theSTUDY - Better Your Magic

Discover how to transform ANY classic trick into a signature magic performance, while learning the answers to all of the most frequently asked Sands of the Desert questions. If you love the classics, have ever considered performing Sands of the Desert specifically—or you just want to know how it works to see if it will fit your show—then this is the episode for you. http://themagicdepot.com/s/sands-of-the-desert-from-start-to-finale

Fancy yourself a storyteller? If you're one of those magicians who believes magic is the story, or if you're looking to refine your magic to the coveted "single-sentence" simplicity, then I have the technique for you. Somebody But So! Read this episode here: http://themagicdepot.com/s/story

Welcome to our first News & Listener Mail episode. These might become my favorite part of theSTUDY. At first, I thought it would be a short, summary episode with no meat. I was wrong. This episode is packed with great information. We have a good show for you here. The first of many listener mail episodes to come. Read this episode here: http://themagicdepot.com/s/news-and-listener-mail

Today, websites have rendered media kits obsolete for magicians who book shows direct to clients. And that's not a bad thing. Media kits had become bloated wastes of postage anyway. Moreover, a Phase One, market-smart website with a clear focus—a sales goal—is the best tool for booking shows. Read this episode here http://themagicdepot.com/s/creating-your-magic-website/ ‎

Magicians have a long history of stagecraft. There are those who believe magic should only be performed on stage. In the past, theatrical technique was as important as sleight of hand. Today, however, the popularity of closeup magic has produced a vacuum. Lets get back on track, with one of the most important theatrical elements, closeup or on stage. Read this episode here http://themagicdepot.com/s/magicians-often-ignore-this-very-important-theatrical-technique/

Within magic books, individual tricks, online magic forums, Facebook, and magic clubs around the world magic is called an art . . . like music, acting, painting, literature, and sculpture. Which begs the question. Do magic stores sell art, or art supplies? Read this episode here http://themagicdepot.com/s/do-magic-shops-sell-art-or-art-supplies/

Ever see a pretty girl, a hot guy, or even a celebrity on the other side of the room, and wish you could engage them in conversation? It takes confidence to approach a stranger, especially if they are part of a group. Imagine how frustrating it is when engaging people is like an addiction. So how's it done? How do we inject ourself into a situation? Read this episode here http://themagicdepot.com/s/the-addiction-every-magician-should-feed/

The advertising budget for the average magician is quite small. Often, it's barely enough to cover the cost of business cards. If you're lucky, you might have high-quality glossy fliers—a headshot maybe—to post on a community bulletin board. So how do magicians get their name out there Read this episode here http://themagicdepot.com/s/grow-your-gigs-with-network-seeds

Do you call a magic sequence a "routine?" Don't do that! Routine is about the most horrible way you can describe art. It's akin to calling your mom "a sturdy woman." A routine is something you do before going on stage. Use this word instead! Read this episode here http://themagicdepot.com/s/dont-routine-compose/

Where does magic come from? In this episode of theSTUDY, Aaron Smith explores how new magic plots originate, and he discusses techniques for turning everyday life into extraordinary illusion. Read this episode here http://themagicdepot.com/s/from-where-does-magic-come/