A few weekends ago, a friend and I were out filming some magic for a project. We found it harder then we expected to get people to stop and watch a few tricks. What was the problem?

Well, a few things. First, in this culture, it’s just not acceptable to go up to a stranger and start talking or performing. If you do they think you want them to drop some change in a hat or beg for money. Usually that’s the way it goes.

 Some people just don’t want to be bothered. Which I understand. And some people just don’t dig magic. Which I think really means they don’t dig the idea of magic. If they actually saw what was about to go down they would probably really enjoy it. I mean, how could you not like magic?

So after several nay sayers I decided to try a little experiment. I walked up to a group of people with a quarter on my outstretched palm. Remaining silent, I’d slowly pass my other hand over the quarter. People would just look and you could feel anticipation growing. What was going to happen? Was it magic? Was it something else? They had no idea. And they had to find out what was going to happen next.

I did a pretty little coin vanish. And they loved it. And then I could do anything after that. They’d be open to anything after that first little hook. That first bit of mystery.

It worked better than “Do you want to see some magic?” or “Want to be on a magic video?” or anything else. I’m interested in hearing others experience approaching groups of people while performing street magic. And what do you think of this approach?

Oh, and have a great weekend! See you back here on Monday…