I N T E R N AT I O N A L M A G I C M A G A Z I N E

MARCH 2023
NO. 105
#104
APRIL
2023

Bond Lee
Behind the magic
 “ Jamie thinks differently
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PENNJILETTE
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GET YOUR COPY TODAY AT JAMIEALLANBOOK.COM
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VANISH WO
D
D
FROM

R
R
THE
MAGAZINE EDITOR
PUBLISHER
Paul Romhany & Joomag

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & DESIGN LAYOUT

Paul Romhany A ROAD TRIP
This past month I travelled to Toronto and performed some theatre shows,
COVER PHOTO a comedy club show and a lecture. It was a great week and reminded me of
Photo by Wesley Chan the great people we have in this business. I got to work with the hilarious
Matt Disero who gave a masterclass in his performance on how to handle
young audience members. It is always a treat to work with real pros who fully
BACK COVER PHOTO understand the business.
Photo by Chase Stevens
If you are in Toronto, be SURE to visit Jokers Theatre. & Comedy Club. Not only is
THANK YOU TO it a great venue with a great line up of acts, including variety acts, but you MUST
experience Le Petit Chef. It is an interactive experience that happens on your
Chipper Lowell plate with a five-course meal that is truly memorable. It is an immersive culinary
journey. The way I described it to friends is calling it "Disneyland on a plate."
SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR
I finally got to meet Connie Boyd who has been writing for VANISH for many
Nick Lewin
years and promoting Magical Women on social media and her YouTube channels.
Connie is a real treasure in the magic world and as one friend said, "I'm meeting
ASSOCIATE EDITORS magic Royalty," when he met her. We had lunch with the very busy and talented
Hal Meyers, Ben Robinson Julie Eng, and it was exciting to hear all about Magicana and the new projects
they are working on. Magic is very well supported in Toronto, and I recommend a
visit there if you come to Canada.
CONTRIBUTORS
I'm very honored to have Bond Lee on the cover with his story. His skills and
Paul Romhany, Dan Stapleton, Louie Fox,
devotion to magic as a performer, creator and producer are second to none and
Nick Lewin, Connie Boyd, Pierre Hamon
he is leading the way in how magic is produced. He shares his insights on to how
& Gus, Dave Attwood, Hal Meyers, David
to take an idea and turn it in to a fully marketable product.
Regal, Romany, Puck, Alain Nu, Chuck
Jones, Jeff Scanlan, Dibya Guha
There is so much in this issue so take your time and enjoy.

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Jennifer Holden
Paul Romhany
CREATIVE DESIGNER & LAYOUT
Paul Romhany

VANISH CONVENTION DIRECTOR

Steve Hocevar

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION

Joomag
With Matt Disero Le Petit Chef With Connie Boyd
ADDRESS
PLEASE NOTE:
New address so email
prior
The Great Pokkus
to posting any
product reviews to
VANISH.
editor@
vanishmagazine.com

BY PIERRE HAMON AND GUS

 TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL - PAGE 05
BOND LEE - feature story - PAGE 08

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT- 4D Box - PAGE 16

MAGIC BUSINESS- daniel chen - PAGE 20

PROUDCT HIGHLIGHT- iq pro - PAGE 22

IF IT PACKS FLAT - ARE YOU PLAYING IT BIG?- nick lewin-PAGE 26

3 WAYS TO STAND OUT FROM OTHER MAGICIANS- cris johnson - PAGE 30

JOAN DUKORE - connie boyd - PAGE 34

ROLLER COASTER #4 - the guillotine - dan stapleton - PAGE 44

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT - instant coffee - PAGE 50

DR. EDWIN DAWES- in memory by ben robinson - PAGE 54

GLORIA DEA- in memory by lance rich - PAGE 68

WHAT'S NEXT ON THE ROAD- trick by louie fox - PAGE 83

THE INVISIBLE PREDICTION- dibya guha - PAGE 84

THE PERFECT FAKINI BALL HOLDER- hal meyers - PAGE 90

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT- multi-sense - PAGE 102

REVIEWS- PAGE 108

 VANISH

#105
April 2023

08 34
DESIGN
& EFFECT illusionplans.ca

WORKSHOP
PLAN

78
Design by
NIGEL HARRISON

THE GREEN
ROOM
The Appearance of
PLUS
Link to CAD
the Magician Model

62
74 68 APRIL | 2023 7
 BOND
LEE

Proofreading services provided by Professor Tommy Kochel

8 APRIL | 2023
 BEHIND
THE MAGIC
WHO IS BOND LEE?
Bond Lee is a professional magician based
in Hong Kong, founder of MS Magic and
Hong Kong Magic School. His magic spans
everything from close-up to grand illusion,
as well as creating original concept and
designs for corporations and magicians. His
product line has raised the level and quality

Have you ever wondered what it takes to

get an original ideal to the market place?
Bond shares the steps it takes to do just that!

THE BEGINNING
My journey of magic started after my
classmate showed me a card trick and
invited me to join our university magic
club. I learned the very basic magic props
and tricks from my seniors. After one year
of learning magic in the club, I got my first
chance to go on stage and fell in love with
the feeling; that feeling got me hooked on
magic and it has become my passion ever
since.

MY STUDY IN THE US
After I graduated from university, I had two
choices: one was to continue my study in
Psychology; the other was to travel all the
way to United States and study magic. After
lengthy consideration, I chose magic and
studied in the Chavez Studio of Magic with

APRIL | 2023 9
 "I started working
professionally, doing
shows in all kinds
of situations: kid’s
parties, street shows,
dinner parties, and
weddings."
BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL
While working in a magic shop, I competed
in multiple magic competitions in Asia,
and I won a few awards. I got the chance
to experience different international
conventions, saw some of the best shows
in the world, and met lots of good friends
in magic. After that, I started working
professionally, doing shows in all kinds of
situations: kid’s parties, street shows, dinner
parties, and weddings. These experiences
influenced my magic designs afterward
because I now know what professionals
really need on the front line.

TV SHOW
After working as a professional for two
years, I had the opportunity to perform
on a few local TV shows, giving me more
exposure and exploring a completely new
form of magic. The requirement of TV magic
is that it be quick and easy to understand;
visual is the key element, like modern day
one of my mentors, Dale Salwak. Dale my mind and changed my vision about the social media magic. On almost every TV
taught me Chavez’s classic manipulation performing arts. The trip to the US was short, show I have worked with, there were never
magic, at the same time inspiring me but it changed my life completely. enough resources or time, which pushed us
to develop my magic. At that time I was to our limits to design and create the magic
filled with questions about magic, career in the most efficient way. For one of the TV
MAGIC SALESMAN
and future, and Dale always answered shows, we only had seven days to create
my questions without reservation. I was I got back to Hong Kong and started
an act from zero to completion, including
a new man when I finished my study working in the magic store, “City’s Magic” as
brainstorming, prop making and practice. It
with Dale. After Chavez, I also studied a salesperson. This was the first time I got
was extremely difficult, but we managed to
with three other magicians. Tony Clark in touch with the product side of the magic
make it work, thanks to the good team we
helped me a lot in my professional industry. Everyday different customers came
had. This was a great lesson and prepared
career planning. Shoot Ogawa let me into our store. In addition to demonstrating
me for future product development
understand there is no technique too magic, I had to sell magic sets. I was not
problem-solving.
difficult; all you need is practice. And the used to it at first. My boss, Mr. So, one of the
last one was Jeff Mcbride, the person most experienced magicians in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Magic School
who inspired me to create my award- slowly taught me how to use the simplest
winning act, SNOW. From Jeff, I learned props to achieve great performances, and After I worked as a professional for a few
how to create and elevate magic, which the technique of reading your customer. With years, I watched some young people
greatly influenced my magic thinking the information we read, we were able to performing in a magic competition. The
process till today. During my study, I got sell magic sets more efficiently. I worked in level at the competition was not high
a chance to travel to Las Vegas and see City’s Magic for almost a year. This experience because the basic skills of the magic were
the world’s best shows, including David taught me the basics of how to run a magic not solid enough. Then I realized, there was
Copperfield, Penn and Teller, and Cirque shop. no magic school in Hong Kong. How could
Du Soleil. These performances opened
10 APRIL | 2023
they learn magic properly like at Chavez? So, I decided
to open Hong Kong Magic School to share what I have
learned from so many great magicians. Sometimes all
young people need is just a spark of inspiration, a word
of advice, that might change their lives forever, just
like Dale and Jeff had done for me. Hong Kong Magic
School is still operating and helping magic enthusiasts
to study the art of magic today.

BORN
Not long after I founded Hong Kong Magic School, I
recorded my first ever magic tutorial DVD, BORN. It is a
DVD about ball manipulation. I placed all the materials I
had learned in it, and I also invited my good friends Ian
and Bojan to share some of their original techniques.
Since it was my first time producing a DVD, again it
was not easy. We didn’t know how to make a proper
backdrop, how to shoot the movie clearly, how to put
everything on a DVD and how to make it playable
internationally. We were amateurs and this project took
us almost eight months to complete. We had to change
our camera crew three times. Luckily Murphy’s Magic
helped us duplicate and distribute the DVD, which
was a great help. I was quite happy with BORN, and
the reception was positive; this motivated me to think
about more magic product projects, which led to the
birth of MS Magic.

young people
Sometimes all ark of
need is just a sp
ord of advice,
inspiration, a w
at m ig ht ch a nge their lives
th
forever.

MS MAGIC
After BORN, I worked with a few friends to create tutorial
projects like 0.01sec, X- ball and X-Holder. Although
these projects were not initiated by me, I learned how to
work as a team and how to create marketing materials
for our products. One day when I was performing, an
appearing cane failed to work on stage, which I found
very irritable, asking myself, “Why can’t they make it
better?” Then I realized, if they can’t, I can. I spent a
full year researching, found a factory and worked with
them for almost six months, and finally we created the
Ultra Cane, a much better version of the appearing
cane. It was at that moment I knew I liked creating and
improving magic props. The next year I officially started
MS Magic (at that time named Magiclism Store). From
2012 till today, we have produced more than 90 magic
products.

APRIL | 2023 11
 As a professional I would classify my work into three main
categories:
- Performance
- Education
- Product production
Since performance and education is quite common in the
magic world, in this article I would like to focus more on my
product production business, sharing some insight about this
rare route of magic.

Magic Product Production

The most asked question that I receive is, “How do you create
and produce a magic prop?”
This is my process of creating a new prop:
1. Idea and concept
2. Research
3. Prototype
4. Cost calculation
5. Mass production
6. Quality control

1. IDEA & CONCEPT

Idea is always the most difficult part. How do you come up with
something which never existed before? This is where I ask the
question, “What do I want?” Usually when I design a prop is
something I personally want to use, so I think about what props
I want to use on stage. This thinking process might occur at any
moment: sometimes during or after a show, sometimes when I am
driving, sometimes while I am watching a movie. The key here is to
keep thinking and jot down everything thought of, then to sit down
and process everything written down; at least, this is my way of
brainstorming ideas. The core of brainstorming is to not throw out
any idea and then to choose from the ideas generated. Let me give
you an example. I watched Henry Harrius’ FISM act in 2015. I love it;
I find it very magical. At that time, I was thinking, if I was going to
create an original magic Rubik’s cube wall, what would it look like? I
like clean, easy, and practical magic, so I came up with the concept
of a Rubik’s cube wall where every cube can be shuffled, and I jotted
this idea down inside my notebook. Four years later, when I was
searching for an idea for new products, I reviewed my notebooks
and saw what I had written down. Then I decided to work on it and
make this idea even better; the idea of a completely see-through,
freely shuffled Rubik’s Wall was born.

2. RESEARCH
Once I have an idea, I will do research on that idea,
to check if there is someone else who came up with
it or something similar before. This saves us lots of
time; if someone has already created the exact same
thing, then we will pass on the idea and move on to
the next one. If someone else had tried something
similar, we might find inspiration there and be able to
come up with something original. The more research
is done, the more possibilities there are; in that way,
we will have a greater advantage in the next phase.
I researched lots of methods for my Rubik’s Wall, like
black art, flaps, magnets and slides. We didn’t know
which method would be the best, but we prepared all
these methods for the prototype.
12 APRIL | 2023
 3. PROTOTYPE
We start building a prototype, which takes a lot of time. At
first, we build a very inexpensive prototype just to try out if the
method we imagined can possibly work. This is a process of trial
and error; we will fail many times during this phase because our
method might not work, or the magic effect doesn’t look good.
That’s why researching is important, once you fail, you will need
to find another way to accomplish the effect; the more methods
you know, the more possibilities you have. After you finally build
a satisfying prototype, congratulations! You have just completed
one of the most difficult and time-consuming steps. We tried
all the methods we mentioned above for our Rubik’s Wall. We
even tried different materials like metal, wood, and plastic. This
experimentaion process lasted for six months and finally we
used 3D printing to build a usable prototype.

4. COST CALCULATION
Yes, when you get through this prototype process, you will be
very excited, but there is another aspect to consider: cost. If
you want to profit from your product, you will need to finely
calculate your costs. A few things will affect the cost of the
product: production method, labor, packaging, and volume,
not to mention shipping. All your decisions will influence the
final retail price of your product, so I strongly suggest you
do your cost calculation cautiously. One more tip is always
allocating more funds than you need, as there is always a
chance of extra costs arising during the production process.
The Rubik’s Wall used a molding method for mass production.
Although the mold was very expensive, it lowered the
production costs in the long term. If we had used 3D printing
method for production, the retail price of the Rubik’s Wall
would have been double or even triple. We used an ABS case
as packaging; the case was not cheap but it was very light,
which lowered our shipping costs.

5. MASS PRODUCTION
Once we have confirmed our prototype and production method, our
workshop will first make a second prototype, to make sure the final
product matches our requirements. Then we will have our workshop do
their work, during which time we will keep monitoring their progress
at different intervals. Once all the components are completed, they will
be moved to our packaging department. If you do not have a workshop
or team to help you with mass production, you can always do things by
yourself. At the very beginning of our business, we only had two people
who handled all the production and packaging.

