another installment of our So You Want My Job series, in which we speak with guys who work in coveted positions and ask them about the realities of their employment as well as tips on how men might achieve their goals.

Many, if not all, guys, I believe, go through a magical era in their adolescence. Visiting a magic store as a kid and checking out all the tricks and props was a tremendous joy for me. The bulk of us dismiss magic as just another tried-and-failed pastime. Even still, the concept of magic and magicians has a magnetic draw on us. Magic has a way of appealing to our masculinity. “The Magician” is often highlighted as a male archetype because he embodies the masculine need for mystery, to know the secrets only initiates know, mysteries that enable him to control and manipulate the elements. Or at the very least, to convey the impression that he has this authority.

To put it another way, becoming a professional magician has always piqued my interest. And I’m delighted to have Dennis Kyriakos with us today to discuss what it’s like to be a magician and to show us how to saw a lady in two. Just the first half, for now.

Dennis has a website and a Facebook page where you may learn more about him.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself (e.g., where do you come from?). What is your age? Describe your job, including how long you’ve been doing it, and so on.

Dennis Kyriakos is my name. I’m a New York City-based professional magician. I’ve been entertaining at business gatherings, country clubs, luxury charity fundraisers, and high-end private events for over 15 years.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career as a magician? When did you realize you wanted to do it?

For as long as I can remember, magic has been a part of my existence. I was fascinated after receiving my first magic book in fourth grade. So, in many respects, I’ve always felt like a “magician.”

3. What is the greatest way for a guy to train for a career as a magician? Is there a school where you may study magic? Is it possible for you to educate yourself? Do you work as a magician’s apprentice?

“Did you go to school to learn this stuff?” is the second thing most people ask.

There are no magic schools as there are for martial arts or dancing. However, there are many schools of thinking. Apprenticeship is an excellent method to study, but it can only carry you so far and only once you’ve reached a particular degree of expertise. “When the pupil is ready, the teacher emerges,” says a Buddhist proverb.

A man gets exposed to magic at some time throughout his growth. Perhaps his grandpa practiced magic, or a magician visited his school, or he was given a magic kit as a present. And when you’re young, magic may help you fill in the blanks. I believe it has to do with having control over your immediate environment. That is, at least, the illusion.

If someone is serious about learning magic, they should start with an excellent book. If you read the biographies of well-known and lesser-known magicians, you’ll see that they often borrowed magic books from their local library. That’s where you should start.

As a result, you’re effectively educating yourself. But you’re not simply learning a trick or a skill. You’re also learning to be a dedicated student, discipline, information processing, and excellent judgment, among other things, all of which are crucial and desirable attributes for a mature man.

Peers are also a crucial part of your growth. Almost every city in the globe has at least one magic club you may join, which will bring you in contact with other magicians who share your interests, the majority of whom will be amateurs. Joining a club after reading a few dozen books or so may be a good approach to immerse yourself in the community and share information and thoughts.

One of the most fascinating aspects of magic is the variety of its practitioners. If you go about it the correct way, the men who’ve made it to “the big time” are typically approachable. If they perceive you’re prepared to put in the effort, the majority of the people I like have been more than eager to openly share their expertise, give honest feedback, and, to some extent, take on the role of mentor. All of this, plus I’ve gained some wonderful friends along the road.

4. How do you go from doing magic as a pastime to a weekend employment to a full-time job?

I found theater in college and began acting. I completed my bachelor’s degree in business administration and promptly began a two-year acting intensive program in New York City. I began auditioning for theater, film, and television roles in and around town, and I worked as an actor, director, and writer for a number of years. To make ends meet, I worked as an administrative assistant for a few temp agencies. That was something I did for nearly ten years.

Throughout this time, I kept up with my magic by researching, learning, and performing largely at local engagements. I eventually advanced in my career, began working with agencies, and met significant individuals in the event sector. Magic was still a pastime at the time, and I used it to supplement my income on weekends. You meet the proper people and become engaged in the community in the same way you do anything else you like. But I was becoming more dissatisfied with my circumstances. I had the impression of being a professional temp rather than a professional actor.

I recall the precise moment when I made the decision to work full-time. I was working a dreadful job answering phones for a friend. A mutual acquaintance had been slain by an obsessive partner, and we got the news. It was heartbreaking. My employer and I attended her burial, and someone mentioned during the service that Beth had always spent her life doing precisely what she wanted. Now, you hear it all the time, but they were saying it about someone I knew whose life was cut short. At the time, I was at a fork in the road, unsure of what I wanted to accomplish with my career. Because I was at the right place at the right time, it struck a chord with me. The following day, I gave notice and haven’t looked back.

