Many people have an existing collection of tricks and illusions they perform but are interested in taking their act to the next level. This really isn't about perfecting your sleight of hand moves or ideas about practicing in front of a mirror.  Practice is extremely important but that is only part of it. 

The foundation of a segment of your act tends to be the trick or illusion that you have learned and practiced. In is important that your practice it well and know it cold.  See also, the Art of Practice.  Next is the story or determining the routine of the effect. This can be a spoken story or narrative or it can be put to music but it needs to build to a climax.  The effect then needs to be woven into the story or music in a cohesive manner.  Here are some ideas to set you in the right direction:

 

 

Keep a Notebook

Notebooks are great way to capture ideas to incorporate into your act. The inspiration can come from any number of places so it is always a good idea to have your notebook close at hand.  If you don't have your notebook, write the ideas down on a scrap of paper and then transfer it into your notebook later. Scraps of paper will be lost but not your notebook.

Ideas for the notebook could be anything from an idea for a new trick, a new gag or joke, a variation on a new story, or anything really.

 

Make a Script

For each trick or effect, write-out a script as if you were providing enough details to teach it to someone else. What do you say, when do you say it, and how does it correspond with the various aspects of the trick. Now just because you have a script, doesn't mean you will be memorizing it verbatim and there is always an opportunity for ad libs and spontaneous additions.

Refine the Script

One you have the script, rehearse it. How does it flow?  Does it build to a climax? Does the humor work? Does the music go with the movements? Get feedback from friends and mentors. Revise and improve the script as necessary.

Videotape Your Performance

While many do not like watching themselves perform, you need to do this.  Get a friend to video tape your show or get a tripod and set-up to tape yourself.  If you can afford it, hire a professional to tape your performance.  Take pen & paper and take notes in your notebook.  Look for anything that is awkward. Are the transitions smooth?  What is working well? What could be improved upon? Write-it all down and see how you can improve upon it.


Try these steps and you will notice a difference. Anything in life that you are willing to focus on can yield vast improvements.  This is just one way to potentially structure such an exercise.