S4E1: Suzanne-Magician
In this episode I talk to magician Suzanne! We cover various topics like\xa0what she learned studying under Al Schneider and what you can learn about your audience from a horse!
\nSuzanne is a world class magician and expert story teller from Minneapolis/St. Paul MN!
\nUsing her magic as a vehicle to play with her audiences, Suzanne specializes in performing close-up magic for corporate and private audiences as well as at a number of restaurants in her area. She\u2019s also a favorite at the Hollywood Magic Castle where she's been the only female magician to not only be nominated for, but also win Close Up Magician of the Year which she received in 2010. She\u2019s also appeared on the covers of Genii and MUM magazines.
\nShe makes shy people shine and bold people laugh.
\nJonathan Levit says "Her routines are masked in stories that touch your heartstrings and tie into her mystical imagination.\u201d \xa0
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\n\nSuccess Quotes:\nFollow your bliss. \u2014 Joseph Campbell
\nLife should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!\u201d \u2014 Hunter S Thompson \xa0
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\nFailure Moment:\nThis isn't a failure per se, but Suzanne talks about her struggle with cancer and what she took away from that. She learned how to stand up for herself and how to separate work and personal life. She also tells how magic, her bliss, helper her through this challenging time. \xa0
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\nFavorite Success:\nBeing so accepted at the hollywood Magic Castle. \xa0
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\nLessons from Al Schneider\nSuzanne had the opportunity to study\xa0under Al Schneider. A couple things she learned from him are in magic, all your movements need to look\xa0natural, whether you're putting a coin in your hand or faking it. Also, when you create a moment of magic, give your audience the time they need to fully process\xa0what they just experienced. Don't just plow through it. It's very personal to them. \xa0
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\nLessons from a Horse\nBelieve it or not, there's a lot to be learned about your audience from a horse!
\n\u2022 Magicians can be likened to a predator and the audience, prey.
\n\u2022 Communicating subconsciously.
\n\u2022 Reading body language and adjusting your performance accordingly.
\n\u2022 Putting your audience at ease.
\n\u2022 Be aware of your own body language.
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\nHow Does Suzanne Differentiate Herself?\nThe magic is not about her, it's about how she makes her audience feel. \xa0
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\nWhat's worked best for growing her business?\nWord of mouth. \xa0
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\nBiggest Professional Challenge\nBreaking the preconception of the magician and teaching the lay audience\xa0about magic.
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\nWhat would she have done different?\nShe wouldn't have tried to do everything. She would have hired\xa0people do do things like marketing and other tasks she's not good at. \xa0
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\nInteresting Story from Career\nSuzanne tells about her first interaction with The Professor, Dai Vernon. \xa0
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\nParting Advice\nAlways do what you love. \xa0
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\nOther Topics Covered\n\u2022\xa0The importance of having support from your spouse when pursuing your dream. \xa0
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\nRecommended books and resources:\nNote: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we\xa0earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our\xa0podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our\xa0affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks! \xa0
\nResources
\n\nTED Talks \xa0
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\nBooks
\n\nFinding Flow by\xa0Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi\xa0
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\nWhere can we find Suzanne?\n\nSuzanne's Black Rabbit Magic DVD
\nJonathan Levit's\xa0Black Rabbit Magic DVD
\nUpcoming Restaurant Magic DVD