APRIL | 2023 13
 6. QUALITY CONTROL
Once mass production is finished, we start our quality control.
It’s important to check your stock before shipping it to your
customer. There are many elements which will affect your
production process, like labor, weather, and raw materials.
Accidents will happen when you pay least attention, which usually
means during mass production. For our Rubik’s Wall, we faced a
problem with our stickers being too thin, thus creating a color
difference from the cube, so we recreated all the stickers. After
we solved the sticker problem, we found out the gimmick was
not smooth enough, so we recreated all the gimmick plates, too.
As I mentioned in the cost section, I have always prepared extra
funds for situations like this so we can solve the problem as soon
as possible.

These are the six steps of how I create and produce a

magic prop. In fact, there are more things to do: designs,
marketing, shipping, and after-sales service come to mind. PHOTOS: Lecturing around the world
We can discuss these topics in the future. You see everyone
can produce magic props. You can make them by hand or
machine then sell them yourselves. If you are doing it as a
hobby, that’s perfectly fine, but if you are doing it to earn
a living, it’s a completely different story. We will need an
efficient way to keep the production going, and we will
need to think like a business. I have always thought magic
props are the entrance to magic; a small magic prop is
where I started my whole magic journey. Therefore, I will
always try my best to bring the best quality props to the
world so more people can enjoy and fall in love with magic.

VISION
For the future, here are some of the goals I want to
accomplish.
1. MS MAGIC
I have a vision for MS Magic; I want MS Magic to become the
store where you can find everything with most of the items
built in-house. We used to focus on professional props,
but we will start a line which is for beginners and amateur
magicians, expanding our production line. This is our long-
term goal.

2. CREATING MORE MAGIC AND A FULL SHOW

Due to COVID, my performance career was greatly affected,
so I turned my focus to product production, but I still love
performing. Now that COVID is less of a problem, I will
spend more time on my magic, and hopefully I can create
my own full show very soon, and step on the big
stage once again.

14 APRIL | 2023
3. LECTURE TOUR
I love traveling, and I love to share my magic.
I did lecture tours in Europe and the USA few
years ago, but there are still many countries I
have not gotten a chance to visit yet. So, one
of the plans I have is to do a world lecture tour
again, with all new material.

4. MAGIC EDUCATION
In recent years, due to many issues here in
Hong Kong, the local development of magic
has slowed down a lot. A few passionate
magicians and I are planning to help young
magicians to learn magic properly. When I was
just starting out in magic, I had the mentors
I noted above teaching me; I want to pass on
my passion and what I have learned to the
next generation of magicians, so the magic can
continue.

FINAL WORDS
I have one last piece of advice for magicians
who want to become professional or who wish
to produce magic: value your time. If you find
that someone’s magic is better than yours or
that someone has more ideas, he might just be
spending more time on magic than you. If you
want to make your magic or business better,
spend time on them. Time is everything. You
can choose what to do with your time; make
the most of it.

APRIL | 2023 15
 4D BOX
BY PEN, BOND LEE AND MS MAGIC
AVAILABLE: www.magiclismstore.com comes with the three wooden nesting boxes plus the special something
PRICE: $120.00 to get your object inside. It also comes with a download tutorial which
makes it easy to follow. The effect is something is vanished and ends up
inside a black draw string bag which is inside three nested boxes.
The 4D BOX (Nest of Boxes) is one of the most powerful card to
impossible location effects; here is our version of this incredible magic. The Boxes"
Spectators can freely pick and sign any card; it is then vanished These are beautifully made from wood and nest perfectly inside the
magically. The magician then displays a beautiful wooden box wrapped other. Each box has several rubber bands wrapped around them, with
with multiple rubber bands. The spectator is instructed to open the fully the grooves built into the box. This not only actually helps the method
sealed wooden box, then realizes there is another sealed box inside. but adds and extra element of impossibility of how an object can be
The second box is opened, and a third box is there. The last box is open inside boxes that are wrapped with bands. The boxes are not heavy, so
showing a bag wrapped with rubber band. The spectator's card appears it makes it perfect for travel and the outer box is approx. 3.5" x 3.5” so
inside the bag as the perfect climax. they don't take up much room. This makes it perfect for any parlor style
show. You could do this on stage because this type of effect plays big in
Many items can be sent to this impossible location: rings, coins, bills, any venue.
small notes, and billets.
The possibilities are endless. The added element of the rubber bands comes in to play when you
It's easy to use and very practical in any situation - truly a joy to perform hand it to the spectator to take off. The gimmick to get the object
with. inside is easy to use and never jams or fails. While the boxes can't be in
We are proud to present you our 4D Box (Nest of Boxes). full view prior to the routine, you would have them in a case or table.
The loading takes seconds, and once you bring the box out you are
MY THOUGHTS: completely clean, and the spectator can handle everything. The final
As a big fan of nest of boxes, I welcome this version by MS Magic. This bag which contains the ring or signed coin is also wrapped tightly in a

APRIL | 2023 17
rubber band. Having performed this now for a real audience I can tell
you it makes for a real miracle. If you come up with a good routine and
can vanish the ring in a surprising way you will have a very strong piece
of magic. There are lots of ways to vanish a ring (if you use a ring) from
the old idea of having a duplicate in a hanky or having a ring box that
makes it vanish and feeds it into your hand.

WHERE?
This can be used under any condition from kids shows, trade shows
to parlor shows. It makes for a strong routine if you have a coin signed
and it ends up inside the next of boxes. You can add so much fun to
the routine with kids if you put some thought into it. I like these boxes
because they look classy and elegant, and it fits my adult parlor show
perfectly. If you can have somewhere for the box to be out of sight at
the start so you can load it as you pick it up. As mentioned earlier, once
you take the box out you are completely hands free and with a bit of
time misdirection you can make it hard for the spectator to back track.
This can be played straight or for comedy.

WHAT CAN GO IN THE BOX?

The only real skill required is to make your object vanish. Anything
small such as a coin or ring can be loaded into the box. The ring can't
be huge, so you'd need a wedding band, which I prefer as I'm always
nervous if using a ring with diamonds, etc. The other object that fits
perfectly is a signed and folded card. If you can do a mercury fold, then
this would make a fantastic edition to any card routine that uses a
signed card. If you do cards to pocket for example as a stand-up routine,
then why not have the final card end up in an impossible location. The
fact it is folded also adds an element of impossibility.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
This is a wonderfully made prop and is small and light enough to carry
anywhere. It is made of wood (no 3D printing here!) and plays to most
sized audiences. Very little skill is required, and the routine is entirely
up to you. For $120 this is a bargain for the entertainment you can get
from it. If you want to add a strong piece of magic to your act, you can’t
go past the 4D Nest of Boxes. It fits all the criteria for a great piece of
magic that I am putting in my act!

Very highly recommended.

18 APRIL | 2023
VANISH Magazine

https://www.businessinsider.com/i-performed-magic-
elon-musk-paypal-20th-ipo-anniversary-party-2023-1

As a magician, marketing is one of the most critical

aspects of building a successful career. With a strong
marketing strategy, it can be easier to stand out from
the competition and attract new clients. This article
will explore key strategies for marketing your magic
and building a thriving business.

DEFINE YOUR BRAND

Before you can effectively market your magic, you
need to understand your brand clearly. What makes

I
your magic unique? What type of audience are you
targeting? What are your goals for your career?

MAGIC
Answering these questions will help you develop a
clear brand identity to guide your marketing efforts.

DEVELOP A WEBSITE

BUSINESS
A website is essential for any magician looking to
build a successful career. Your website should show-
case your skills and provide information about your
services, such as the types of performances you offer
and the locations you serve. It’s also important to
include high-quality photos and videos of your per-
DANIEL CHAN formances to give potential clients a taste of what
they can expect.

Dan Chan bills himself as “The USE SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new
Millionaires’ Mentalist.” Business audiences and building your brand. Platforms like
Instagram and Facebook allow you to connect with
Insider called him the magician to potential clients and showcase your skills through
photos, videos, and live performances. Regularly
billionaires’. He’s been featured in update your social media profiles with engaging
content and interact with your followers to build rela-
the the Hustle, BuzzFeed, The Wall tionships and keep them returning for more.

Street Journal, CNBC, and Business BUILD A REFERRAL NETWORK

Insider. One of the best ways to attract new clients is through
referrals. Build relationships with other magicians,
20 APRIL | 2023
event planners, and industry professionals who can
recommend you to their clients. You can also
offer incentives for clients who refer new
business to you, such as discounts on future
performances or free merchandise.

ATTEND EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

Attending industry events and conferences is
a great way to network with other magicians,
learn about new trends in the industry, and
promote your services to potential clients.
Bring business cards and promotional mate-
rials to hand out, and be prepared to give a
brief performance if the opportunity arises.

OFFER PROMOTIONS AND DISCOUNTS.

Everyone loves a deal. Offering promotions
and discounts can be a great way to attract
new clients and build your brand. Once they
see you and want your price will become less
of a factor. But until they become raving fans,
consider offering discounts to new clients or
running a social media contest where follow-
ers can win a free performance or other prizes.

In conclusion, marketing your magic is

essential for building a successful career as a
magician. By defining your brand, developing
a website, using social media, building a refer-
ral network, attending events, and offering
promotions, you can attract new clients and
build a strong reputation in the industry. You
can turn your passion for magic into a thriving
business with dedication and hard work.

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MY THOUGHTS:
I have used so many Apps to try and control
my shows in the past I will say, hands down iQ
Pro is the easiest and most reliable out there. No special hook ups with extra cameras or
I have been using this now for the past few audio devices. The output is HDMI/Audio Out
months and it has never let me down. Once and Wireless.
i watched the tutorial I could put my entire
show together and run it all from my iPhone. Pre-Show when I am ready, I press my FLIC
I have spent years trying to find the perfect button and the show starts. The video comes
solution to run my show with as little learning on the screen for pre-show then fades out for
curve as possible and iQ Pro is it! the MC to do the introduction. I click my FLIC
and it stops. After the MC the music starts
A couple of important points for me include - I click and my entire show can continue
how easy it is to put a show together, and if I until the very end. During the show I’ll have
need to change it at any time I can. I also have videos playing behind me on the screen, I
FULL control over my opening videos, all my will have my iPhone set up as my camera on
music and the live camera on my phone for my a stand and the music continues throughout.
stage act. They are constantly adding features Having travelled and performed so much I
to the App so I know other things will be try to keep in as much control of my show
added soon, perhaps even lighting! as possible. This now means I have complete
control over the technical aspect from my
Flic Button: There are no expensive remotes to phone. I don't have monitors, cables, or
buy, just get a Flic button and you are ready computers to worry about. The fact it is easy
to go. I just bought these online and three to use, and I can change the show whenever
cost me around $40. You can have several Flic I want makes this a no-brainer for me.
buttons around the stage, so you don’t have
to put it in your pocket. For example, if you do Another feature I love about this is that I can
close-up magic on a camera, you might have use my iPhone as the actual camera. This
one next to your table, one on a microphone is built in so now if I want to do close-up in
stand, etc. I just use the one and it is on a clip. my show, I just use my phone (which is also
The App allows you to set what the button running my show!). I just got myself a new
does. For example, one click and it will go to iPhone so I can dedicate this to running my
the next rack, two clicks and it will stop the show as I use the other one for Apps I use in
track and if you hold the button down it will my act.
pause. Other remotes work with this, and you
can easily pair them up. My Media Monkey There is a Facebook group that you can join,
Ape works well with it but having used Flic I and the help desk is great. Somebody will
found it much easier with the App because always get back to you should you have
I'm not having to look at the remote to do the a question either from the developers or
work. Facebook.

APPLE WATCH: This is a new addition and just As well as creating your own library of visual
gives you that extra element of control. The images and music for your show, they offer
App can now be used on your phone. While an extensive library of backgrounds and
I wouldn't personally use it as the remote music that will enhance any act. These are
you can certainly control your music and see available within the App; some are free and
where the show is at from your watch! This is some you can purchase. This will save you
an amazing feature because it gives you that time if you are worried about copyright free
much more power when running your show. issues or finding something to fit your show.
I use my own images and design it all myself
and then just import it into my library in iQ
EXAMPLE: Pro. The good thing is you can also save it all
The best way to describe what iQ Pro does is in the cloud so should something happen, it
to give you an example of my show. will all be available to you, so you don't have
to restart.
Remember - EVERYTHING is run off my phone
with one HDMI cable to the theatres system. You can also set it up, so you have several
shows ready whenever you want. In my case, I have my full evening show,
my Chaplin show and my corporate show. I have a show where I don't use
a camera and one where I do.

As mentioned, the remotes are great. They

natively integrate Flic buttons, but you can
use most other remotes, especially if you
already own one. It's just a matter of going in
to setting and pairing it up. Within the remote https://youtu.be/WZpXgETDTnE
setting you can tell the buttons what function
you'd like them to do. Flic uses the latest
Bluetooth technology which enables twice
the range compared to previous generations.
Gone are the problems previously associated
with Bluetooth.
With a line-of-sight range of 200 meter and an indoor Range of 50
meters.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
As I said from the outset, I've used most audio and visual software from
day one upon their release. I've always been in search for the one thing
that will run all my show. IQ Pro not only does it ALL but is the easiest to
set up. The instructions are very clear and once you watch it you will fully
understand how to operate it. Hooking your iPhone up couldn't be easier
as it's pretty much plug and play. I started really taking my act to a new
level now it is this easy. I design my own backgrounds, but you can use
those in the IQ Pro library. As technology advanced over the years and
phones became better the technology has got to a level now where you
no longer need to carry other sound devices, cameras with you - you just
run everything from your phone and/or your Apple Watch.

IQ Pro has totally become a game changer for myself and the acts I now
book on cruise ships. I have them all using this, and it's made everybody's
life so much easier. Try the free version to get a feel for it and understand,
and I am sure you will be switching your show over.

