The Illusion of the First Time - Robert Ruse

In the field of magic every now and then you read about the illusion of first time, and from what I can describe, there are two different illusions; allow me to explain:

The first of these in my eyes is the impromptuness of an effect. In mentalism for example this is perhaps an effect using a center tear, or a swami gimmick. Although you may even be prepared in some way or other in the minds of the spectator you are “making it up as you go along” and therefore need to create the illusion of this being the case. This can be achieved by stumbling your words, thoughts or actions and by down playing the chance of success.

"I'm not quite sure this is going to work, do you have a ...ok, we'll use this, umm do you have a piece of paper?"

Now let’s look at how and why this works; you start off by explaining it may not work, not only does this make the climax a little stronger, but in some ways it shows you aren’t always successful, so they’ve seen something even rarer, and on another level might explain why you’re not predicting the weeks lottery numbers. There is also a brief change of mind, as you perhaps pick up a pencil and decide to use that instead of asking for a pen. All this of course happens when you may already have the swami ready and a pencil lying about randomly if you so desire. The impromptuness helps to add a dimension of real magic to the effect – one which might not be achieved if the audience expects any pre-show work. This methodology when performing will have much more impact than utilizing a hackney script, or pulling a deck of cards from your pocket and the uses are limitless.

Making a trick look impromptu should be applied to all the tricks you do, and if you have a close up repertoire why not make the whole routine look impromptu? Now this doesn’t mean you need to fumble and look unprepared, just flow smoothly, yet spontaneously through your act. Take advantage of the “off the cuff” scenario to dip into your pockets stealing items, loading items and switching items as you look for a misplaced object.

This type of thinking is not only limited to your tricks and routines but can be, and should be employed across your whole performance – including your language, patter and mannerisms. We’ve all heard the “classic magic gags” and quite frankly your audience has too, get involved in the current situation and use your head to think of something witty if needs be, it’ll be funnier than a cheesy over used gag and will give your act a more personal feeling. It’s these actions and words which suggest impromptuness that gives the illusion of the first time and your ability to be able to deal with magic at a “moments notice” which will give you the credibility you deserve. Perhaps one of the greatest magicians of all time, Slydini, gave the appearance of being clueless and confused about the magic happening around him and in this situation both the audience and magician were able to experience this magic for the first time together.

The second illusion of first time is during the climax of an effect. When that picture, prediction or card matches, no one is more shocked and surprised as you are. It is as if you're uncertain of your abilities, and adds that nice little human element that many acts of today are lacking. This not only helps you seem less arrogant, as we are sometimes portrayed, but also helps to make the atmosphere more relaxed and sociable, this will help prevent people challenging you or being difficult to handle.

If you’re seen as human people will be warmer to you and show this with their applause, laughter and other reactions. A simple smile to yourself when you see a trick goes right – no matter how successful it is guaranteed – will help the audience to see that you enjoy what you’re doing, and that you’re going out on a limb to entertain them. The audience can feed off of your excitement, and joy. But be careful not to over-react as this could look arrogant or sarcastic.Your actions and your words create the atmosphere of your performance. Both of these when taken into account require the most effort on the part of the performer, and can enhance a mere trick into a seeming miracle – which will be remembered for far longer not only by your audience, but by you too.

So remember, be gentle, it’s your first time.