Shortcut To Showmanship by Val Andrews

English magician and prolific magic biographer, Val Andrews, learned a lot about showmanship by watching a "Parade of Giants" over the years.

 

Names like Dante, Murray, Cardini, Chefalo, and many others. Each performance he attended was a lesson in showmanship. In this lecture manuscript, Andrews shares some of the insights he gleaned from studying these great performers at work.

 

First, he defines what showmanship is, then discusses the necessity for it and how it is acquired. Next, he covers the "Showmanly Arts." These include Timing, Pointing, Applause, and how audiences can "make," or "break you" if not handled correctly.

 

Finally, he touches upon Showmanship Offstage, A Shortcut (to acquiring Showmanship), Elementary Stagecraft, and the importance of Billing and Introductions. A fun and breezy, yet highly informative set of notes.