For more information subscribe to iQ Pro on YouTube and the instructions

are there. You will see just how easy it is to operate. As somebody who
has been doing this for over 30 years, I can tell you iQ Pro is a game
changer. I suggest getting the Lifetime version because you will use this
forever and never have to pay a monthly fee. CLICK HERE for that!
 "This is the interior of the prop bag I used during most of my 5-year run at the Maxim
Casino in Las Vegas. The specific compartments are formed from modular units, that are
capable of being re-configured and re- purposed
to fit the specific show.”

It Packs Flat, But Are You Playing It Big?

BY N I C K L E W I N

T
he concept of packing flat (or that for the last fifty years, I have
small) and playing big is one been trying to perfect this “Small/
of those phrases that pop up Big” art form.
frequently in magic catalogs and
digital advertisements. It is a senti- Recently, I have spent quite a bit
ment that appeals to almost every of time working with magicians
magician for obvious reasons. Now worldwide giving Zoom sessions
that the idea of smaller magic has with performers who want to
been made popular by the wave of eliminate some props and still
television shows it is more practi- play large venues. Over the years I
cal and desirable than ever before. have played many large theaters,
Currently, illusions are more than a showrooms, and Performing Arts
little out of favor and bookers and Centers with all my props for a
buyers are leaning toward more 60-minute act in one small case
compact magic shows. that I bring on stage and exits with
me after the show finishes.
I was greatly influenced by the
great Billy McComb the master of I have noticed a great many magi-
the Pack Small/Play Big philoso- cians who attempt this “Flat/Big”
phy. Billy was doing this kind of style of performing make the same
magic successfully way back in error, they pack small but forget
“nineteen hundred and frozen (or don’t know how) to play BIG. I
to death.” One of my fondest want to write a very short treatise
memories was watching McComb on the six simple rules that can
pulverize an audience in the Lon- make those “small” tricks reach the
don Palladium by putting a coin in back of a 2,000-seat auditorium.
a bottle. The impact was so great
26 APRIL | 2023
 shuffling the deck" stuff. Let the audience hear
what is needed to follow the core of the effect.
In my teenage years, I remember McComb
telling me, "Tell them what you are going to
do, tell them what you are doing, and then tell
them what you did.” Of course, don’t reveal
any spoilers to kill important surprises. People
in the audience aren’t paying nearly as much
attention to the performer as they sometimes
think they are, so give them every opportunity
to follow your show.

4 People are bigger than cards

If you can involve some audiences in the

magical mix so much the better. Preferably not
in a solid “Drip… drip…" of a steady stream of
assistants coming onstage in a procession; as-
1 S u p e r s i z e w h at e v e r p r o p s y o u c a n 2 SELL THE ROUTINE with your face sistant comes onstage—helps with a trick---as-
sistant leaves the stage, next assistant comes
onstage, repeated ad infinitum. I only bring
If you carry your props in a small case, then If you are a talking act, then the audience
one assistant onstage every show. However, I
you obviously must scale your props to the ex- takes their cues from your facial expressions.
also go out into the auditorium and in well-lit
act dimensions of your prop bag. My working This isn't the time for undue subtlety. Make
areas and involve a couple of audience mem-
case fits overhead in any aircraft and contains those facial expressions big enough to be seen
bers. Flagrantly breaking the 4th wall is one of
everything needed for two 50-minute and one at the back of the theater and not just in the
the perks of being a comedy magician.
20-minute show. Before showtime, I remove front few rows. The bigger your facial expres-
the excess props and pack the exact items sions are the more you sell the emotions you
If I am playing in a large venue, I have a couple
needed for that specific show. I have a series wish the audience to share. If you want them
of aces hidden up my sleeve and I am going
of modular units that Velcro in place inside to be surprised, then you should look very
to share them with you. I have two effects that
the case to hold each prop in exactly the right surprised. If you want the audience to think
take up no space in your pockets. but play
place. This is a great way to ensure that things things have gone wrong, then show alarm on
HUGE. I love the Tossed Deck and perform it
run smoothly during the show. your face. The audience's response will mirror
often; not only is it a killer effect and it ends
what they see on your face. Practice your facial
with the performer onstage gazing intently
The next goal is to make sure that all your expressions as carefully as your tricks. This is an
at five men standing up in the illuminated au-
props are as large as they can practically be. important part of playing BIG.
ditorium. He then gets to dramatically reveal
The rope I use is as thick as possible, and
five merely thought of cards. It doesn't matter
the thread for my Gypsy Yarn is as visible as
possible. If you need to display a single card 3 E x p l a i n t h i n g s c a r e f u l ly that the playing cards are nearly impossible
to see, what matters is that each assistant
then make sure you use an outsize card; if you
confirms you got their card in a highly visual
display a sign or envelope make sure that it is
manner. When the men eventually sit down,
scaled to be the biggest size that will fit in your If things are not as visible as they could be,
the houselights go out, and you get enthusi-
case. I could give other examples, but I am give your audience a helping hand by telling
astic applause. Now that is filling a theater and
sure you get the idea. Remember, if they can’t them what you are doing. I don't mean that
playing BIG.
see it then they won’t like it. you should state the painfully obvious; skip
the "I'm taking the cards out of the box, I'm
APRIL | 2023 27
28 APRIL | 2023
My second “theater sized” winner is my The Six-Card Repeat is a wonderful effect
Psychometry Royale where five assistants join if you add a little acting and a few twists
me onstage for an energetic, funny, and visual into the routine.
routine. In a theater, a backdrop would be
raised, and I would have five chairs in a row for Numerous tricks can be transformed into "One vital thing to be aware
them to sit on. This is always a clever way to large effects just by adding a little visual of is the focal point you must
move a small show into a stage-filling event. action to them. I mention the Six-Card create to turn all those minor
Repeat because my own Six-Card Déjà
miracles into commercial
5 The focal point is the point here
Vu is one of my "go-to" routines. I never
go out for any show without those 21 gold."
cards in my inside pocket, I can open
One vital thing to be aware of is the focal point with it, close with it, or slot it into the
you must create to turn all those minor mira- middle. There aren’t many routines that
cles into commercial gold. Let me start with can fill those roles as smoothly, and do
a very simple, but important and frequently so without leaving the slightest bulge in
overlooked thing to grasp. Your audience the pocket containing them.
members have only two eyes each, and they
can only focus on one thing at a time, so you That was a breakneck sprint through
must keep all the important moments focused some important tips and techniques. If
in a tight area. Since you are a talking magician you are interested in more details of my
that means those props should be held high philosophy and techniques for perform-
enough that the audience can also see your ing, you might want to check out my
face at the same time. blog www.RemarkableMagic.com where
I have written in some detail about these
Careful attention to each effect's focal point topics. If you are interested in seeing the
allows the audience to register and appre- effects that I used in my act involving the
ciate the act a lot better. If a magician has a “Small/Big” factor, check out my website
spotlight or “Special” that illuminates them at www.LewinEnterprises.com Almost all
from the waist up, you can achieve wonders. of my routines are available as down-
Usually, light is your best friend as a magician, loads and in physical form.
but don’t get too artsy, you are better off with
a spotlight and/or a simple “comedy wash”
onstage than too much dark and moody fill.

6 R e a d y, s e t, a n d A C T I O N …

Keep things moving, if you are working

"Smallish" routines you should keep the action
at a fair clip. You don't want your performance
to be small and slow; it is not what buyers
want to see. A deck of cards can be used in the
Tossed Deck fashion where it is the word of
the assistant that matters or, as I often do, in a
more active manner performing the Six-Card
Repeat. When you scale those “extra” cards in
the air it can be a delightful visual effect, and
action that plays to the back of the auditorium.

APRIL | 2023 29
 3 Ways to Stand Out from Other
Magicians…And Make More Money

Why should someone hire you?

Cris Johnson
It’s a direct question, isn’t it? But to have long-term success in your
magic career, you must answer this question, not only for your clients
but also yourself. In this article, I’m going to share some simple ways to
help you find the answer to this question that’s right for you.

Much of what I share will delve into 21st-century marketing techniques.

That’s what I teach and that’s where I help magicians professionally.

But before you can succeed in magic, you need to have a solid idea
of what you bring to the table that’s different from other magicians in
your market. And to do this, we need to look at three simple letters:
USP.

Short for Unique Selling Proposition, your USP defines you for your
potential clients. There are a lot of different ways to set yourself apart
from other magicians. Interestingly, many marketers who teach this
concept don’t offer much in the way of practical advice for creating
your USP. They only say you need one.

Before I get into the ‘meat’ of this concept, I have to give you a warning.
Your USP can’t be that you are better than the rest of the magicians in
your area. There are a few reasons for this.

First, every other magician is going to proclaim themselves as “the

area’s top magician,” a “master magician,” or something like that. Since
everyone is saying they are the best, it no longer matters. They are just
wasted words. And it lacks credibility.

Second, for any marketing statement to be believed, another business

in the same category needs to be willing to take the opposite stance. If
you’re the best, someone has to be willing to stake their claim as being
30 APRIL | 2023
Your USP can’t be
that you are better
than the rest of the
magicians in your
area.
the worst. And no one is going to do that. Here’s
the thing.
Every one
So your USP needs to be something believ-
of these
able and different. But I’ll show you three
niches is
simple ways you can create your own unique
going to have its
mission statement.
own requirements.
Examining each of these
USP Technique #1: Niche Down is beyond the scope of this
article, but if you want to special- niche doesn’t mean you
ize in one niche, you need to understand can’t take shows in other niches!
This is my personal favorite. that niche inside and out. I’m primarily a school performer, but if the
right corporate gig comes along, I’m open to
Instead of billing myself as a “magician for all A successful corporate performer understands taking it.
occasions,” I choose to specialize. In magic, what his clients need from a performer. A suc-
there seems to be two camps: kids show per- cessful birthday party performer understands
formers and adult performers. In reality, it’s a USP Technique #2: Examine Your
the wants and needs of their clients.
little more nuanced, as you also have college Competition
performers, school performers, corporate per- Let’s assume you’ve narrowed your focus on
formers, and so forth. The biggest benefit of choosing a tight niche
the shows you offer. You take a look at your
is with the right marketing, you’re seen as a
competition, and everyone is offering the
specialist. And I’m sure I don’t need to men-
So if you want to earn more money, pick one same thing. I’ll use birthday parties as an
tion that a cardiologist makes more money
of those niches and make that your focus. example.
than a general practitioner!
Years ago, I settled on school show perform-
ing. I created multiple shows that satisfy the Here in the States, most of the birthday party
needs of that market. To perform year-round And another side benefit? You’ve got less
magician websites I see all say the same thing:
in elementary schools (that’s grades K-5 here competition. The more you narrow down into
in the States), you need educational programs a niche, the fewer specialists you’ll bump into.
that teach kids important messages based on “Your child is the STAR of the show!”
the school’s curriculum. One side note: Just because you choose a “Age-appropriate fun!”

APRIL | 2023 31
“Balloon animals for each child!” “I float your child in the air.”

Those are all great benefits. But because so many magicians are saying It’s powerful and immediately conjures up a fantastic image in your
the same thing, they’ve lost their power and impact. Want to stand client’s mind. And I kid you not, just as I started working on this article,
out? You’ll need something different. I’ll use my own show develop- a prospect called me and asked me about my shows for an end-of-the-
ment when I was first getting started as an example. year celebration at her local elementary school.

Back in 1999 (hold your Prince references, please), I was crafting my I gave her a few details and then mentioned my floating trick. She
marketing messages. Living in Pittsburgh, PA, I had a lot of magicians exclaimed, “Oh my God! That sounds amazing!”
as competition. Well, I don’t view other magicians as competition, but
that’s a deeper discussion for another article.
That’s the key to a great marquee trick. It has to be so easy to explain
that the person you’re talking to fills in the blanks in their mind auto-
I noticed they were all saying the same things as I listed above. So I matically.
looked at my show and wrote down what I did that was different…or
at least different from what these other magicians were saying.
And you have to be honest with yourself, too. Not all of your favorite
tricks are good marquee tricks. Look at the Losander Floating Table. I’ve
At the time, I used three dives, a ferret, and a goldfish in my show. I owned and used one of Losander’s incredible tables for over 15 years.
loved animal magic. Truthfully, other magicians in the area were doing When audiences see it, they lose their mind. It’s a definite closer for any
similar tricks. But they weren’t saying it. So I hung my hat on the fact show. But I’ve tried ‘selling’ it on the phone and for whatever reason,
that I brought a lot of live animals to my show. telling a prospect that you float a table just doesn’t pack as much of a
punch.
It worked very well, and soon I was booking all the birthday parties I
could handle. Another great marquee effect?

Want to stand out? Look at what your area’s other magicians are doing. “I make it snow.”
Find something different that you can offer. Make that the focal point
of your marketing message. Stand out with a different message.
Yup, good ol’ Snowstorm in China. A simple fan and a snowstorm load.
Nothing fancy. But tell that to a client over the phone when you’re
USP Technique #3: Marquee Tricks describing your Christmas show and you create an incredible image in
their mind.

That’s the other secret to a great marquee effect. If it fits the venue,
season, niche, or age group like a glove, you have something very spe-
cial. For a child’s birthday, telling the parent you float their kid in the air
on their special day is about as perfect as it gets. Ditto for telling the
prospect that you make it snow magically at the end of your Christmas
show.

Use your imagination. Try to see and imagine magic through the eyes
of your prospect. Pick one or two marquee effects and use them to
help create excitement in your marketing efforts.

Take Action

There you have it. Three simple ways to stand out from the crowd
in your market. To be fair, there are other ways, but these three are
I hesitate to mention this technique because it’s far too easy to think a
enough to get you started. Get to work and show your prospects why
great trick can do the work for you. Go into this section with the idea of
YOU should be their only choice in entertainment.
using a great trick to enhance your marketing efforts, not do the work
for you.
In future issues, I will break down what your website needs, how to get
found on Google, and many other modern marketing strategies for the
The only way a great trick will help you is if you’re already a rock-solid
21st-century performing magician.
performer with a great marketing plan behind you.

