Don’t Suck…The Fun Out of The Room!

There’s something every entertainer notices almost immediately when they walk on stage: 

The energy of the room. 

You can feel it within seconds. You know when an audience is leaning in, ready to laugh, clap and play along. And you know when a room is just sitting there…emotionless…without excitement…or wonderment…crickets. 

Here’s the thing though… 

Being a great audience member has absolutely nothing to do with being fooled. 

Most magicians watching another magician already know there’s a method behind the effect. We know tricks don’t happen because someone suddenly unlocked actual wizard powers. That’s not the point. The point is supporting the performance, the entertainer, and the experience being created for everyone else in the room. 

If you’re in the audience, you’re part of the show too. 

The Audience Helps Create the Experience 

A magic show isn’t a one-way street. It’s not just a performer “doing tricks” at people. The audience contributes to the energy, pacing, and atmosphere of the entire room. 

When people laugh, clap, react, and participate, it gives everyone else permission to have fun too.  

But when audience members sit stone-faced, refuse to engage, or purposely act unimpressed, it can change the entire vibe of the room. In some cases, the energy drops and other audience members hesitate to react. The fun starts disappearing. 

And look — some people in showrooms, theaters, or industry events may genuinely be there to evaluate, critique, or study the performance professionally. That’s part of the business. But two things can be true at once: you can do your job and still allow yourself to enjoy the experience. You can show up to critique and still be a good time.  

You don’t lose credibility because you laugh and you don’t become less professional because you clap. Being analytical and being supportive aren’t opposites. 

Supporting Fellow Entertainers Matters 

In entertainment, we all understand how vulnerable performing can be. Whether it’s magic, comedy, music, speaking, or theater, someone is putting themselves out there trying to share their art and create a memorable experience. 

Support costs you nothing! That’s right, in case nobody told you…it’s absolutely free! 

Clap when something lands. 

Laugh when something’s funny. 

Answer questions. 

Volunteer if asked. 

React. 

You don’t have to fake anything. Nobody’s asking you to pretend your mind was shattered by a card trick. But you can choose to help create a fun environment instead of quietly competing with the performer from your seat.  

There’s a huge difference between appreciating the craft and trying to prove you’re smarter than the show. 

“But I Know How It’s Done…” 

Cool! So do I! 

And so does every chef when they go to a restaurant. 

They still enjoy dinner. 

Musicians still go to concerts. 

Actors still watch movies. 

Comedians still laugh at shows. 

Knowing how something works shouldn’t prevent you from appreciating the performance itself. 

In fact, professionals should understand more than anyone how much effort goes into creating a great audience experience. 

Don’t Suck the Fun Out of the Room 

This might sound blunt, but it’s true: 

Don’t be a kill joy.  

-Jamie Perez

Molo Magic LLC