PETER MENNIE
10
As a magician we have
many books on our shelves,
decide what books and
genres and read them
again. When you see an idea make notes.
Start reading other topics. List topics
of interest and create a strict regime of
reading about that topic each day. Pre-
tend you are back in class room situation
and discipline yourself to read for certain
amount of time per day. There are mil-
lions of on line resources. Decide what
interests you and read up about these
topics or places. Choose topics that you
are passionate about, but I suggest giv-
ing some thought to reading an entirely
new topic.
11
I am a juggler of many years
and the health benefits of
juggling have been record-
ed. I can attest to the benefit
of concentrated effort given to juggling.
As performers you can always integrate
this new skill into your shows adding va-
riety. There are on line tutorials to start
you off. Make a set of bean bags from
some old socks and rice. (On line tutori-
als available)
12
The western mind is too
busy and I personally find
great benefit of regular
meditation. There are many
sites given you the basics. It’s not about
being an Eastern guru but to allow your
mind to be still. In the beginning it will
feel like you are going mad but slow-
ly the moments of stillness will increase
between the chatter. Daily practice first
thing will start the day on a calmer and
peaceful outlook. The fact that we will
not have to get in a car and morning traf-
fic is a big advantage and a blessing.
10 APRIL | 2020
NICK LEWIN
13
Take the time to creative-
ly work on some new piec-
es for the act. Read and re-
search and do something
to revitalize the show. When everything
calms down, which it will, you will actu-
ally have achieved something construc-
tive. Also use the time to re-evaluate and
improve the safety and the appearance
of safety in your show.
14
See if you can restructure
your show so that people
do not have touch props
during your show. Does the
spectator have to remove a card from
the pack or could you handle it without
any physical contact taking place? Even
as things return to normal you can ex-
pect people to have a new awareness of
these basic safety concerns.
15
Most importantly of all,
keep yourself healthy and
safe. Everyone is loosing
shows and dates, every-
one is going to be to hurting financially.
Do not figure that you can just do “this”
show without a problem, we need to re-
tool the old adage from if in doubt cut it
out and make it If in ANY doubt, close it
down. I am seeing magicians on social
media talking about going out and per-
forming magic in stores and other spots
in order to “raise spirits,” and “cheer peo-
ple up.” This isn’t about you, or any no-
tions of being a social media hero. Put
those grubby sponges back in your pock-
et; you could potentially be passing on
something other than a few moments
amusement.
PAUL ROMHANY
16
Be sure to make the most
of all the free online activ-
ities that are being offered.
There are musuems, art gal-
leris, musicians and so much more offer-
ing wonderful tours and free concerts.
Now is the time to look at something out-
side of magic.
17
Connect with friends on-
line. Use Zoom or Skype or
Google Meetings to keep
in touch with your friends
and set up meetings so you can jam, chat
and just catch up. It is also a great way to
check in on everybody to make sure they
are doing OK health wise.
18
Stay healthy. If you are feel-
ing stressed and need to
talk find a friend online or
consult a therapist. They
are all offering online conversations now
rather than going in for a private vis-
it. Don't be afraid to seek help! With so
many of us losing gigs and our income
the times ahead will be tough, but we
can get through this together as a com-
munity.
19
STAY SAFE. The most impor-
tant thing is to stay safe, lis-
ten to the warnings and
don't take risks. We have
stopped watching the news every hour
and only catch up at the end of the day
so the news doesn't bring us down.