---------------------------------------------------------------
First, some clarification. A marque trick is, as I define it, one that is easy
to describe to someone over the phone or in print. It should be easy About the Author: Cris Johnson is a professional magician
enough to describe in a few words and immediately paint a picture in with over 20 years of full-time experience. His website, www.
your prospect’s mind. TheProfessionalMagicianClubPro.com, includes articles, podcasts, prod-
ucts, and services to help magicians book more shows at higher fees.

For kid shows, the easiest example is simply this:

32 APRIL | 2023
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 JOAN
Dukore
VEGAS VETERAN PRESENTING “GOOD MAGIC”

34 APRIL
WRITTEN BY: CONNIE BOYD
| 2023
 Photo: Chase Stevens

Photos: Richard Faverty

APRIL | 2023 35
O
ne would think Joan Dukore is too She studied Japanese and is able to Joan and her abilities very early on.
young to hold the honor and title converse and perform in a full formal close-
as a “Las Vegas Veteran Magician” up act. That ability has provided many I asked Joan to share the most
and yet she is indeed that. Joan holds bookings and shows in Japan in addition important advice she recalls
the remarkable distinction in Las Vegas as to event shows tailored to Japanese guests receiving from Eugene Burger. She
a professional female magician with the here in North America. replied, “anything he taught you; he
most performance experience, spanning wanted you to make it your own. To
decades. Her magic resume includes It’s no accident her professional longevity have your own personal imprint on
several residencies and appearances at equates success, to quote Joan, “I love the magic and to have a clear idea of
almost every venue, in Las Vegas. creating wonder that is reflected on people’s what you wanted YOUR magic to be
faces. To make them laugh and leave them about”.
Joan’s skill-sets are her biggest weapon. speechless. Other art forms can create joy,
She explained, “I am able to perform in but, no other artform can make someone She elaborated, “at the same time,
many diverse magic conditions, maybe feel the childlike wonder that magic can”. no matter what your magic was
that’s why I work so much”. She effortlessly about, he was an advocate for
performs formal close-up, strolling close- She credits many magicians for her kindness when using the public
up, stand-up, parlor and her stage silent successes, but Eugene Burger and Johnny as volunteers. He hated it when
act. She jokes about the stage act, “it’s Thompson were two masterful mentors who magicians would do things to
funnier than it used to be”. truly believed in, shaped and supported

Photo: Richard Faverty

36 APRIL | 2023
 "AMATEURS WILL TELL YOU ABOUT THE BEST
SHOWS THEY EVER HAD, AND PROFESSIONALS WILL
TELL YOU ABOUT THE WORST ONES.”

make people look bad or uncomfortable”. for excellence actually made it challenging to mishaps encouraged Joan. Their experiences,
Thanks to this lesson Joan is very sensitive debut and break new routines into her show. overcoming huge magic hurdles, gave her the
and aware of her audience volunteers It’s common knowledge that very few new confidence to embrace and handle her own
experience. While she admits, “I do tease my routines start being “good”. She explained magic hiccups as well.
audience quite a bit, but, I intentionally try that she “always, internally gauges if Johnny
to end each piece with their success and on would approve or not” and that she will Joan toured with Jeff McBride for many years
a positive note.” forever remember his mantra, “life is too short as part of his show. Thanks to Jeff she grew
for bad magic”. magically and artistically. She began to truly
As we discussed Johnny Thompson she understand the importance and art of finding
revealed, “he taught me so much”. In fact, Being based in Las Vegas and having great segues within a show and the benefits of using
Johnny entrusted Joan with his legendary respect for magic and magicians, Joan those segues to improve the show’s pacing
egg bag routine about which she laughs absorbed and learned well. “I am one of the and timing.
“and as per Eugene’s schooling, I had to luckiest people in the world. I got to hang
make my own”. out with so many great magicians. I would “Plus,” she adds, “I had an added bonus and
just sit there and absorb everything I could”. that was access to the master classes Jeff
She explains further, “performing magic was taught on tour. Not only did those classes help
more important than anything in Johnny’s Many of her close-up routines were with my magic, but, watching others profit and
life and no matter what else was going on in influenced by British comedy magician learn from Jeff’s insight, those experiences,
one’s life, he’d always say “TAKE THE GIG!”” and card shark Simon Lovell. Joan credits gave me the courage to experiment and
Simon for guiding and shaping her magic expand my own magic creativity.”
She admits that advice has often been to performances. She explained, “he spent
her detriment as she is loath to say “no” to so much time, not only teaching me magic Joan elaborated, “Mac King once gave a talk
work. She added, “I can always hear Johnny tricks, but showing me the importance of at one of Jeff’s master classes and his advice
yelling “TAKE THE GIG!” in my ear”. It’s all pauses and pacing in magic routines. He had has stuck with me ever since. He explained
those “booked gigs” that reflect in Joan’s a story which related magic timing to a horror how he used his first magic routine to map out
impressive performance resume. movie. It was enlightening and I try to use which audience members would be best for
that advice and pace myself and my magic by which effects later on in his show. I love that
She added, “he (Johnny) took bad magic his example”. piece of advice so much. I use that principle,
personally. He’d do his best to help people, without fail, in my show, every single time”.
even without taking a penny, just to make Joan recalled a quote, “amateurs will tell
sure the world was free of bad magic”. you about the best shows they ever had, Another big influence in Joan’s entertainment
and professionals will tell you about the career was comedian, Rita Rudner. They have
Johnny’s passion for “good magic” set a very worst ones.” Listening to others, honestly similar back stories, both originally being
high bar for Joan. She admits that passion sharing their magic horror stories and ballet dancers and later being drawn to

PHOTO: MAGICAL WOMEN APRIL | 2023 37

comedy. Joan explained, “I love her elegant
delivery of jokes and the look of “innocence”
with which she tells them”.

What she would like to see changed in magic

and in the general public’s perception of
magic is the narrative that a woman magician
is a rare thing to see. She states, “it’s a fact that
there are less of us than men, but there still
are and have been many successful females. A
successful woman in magic is not an anomaly,
we have been doing it well for some time!”

Currently she is inspired by talent like Carissa

Hendrix and how she handles an audience,
the creativity of Malin Nilsson, the coolness of
Kayla Drescher and energy of Paige Thompson
to name a few.

ROOTS
Joan is a native of Honolulu. Hawaii. As a child
Joan connected with her father through card
games. “My dad loved to play cards and that Photo: Taylor Wong
love rubbed off on me. He taught me how to
shuffle and deal at an early age. He actually
taught me how to add by playing blackjack!”
38 APRIL | 2023
While he only knew one card minimum 5’8” casting height for females of the booking was her own magic
trick, key card, he recognized and was standard. spot in the show with magic freedom
encouraged Joan’s enthusiasm and choice on the condition, “it wasn’t a
joy to learn and perform magic. The very first professional female conflict with any of Ariann’s magic
That began a pattern of bringing magician Joan encountered was Sophie repertoire”. It was a game changer.
a little magic trick gift back from Evans. At the time Sophie was an Joan flourished with the privilege to
each of his business trips to the established magician in Las Vegas. She choose her own material and perform
mainland. Over time, young Joan’s not only encouraged Joan by providing regularly, on stage, in front of a live
skills and repertoire grew. advice, she also gave her a chance, audience. She quickly gained the
securing Joan’s first strolling magic gig. confidence to evolve from a silent
Joan’s first love was dance. She She told Joan, “you are good enough act to a speaking act, discovering her
envisioned her artistic career as a to work as a magician” and that was the “goofy, funny side” . To quote Joan, “I
professional dancer. She trained beginning of Joan’s professional magic went from sultry and sexy to comedy
diligently and in 1996 she arrived career. where I am most happy and belong”.
in Las Vegas ready for the spotlight.
She had been told Las Vegas, In the early 2000’s another female She reflects, “in the beginning, I think
the Entertainment Capitol of the magician, Ariann Black, was presenting that all styles of magic inspired me
World, was “the place to be” if you her own show in a smaller venue off and I wanted to be everything and do
wanted a career as a dancer. What the Las Vegas strip. Ariann was having everything. Now, I’m more inspired by
they didn’t tell the petite Joan difficulties with her male assistant and the combination of comedy and good
was you needed to be tall to work opted to cast Joan into the show as magic. Magic doesn’t have to fail to
as a dancer in Las Vegas where a his replacement. One of the benefits be funny, and those who accomplish

APRIL | 2023 39
 this are a joy to watch”. waves and cycles. She states, “I feel that
right now we are on an up-cycle with
Joan’s is thankful for her training in more magic venues popping up and
dance and theater. She credits those more and more opportunities to see
skills as being very helpful with her magic”. Joan plans to enjoy this rise
performance staging, musicality and in popularity and to “ride the wave”.
the placing of audience members. She has no intention of missing an
She believes having other skill sets opportunity, having regrets or saying
is important, not only because you “no to a gig”.
can draw from your other talents to
make your shows better (she cites It’s easy to like and gravitate to Joan
Darren Romeo singing, Tori Noquez who is truly a magical woman. She’s
a mathematician magician, and/or generous, kind, funny, charming and
Andrew Goldenherch and his guitar), sincere. She has the determination
but, sometimes those skills will carry and work ethic of a professional
you through “magic down-swings”. dancer, the timing of a stand-up
comedian and an undeniable magic
Joan’s additional skills expand beyond skillset dedicated to present “good
dance and theatre to voice recordings magic”.
for audiobooks. She expanded, “I’ve
been recording audio books since
2016. I started, not only because I like
to read and act, but because at some
point in the future I thought what if I’m
not be able to perform on stage”. She
admits she isn’t planning on stopping
her performances anytime soon, magic
is now engrained into her DNA.

Joan believes that all forms of

entertainment, including magic,
experience popularity in ebb and flow

QUOTE
Joan believes that all forms of entertainment, including magic, experience
popularity in ebb and flow waves and cycles.

» www.joandukore.com

40 APRIL | 2023
Photo:s Taylor Wong
SECRETS REVEALED
• I love fun facts, it’s not something I made up for my show, I really do
love useless trivia.
• I went to a private boarding school, with a major in dance, for my
first two years of high school.
• I got to be a part of Amazing Johnathan’s funeral and got to pie Mac
King in the face while wearing The Cloak of Invisibility… ok maybe a
lot of people know that, but it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever
done.
• I got to be on Access Hollywood wearing a balloon dress made by
Ronnie Johnson
• I’m also inspired by my fiancé, Benny Schultz, who is a perfectionist
and every time I feel a prop will be fine, he always takes it an extra
step and makes it better

FAVORITE QUOTE
The first one I thought of was inappropriate … so… I really don’t have
a favorite quote.

DREAM ENCOUNTER
I wish I could’ve met Dell O’Dell. One of the first real magic routines
I put together was a rhyming card warp routine, and everyone com-
pared me to her because of the rhyming. I have her promo books,
and I recently read “Don’t Fool Yourself” by Michael Claxton. I discov-
ered that she was a way cooler person than I had known! I would love
to hang out with her.

OTO
E PH
RIT
AVO
APRIL | 2023 41
 Jim Steinmeyer is considered one of the most creative thinkers in magic,
and Knot Unexpected shows why this is.

Jim created one of the most practical and deceiving versions of the cut and restored rope.
Vortex Magic has spent over two years designing and having prototypes made to get the perfect
knife for this illusion. You can now perform the moving knot and cut and restored rope with confi-
dence and ease using any piece of rope.

Available at your favorite Murphy’s Magic Dealer.

 OFF WITH THEIR HEADS
Probably Lester Lake's (1904-1977) most when he began working in conjunction with
recognizable illusion, the Lester Abbott’s Magic Co. From that time on, the
Lake Guillotine, improved upon past device became more frequently referred to
beheading illusions. The history of as the “Head Chopper.”
decapitation illusions can be traced back
to ancient Egypt. Lake’s version of the Later, Lake produced many similar products
ancient trick was different in that it was for the company, including The Chopper (a
portable. Weighing about 30 lbs. and smaller, even more portable version of the
transported in a briefcase-like package, Guillotine) and The Disecto Illusion. -Indiana
the Lester Lake Guillotine was much Historical Bureau of the Indiana State Library.
more feasible for a traveling show and Incidentally, it was Lake who coined Colon,
small stage than its large, cumbersome Michigan as The Magic Capital of the World.
forbearers.
In 2008, famous female conjurer, Celeste
Unlike the Boiled Alive and Burned Alive Evans, compiled a book of short recollections
illusions, Lake manufactured and sold from many of her friends titled, Has This Ever
the Lester Lake Guillotine, which caused Happened To You? One page is devoted to
him to be tight lipped on the exact moments on stage with my Head Chopper
construction. It is clear that, like most (HC) that didn't quite turn out as planned.
decapitation apparatuses that came after Although quite humorous now in reflecting
it, the Lester Lake Guillotine employed those moments, at the time, in front of an
two blades – one above the head and audience, those "accidents" were quite
one below the head – and stopper blocks harrowing to say the least. Here are a few of
hidden within the neck stock piece the 3000 times I performed my favorite prop,
to stop the upper blade just before it The Head Chopper.
reached the neck of the “victim.” Lake
manufactured his guillotines
independently from 1931 until 1934,

ROLLER COASTER #4
DAN STAPLETON
44 APRIL | 2023
 This is series by dan
1978 1981 stapleton that will
(Circus World, Orlando theme park Attending our show reflect back on his
1974-1976, operated by Ringling Bros. one day at Circus
circus) While performing the HC in our World was illusionist incredible career and
Circus World's James A. Bailey Theatre Andre Kole and his
of Illusion, one of the wheels fell off entourage, who was
offer insights in to the life
and this actually made the routine that performing at a church of a professional magician.
much funnier. It looked like part of the in Central Florida the
act with the damn thing falling apart. following night. In our
Another time one of the screws inside show, our clown, Tory, usually
of the mechanics of the head stocks went into the audience to pick
came loose. Just as I pushed the blade out my Head Chopper "victim".
down and through the man's neck, We performed our show as usual. The
the blade got caught on the screw and following evening we went to the Andre
would not allow me to bring the blade Kole show. During his show Kole also
back up and out of the stocks. The performed the HC. While watching the
poor guy's neck was trapped and the show, I leaned over to Faryln and asked,
blade would not come out therefore "Doesn't that assistant, who is helping
not allowing the neck-stocks to come Andre, look familiar?" As it turned out, Tory,
off. With the assistance of one of my my clown assistant, just happened to pick
stagehands, the man crawled off the previous day, as my victim, the same
stage looking like a sand crab where, fellow who assisted Andre Kole in His HC
backstage, a tool box came in handy in routine. Small world.
disassembling the HC ... or possibly the
man. I can't really recall ... I was still on 1982
stage! While filming/taping The Love Boat aboard
the cruise ship, Stella Solaris, I performed
1980 my act which included the HC. Actress
Faryln and I are performing our show at Eva Marie Saint was one of the stars in
Circus World just after the Iran hostage the episode which was filmed aboard the
crisis. The dark bearded gentleman I vessel. Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing)
had on stage was obviously nervous asked me to place Ms. Saint into the HC
but not so much as to me feeling the although I was reluctant to do so. All the
need of looking for an alternate. As Love Boat cast members were present
the HC act progressed and he was during the show. So there was this lovely
locked into the head stocks, I noticed lady (Saint) on her hands and knees as
his face dripping wet with perspiration. I am about to lob off her head, much to
I quickened the routine getting him the gales of laughter from her peers. After
off stage as soon as possible. After the show, Lauren Tewes, who played the
the show, his friend explained that he Cruise Director (Julie McCoy) on the show,
was from Iran and another friend back had a group of friends laughing out in the
home had recently been decapitated theatre foyer as she was on her hands and
for committing a crime. Ouch!

