Interview: Magic, Inc. and Jay Collen - A Slice of Everyday Enchantment - Page 4

First of all, the audience should want to see magic. As a professional, I get to perform for audiences who have enough interest that they have already decided to give time and money to see magic. So, I'm over that hump. Even working at Magic, Inc. demonstrating tricks, people who come into the shop are interested in seeing magic and potentially purchasing it. I feel badly for amateurs who have to inflict unsolicited magic on people. They're likely doomed to a tepid response at best.

Second, the act presented must be suited to the type of audience. I do classical general magic in part because it has the broadest possible appeal. Theme acts (such as a gambling theme), specialty acts, acts involving mature or controversial subject matter, obviously should be tailored to the audience and vice versa. In the final analysis, assuming the audience is sober and wants to be there to begin with, it's up to the magician to put on a fine show. And he owes every audience the best job he can possibly do.

What would you like our readers to know about this school of entertainment versus some others?

Readers who want to know more about what type of magic I do and what my entertainment philosophy is are respectfully invited to my website, Such Magic!

 

And for those readers who may need some extra blandishment to check out the site, let me say that Mr. Collen is gracious, engaging... almost courtly, in a way. The magic is skilled, subtle, and the observer is really brought into the act in a way that is warm and respectful. No carney hustle here folks. Sleight of hand is done with humor and easy conversation, and the net result is wonder-filled and wonderful. I found myself gasping at how a trick was done, laughing out loud and feeling completely disarmed. Bravo!

The other magicians in the store, Terrence Francisco and Pedro R. Nieves-Bosque, can be contacted via email.