How I Choose My Opening Line

Every performer has their version of it—“How’s everybody doing tonight?”

It’s a question that doesn’t really get answered. It’s said more out of habit than intention, and it’s something I decided early on I didn’t want to do.

Instead, I started asking myself: what do I actually want to say first?

I was once told to "Hit the stage like a bull". This is my last thought before I make an entrance.

My go-to these days is simple: “Hey, my name’s Trino. Thanks for being here tonight.”

That line might sound plain, but it’s the most honest thing I can say in that moment. And it does exactly what I want it to do—it drops people’s guard. I want people to know that I’m not here to pull a fast one or fool them just for the sake of it. I want them to feel like they’re in good hands, and we’re about to have a great time together.

The first ten seconds of a show are everything. The audience is deciding whether to lean in or check out. I want them to lean in. I want them to know they don’t have to overthink this, they just have to enjoy it.

I also try to open with something surprising—a bit, a line, a moment—that makes people go, “Oh. This is different.” I want them to realize right away that this isn’t a typical magic show. This is going to be fun.

If you’ve seen me live, you might have seen a couple different bits I’ve used right out of the gate. I won’t spoil any of them here, but just know that I’m always trying to make those first moments count.

Dropping guards right before dropping jaws

That’s the secret: the best opening lines don’t need to be clever, they need to be clear. Clear that you’re confident. Clear that you care. Clear that this is going to be something worth paying attention to. And over time, I’ve learned to trust my own tone. I don’t need to hype myself up to “get in character” before walking on stage. Because I’m not playing a character—I’m just being me. A slightly peppier, more amped-up version, sure. But still me.

When you open your show from a place of honesty and presence, your audience feels it. And they’ll follow you wherever you go.

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