APRIL | 2023 45
 Dan with actress Eva Marie Saint on The Love Boat.

watching me ... all eyes were on this little boy. I tried finishing as
quickly as possible but the little kids screams got louder and louder.
After the show, I met up with Hollander in the nearby lounge for
a drink. He said, "Boy, that kid was upset!" And each time I tried to
change the subject, Neal always returned to his concern about the
child, "I've never seen a kid so upset like that." "Yes", I said (and that
was all I said). And then trying to change the subject again, Hollander
interrupted..."Do kids get that upset like that often during that trick?" I
finished my drink, bade him a good-night, and never heard from him
again.

2010
Sometimes I have to search through the audience (before the
knees doing her impression of Eva Marie Saint (in my act). I was so show) looking for the right "volunteer" to assist me in the HC ...
embarrassed and thought it was so humiliating that I apologized sometimes to no avail. This was the case at the Haines City Civic
to Ms Saint (she was a good sport) and never again did I have a Theatre (formerly Central Elementary school) where every member
woman in the HC contraption. of the audience was older than dirt. I don't know how old the man
was (God rest his soul...I'm sure) but this guy had a prosthetic leg. (He
1997 insisted on coming up on stage and the audience was chanting his
Faryln and our twin daughters (age 10 at the time) were joining name egging him on) His nose started to bleed in the middle of the
me aboard the cruise ship, Enchanted Isle for a couple of weeks. routine. To make matters worse, he took out a white handkerchief
The girls were sitting in the front row on the floor at Faryln's feet, (who carries those around any more?) and when he held it up (in this
watching my act. While performing the HC, I had as my victim this case ... down) to his nose, it appeared worse with the bright color
time, a little girls father. The girl was approximately five years old of the blood "spotlighted" on his pure white handkerchief. And he
and thought that I was harming her dad. Just after the trick was couldn't bend his knee so as he knelt down in all attempts of getting
over, the little maniac jumped on stage and tried taking a swing at into the HC, his one leg stood straight out like a half opened jack
me in retaliation. I made light of the situation by running around knife, but the audience was laughing at this sight ... that is ... until his
the stage as the possessed girl chased me trying her best to hit nose started to bleed. The act went down hill from there.
me ... and she was a-n-g-r-y. The whole audience was laughing
hysterically, including my daughters, all the time this little terrorist Reading all of this I realize some will feel I'm an ogre in performing the
was trying to kill me! Her father finally grabbed her, pulling her off Head Chopper. Just think of it the way Walt Disney would imagine it.
stage while she was still flailing her arms and kicking at me. For the Fun, wholesome with that bit of a jolt in shaking things up a bit. Kids
remainder of the cruise everyone kept asking me if (I) was ok. I was at Disney World would shriek on the Mister Toads Wild Ride. And every
the one in danger yet my daughters just sat there, along with my adult knows what a nightmare the It's a Small World song is. But with
wife, laughing their asses off with no thought whatsoever making the funny dialog, the Head Chopper really is a routine that has to be
any attempt to protect me from this Tasmanian devil of a child. seen to be appreciated but not, I suppose, during a school show or
Thanks, girls! church banquet. But then again, I can think of a few good lines that
would be very funny with a nun.....naaaahhhh...I guess not. The HC still
remains my favorite prop.
2005
While performing aboard the last ship in my twenty-three year Now ... you can watch my entire head Chopper Routine on YouTube
cruise ship career, entertainment agent Neal Hollander was sailing in action, filmed aboard the Regent Rainbow, 1995. But you will have
that cruise. I rarely had an agent represent me but Neal was a to wait to hear the most unusual show I ever had, just a few years ago,
popular agent for cruise ship entertainers and he had never seen that highlights the Head Chopper. That story deserves an entire "Roller
my act. The show was going well until I started performing the Coaster" column of its own...as you will read!
HC. Once again, a little kid started whaling when his dad was on
stage, kneeling on all fours, about to be "executed". No one was
46 APRIL | 2023
APRIL | 2023 47
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 INSTANT COFFEE BY MARTIN LEWIS
AVAILABLE : www.Magikraft.com As a bonus we added Martins Making Magic 3 DVD showing full
PRICE : $125.00 performance and explanations.

MY THOUGHTS:
A few coffee beans tossed into a paper cup turn into real hot coffee. How many times are we looking for an opening routine that is different
and will get people's attention. This could very well be the perfect
This effect can be used either as an interlude or as a stand- alone effect. opening because nobody will see the end coming!

It is suited for platform or stage. For my money this is one of the most unique tricks Martin Lewis has
ever come up with - and he's come up with A LOT! You can perform this
This effect comes fully assembled including cups and (gimmicked) anytime in your act, but I think as an opening it would be perfect.
sleeves (beans not provided).
50 APRIL | 2023
 The entire package now comes complete a no-brainer. If you are looking for a novel
with the gimmick coffee bean bag, cups, all opening that will make people sit up this is
the gimmicks, instructions, AND his Making a great way to go. I've used this now in my
Magic DVD! Once you learn the secret you can stand-up shows both in a parlor style situation
pretty much do the routine, although to get it and on stage and it never fails to get the WOW
looking smooth, I would certainly suggest you reaction. If you want hot coffee, then do it at
practice it. the beginning of your show. You can offer the
spectator a drink to prove it really is hot coffee.
The props themselves are extremely well This helps sell the trick but of course it could
made. Phil Ackerly is making these for be cold or whatever you want to appear.
Magikraft studios, and he is doing an
incredible job! It takes A LOT of DYI to make As a bonus each set includes a DVD of Making
this up if you were to do it yourself, and Magic with six great routines including Instant
whoever is now making these has added a lot Coffee.
of great little features that make it so easy to
do. You can show a coffee cup empty and after In the third volume of his Making Magic series,
putting a few beans in it there is piping hot Martin presents strong, audience-tested
coffee. material from his parlor act. He shows you, in a
step-by-step hands-on guide, how to make the
For each performance you will need 3 cups props on your kitchen table quickly and easily,
and 3 sleeves, these you can get at any coffee with only basic tools and materials, needing
shop or buy on Amazon, and they often come no special skills. Then, in live performance,
in packs of 50. see how the apparatus is used to really Make
Magic.
There are lots of presentation ideas including
producing a bottle of milk or whiskey after you INSTANT COFFEE - A few coffee beans tossed
make the coffee appear in the cup. If you own into a paper cup turn into real hot coffee.
the book or DVD then you will know how the
trick works and other ideas Martin shares but if NIGEL - This is a revival of that old chestnut,
not don't worry because the instructions that the Soup Plate and Handkerchief. It features
come with this cover EVERYTHING. You will Martin's excellent work on the Gravity Pull.
even learn how to make your own up, but the
one Phil has made and that is supplied will last COUPONS - Is a torn and restored newspaper
a very long time. it comes in a box so I would page. The beauty of Martin's method is, you
suggest keeping it all in there to protect it. end clean and can immediately hand out the
restored paper.
The handling on this is very easy and well
within the reach of everybody. Read the BANK JOB - The audience helps solve a crime
instructions and you will see just how this will in this highly customizable mystery with a
fly by any audience. surprise finish.

There are some wonderful additions you could COAT, ROPES, AND RINGS - Martin has featured
do with this. One idea would be to include the this stage-size version of Grandmother's
production of Donuts, and if you are familiar Necklace for over forty years. Here he tips it all.
with Oscar Munoz's production of Donuts you
could certainly add these. Perhaps my favorite THE TEST - A polka dot handkerchief and a
though is the production of a real live goldfish. red gift box, when placed into a paper bag,
mysteriously transpose. The audience suspects
Using the same concept and method you can a switch, so it comes as a huge surprise when
use a bag of Goldfish crackers. You would you crumple the bag and toss it out.
wrap a sleeve around an empty drinking glass
and when the paper sleeve is removed you VERY HIGHLY REOMMENDED.
not only have water in there but a real live
goldfish. This is probably the best and easiest
goldfish production inside a glass of liquid I
have seen.

Martin also has another routine if you wanted

something longer which involves a borrowed
finger ring. If you were to go to a grocery
store and look at the type of bags available
you might get a spark so you can create your
own routine. Perhaps its’s a bag of candies that
turns in to something else inside a cup.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
This is so much fun to perform, and the fact
there is no DYI work for you to do makes this
52 APRIL | 2023
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A classic in stage magic, but not often seen. A large die is dropped into an
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silks!

Provide your own silks or production materials. No mirrors!

Billet Bowl (aka Changing Urn) US $ 69.99

A beautiful wooden vase that will allow you to switch one set of billets for
another. In performance several spectators write a piece of information (a name, a
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one of the folded papers; the information written down matches your prediction.

Very well made, this item does all the work for you.

High gloss reddish finish. Approx. 7″ tall and diameter is approx. 4.5″ at the widest
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This is an old classic, updated with a fun presentation.

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The Library Prediction is a well-made, colorful prop with plenty of room for the performer
to add their own presentational spin. It is a perfect addition to any magician's collection.

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 IN MEMORY
BY BEN ROBINSON

54 APRIL | 2023
 Dawes-Eastbourne England 1986

Eddie Dawes and I were close friends for Today we don’t marvel that machines can don’t get the performance.” Wise words.
40-years. He edited my first book along imitate writing scholarship, and gather
with Dr. John N. Booth (1912—2009). Both source material from whatever has been As a teen I first became aware of him
died at age 97. Receiving the sad news my put on the internet. Yet, Dr. Dawes cut a through the pages of Genii and the Larsen
friend had passed, it struck like a lightning worldwide reputation beginning as a boy brothers travels (who built the Magic Cas-
bolt — I stayed at his home; he visited obsessed with magic to write many books tle). In 1979 I met Milbourne Christopher
mine repeatedly. Not unexpected entirely, and literally thousands of articles. His and he told me of Dawes’ masterwork just
just 2 weeks before he’d emailed me his self-described ‘Three C’s’ were “Collect”, released by a popular press in England:
situation. I will not only miss my friend, “Collate” and “Communicate.” Commu- THE GREAT ILLUSIONISTS. I was hooked. I
but miss what he stood for. As our mutual nicate also means “performing”. I heard read every word like the proverbial child
friend, magic historian Richard Hatch said him say many times, “Magic is not in the under the sheets at night with flashlight.
to me, “Eddie is irreplaceable.” research but the performance.” And then, The details of magicians known and not
“Well, you know, without the research, we riveted me and like Christopher’s histori-

His self-described ‘Three C’s’ were “Collect”,

“Collate” and “Communicate.”
APRIL | 2023 55
 weess
Daaw
myy D
ie && AAm
EEddddie

56 APRIL | 2023
 Ben Robinson-Eddie Dawes-An Trotter-Rockefeller Foundation 2004

Sam Sharpe-Ben Robinson-Eddie

cal scholarship, I kept asking, “How does the of this team I assembled.) Dawes-Robin Sharpe Yorkshire 1986
writer know that?”
We thought the same way. Though 35-years
When The Linking Ring serialized (1982-’83) a apart, we enjoyed the hunt for details, coming
college senior thesis I’d done on Indian Magic, to a broad head in London and at his home in
Dawes became aware of me. So when I sent Hull, England in October 1986. I went though
him a letter in 1984, he knew who was calling. being finger-printed and my passport held to
I was asking him to join a team: me as scribe inspect a rare 16th century book at the British
and head researcher, Larry White (Dir. Need- Museum and library that contained, what I’d
ham Science Ctr., formerly Asst. Dir. of the deduced, may be the very first printed refer-
Boston Science Museum), Dr John N. Booth as ence to a magician killed related to catching a
co-editor, Ray Goulet who ran The Magic Art bullet. It turned out, when I actually was able
Studio in Watertown, MA (a friend of Eddie's), to inspect the book that not only was the title
Orville Meyer—the creator of the modern wrong in modern literature, but the date of
bullet catch and a friend of Annemann’s, publication was 1597 (not 1613 noted incor-
contributing author Jay Marshall, and the rectly by Houdini and Dawes among others).
man writing the foreword, my pal, a new TV I would soon join that error in print unable
star named Harry Anderson. Our target—the to stop presses rolling one continent away.
history and the how-to of the bullet-catch I showed up in Hull, advised him of my find,
(Twelve Have Died, 1986). What a project! and he spent a good portion of the wee hours
Now called a “cult classic”, we all knew, with a of the morning chasing down other copies of
certain giddiness, that our topic was obscure, this antiquity through his worldwide network.
serious and thrilling to research. Eddie had He greeted me at breakfast saying, “I’m smil-
done the basic ground work in his Great Illu- ing and chagrined that you found this. Happy
sionists with his chapter “The Great Gun Trick” we know. Sad, we all have egg on our faces!”
following the pop culture writer of Nightmare Scholarship, broad, quiet and delightful was
Alley, William Lindsay Gresham and his book the order of the day. We soon took off for
Monster Midway and his chapter “Kicked in the Yorkshire to see Sam Sharpe and his family. Dawes-Marshall book on Gresham
Teeth by a Bullet”. I labor on these references
because THAT was Eddie. (I’m the last one left I have hundreds of memories of my friend.

