Why is performing magic helpful for introverts?

Both of us are two things - professional entertainers and introverts. Being a magician may seem like a strange career option for an introvert but here’s why it’s perhaps the ideal choice…

It forces us to socialise, engage, initiate conversations and get out of our own tiresome heads, when if left to our own devices we would have stayed in our own little bubble, choosing only what felt safe and comfortable.

The feeling at the start of a close up magic gig is often one of shyness and reluctance to engage. The feeling at the end is empowered, liberated, connected and fulfilled. We have left our familiar safe space and stretched ourselves into the lives of others. The reward - a little more self esteem.

But what happens when it’s more than a little shyness getting in the way of a confident performance? Days when you don’t like yourself at all, and the idea of facing one other human seems untenable let alone a whole room full of strangers.

We both have our experience and relationship with our own mental health. Fergus has suffered with a debiliatating anxiety disorder since the age of 10 and Neb has been a volunteer for Samaritans for the last 7 years.

In our workshop we explore not only how great performance can comfortably live alongside mental health struggles, but that it can also be the one thing that truly connects us to our audiences.