Magic, in terms of acting, is basically theater, and being a professional magician fulfills that desire in me.

5. How tough is it for a magician to earn a living?

There are plenty of events going on all year in New York City, and I’m lucky to have tapped into both the business and social event industries. I also handle some corporate work outside of town, but like any other company, it’s all about being organized.

6. What characteristics are required of a good magician? What distinguishes the individual who can earn a life at it from the many who try but fail?

Balls. Excellent execution. One must be able to do the task and do it properly. It also helps to have a good heart. It takes a solid business brain on your shoulders to do it full-time.

But when it comes to a “successful” magician, I believe we need to go a little further. That, I believe, is up to the individual. I know some men who are successful in the children’s television industry, and they may be content with their current situation. I have certain objectives in mind, some of which I have accomplished and others for which I am currently trying.

7. Where does a magician get his ideas for his tricks? Do you take tricks you’ve seen other magicians do and give them your own spin? Do you come up with your own gimmicks?

Magic, like any other art form, has its classics. I’ll pick up an intriguing book and begin working on putting my own spin on it. Maybe I’ll witness someone doing a trick that piques my interest, and I’ll do some research to learn more about it. It’s only a question of filtering it through my own experiences and personalizing it.

Clients employ me to draw people and generate excitement for their tradeshow displays. In such situation, I’ll have to devise a unique trick or presentation that emphasizes their goods or service. It depends on the circumstances. I’ll want to do something different, therefore I’ll have to devise my own way or devise a new trick.

When I’m on stage at a business event, I have to pay attention to the audience and answer appropriately. Perhaps one of the other speakers stated something during his presentation that I might utilize as a callback. I have to be open enough to take up “the vibe” in the room and utilize it to my advantage as much as I set the tone for my own show. And it’s only through experience that you’ll be able to do so.

8. What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

For a living, I work with magic. What more could I possibly want?

9. What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Although there are busier periods of the year, my worst day as a magician was considerably better than my finest day as a temp.

10. How do you strike a balance between job, family, and personal life?

I work from home for the most part. Because my gigs are mainly on weekends or weeknights, I am able to drop my kid off at school and pick him up in the afternoon, giving us plenty of time together. Traveling requires some preparation, which may be difficult at times. My wife, on the other hand, and I both do work that we like, and she “gets it.”

And, although my wife loves what I do, I don’t try to impress her with my abilities all of the time. I’ll leave my playing cards at home if we’re out on a date so I can offer her my whole attention.

11. What is the most common misunderstanding about your job?

I’m often asked whether I work “day jobs.” Ha!

Magic is often assigned to the sphere of children’s parties by adults. What they (adults) don’t realize is that it is they who are in desperate need of enchantment in their life.

At cocktail gatherings, when I’m interacting with small groups and entertaining up-close, I often run with males who want to steal the show or find out how it works. They feel compelled to brag in front of their friends, coworkers, girlfriends, or wives. They want to show that they are in charge and that they are not easily deceived. It’s worth noting that I stated “boys.” There’s a sense of immaturity about it. It’s just a minor portion of my work to deceive you. It’s a very different sensation performing for a “guy.” A mature guy has the courage to go on this adventure with me as his guide and discover a secret.

My youngster looks at the whole world through these huge eyes, taking it all in. It’s incredible to see. However, as a youngster gets older, they are encouraged to put away “childish things.”

I believe “The Magician” is here to remind us that mystery and wonder are crucial parts in our adult lives, particularly in today’s world when we assume we have it all figured out and are in charge. When, in reality, the reverse is true.

12. Do you have any other advice, ideas, or stories to share?

Thank you for allowing me to express myself. If you have any questions or are serious about learning sleight-of-hand magic, send me an email at [email protected] and I’ll be pleased to give you some suggestions on where to start.

Oh, and don’t forget to wonder.

Listen to our chat with Nate Staniforth, a magician:

The “magician school” is a place where people can learn how to be a magician. The school was founded in the late 19th century, and it’s still around today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do magicians get paid?

A: Magicians do not get paid.

How do magicians learn?

A: Magicians often learn their trade through apprenticeship and trial-and-error. They are also known to keep a journal of all the tricks they perform and how each trick is done, so that should something go wrong or be forgotten, it can instantly be found again.