audience problems

[Ciarmageddon]

hi guys, i want to ask you, how do you deal with people that when you are performing they screw up your trick revealing the secret (and erasing all the entertainment)? and also, what to do to prevent that the spectator touches the cards or whatever when they are not allowed to exposing the gimmick maybe? i think that magic is born to entertain the audience so why would they ruin THEIR OWN entertainment messing up the trick? is like pulling santa's beard and than being disappointed to discover that the jolly guy in red is just your dad -.-

[haroldross]

This is a question that pops up quite a bit.

When I perform, I usually set the ground rules in the first minutes of my performance. One of the great things about 'street magic' is you are using ordinary objects and the tendency is to let spectators 'examine' them. I really believe that this is a bad practice. When working with small groups and even larger audiences, there are ways to 'prove' something about an object without passing it around.

Crowd control is a part of show business and performing that for some a very difficult part to learn. I like my performances to have an informal feel to them, yet I am clearly in control of the show.

I know my routines fairly well and can change them on a moments notice. If someone calls me on an effect, I am prepared to involve the 'heckler' in some way in the trick. I don't try to make him out a fool, I try to give him some attention and at the same time win him over. Knowing how to do this only comes with considerable practice.

Remember- you are the professional magician- show them that you truly are a professional. Your technique is only a small part of your magic performance while your showmanship is the greater part. Your job is to entertain and create that magical moment for your audience.

[Boomstick]

Where do you perform? Sometimes the best thing to do is to say that you're sorry, you cant perform in those condition and walk off, or stop doing tricks. Don't challenge them since thats what they want.

[David24]

1 - haroldross has given some good tips.
I'll add that with experience you'll see most potentials hecklers well before they begin to put the mess.
So you must be ready to handle them.

2 - One point to think about:
it's often that spectators wants to check cards and everything else when an apprentice magician do them some tricks.
A good performer can use f*****g gimmicks cards and no people will ask to check them.
So the personae of the magician is important, if you act as an newbie then your spectator will consider you as a newbie, if you act as a pro then your spectators will consider you as pro and by the way will "respect" what you offer to them.(it's really a summary of the idea)
There are also some real hecklers you'll always find some with time so go back to point 1 and manage them