SCHOLARSHIP, BROAD, QUIET AND

DELIGHTFUL WAS THE ORDER OF THE DAY."
Taking him, his son Adrian, and his delight-
ful wife Amy to the Museum of Modern Art,
The Bryant Park Grill behind the New York
Public Library, or feting him at The Rockefeller
Foundation are great memories. Eddie was
a hearty soul that always organized oppor-
tunity—he ate near a book shop he loved
visiting, often returning home to England
with wonderful finds. His book on John Henry
Anderson with his son Michael as co-author is
dear to me.

He always asked about my life as a pro

magician; where did I do my shows? How
much was I paid? Was it a hard life? What did
my wife think of my exploits? Was it worth
it to get shot at in a parking lot in Canada to
make the evening news—did that wind up in
my bank account? Eddie wanted details. First
thing he did when I arrived in Hull was take
out a 3 x 5 card and quiz me about where I
was born, what my parents names were, and
when they were born/died. I imagine he had
thousands of such cards. Collect. Collate.
Communicate.

By trade he was a Chemical Biologist. He

taught for many years at the University of
Hull. He was also the President of the Hull
Magicians Circle for 57 years! He kept the
standard high, relating to me sotto voce,
“boring people cannot do effective magic.”
He was a practical fellow never stopping until
he got what he was after. Working together
he always asked if I’d checked more than one
source. “One publishes and then lives forever
damned” he quipped. Eddie always coun-
seled me to write in my own voice and relate
Magic to the rest of the world or the country
discussed. He said, “Magic takes on greater
significance if you know what else happened
concurrently.”

In 2003 I showed him my research of an

illusion I recently initiated. A new prop; new
set of moves, based on something else (of
course), but I wondered had anyone ever
done what I was doing? Looking at my thick
research binder, he offered, “I don’t know if
you are the first, but I will do my best to find
out.” Like hand-written letters I have from
him the world over, answering my questions,
6 months later I saw him in Chicago. Over
coffee, he told me he’d only tracked down
one other magician who made reference to
my prop, but nothing close to what I’d done.
Does it matter? To us, it did.

If history doesn’t thrill, maybe movies do.

Consider this: if there hadn’t been Eddie
Dawes to carefully research and record the
history of Magic, there never would have
been a Christopher Priest and his novel, The
Prestige. No novel, no film made expertly by
Christopher Nolan with another scholar-per-
former Eddie influenced, Ricky Jay, consult-
ing. A filmic masterpiece born of scholarship
and the grit to ferret out the details of unclear
history. His Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities
is the bedrock of future magic scholarship.

We worked together 1997 - 2008 when I in-

herited John Mulholland’s CIA file. Dawes and
Mulholland were mates. Often Eddie visited
the tall magician at his summer “Hide-A-Way”
in Newtown CT, 90-minutes from Manhat-
tan. Dawes gave me color photos he took of
Mulholland and his secretary Dorothy Wolf
there. Eddie knew how Mulholland got to the
CIA. When I incorrectly printed Mulholland’s
house was a “ranch-style” (one floor) home,
Eddie said nothing.

However, when I returned at the request

of the Mulholland and Gordon families to
direct the passage of materials, I discovered
a hidden stairway to a hidden second floor!
Speaking London to New York I told Eddie
of my error, and he said, “I wondered if you
were going to figure out that Mulholland
had fooled you just as he did me when I was
there. Good job.”

May 3, 2003, my heart failed on Doug Hen-

ning’s birthday. May 5th, my wife and I were
to host Eddie and his family for lunch at our
place. It’d been a rough six months; cata-
strophic spinal surgery knocked me down;
now this. I was determined to keep the lunch
date, heart attack notwithstanding.

All present, sandwiches and teas were en-

joyed. I looked over at my pal smiling as he
consumed New York deli treats, “You’ll never
guess where I’ve been for the last two days…”
He stopped eating. Amy Dawes looked
aghast. Was this some bizarre American joke?
No joke, Eddie told her, “Darling, magicians
are made of very strong stuff—I present the
example before you!”

Always the dedicated scholar, charming, an

effusive gentleman—selah my friend, I will
miss and never forget you. Thank you.

______________________
Ben Robinson has been published daily in The
New York Times since his 2020 autobiography
and film The Outlaw Hero.
IN MEMORY
GLORIA
MAKE
BY LANCE RICH

What is a supernova?
DEA entertainment, and she, no doubt, was the life
of any party she hosted; a natural entertainer.
According to the dictionary, a supernova is an
astrological event when a celestial star suddenly Serendipitous discoveries of Gloria, her life’s
increases in brightness during its explosive last work, and the fact that she was the first per-
stages of life. According to me, a supernova is former on the Las Vegas Strip brought Gloria
Gloria Dea. back into the spotlight. For 18 months she
accepted recognition, awards, and the warmth
of new friends and an entirely new audience.
Gloria Dea was a movie starlet, an Earl Carroll danc-
Gloria passed away at age 100. I can’t fathom
er, a performer in Billy Rose’s Aquacade, an actress
the life she’d led and the things she’s seen, but
in the cult-classic film Plan 9 from Outer Space, and
I’m flattered to have known her. It’s been one
a childhood magical prodigy. Most notably to our
of the greatest joys of my life to help share
magic community, Gloria was the first magician to
Gloria’s incredible story with the magic com-
perform on the Las Vegas Strip - a feat she accom-
munity, and the world.
plished at the age of 18 in May 1941 when she
debuted at El Rancho Vegas.
Gloria has been called charming, feisty, vibrant,
quick-witted, colorful, a firecracker. All of these
By the early 60s, she was around 40; she’d worked
superlatives fit! She was, quite simply, a char-
hard since she was a kid. And Gloria left showbusi-
acter. I’ve been at a few high profile events
ness behind. When Gloria Dea left show business
with Gloria - her trip to see David Copperfield’s
- and magic - she really left! Her post showbiz
show and her 100th Birthday party - but
life was filled with the love of her husband, and
my best memories are of a day with Gloria,
the warmth of friends. Gloria’s home was built for
AnnaRose Einarsen, Connie Boyd, Rudy Coby
and David Sandy at Gloria’s house.

For a few hours Gloria held court as the center

of attention. She regaled us with incredible
stories from her century on Earth, and it was
a delight. Before leaving we got photos with
her. Gloria didn’t want to be photographed
without her lips on. She put on lipstick herself
without using a mirror, and she stayed in the
lines. She said, “I’ve had this face for 99 years,
I should know where my lips are.” She then
planted a kiss on me, and I wore it as a souve-
nir all day!
APRIL | 2023 63
Of Gloria’s performance at the El Rancho Vegas in
1941, the Las Vegas Review Journal Says that she
“completely mystified the audience with her legerde-
main,” and they called her magic “the hit of the show.”
The hit of the show!

And El Rancho was great for magicians; I’d say that

throughout the forties and into the fifties, no hotel
booked as much magic as El Rancho. Would the
entertainment director at the hotel have booked
as many magicians as they did if that first magician
hadn’t been “the hit of the show?” Without even real-
izing it, Gloria opened the door that all of the magi-
cians who have performed on the Strip have walked
through.

Gloria Dea will forever more be remembered as the

first magician to perform on the Las Vegas Strip. In
the days following her death, her story has been told
in local newspapers across the United States, and in
major publications like the Washington Post, and L.A.
Times. She’s made the Daily Mail in the UK, a New
Yorker piece is being written, her story is being told
on Fox News and on the Today show. She’s receiving
more news coverage now than when she was a work-
ing performer. Gloria once said to me, “I was never a
star. But this has made me a star.”

But she’s no ordinary star; she is as a supernova.

DONATIONS
Gloria Dea would have loved you to support the
future performers of Magic. The Academy of Magical
Arts (AMA) Junior Society was founded in 1975 and
provides mentoring for gifted and dedicated young
magicians at the world-famous Magic Castle in
Hollywood. If you would care to donate, there are
two avenues:
Make Checks or Money Orders payable to:
Academy of Magical Arts, Inc.
7001 Franklin Ave. PayPal:
Hollywood, CA 90028 Juniors@MagicCastle.com (mailto:Juniors@MagicCastle.com)
GLORIA DEA in the Memo section (to be earmarked http://www.magiccastle.com/junior-academy/
for the Junior program)
IMPORTANT NOTE: In either case, please include that the payment is
a donation for the AMA Junior Society by writing ‘GLORIA DEA’ in the
Memo area of the Check or via PayPal, and if sending PayPal please
denote that it’s Friends and Family.
http://www.magiccastle.com/junior-academy/

PHOTOS
64 APRIL | 2023
APRIL | 2023 65
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Vanish Advertisment Half Page Advertisment Second Sight.indd 1 17/11/2022 5:56:57 PM

 ARE MAGIC CLUBS DYING ?
RYAN D. JOYCE
Unveiling the Secrets of Thriving Magic Clubs:
Insights from a Dozen Clubs Across the Globe.

I
n the 90s, when I first started attending magic club meetings in the base-
ment of an old church in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, our small club had
nearly thirty active members. Today, there are less than five who regularly
attend.
Our magic club is on the verge of extinction. If your magic club is failing, you're
not alone.

For the past twenty years, I've travelled the world as a full-time professional
magician because of the support of my local magic club and the magicians I
met at those monthly meetings. Magic changed my life as it has for so many of
us.
I'm not surprised that magic clubs are struggling to stay afloat. Sure, the art
of magic itself is as popular as ever, but the traditional magic club model is
outdated and in need of some serious revamping.

Over the past six months, I've been on a mission to talk with thriving magic
clubs worldwide about strategies they used to turn around their membership.
Magicians from Auckland, New Zealand, British Columbia, Canada, to Atlanta,
Georgia, generously shared their club's ideas and strategies.

Their insights could be the essential lifeline that saves your club.
This five-part series aims not just to start the conversation but to provide a
step-by-step strategy for struggling magic clubs. I'll cover topics like how
changing the structure of your meeting can increase membership and member
satisfaction, the six things every magician wants from their magic club, how to

68 APRIL | 2023

TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE: 68 | JANUARY 2014

 grow your membership with just two events, What's working— isn't working. men. This lack of diversity is problematic
plus challenging topics like how to deal with The art of magic is timeless, but the traditional because it alienates younger members
difficult members and more. magic club model is not. and visitors who come to learn magic in
I've also created several free tools your magic an inclusive environment but are often
club can download and customize each Unsurprisingly, the secret is approaching the faced with inappropriate comments,
month to get you started immediately. problem with an open mind and a willingness outdated social viewpoints—and even
to explore all possible solutions. rude language.
All these resources and information are only
helpful with action. The truth is that the So, what isn't working? Second, magic club meetings spend
success of your magic club depends on the There are five common issues I've outlined too much time dealing with business,
willingness to rise to the challenge, fix the below. How many of these relate to your local administration and club politics. No one
problems and reinvent for a new generation. magic club? joins their local magic club to spend
I hope to show you that it's easier than you endless time on club bureaucracy– they
might think– besides, magicians are accus- First, let's talk about the elephant in the room: come to learn magic. Instead, many
tomed to achieving the impossible. magic clubs are notoriously exclusive. They're meetings get lost in discussions of club
often seen as a "gentlemen's club," with a affairs, bickering about club politics, or
First, let's diagnose the problems. membership comprised mostly of older white dealing with stubborn and egotistical
members.

