Readers Respond: Why Are There So Few Female Magicians?

Responses: 9

By Wayne Kawamoto, About.com Guide

Why are there so few female magicians? Provide your comments here. Share Your Comments

someway & somehow we just need to as there is little to get them interested in the art.
—Guest steve123

Bloomer asked female magicians how to increase the number of ladies in magic clubs. He states “I am sorry to say they did not have any suggestions”. From his riposte “Any ideas?” NEITHER HAS HE! Spookywriter - “Her linking rings is wonderfully "girlie" which is why it has a "new car smell" about it (??). But her material, while technically very well done, is a bit bland”. Is it ‘a bit bland’ when a woman delivers a child? This is REAL magic! Such remarks are sexist and bigoted - and speak volumes of why 50% of the population REJECT a fraternity dominated by egoist males – and who can blame them? This egotistical attitude is further reflected in the banal advertising hype on ‘magic’ effects. ‘Even fools magicians’. We are not here to ‘fool magicians’ – we are here to ENTERTAIN by sending a shiver of fear and delight to LAY people who work hard in dreary jobs and PAY us to give them a thrill in their otherwise mundane lives. Start WELCOMING woman and enrich your life!
—Levantino

I won’t lie and say it’s easy to be a female magician. And for me, it’s not just that I’m a woman. I do close-up strolling and street magic, but since I’m not David Blaine, it’s hard to attract an audience. That’s part of the fun for me, though. When I finally get some attention, it’s from people who are skeptical of me. And then I blow their minds. Just the surprise on their faces and the obvious respect they just developed for me is enough, and I don’t mind if they don’t tip. Personally, I like being “underground” instead of being popular. And I want every girl who has ever wanted to be a magician to know, it’s okay to be a woman.
—Nista

What I'm starting to see are women coming up with routines that suit them, not just copying men. No, I'm not saying that women have to dress topless with a g-string. Turn it around for a minute. Would a man look and feel "right" if they acted like a women (I'm not talking about drag queens either) performing magic? Ms. Lambert is a great example. She does some great stage work that is very feminine and looks great. Her linking rings is wonderfully "girlie" which is why it has a "new car smell" about it. But, when she does her close up, she is just another one of the boys and that material, while technically very well done, is a bit bland. It's definitely moving along though and I'll bet in 5 years we will have women just as "big" as Burton and Copperfield. You go girls!
—spookywriter

It is a shame there are so few female magicians. Of the few I have seen, their stage presence was just as good, if not better than most of their male counterparts. I have seen clips of Krystyn Lambert on the web, and I must say that her style and her presentation were far more entertaining than the male magicians. My stage partner Melanie has been working with me for over six years now, and is a great performer in her own right. She performs most of the escapes in our shows, and does some illusions also. She started out as an assistant, but now shares half of the billing, and half of everything else. I would not be where I am today without her. If you go to the circus, or see a side show, some of the best performers are women. It is too bad most male magicians seem to be stuck in the Middle Ages. Of course, there are good and bad performers in both genders. In closing, all I can say, is when I want to check out some magic clips on You-Tube, I always go to "Female Magicians." S. Hyde
—Guest Steve Hyde

My love of magic was stronger than the discomfort of being the only woman in the group and gradually many of the guys became wonderful friends . I want to encourage men to be extra weloming to women. Offer to explain effects or refer to some books and DVDs . Also, offer common Magic vocabulary and acronyms ( perhaps a group officer can make copies and distribute them to all newcomers.) . My message is simply to be friendly and helpful and welcoming to a female. Magic became a passion for me .Although I am on medical-leave , I am in touch daily in some way , with my magic family and I study or research or watch Magic for 4 hours every day !
—Guest Magigal

I sent a response a month ago, but it must have failed to reegister. Most likely amateur female and male magicians are reading the responses posted on this forum, so I will address one area : That being, having female magicians checking out the magic groups and organizations. Twenty years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about Magic, except that it looked like a lot of fun ! I was just emerging from a year of astonishing personal losses due to death, including my husband and Mother-in-law and best friend. When I entered the tiny packed, meeting room, most guys nodded a hello and I went and stood against the wall next to the least imposing guy.During the break , a couple of guys came over and made small talk..when I asked a guy where he learned the "trick" he did, he said "MUM"..Of course I thought he meant his Mom and said 'Oh, is she a magician too ?" Each meeting I would ineptly do an effect I found in library books.There was a lot of eye-rolling and chuckles from the guys.
—Guest Magigal

I know Suzanne's work well - Categorize her any way you please - she's a thoughtful, meticulous and highly entertaining pro.
—Guest RICH BLOCH

I have asked a few female magicians how we could increase the number of young ladies in our magic clubs. I am sorry to say they did not have any suggestions. Any ideas? Don Bloomer via comments
—Guest Don Bloomer

Wayne Kawamoto
Magic & Illusion Guide