The Magician's Lovely Assistant

Some magicians prefer to work alone, they nevermagicians lose track of the succeeding tricks due to
want anyone mingling or catching the viewers'the concentration and it is the assistant's duty to make
attention while performing their magic tricks. If noticed,sure the next prop is presented to the magician to
these are the magicians who only perform using cards,remind him of the next trick to be delivered.
balls, flowers, birds, boxes, bottles, and other kinds ofAside from having another set of hands for the show
paraphernalia used in magic tricks. Though amusing, forand keeping the props in their proper place, assistants
very rare and really mind boggling tricks, a pair or acould also help in entertaining volunteers for special
group of people performing the magic in front is moretasks as part of the show. They will be the volunteers'
highlighted, making the whole performance longer sinceguide when there is already a need to stand, move or
the magician could perform numerous kinds of trickstake a bow. Assistants can also play a big role in
and illusions without having to move around and justtaking care of any volunteer or who is beginning to act
concentrating on his master piece.like a nuisance. This can be accomplished by informing
Oftentimes, magicians are seen doing their tricks inthe security department of the show or by simply
magic with one or two or even more assistants tousing his own strategies or following the instructions of
help him with the trick. This is done especially when thethe magician to tame the partypooper.
magic show requires a person as a part of the trick orAlso, assistants play an important role in drawing the
simply to hold some of the magician's props for him.audience's attention since the audience will look where
Their interaction with the assistants greatly influencesthe assistant is looking while a trick is being performed.
the people watching the show. They help in making theHowever, since a slight movement could catch
audience feel comfortable watching and even joiningattention, there should be an agreement between the
the show as volunteers in performing some of themagician and the assistant when to be still and when
tricks. They also attract the audience to applaud byto start moving again. The assistant's reaction is also
striking a pose. Once the assistants move, thevital for it causes the illusion of a trick happening for
audience may be prompted to clap their hands.the first time, thus, giving more thrill to the audience. So
The assistant may also serve as the extra vision ofonce the magician halts for a few moments of
the magician. Since she has access to the back stage,applause, the assistant should halt as well.
she can be the first onlooker of the performers'Keep in mind that the magician's assistant is not only
costumes and other props as well. She canassistant to him but to the rest of the performers who
immediately tell which costume belongs to who. Someare also willing to help whenever she is free of her
magicians may just require their assistants to simplytasks. This builds camaraderie between the magicians
take care of his equipment back stage. Packing upand other fellow performers as well as on and off
props is also another responsibility of an assistant,stage. It is very appropriate to offer the same
since an assistant is usually the only person entrustedrelationship and respect with other workers in the
by the magician to touch his priced equipment or tools.magic show. The whole success of all the tricks
However, there are times when the magician wouldperformed will never be complete and effective
like to pack their own props, the assistant can help bywithout the assistant's effort and hardwork, too.
making sure that the magician has indeed packedAs a form of motivation, good magicians should
everything and nothing got left behind.acknowledge and commend the assistant's great job
The magician's assistant can also make it a point thatafter a certain magic show. A simple pat on the back
all tricks have been made. There are times whenor a salary increase can help a lot.