Showmanship for Magicians by Dariel Fitzkee
Originally published in 1943, I still consider this book to be the required reading book on stage showmanship. This is one book in the Fitzkee Trilogy that Tommy Wonder claims taught him everything he knows about magic. 25 chapters on music, rhythm, sex appeal, personality, color, harmony, romance, timing, surprise, unity, character, costuming, grooming, make-up, confidence, rehearsal, pacing, punch, comedy, holding interest, routining, ideas for acts, putting an act together, what type of act sells, staying modern, smiles, your final bows, etc. etc. A complete study of what it takes to be a stage performer rather than just a “presenter of tricks.” This volume, as well as the entire Fitzkee Trilogy, is one of the highest recommended books in this studio.
