I have often found a lot of value in well-written book summaries, such as the ones from Litter Books. They are concise, easy references that help with active recall. Unfortunately, few summaries are ever written for magic-related publications.
1. These notes / summaries do not replace the book. If you look through the note and enjoy the ideas, please go read the whole book. It gives more context and meaning.
2. As these would be available in a public domain, the focus would mostly be on Magic Theory instead of Magic Methods / Secrets.
The main intent of these would be for performers and entertainers to gain short and inspiring insights to these wonderful publications.
Matthew J. Dowden Lecture Notes
Getting the Best "Reaction!"
As Matthew has left performing as a professional magician and gone into acting full time, not many may know or remember him as a brilliant worker.
It's difficult for me to put into words where he shines so do to take the time to watch some of his promo reel to get an idea of why his material are worth looking into.
It's almost hard to believe that he used to be doing walk around magic at restaurants. Matthew knows plenty about performing and his lecture notes from more than a decade ago still holds gold.
Tricks aside, and skipping on his tips on getting commercial work, here will be a summary of his thoughts on - Getting The Best Reactions. Without giving too much of his work away, this will be a very short bullet point of his work to keep in mind.
1 Minute Summary:
1. Presenting an effect is like that of a proposal; It's important to build something up in the right way.
2. Know where your Climax Moments and Applause Cues are
3. It's important to let your audience know that it is okay to clap.
4. Applause serves to focus everyone's attention.
5. Build up of Tension or Suspense can be done in several ways
- The Pause
- Filling the Pause
- The Drum Roll
6. Be excited to be there
7. Always play bigger and involve people from different parts
General Book Content
- Tricks -
Underage Gambling Routine
In the hands "Anniversary Waltz"
Wayne Doubson's Revelation
Matthew's Hot Shot Routine
The Card Locator
Matthew's Combination Force
New Card To Any Number
- On Getting a Residency -
- Building a Trade Show Crowd -
- Getting the Best "Reaction!"