SINCERE THANKS
● Alan Watson - Auckland, NZ (The Brotherhood of
Auckland Magicians Inc.) https://bam.net.nz/

● Mike Norden - Mission, BC (Fraser Valley Magic Circle)

https://www.fvmc.ca/

● Eric Schuster - Atlanta, Georgia, USA (IBM Ring 9

The Georgia Magic Club) https://www.gamagicclub.com/

● David Peck - Toronto, ON Canada (Sid Lorraine Hat &

Rabbit Club IBM Ring 17) https://www.ibmring17.com/

● Ben Train - Toronto, ON Canada (Toronto Magic

Company) https://www.torontomagiccompany.com/

● Colin Geddes - Toronto, ON Canada (Sid Lorraine Hat

& Rabbit Club IBM Ring 17) https://www.ibmring17.com/

● IBM RING 12 Gene Gordon-Karl Norman Buffalo, NY

https://www.facebook.com/Ring12BuffaloNY/

● IBM Ring 49 The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club,

Hamilton, ON Canada http://www.ring49magic.com/

● IBM Ring 235 KW Magic Society, Kitchener, ON

Canada https://www.ibmring235.org/

APRIL | 2023 69
TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE: 69 | JANUARY 2014
 Third, magic clubs need to adapt to the digital age. With The problem is balancing the unique needs
the rise of social media, YouTube, and other online plat- of all your members, which vary by experi-
forms, there's no excuse for magic clubs not to have an ence level, interests and history in magic.
online presence. They need to embrace technology and While it's impossible to perfectly target
use it to attract new members and engage with a broader everyone's expectations at each meeting,
audience. there are several solutions your club can
quickly implement that will make dra-
Fourth, magic clubs need to be more visible in their com- matic differences. In next month's article,
munities. Magic clubs need more public outreach to attract I'll share the anatomy of a perfect magic
new members and stay relevant. From public performances meeting based on the input of several great
or partnering with other local organizations, if magic clubs clubs combined– a dynamic approach to
want to thrive, they must prioritize public outreach. addressing many of the following needs,
maximizing impact, and respecting your
Lastly, magic clubs need to innovate and offer something members' valuable time.
new and exciting. The traditional club model of lectures
and workshops is dead. It's simply not enough to keep peo- In the meantime, let's look at the six essen-
ple returning when so much is available online for free. tial needs every magician wants from their
magic community.
Over this article series, I'll offer solutions to these concerns 1 Community of Like-Minded Individ-
with simple and effective tactics that magic clubs world- uals
wide can easily implement. One of the main reasons magicians join
magic clubs is to be part of a community
How do you meet the needs of your members? You start by of like-minded individuals who share their
asking. passion for magic. A good magic club
should provide a welcoming and support-
The One Question Every Magic Club Must Ask to ive environment where magicians can
socialize and exchange ideas. This sense of
Succeed community is vital for novice and experi-
enced magicians, providing a platform for
What did the magic clubs who turned around their dying
learning and growth.
membership do differently? They put members' interests
first by asking the right question: "What do you need at this
stage in your journey in magic?" 2 Opportunities to Perform and Show-
case their Skills
If you can answer that question and work every month to Magicians join magic clubs not only to
fulfilling your member's needs, you can grow, and your learn from others but also to showcase their
magic club will thrive. skills. A good magic club should provide
its members with opportunities to perform
Getting direct feedback from members is the first step to in front of an audience, whether at club
rebuilding your magic club. meetings, private events or community
gatherings. This helps magicians build their
Implementing a yearly membership survey is an easy way confidence and allows them to receive
to listen to your members and gather the essential data valuable feedback from their peers.
you need to serve your members.
3 Access to Resources and Learning Opportunities
I've prepared a simple membership survey you can down- Magicians always look for ways to improve their skills and learn
load and use as-is or customize as you need. new tricks. A good magic club should provide its members access
Download the Membership Survey here: to resources and learning opportunities, such as lecturers, online
https://www.cammagic.org/post/are-magic-clubs-dying resources, instructions, books, and workshops. This not only allows
magicians to expand their repertoire but also helps them to stay up-
So, what do most magicians want from their club? to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.
There are only six essential needs.
4 Opportunities for Collaboration and Networking
The Six Things Every Magician Wants From Their Magic clubs provide their members an excellent opportunity to
collaborate and network with other professionals in the field. A
Magic Club good magic club should organize events and activities encouraging
Being part of a magic club can be a rewarding experience. collaboration and networking, such as group performances, mentor-
Not only do you get to interact with fellow magicians and ship programs, and community outreach events. This helps magi-
learn from their experiences, but you also get to showcase cians build relationships with other professionals and opens up new
your talents and receive valuable feedback. opportunities for career growth and development.

70 APRIL | 2023

TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE: 70 | JANUARY 2014

 bers with various opportunities to perform,
5 Opportunities for Buying and Exchanging learn and grow.
Tricks
Magicians always look for new and exciting magic Conclusion
tricks to add to their repertoire. A good magic club When you spend time and effort to grow your
should allow its members to buy, sell, and exchange magic club, you get more than just a com-
tricks with other members. This can be done through munity of like-minded people, you also help
magic auctions nights or informal club meeting to raise awareness of the art of magic in your
exchanges. community. This is great for everyone— it
helps amateurs learn new skills, build confi-
6 Fun, Safe and Supportive Environment dence and become better magicians, plus a
Finally, a good magic club should provide its mem- growing interest helps professional magicians
bers with a safe and supportive environment where book more gigs.
they can feel comfortable sharing their ideas and A thriving magic club benefits everyone.
performing their magic. This includes setting clear The bottom line of this article series is simple:
member rules and guidelines for behaviour. A safe times have changed. Social dynamics have
and supportive environment is essential for building changed. To survive, magic clubs need to
trust and encouraging open communication among focus on meeting the needs of their members
members. rather than preserving tradition.
Overall, a good magic club should provide its mem- Change must happen– but the magnet-
ic-crotched ball is in your court.

APRIL | 2023 71
TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE: 71 | JANUARY 2014
DESIGN
& EFFECT illusionplans.ca

WORKSHOP
PLAN
Design by
NIGEL HARRISON

THE GREEN
ROOM
The Appearance of
PLUS
Link to CAD
the Magician Model
 STAY INSPIRED

@NIGELHARRISONMAGIC

02 | THE GREEN ROOM

The Green Room
BY NIGEL HARRISON

I have a fascination, or perhaps a preoccupation, with

"appearances". The notion of the performer starting their show by
appearing center stage is not only dramatic, but appropriate...
don't you think? Shouldn't "ordinary people" walk on stage? I read
once that, in traditional theatre, "evil" characters entered the stage
from the left and "good" from the right... A tradition that goes back
to medieval mystery plays where the left hand side of the stage
symbolized hell and the right, heaven. So it would only make sense
to me that the Magician, perhaps living between these two worlds,
would materialize from the center.

My goal was to design a practical apparatus that didn't rely on

lighting, special staging or other specific requirements... and it had
to look interesting but simple. What you will find on the following
pages is one of my latest thoughts on how to have the Magician
appear center stage.

I hope you enjoy.

03 | THE GREEN ROOM ILLUSIONPLANS.CA

 The Green Room

IN EFFECT
As the curtain rises, standing center stage is a tall open illusion, 360 degrees, giving the audience a clear view
cabinet. It is open at the front and back. The Magician's through and around the entire apparatus (image 1). It is
Assistant enters stage right and spins the entire clearly empty.

1 2
Kraft Paper

With the front of the illusion now facing the Audience,

the Magician's Assistant unrolls a length of kraft paper
and sticks it to the front of the cabinet, completely
covering the opening (image 2).

The Assistant spins the illusion so the back is now facing

the Audience and, once more, unrolls a length of kraft
paper and sticks it to the back of the cabinet. The illusion
is now spun so the front is again facing the Audience.

*The illusion is prepared in advance with double-stick

tape placed around the edges of the front and rear
openings of the Cabinet.

04 | THE GREEN ROOM

 The Green Room

3
THE
MAGICIAN
APPEARS

The Assistant steps away from the illusion

and gazes toward the paper-covered front.
Within seconds, the Magician's hand is seen
as it punches through the paper (image 3).

The Magician proceeds to tear an opening

through the paper, by first punching the
second hand through, followed by one foot
and then the other. The Magician steps from
the cabinet and stands on the front edge of
the illusion, to applause from the Audience
(image 4).

05 | THE GREEN ROOM

 The Green Room

BY DESIGN
The illusion is comprised of three sections; the base, the This space is finished in black velvet and serves as "empty"
cabinet and the "shelf" on which the cabinet rests. This space, separating the "shelf" from the cabinet.
"shelf" has a space between itself and the cabinet.

Load Space

Built into the Cabinet, Shelf & Base is a "load" space for
the Magician to hide prior to the appearance. In this
Black Velvet
space, the Magician sits on their knees, hiding the
bottom half of their body in the bottom of the Cabinet,
Shelf and Base. The top half of the body hides in the right
section of the Cabinet and shelf (image right).

The "Load" space for the upper half of the Magician is 8"
deep while the space for the Magician's bottom half is
11" (image above).

*The "Shelf" on top of the Cabinet is identical to the

bottom "Shelf" in shape and size

06 | THE GREEN ROOM

 The Green Room

LOAD
SPACE

Hinge

The Hatch for the "Load" space is 24" wide by 22" high & 20" deep.
(image above). It hinges open (image right) via two piano hinges at
the joints. This hinges the Hatch up and away from the Magician to
allow him to lean forward and stand , exiting the "Load" space.

The Base of the illusion is 3" thick with a 3/4" undercarriage to

accept the weight of the Magician when in the "Load" space
(image next page)

The casters of the Base are 6"

Hinge

07 | THE GREEN ROOM

 Base

Back side of Shelf

Shelf

08 | THE GREEN ROOM

 The Green Room

THE
CABINET

1.5"

3"

3"

09 | THE GREEN ROOM

 Cabinet Profile

Alternate
performance;
Rear of Cabinet
left open (no
paper). Tripod
light placed
behind Cabinet
casts silhouette
of Magician prior
to punching
through front
Cabinet paper

Shelf on top of the Cabinet

10 | THE GREEN ROOM

3D
This workshop plan has been made available for personal collection
and/or professional use only. Fabrication of this illusion for commercial
resale purposes is strictly prohibited unless previously authorized by the

CAD
Author.

The Author does not assume any liability for injuries stemming from the
construction or use of this effect. Use at own risk.

MODEL
All content is © Copyright 2023 by Nigel Harrison Magic

Scan the QR Code, or follow the link below to view an

scan the code
interactive 3D model of the illusion.

Files are viewable on desktop and mobile devices

to view 3D
Link: https://skfb.ly/oFpKP model

11 | THE GREEN ROOM ILLUSIONPLANS.CA

 LOUIE FOXX
WHAT'S NEXT ON THE ROAD
VIDEO WALK THROUGHS for Louie's Magic can be watched on Vanish
Magazine Bonus section of his blog at:
www.MagicShow.tips and use the password: vanmag

Turn the sign over to show six facing the

audience. As you do that, you will slide the
middle magnet bullet hole so the side facing
you shows three bullet holes.
One trick that I personally dislike is the Spot
Card (What’s Next) trick. I realized that I dislike “Make a left at the sign that Billy shot three times
the sucker element to the trick, and I don’t think commemorate when he finished law school .”
it’s needed to make the trick effective. Let’s face Turn the sign over to show the side with three
it, if you did the trick and asked your audience bullet holes to the audience. As you do that,
how the trick worked 90% of them would slide the remaining two unmoved magnet
say the spots slide around. It’s not the most bullet holes so the side facing you shows eight
deceptive method ever and when you do the bullet holes.
sucker part, the trick hinges on the reveal of the
eight spots at the end as the punchline. As long “Stop when you get to the sign with eight bullet
as you can get to the punchline, you don’t need holes…”
the sucker part.
Turn sign to show the side with eight bullet
EFFECT: holes to the audience and pause a beat.
You show a street sign that has bullet holes in it “…and you’ve arrived at the Clinton Presidential
and the numbers keep changing! Library”
Notes: I don’t think that Norm Nielsen’s
*NOTE for non-USA readers: Road signs that Dynamo would be as easily converted for this
have been shot up is very common in the trick as I think this stationary spots are painted
rural USA. Since I started doing this routine, on, not stickers.
I’ve learned that this isn’t as common in other
countries. This style of trick has a long history and the
WORKING: modern version that’s commonly known
“Travelling around, sometimes I have to ask as What’s Next or the Spot Card essentially
NEEDED:
for directions. When travelling in Texas you’ll Tannen’s Improved Pop Eye Pips with a
A spot card trick that’s black with white dots
get directions like: Go down highway 53 past different visual design. You can read about the
(The set I used was sold as Multiplying Dots),
3 Cracker Barrels, the turn right at the waffle history of the trick on Conjuring Credits at:
bullet hole stickers (available from Amazon at:
house.” https://www.conjuringcredits.com/doku.
https://tinyurl.com/3eauvj4p), scissors and a
white sheet of sticker paper. php?id=misc:changing_spot_card
“In Arkansas, it’s a little bit different. Directions
are like: Drive down the highway and turn right I’ve made a video walkthrough of the handling
Peel the white spots off of the metal card and
at the sign that Billy shot four times to celebrate of the spot card trick on my blog at: http://
clean off any sticky residue from the spots.
graduating kindergarten” www.magicshow.tips
Cut out two identical arrows from the sticker
paper and put one on each side of the metal Simply click on the Vanish Magazine Bonus link
Show sign with the side facing the audience and use the password: vanmag
card. Next put bullet hole stickers where the
showing the four bullet holes.
spots were. Finally bullet hole stickers over the
“Turn left when you get to the sign that Billy shot
gimmicks and trim around the stickers.
once to celebrate his first saxophone solo!”
Set the new bullet hole gimmicks in the same
Turn the sign over to show the one to the
manner as the instructions that came with
audience. As you turn it over, once the one is
your spot card trick. In the pictures below the
showing to the audience, slide the bullet hole
magnet bullet holes are below the permanent
on the side facing you so that side shows six
bullet holes that you will put them on top of.
holes.
“Turn right at the sign that Billy shot six times to
celebrate finishing law school!”
 DIBYA GUHA
THE INVISIBLE PREDICTION

EFFECT: - A dice
The Mentalist brings out a small, sealed envelope & places it in full view - A small envelope. Seal the mouth of the envelope. Nothing is placed
on the table. He next hands over a dice to a spectator. The spectator is inside it.
asked to roll the dice as many times as he wishes & then to settle on the - The most important skill needed for this effect is the ability to classic
top spot. When the first spectator has done as he has been instructed palm with both hands.
the performer introduces 5 cards each bearing different colored circles.
A second spectator mixes the cards & then selects one of the circles by WORKINGS: While performing bring out the sealed envelope & place
carrying out an elimination procedure. Assume, the second spectator it on the table in full view. State it contains a Prediction. Now hand over
selects a green circle. The performer now picks up the envelope with the dice to the spectator & ask him to roll the dice on the table as many
his right hand & tips out the contents on the palm of his other hand. times as he wishes. Also state that when he has finished rolling the dice
However, nothing is seen to come out from the tipped envelope much to note its top spot. Now bring out the cards bearing the circles & hand
to the surprise of the spectators. The performer lets out a wry smile these over to a second spectator for mixing. As he is busy mixing the
& states that the spectators are unable to see the prediction as it is in cards you insert your hand in your pocket & bring out the chip bearing
an invisible state & to make the prediction visible, he has to just cast the first spectator’s chosen number, classic palmed. For example, if the
his magic spell. Saying so, he forms a fist with his left hand & waves first spectator has selected the number 3, you insert your right hand
his right hand over it in a dramatic manner chanting his magic spell. in your right pocket, secretly classic palm the chip bearing number 3 &
The fist is now opened & sure enough inside is a green circular token bring your hand out from the pocket with the back of the palm facing
bearing the exact number as that chosen by the first spectator! the spectators. This will take just a few seconds. When the second
spectator has completed shuffling the cards to his heart’s content ask
NEEDED: him to lay out the cards on the table in a row face down in any order he
- Five cards bearing circles drawn in different colored ink (pic.1). wishes (pic. 4).
However, one of these cards must bear a green circle. Mark the back of
the card bearing the green circle by means of your favorite method.

