Building an Act

Description

Building an Act should be essential reading for all magicians. It is succinct, insightful and honest. It is a a reminder that we can all work harder and think deeper. It is no surprise to me that a work by Tommy Wonder and Tom Stone would be so inspiring. I can think of no better or more experienced voices to have produced this work.
This booklet is guaranteed to improve your magic and to expand your knowledge of the “glue” that holds a compelling performance together.
Improve your work. Read this.
—Ben Hart

In 2005, Tommy Wonder published a booklet with advice on how to build an act. For some unknown reason, it never got distributed and only a few close friends have seen it.

With the permission of Tommy Wonder’s Estate, this lost manuscript is now finally released as an ebook.

It also contains additional writing by Tom Stone on the topic of how to create a whole show.

40 pages. 19 illustrations.

Building an Act is an inspirational manuscript, from two professionals that know what they are talking about! There is no foolish, academic “theory”, just practical advice on getting started on your creation.
Often, what is lacking in building your dream act, is the confidence and encouragement that you can do it. It is provided here in spades, but you will still have to contribute the courage, hard work, and dicipline.
Rest assured, Wonder and Stone want you to succeed, and even list the pitfalls and setbacks they have experienced in their own efforts. It’s all part of the process, and these professionals have given you the road map to follow.
Get Building an Act, and get to work!
—John Carney

I’ve been involved in theatre and magic for much of my life. One of the most frustrating things about watching magicians is to see how little many of them know about theatre arts: how to act, elements of stagecraft and of dramatic techniques. It’s easy to see why; what intrigued them about magic was the tricks. But magic is communication. Just plunk your trick down in front of an audience and you might find yourself disappointed when you don’t get the reaction you thought you deserved.
Why do I think this book is essential for magicians? Simply because it provides the methods to take “tricks” and turn them into a show. These are the mechanics you need to actually mount a show, to get off your butt and get out there and do it.
—Matt Field