As in my list of the "Top Ten Magicians of Our Time," David Copperfield ruled at the top, and such noteworthy magicians as Siegfried & Roy, Doug Henning, Penn & Teller and Lance Burton are on both. Most notable differences are the inclusion of David Blaine and Criss Angel, both of who didn't make my list. A questionable inclusion, in my opinion, is Neil Patrick Harris.

All considered, it's a solid list.

The list includes:

1. David Copperfield

2. Siegfried & Roy

3. Doug Henning

4. David Blaine

5. Penn & Teller

6. Harry Anderson

7. Lance Burton

8. Neil Patrick Harris

9. Criss Angel

10. Ed Alonzo

Among the magicians on the list, Ed Alonzo is least known to the public. But he is among the funniest comedy magicians in the world and one of my favorites.

Neil Patrick Harris is an interesting choice because the popular actor is known for his television roles, but is also an accomplished magician. This choice was based on celebrity.

Among those on the list, it's going to be impossible to now experience the magic of Siegfried & Roy and Doug Henning, except through video footage. Also, we haven't seen a lot of magic from Harry Anderson of late. And among lay people, what? No Ricky Jay?

More Reading:
Top Ten Magicians of Our Time
Top Ten Close-Up Magicians
Famous Magicians
Review: CRISS ANGEL Believe

Here's RH's e-mail:

"I have been doing magic for a few years now as a hobby. My biggest problem is a severe case of stage-fright. When I perform in front of people I literally shake. I want to get into restaurant magic but think I would have a problem with the shaking part. I think my main problem is approaching the tables. Can you give me any advice on how I could do this? Some of my friends say not to tell them I am a magician and just do magic. I think this is a great idea since I like magic with ordinary objects. But again the shaking part. Can you help me?"

First of all, RH, you're definitely not alone. At one time, in the beginning, I was so nervous performing magic that I too used to shake. Keep in mind that even seasoned pros get nervous at times. It's all part of performing.

You pose two questions that I'll address one at a time.

Nerves
In my experience, nervousness won't stop until you're at a point where you're comfortable performing for people and confident in your magic. And until you feel secure in your magic, you won't be at ease approaching tables at restaurants.

In prior positions before becoming a magician, I was accustomed to giving presentations and standing in front of crowds. However, these experiences did little to prepare me for the unique skill set required to perform magic professionally.

My advice is that you continually perform magic until you become comfortable in front of spectators. Work up six tricks so they're flawless in execution and entertaining, and then perform them for different crowds - preferably not for family and friends who can be rude and discouraging.

Where can you perform magic to gain this experience? Look to the organizations that you are already part of or know of. Most have fund raisers and social events throughout the year. Whatever the event, offer to perform magic. And on the day of the event, perform magic continuously.

Repeat, and at some point, you'll gain confidence and eventually conquer those nerves. You'll know when. You'll be performing magic and it will occur to you that you're not nervous.

At the Table
As for approaching tables, in my experience, this is always a challenge. And depending on the restaurant and its conditions, it can be the most frustrating and intimidating aspect of restaurant magic.

How you approach a table will depend on your performing persona, the venue itself, the flow of the food service and the personality and demographic of the clients. There is no one method of approach that works at all restaurants and all performers.

As for me, I don't like the idea of walking up to a table and beginning a trick without a proper introduction. A crowd can be in a hurry or they may be discussing something serious and not in the mood for entertainment. I think an unsolicited magic trick is an intrusion.

I prefer approaching a table, introducing myself and what I do and getting a sense of the mood of the table. With an invitation or opening, I jump in with the tricks that I think would work best for the crowd.

When you get the ball rolling and are successful with one table, the laughing and clapping will spread throughout the restaurant. The rest of the evening becomes somewhat easier as tables will call you over to entertain. But you've got to have great magic material.

Lots of information, I know. Feel free to ask questions or add to the discussion via the comment features. Good luck with your magic.

More Reading:
Dealing with Nervousness
Live at the Jailhouse: a Guide to Restaurant Magic
Restaurant Magic Reader by Jim Sisti

Here's what I'm hoping for:

Great magic on television that inspires a new generation of magicians and creates excitement for our art. Masters of Illusion just hasn't been able to accomplish this.

That David Copperfield returns to television to rock our world.

That magicians come to their senses and remove YouTube videos that show them performing popular tricks such as "Bandana." With all those videos out there, the tricks are losing their impact.

That David Blaine has an amazing television special that creates buzz among the lay population, just as his shows once did over a decade ago.

A great "Believe" show in Las Vegas. What's good for Criss Angel and Cirque is good for magic.

The return of Steve Wyrick who's first rate Las Vegas show, "Real Magic," at Planet Hollywood is now dark.

More healthy venues and prosperous clients for working magic pros.

That bad "magicians" and clowns who have no respect for love for our art will stop performing magic and charging for shows.

A minor annoyance. The Masked M. gets cancelled.

That membership thrives in our magic organizations: IBM, SAM, Magic Circle and Academy of Magical Arts (Magic Castle).

That the public obtains a better impression of magic. Actually, there's something that all of us can do on this one. Simply perform the most entertaining shows that we can to leave spectators enthralled and elated. All of us need to be positive representatives for our art.

Any others out there? Please comment below.

More Reading:
The Five Biggest Mistakes Made by Beginning Magicians
Magic 101: Overcoming Nervousness
7 Themes To Improve Your Magic

With the upcoming holidays and gatherings, there's no better time then now to finally learn that magic routine that you've been wanting to perform and polish it up.

Here are resources to get you started.

Selecting Tricks for Your Act
Before you learn a trick, you have to select the right ones for your skill level, venue, angles and crowd.

How to Learn Magic Tricks
You now have some tricks that you want to learn. The next step is to learn the tricks, develop presentations for them and get your feet wet standing in front of and performing for audiences.

The Five Biggest Mistakes Made by Beginning Magicians
Why do so many in the general public loathe magic? It's probably because they've seen poor magic and/or arrogant, boorish "magicians." Here then, are the five biggest mistakes made by beginning magicians.

Dealing With Nervousness
The number one problem facing most beginning magicians. Here are tips to keep your composure when you're in front of a crowd.

More Reading:
Seven Themes to Improve Your Magic
Five Steps to Perfect Your Sleight of Hand Moves
Performing Routines Versus Tricks