May 19, 2025

Magicians Only - Episode Twenty - How To Do a One Person Show - Pt1

45 minutes

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Hey all. So as you may or may not know I spent the beginning of last year performing a new version of my one man show, Life and Other Deceptions, at a fantastic theatre in Pittsburgh called LIBERTY MAGIC.

The more I worked with the staff there, the more wisdom I heard.

Not being magicians themselves, I realized that their attitudes, criticisms and ideas relating to magic, magicians and one person shows were pure gold, and unfiltered by politics or dogma and needed to be heard.

So, I sat down with their Venue manager, Zoe Ruth, for an in-depth, and brutally honest interview about her experiences in running and booking Liberty Magic, and it was eye opening.

Listen to this with an open mind and heart, understand that all we want is for magic and magicians to move forward, not stagnate, and you will gain an incredible amount from the interview. The advice on creating a show, taking notes and being authentic is probably the most important thing you’ll hear all year.

This is Part One, enjoy :)

SHOW NOTES:

Keywords

magic, theater, Liberty Magic, one-person show, Zoe Ruth, performance, storytelling, magic tricks, entertainment, show production, magic, performance, emotional journey, originality, stock lines, audience engagement, show cohesion, classic tricks, reimagining magic, unique voice

Summary

In this episode of Magicians Only, the host introduces the concept of magic as an art form, highlighting the unique venue Liberty Magic in Pittsburgh. The conversation features an interview with Zoe Ruth, the venue manager, who shares insights on the challenges and creative processes involved in producing one-person magic shows. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling and thematic coherence in creating engaging performances that resonate with audiences. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the art of magic performance, emphasizing the importance of emotional engagement, originality, and the crafting of a cohesive show. They discuss the significance of understanding the audience's emotional journey, the need for magicians to present unique material, and the pitfalls of relying on overdone tricks and stock lines. The dialogue encourages performers to find their unique voice and to reimagine classic effects in innovative ways, ultimately enhancing the overall impact of their magic shows.

Takeaways

Magic is not just about tricks; it's about storytelling.

Liberty Magic elevates the art of magic through its unique format.

Creating a 90-minute show requires a different approach than shorter acts.

Zoe Ruth brings a theater perspective to magic performance.

Thematic coherence is crucial for audience engagement.

Magicians need to explore personal narratives in their shows.

The venue fosters a community of magic lovers.

Successful shows often blend narrative with magic tricks.

The challenge of creating a full evening show is significant.

Magic tricks should serve a purpose in the narrative. Magic is a tool, and you must ask yourself why you use it.

The emotional journey of the audience is crucial in a magic show.

Crafting a cohesive show involves setting a path for the audience.

Originality in magic is essential to stand out.

Reimagining classic tricks can breathe new life into performances.

Avoid overdone effects to keep your act fresh and engaging.

Stock lines can dilute a magician's unique voice.

Finding your unique voice enhances the authenticity of your performance.

It's important to rewrite and personalize material to fit your character.

The journey of a magic show should be about the audience's experience.

Titles

The Art of Magic: A New Perspective

Behind the Scenes at Liberty Magic

Crafting the Perfect One-Person Show

Zoe Ruth on Elevating Magic Performance

Sound Bites

"It's all in your pocket, it's all on your phone."

"It's a real mix of drama and comedy."

"Liberty Magic treats magic as an art form."

"It's not about the tricks, guys."

"A magic trick is a tool, like a hammer."

"What are you trying to get your audience to feel?"

"It's not about the skill level of the trick."

"It's important to be original, as much as you can."

"We teach you how to do the tricks."

Chapters