Other performers have tried mimicking them by opening their back doors to audiences and eager fans for a meet and greet , but after a few weeks of doing so , they often quit . Penn explains that it becomes too much for most people , and many of them dread the facade they have to continue after the show and the exhaustion that comes with it .
Penn & Teller Just Enjoy Doing It
“ We ’ ve always done that over our career , and it was never done because [ we said ], ‘ Boy , if we meet anybody personally , we ’ ll be more successful ,’” Penn shares . “ It was done because when we were carny trash , we had no place else to be .
“ You can get more meta and say it ’ s the authenticity and the audience reactions , and therefore , they like more , and therefore , it ’ s better branding ,” Penn continues , “ but at some point , you ’ ve got to say it ’ s because you like doing it ."
Penn has never been one to let critics ' opinions influence his thoughts or performances . Beyond the investment reports and the important feedback that has kept the show running for the past 40 years , Penn won ’ t read anything with his name in it . That criticism and overview is not for him . It ’ s not material that will benefit him ; instead , it ’ s intended for the reader and audience .
Together , Penn & Teller have developed their own unique style to magic . A quiet Teller is always ready with misdirection , while the fast , loud , and clever antics of Penn pull viewers ’ attention to the stage . What goes on backstage and in their preparation is something only they know .
Despite their act , what they present off of the stage has little to do with misdirection . “ Branding ” isn ’ t a word in Penn ’ s arsenal . It ’ s not an accurate explanation for the work he and Teller put into their shows and the dedication they show their excited fans .
Yet , Penn knows there will always be something to criticize . No matter how streamlined or advanced your practices are , someone will find the weak link in the chain you have created . They will always have criticism for what you have done , and in most instances , those views are correct , according to Penn . But that ’ s not the feedback you should listen to .
“ If you come up to me after a show , and you say , ‘ Do you want to know honestly what I thought of your show ?’ My answer is , ‘ I already know ,’” Penn says . “ If you ’ re in the audience , and there are 1,400 people there , you get 1 / 1,400 of the vote on every applause , every laugh , everything . I ’ ve gotten your vote . What you ’ re trying to do is pack the ballot box , and I will not allow that .”
The only voices that matter are the ones that directly influence the success of your business : your customers and the team you trust to help those customers . Once you block the critics , the naysayers , and those who offer you no real value , you will find the power and value of the voice , the work , and the relationships you put into the business you ’ re building .
After all , perfecting your craft and listening for the applause is far more beneficial . n
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