The Real Importance of Audience Involvement

In the past I am sure we all have heard that involving spectators is a great idea because it makes them more involved in the magic, and it becomes more interactive and personal.  This is true.  However, an often overlooked , also extremely important aspect is the fact that a spectator who is involved in anything procedural believes that procedure was fair.

For instance take the classic example where the second phase in an Ambitious Card Routine is where the spectator inserts the card in the deck.  There is no doubt in their mind (assuming your double lift is convincing, and that assumes a lot for some people) that the card is certainly in the middle.  After they insert the card, you should make every possible effort to display the fact there is no manipulation going on at all.  Hold the deck at two fingertips.  Then, give them the cards.  Then let them turn the card over.

That may sound like a standard procedure, but then why do I see even some of the most acclaimed magicians like Cyril messing up this sequence.  Take a look.  the particular moment in question is at about 3:20.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRoqpre7nnI

It is also worth noting that all around Cyril is a decent 

card handler, but I would for sure say there is a lot of 

room for improvement. A few things to note on this

part of his performance...  

1) He misdirects when he does his double lifts at time.  

He looks a spectator in the eye and talks to them while 

doing a slight. I will contend that whenever you have 

both hands on the deck in a non-covert action, you 

should be directing attention to it.

2) His doubles are different from his singles.

3) He spreads the cards for the spectator to insert 

the card back. While this might make the insertion 

easier, it requires him to have more time with both 

hands on the cards. This should be prevented by 

having the deck squared.

4) He does the reveal himself. As I said, whenever 

possible, the spectator should have this turnover.  

Which is also why I content that after the first phase 

in an ACR, the spectator should always have the 

turnover. This also limits me to a shorter ACR, 

which I think is also the best way to go in the first 

place.

All in all it is a massive neglect of audience 

participation that could have heightened that 

routine.

It's just something to think about when you are 

considering what sleights to use in your routines.

Moral of the story...

Clean handling is great but not handling is best.