tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173396412011-11-11T10:50:06.058-05:00Concepts and Commentary on the Art of Conjuring.Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.comBlogger261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1146414136766424172006-04-30T12:13:00.000-04:002006-04-30T12:25:40.803-04:00

I owe you guys an explanation. It has been almost a month since my last post and I'm starting to get e-mails from some of you concerned citizens.First, I am fine. Never been better. I haven't had time to blog lately because my schedule at the Disney resort has me performing seven days each week through the high-season (ie. until we get into Fall). On top of that, I'm doing a lot of writing and

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1143559342849853292006-03-28T10:04:00.000-05:002006-03-28T10:22:32.520-05:00

While cruising the forums, I've noticed it doesn't take long for conjurers to get up in arms about the rights and wrongs of ethics and morals in the world of magic. To be sure, this is a worthy subject that certainly needs to be aired-out and discussed openly. However, there is one aspect of it that strikes my funny bone. How seriously am I supposed to take people complaining about rampant

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1143424971795117942006-03-26T20:12:00.000-05:002006-03-26T21:05:58.626-05:00

I'm not making this up. Ed Hagins was giving me an example of one of the street pitches he used 'back in his wilder days' and I was seriously tempted to pull out my wallet and part with a few bucks.Ed is one of the founding members of the Grand Strand Magician's Society in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He is usually quite soft-spoken, except when he is running his auction house or making a

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1142698326944597222006-03-18T11:08:00.000-05:002006-03-18T11:12:06.946-05:00

What a great movie quote! After a series of non-stop, hair-raising, edge-of-your-seat adventures, Indiana Jones sums up his entire life in that one sentence: "It isn't the years, baby...its the mileage."Recently I've been making the time to participate in a small on-line forum that is helping me expand my knowledge about the field of mentalism. The thing I appreciate most about the forum is that

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1142431943367873252006-03-15T08:53:00.000-05:002006-03-16T09:58:53.166-05:00

On a hot August night in 1978, a group of conjurers gathered in a meeting room of a bank in Ft. Lauderdale. I had recently moved to the area and joined the society. The confusion of new names and faces kept me from knowing anyone very well.During the meeting, new members were encouraged to stand up and share a bit of background along with an effect or two. I informed the group that I was a

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1142028101450389322006-03-10T16:59:00.000-05:002006-03-10T21:11:56.496-05:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the internet. I love the value of the internet as a communication tool and a research tool but, at the same time, I hate the 'spoon-fed-no-effort-just-ask-and-it's-yours' accessibility to valuable information...information that is important to me.I fully realize this sounds like a self-centered position...but here's why I think this position is valid: Like

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1141998909707051592006-03-10T08:49:00.000-05:002006-03-10T08:55:09.753-05:00

I have a question for you. If you are reading this post, then you either perform magic for a living or enjoy it as a serious hobby. Either way, you’re qualified to answer, so here goes...what exactly is it that makes a magician a professional?Now do yourself a favor and think a moment before you answer. Bear in mind, I’ve seen this question break up magic meetings. Not long ago, it was the center

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1141572825032201492006-03-05T10:29:00.000-05:002006-03-05T10:54:23.553-05:00

Murphy's Law loves to attack the art of conjuring. In fact, if you haven't had something go wrong in one of your shows, I have to assume you haven't been performing long.Several times a week, I perform in a hall that overlooks a resort swimming pool. During the summer season, resort guests will sometimes attend the show looking as if they just stepped out of the water...because they did.One

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1141443863488044772006-03-03T22:36:00.000-05:002006-03-03T22:48:47.983-05:00

For those of you who might be following these posts, I finally located my old friend Dave Rumfelt! It took a while because Dave and his wife Lynn currently live outside the United States. We’ve had a couple of lengthy (but still too short) phone conversations and it has been exciting to catch up after all these years. If you backtrack to February’s posts, you can read about Dave and one of his

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1141164162273844012006-02-28T16:37:00.000-05:002006-02-28T17:07:21.510-05:00

Generations of magicians have caused dollar bills, wedding rings and marked coins to mysteriously find their way into sealed envelopes, nests of boxes, balls of wool, various fruits, zippered wallets, potted plants. That’s just the tip of the iceberg (though I suspect Michael Ammar has tried load a signed card in the middle of one of those things, too).The most popular modern-day variation on

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1140886589840418022006-02-25T11:50:00.000-05:002006-02-25T11:56:29.843-05:00

There is a quote among writers: "Brevity is the soul of wit." If you have ever listened to a long-winded friend drag out a joke before reaching a weak punchline, then you fully understand the truth of that adage.I believe brevity is the soul of strong conjuring.In the last post, I revealed my fondness for exploring simple magic techniques (a force, a sleight, a mathematical principle) and

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1140801679210397702006-02-24T12:04:00.000-05:002006-02-24T12:36:54.526-05:00

I am a huge fan of Jim Steinmeyer’s writings and magic. His attention to detail in the construction of his routines makes it no surprise that some of the most well-known performers of modern times have Steinmeyer on board as a consultant. That impressive list includes the late Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Ricky Jay, Lance Burton and a host of others.Although my career focuses on close-up and

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1140670057940945502006-02-22T23:39:00.000-05:002006-02-23T09:49:56.830-05:00

Every veteran conjurer should be able to look back along their thread of life and say, “This is the event where the bug bit me,” or, “this is the person who shaped my passion for the art,” or, “When I saw this trick, I knew I had to know more.”Although those are three different questions, it’s still one single point on my timeline.On a warm summer day in 1967 my uncle Wally Kemp fooled me badly

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1140365031411571632006-02-19T10:53:00.000-05:002006-02-19T11:09:10.176-05:00

