UncategorizedApril 28, 2021

Meet Edward Ruiz | Magician

Local Stories

We’re so pumped about our conversation with Edward Ruiz. Edward is a Magician and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Edward below.

Hi Edward, so great to have you join us again. For folks who might have missed our earlier conversations, can you please take a minute to briefly introduce yourself?
I am a magician who uses his art talents to create illusions and magic effects. When I perform in person my show is a mix of visual magic, interactive magic and storytelling.

Can you talk to us about the changes you’ve had to make given the Pandemic? We’d love to hear more about the transition from live shows to online performances and the differences between virtual magic versus in person magic.
Performing magic online has many challenges. Along with the technical equipment you also need to know what works best over the internet. There was a lot of experimenting and free live streams the first 5 months of the pandemic. Finally, after performing regularly online something clicked. The magic finally started to come together and the connections with the audience were being made just like at a live performance. The audience was one again participating and creating the magic themselves. When performing in person a spectator can freely select a card, or handle the rope before it gets cut. But in a virtual show the audience is not able to inspect or select like they would at a stage show. As a magician performing online the challenge was to find ways to allow direct input from the audience. With the use of the zoom and the many build in features we can spotlight audience members, unmute them for responses, and read comments in the chat bar. It’s almost like sitting in the front row, only you are in your own home.

What do future Magic Shows look like? A combination of virtual and in person experiences? Can you tell us more about low touch no touch magic?
Future magic shows will probably be a mix of live performance and virtual magic. The great thing about being online is the ability to feature guests from anywhere in the world. Also, we could stream the show live over the internet so that we can get viewers not able to attend the physical venue. Some of what we have learned performing virtual shows will become useful as we tip toe back into live performances. Rather than having spectators touch a card, perhaps magicians will just ask them to pick a number then deal to that card. The online platform has taught me that there is still plenty of ways to have spectators make selections without having to touch things on stage.

What types of magic products do you offer?
Currently I am making Magicians wands. I thought it would be fun to bring back the elegance of carrying a magic wand. But not the regular black and white tip plastic wands. I started making wooden wands with special handmade paper and brass tips for myself then I decided to offer them to other magicians. I figured if they were unique enough magicians might want to incorporate them into their routines. I even created a new wand that works with touch screens. I also have several new retakes on a few classic card mentalism effects. I used food as my theme rather than the usual playing card images. I also have a variety of new merchandise items including a new Confetti Eddie Lapel Pin.

Who is involved with your latest productions?
Currently we have two stage managers Kat Diesel and Javy Poker. Kat Diesel is also starting her own online virtual show that features a variety of artists and performers. Javy Poker is a magician from Mexico City he also has his own virtual show. Javy stage manages our show from another country and that is what is so amazing about performing online. You can be anywhere in the world and participate.

Are you making any new art? Do you make the magic effects yourself?
I am working on a few new paintings. One for sure that will probably be made into a promotional poster. Most of the magic effects and props I make myself. The methods are often from magic books and secrets bought from magicians. It is also common to theme a classic effect with a contemporary story.

Are you open to booking and available to appear on other shows as a guest.
Yes since the parlor closed, I will be performing more out in public. I will be looking for a variety of venues and theaters to perform from. I am also creating a variety of types of magic for the different types of performance spaces including galleries and pubs.

Thank you so much again for sharing all of this with us. Before we go, can you share with our readers how they can connect with you, learn more or show support?
You can find me at Confetti Eddie on Facebook. I also have an Instagram for Confetti Eddie. And currently my art blog is my website Edward Ruiz art and Illusions.