Here’s the promised interview with Kayla Drescher. I found her answers interesting and inspiring for all magicians, but of particular interest to female magicians. The world needs more of these, and I’m happy that Anastasia had the opportunity to learn from an up & coming star ..
What’s something you’ve found different as a female magician and how did you handle it?
The biggest difference for me is
how I need to act and look on stage. I can’t tell the same jokes or sometimes use the same patter as the man or men who created the effect and wrote the directions. I can’t walk the same, use the same props, or even use the same volunteers. I shouldn’t use a briefcase or bag. Most audiences see a female performer calling up a female volunteer to be a type of rivalry, where as if I call up a male volunteer, there is more of a friendly and almost flirtatious interaction, which is more interesting and fun to watch to the audience. It’s the little details like that I’ve learned along the way that aren’t published in any books for us ladies.
Do you find that different groups respond differently to magic? (Children, teenagers, adults and the elderly as well as male and female)
Most definitely! Children love visual entertainment, various colors, and physical comedy. Teenagers don’t think magic is very cool, but are still intrigued and will watch. Adults think magic is for kids, but LOVE to watch it. The elderly just love to laugh and be entertained, and therefore love magic. You can do different types of magic for teenagers and older because they have a better grasp on how things in the world work well. All of these groups have one big thing in common: laughter. They love to laugh and be entertained.
How and how often do you practice, and who serves as a test audience for any new routines?
I’ve never liked to practice. But if we’re going to be any good, we have to practice every day. The best way to practice alone is with a camera at 3 different angles-left, right, and center. This way, you know what your angles look like. But the best way to practice overall is in front of an audience. Use your parents, sibling, friends, open mics, and anyone that will watch. That’s the best way to see how your routine will work.
David Copperfield has told a story of how he was able to show his pockets empty (when they were not) while being mugged. Have your magic skills ever proven useful in the real world? How?
Most definitely! I used to work as a bartender and would use magic both for entertainment and to get more tips. One time, a gentleman, who was not very nice, said that if I made his trip memorable, he would give me a big tip. So I should him magic and got a 50% tip!
Suppose you have just a minute or two to show President Obama a quick magic miracle. What effect would you choose and why?
I would do something original and fun that would make him laugh and make his magical experience memorable. AKA probably something with a rubber band.
Are there any magical items that you carry almost all the time?
Rubber bands, hence the answer to the Obama question. I rarely am without 4-10 rubber bands on my wrist. I also try to pay attention to my surroundings just in case someone asks me to show them a trick. That way, I can grab any object around and do something!