In this internet age, where some of the greatest conjuring secrets can be had with the press of a button, I’m seeing a trend back toward what I call ‘foundation principles’. I believe there is a cadre of veteran performers who are making a calculated but very definite statement in retaliation of the information overload.Recent video and book publications from Arturo Ascanio, Tony Slydini, David

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1140321561933698192006-02-18T21:58:00.000-05:002006-02-18T23:08:38.320-05:00

In September 2005, Tim Quinlan of InsideMagic.com fame stalked me for an interview. This isn't easy because he lives somewhere in the Michigan tundra and I live in the balmy bottom corner of South Carolina. But Tim is nothing if not determined. Eventually, he raised the bribe money to an acceptable level, I cancelled the restraining order and we 'conversed' over the internet.Feel free to read the

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1140126150965547072006-02-16T16:33:00.000-05:002006-02-16T16:42:30.966-05:00

Two years ago, I developed a 25-minute act filled with original mentalism that proved to be quite successful for me. All the props are commonplace: a deck of cards, a marker and 3 envelopes. For the most part, each effect is semi-automatic, leaving the performer plenty of room to stretch his (or her) theatrical wings. Also, the effects flow smoothly into one another and the entire act is ‘

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1140067007343332042006-02-15T23:02:00.000-05:002006-02-16T15:38:24.403-05:00

I know that many of you may disagree with me, but I'm a fan of conjurers who 'rock the boat'...at least those who do it with style and class.For example, back in the 80's, magicians were outraged that Penn &Teller were exposing magic effects in their shows. When I tuned in to P&T's televised PBS special, what I saw were two performance artists who, under the guise of entertainment, simply

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139807441014518462006-02-12T21:53:00.003-05:002006-02-13T11:51:43.836-05:00

It's an odd thing to ask...but isn't it rare for magicians to 'feel the magic'? When I say 'feel the magic', I mean a ohmygodthatwasawesomedidthatreallyhappendoitagain moment of absolute, unabashed, overwhelming, goosebump wonder.I mean, a moment like that is exactly what drove me into the arms of conjuring in the first place.Here's a question: when was the last time you experienced a magical

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139677281966974002006-02-11T11:34:00.000-05:002006-02-12T00:02:27.126-05:00

Several years ago, when the 'Masked Magician' gave the secrets to many classic effects away on television, there was a huge outcry from performing magicians around the world. Alliances were formed, letters were written, boycotts were threatened, protests were organized and, in general, frustration was at an all-time high. Nothing worked.Eventually, five one-hour episodes were aired nationwide

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139603292384431502006-02-10T15:22:00.000-05:002006-02-11T14:52:25.146-05:00

It was 1978; I was nineteen and in the military. In those days, I moonlighted with a street act and tablehopped a few restaurants around Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. I was a welcomed member of the South Florida ‘inner circle’ and had a few original sleights under my belt that were getting me some attention. All was right with my world.Translation: I thought I was pretty hot stuff with a deck of

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139521872592836932006-02-09T16:40:00.000-05:002006-02-12T00:05:06.400-05:00

Anticipating our next magic feat,We buy up DVDs as a treat.They are made in such hasteThat most are a waste…(Except as good pigeons for Skeet).Things sure have changed.I’m one of those veteran conjurers who is barely old enough to remember the white line. Long ago (when you actually had to leave your house in order to ‘talk shop’ with other magicians), you would go to the local magic shop and do

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139375484001127442006-02-08T00:01:00.001-05:002006-02-11T14:56:51.833-05:00

Do any of you legerdemaniacs remember Dave Rumfelt?When I met Dave back in the 70’s, he was managing Paul Diamond’s Magic & Fun Shop in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I was in the U.S. Coast Guard and was moonlighting with a street act and performing in various restaurants and nightclubs.In addition to magic, Dave and I shared a common talent with graphic art and an interest in music. Dave introduced

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139328906156274202006-02-07T11:00:00.000-05:002006-02-07T11:15:06.196-05:00

A magician from Beantown, Mass--(who could Double-Cut cards quite fast)bragged, "No one can befaster than I. Wanna see?"But his mentor said, "No...I'll Pass."After showing his very best Passto his mentor, the young man asked,"Too quick or slow?"(He just had to know)And learned it was exactly half-fast.

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139250336380394102006-02-06T11:48:00.000-05:002006-02-11T14:58:19.323-05:00

In my recent post about the Five Obligations of Conjuring, it's evident that the lack of scripting among magicians is one of my pet peeves. In an effort to give more than I take, here is a little more 'how-to' (and a little less finger-pointing) on the subject of Scripting:First, know this: writing a script is work. Creativity does not just pop out of people with no effort. Like fishing, it takes

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139164955348474432006-02-05T12:10:00.000-05:002006-02-11T23:54:36.213-05:00

Study...Practice...Script...Rehearse...Perform. I have these words posted on the wall of my studio. Collectively, they summarize a personal mission statement I call 'The 5 Obligations of Conjuring': "To entertain well requires hours of study, disciplined practice, eloquent scripting, diligent rehearsal and a passionate performance...and that's just the self-working stuff. I realize that, as

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17339641.post-1139070375627043452006-02-04T11:10:00.000-05:002006-02-05T14:05:55.853-05:00

If there is one universal fact about magicians it is this: Our opinions are like belly-buttons...we all have one and they're all just as interesting. However, if you are as fascinated with the art of magic as I am then perhaps you will find a few valuable nuggets here at Hoodwinkings.As a busy entertainer, I perform several shows daily that are a blend of magic, tall tales and traditional music.

Mick Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08729059070842709494noreply@blogger.com1