What does a magician do?

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Abracadabra, Alakazam! Have you ever been to a magic show? Or perhaps you've mastered a few magic tricks of your own!

Magic is the art of performing tricks, rituals and stunts that change how people see reality.

When it comes to magic, things aren't always as they seem, and mysterious forces appear to be at work. Quarters seem to disappear into thin air, while animals may appear out of nowhere! When it comes to magic, sometimes it's hard to tell what is real and what isn't!

Who makes it all possible? The magician! Magicians practice magic by performing tricks that entertain others, often as part of shows performed at venues such as restaurants and birthday parties. Some orchestrate elaborate performances on television, or in large-scale public settings. Magicians must work hard to master their tricks, regularly practicing so their skills stay strong. They must also continue to learn new tricks so their performances are exciting. Magicians are skilled at finding ways to hold people's attention, sometimes distracting them from reality so they can perform the captivating tricks at hand! Magicians also know how to make it seem that amazing things are happening right before the eyes of the audience. As hard as we try, it can be difficult to figure out just how magicians perform their tricks. What's their secret? A good magician will never reveal it!

(by Mya Kagan)

Further Information

Some magicians come up with their own tricks, while others buy tricks from stores, catalogs or other online sources. Some magicians may even make extra money by selling their tricks or props for others to buy!