However, you can easily spot the card bearing the green circle due to
the marking on its back. Now with the chip classic palmed in your hand
you need to execute a PATEO force thereby eliminating all the cards
- 6 green plastic chips bearing numbers 1 to 6 (pic. 2). Place the three except the card bearing the green Circle.
chips bearing numbers from 1 to 3 in your right trouser pocket with the
numbers facing outwards & the three chips bearing numbers from 4 to The PATEO force is carried out as follows:
6 in your left trouser pocket also with the numbers facing outwards.
1) With the chip classic palmed you point to 2 of the cards which do not
bear the green circle with your index fingers. Ask the spectator to slide
out one of these two cards which you are pointing to & discard it.

2) Now ask the second spectator to point to two of the remaining cards.
If he happens to point to two of the cards which do not bear the green
circle on its face slide out any one thereby discarding it. However, if
one of the cards pointed at by him happens to bear the green circle on

84 APRIL | 2023
its face you slide out the other card thereby Continue rubbing the back of the palm for a
discarding it. few more seconds chanting your magic spell.

3) Repeat Step 1. There are now only 2 cards

left at the end of this stage.

4) Let the spectator point to the two cards

left. All you must do now is slide out the card
which do not have the green circle drawn on
its face. Let the spectator turn the card face up
thereby revealing that he has landed up on a
green Circle.

Obviously if you wish you may force the card

bearing the green Circle on to your spectators
in any other manner you like. Now dramatically open your fist to show Now hold the outstretched palm of your hand
that the green circular chip bearing the 1st beneath the envelope & instantly release the
Now pick up the envelope with the hand in spectator’s selected number has magically palmed chip from your other hand.
which the chip is classic palmed & appear to materialized inside it & accept your applause.
tip out its contents into the other hand. In our it is this sudden visible appearance of the
example, the envelope is held with the right Prediction inside your clenched fist which
hand & the Prediction inside is pretended to makes this such a strong effect.
tip over into your left palm. Your spectators
will be surprised that they cannot see the AFTER THOUGHTS:
Prediction coming out from the envelope - This effect may also be performed without
& that the envelope is empty. Now with a the invisibility premise. In this case you simply
wry smile state that the Prediction is in an hold the envelope with the hand containing
invisible state. You further add that to make the chip. Notice how the envelope is hiding
the Prediction visible you only have to hold the chip behind it. The chip will fall onto the outstretched palm
the Prediction in a clenched fist & chant your giving the impression that it is coming
magic spell. Saying so you form a fist with from within the envelope.
the hand not containing the palmed chip, in
our example the left hand. You now load the - You will find detailed video
chip into this fist by means of the “L HOMME explanation of the “L HOMME MASQUE”
MASQUE” loading technique used in coin technique in David Roth’s Expert Coin
magic. Magic Made Easy (Volume 1) as well
as on You tube among many other
The “L HOMME MASQUE” loading technique sources. Feel free to check them out for
is executed as follows: Turn the hand not better understanding of this technique.
containing the palmed chip into a loose fist.
Rub the back of the fist with the hand in which
the chip is concealed.

Now turn the fist upwards & simultaneously

release the chip from your other hand in such
a manner that it lands up inside the fist.

APRIL | 2023 85
 One of THE most recognizable magic props of all time just LEVELED UP
for the 21st century... introducing ProCaps by Lloyd Barnes.

ProCaps
L L OY D BA R N E S
ProCaps was designed to replicate everyday bottle caps; this stealth-like set allows you to VANISH, TRANS-
FORM, APPEAR and TELEPORT stacks of coins with total ease, right under the spectator's noses.
If the ProCaps set alone wasn't enough; we've brought in Craig Petty to teach you 11 brand new, NEVER
BEFORE PUBLISHED routines in an over 2 hours long in-depth, intricate explanation video.

With tricks designed for beginners as well as challenging professional level routines,
ProCaps has something for everyone.

Available at your favorite Murphy’s Magic Dealer.

Creativity Series

https://youtu.be/qlZcaj_1OGc

DAMEON’S PERFECT
FAKINI BALL HOLDER
Dameon (aka Hal Meyers)
 NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
Creativity Series

… and alterations, variations, props, holders, ideas, practical applications, routines

DAMEON (AKA HAL MEYERS)

During my run with the Tribute to Liza Show I added billiard balls to Barcelona, Spain, my dear friend Hausson (Vanish Cover Story Issue
my act. I had the routine planned out, short, sweet to the point, quick #81 - April 2021) had shown me his routine with 8 solid balls. He used
manipulation with a strong climax and a bird production “button.” these amazing Cork Balls - 2” in diameter - and for several holders he
Therefore, I ordered 8 - 2” White Fakini Balls directly from Frank Radtke used pins. I just never thought I would do that with my Fakini Balls.
and also 8 - 2 1/8” gold rhinestone billiard balls (with a flash 4 produc-
tion just to have it) from Zum Poco in France. I chose the gold color at Well, after rehearsing over and over and figuring out the pure es-
the recommendation of Richiardi. sence of what I wanted to do, magically and visually I decided to use
only one Fakini Ball and two rhinestone balls, which meant I had a lot
I was delighted when everything arrived and immediately began of spares.
working on the initial routine, the manipulation sleights etc., and
then …………… yikes, I had no problem putting the rhinestone balls Let me digress for a moment … I was in a revue and had X number
in a smooth cloth tube holder with elastic at the bottom, but was of minutes for my slot, they would not extend it, those minutes
thwarted at every attempt to get the Fakini balls to work in the same were mine to fill as I chose. A full billiard ball routine would not have
tube holder. I was totally confused, the balls would not slide against allowed me to present a variety of effects in the allotted span of time.
a cloth surface. I contacted several friends including John Blake who And I always believe that “LESS IS MORE” - and no the audience does
sent me some of his holders to try, They didn’t work. I had heard that not care how many balls you produce, they just want to be enter-
some magi were using solid tubes with an elastic on the bottom. tained.
That would not work for me because I would have this solid object
distorting the look of my tails (I didn’t want distorted tails). Which also From the pictures of some of the remaining Fakini Balls (42 + years
meant the wire ball holders which did not flatten would not work for later) you can see the myriad of holes and a few silicone chunks
me either. I was at my wits end, so I called Irv Tannen and told him my taken out of the balls. Oh, and take note of the wooden Fakini ball
dilemma (I called Irv a lot). I will never forget his answer, he did not box - they used to come with the “set of 3 and a shell” - I have two of
even hesitate for an instant, he said, “Hal, stick a pin in it.” Uhhhhh … them with four places for each of the solid balls in both boxes. I know
no way did I want to stick a pin in a beautiful silicone ball that cost me Frank Radtke custom made the boxes for me and who knows they
in 1980 $25.00 a ball. AHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! may have been the only boxes that did not have a shell holder …
hmmmm.

Fast forward a few years and my assistant/wife at the time was an

amazing seamstress. One day I mentioned the issue of the balls
getting ruined with the pins. She said, “why not use an elastic loop
to hold the ball” Uhhhhhhh, OMG … that was brilliant and she
was right. We took a 1” piece of black elastic and made a loop with
enough tension to firmly hold the ball until I needed it. The loop had
a tab that extended beyond the loop to sew it to the tails at the per-
fect location. A simple matter of my index finger pushing the ball free
of the loop into my palm. Pure simplicity. ANNNNNND … the loop
was flat when the ball was removed. BINGO!!!!

The only thing that I found, over time, was that you occasionally had
to adjust or replace the elastic if it lost its tension.

Therefore I now had the perfect single Fakini Ball holder and that was
all I needed. You could do multiple holders as well. Since they take up
very little space. However, it was not necessary for my routine.

I really had no choice. If I wanted the routine to work it would have In every show/revue that I was in I had very specific lighting cues
to be a pin. Then there was the issue of having a pin that I could throughout the act, including the ball segment. After the first ball is
attach to my clothing. After trying to bend long pins around a needle introduced and my stage right hand was extended to the right with
nose pliers tip, not easy to do, I looked at a safety pin and realized the ball at my finger tips (body open and facing the audience) the
that if you cut a safety pin close to the spring and file the sharp edge spotlight is supposed to get smaller and focus on the action of the
left by the cut then you have a perfect pointed object that you can balls manipulation, which allows my free hand to reach behind my
easily attach to your garment. I should have thought of the pin idea left leg - undetected, because it is in darkness. As I would swing my
on my own because a couple months earlier, when the show was in body stage left the light is supposed to open. As you will notice from
the video clip (at the magic convention) my cues were not followed.
APRIL | 2023 91
Quick Note: The Gold rhinestone balls were always kept in those sock
like holders when transporting, to keep them safe and away from other Fakini ball in holder
objects. And, yes, if you dropped one onstage you were gluing rhine-
stones back in place. Therefore you rehearsed a lot, and carried crazy
glue. They also did not work with metal loop holders as the metal rings
would tear the rhinestones from the surface when you pulled the balls
free.

Quick Note 2: I love the INVERTED Ball Holder David Penn introduced -
not for rhinestone balls. Yes it is a variation on something that has been
used FOREVER, however, turning the holder upside down opens it up
to numerous applications beyond just the strolling CU magic chop cup.
I think it would be terrific to attach to various props at any angle you
need to be able to quickly steal an item - and it does not have to be a
ball.

Next Month - Cressi Throwstreamer Packet

Fakini ball with hole

PHOTOS: show glitter balls in socks and in holder

Balls in Clear Tails holder

92 APRIL | 2023
 The EVOLUSHIN Magic kit
by Shin Lim is the most innovative
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them. Shin Lim has developed a magic
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Shin did this by creating and adapting

SECRET TOOLS that will make you
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The EVOLUSHIN kit will make
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APRIL | 2023 93
 Half-Dyed Synchronicity-Jeff
Silk Sheridan
A unique discovery
Billy McComb's under impossible
latest version conditions.
Authorized by Billy McComb

Silver Odyssey Imperial Chop

Bowl
Coins Thru Glass-
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Horizontal Card Hourglass

Rise
Stop the sands of
Selected cards time solely with
magically move your mind!
horizontally through
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An unusual Discover a
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Four models to can of Pringles!
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 Rings -n- Things

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APRIL | 2023 95
 SANDS MIRAGE

Cherry Casino Sands Mirage (Holographic) Playing Cards

Introducing the WORLD'S FIRST large scale DOUBLE HOT FOIL playing cards.
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Force a card with no deck switch, no pinky break, no double lifts, no controlling the
cards. Force the right card every time! Do this with a totally examinable gimmick
that is easy to use and 100% reliable. 5 routines plus a bonus idea included.
Available in Red or Blue.

Available at your favorite Murphy’s Magic Dealer.

 MULTI SENSE BY ILLUMINATI-MAGIC
AVAILABLE: www. illuminati-magic.com • Customizable audio announcements.
• Multilingual Support.
PenSense Lite is the ultimate Color Prediction System. PenSense Lite • Low battery notification.
will notify you via the Thumper or Notifier once the spectator has • 9.5 Days of performance time from a single charger (enough for a
selected a particular colored marker. whole year!)

PenSense Lite provides a myriad of of unique features, including: Illuminati Magic offer a 1-year parts and labor guarantee for all
products.
• Plain English voice announcements (delivered via Bluetooth)
ensures that you do not need to remember complex vibration WHAT'S INCLUDED
sequences (although if you prefer, all information can be delivered
via the Thumper or Notifier). PenSense Electronic gaff.
• Easy Customization in the Unifi App for audio announcements eg: Leather Pen Holder.
“Green, color in the T-Shirt”. 6 x Sharpie Pens.
• Apple iPhone, Apple Watch and Notifier provide visual USB charging cable.
identification of which Pen has been selected and can show which
section of the drawing to color in.
• Utilises standard (ungaffed) Sharpie Pens or equivalent pens. MY THOUGHTS:
• No assistants. Having used this in parlor and stage shows I can tell you it's the BEST
• 8 Hours Battery Life. version of any color sense I have used. The MAIN thing that really was
• Apple iPhone / Apple Watch support. a feature for me was being able to turn the unit on and know half-way
• Bluetooth audio announcements. through my show I could go straight in to the routine without having to
worry about anything going to sleep, having to worry about a battery
102 APRIL | 2023
life or wondering if it would work. These are
issues I have had with other units I have used
yet PenSense Lite takes all those worries away.

The battery life is something that also really

is a massive advantage. Once charged you
won't have to charge it for almost a full year!!
I do keep mine charged after a month or so,
but I don't have to worry about it. There are
no other routines like this on the market that
enable you to do this! Because the gimmick
is in the base of the holder there is nothing
out of the ordinary for the audience to see or
suspect. The pen holder does all the work and my Notifier so it sits in my top pocket, and
is designed to make everything super easy to I can easily get a glance without making it
perform. The tutorial teaches everything you obvious. You can hide this anywhere such as
need to know and shows a clever feature of a deck of cards, in a notepad etc. The Notifier
how to easily set it up within seconds prior to also tells you when PenSense Lite is turned
the show. They have imprinted the name of on and when it is turned off. This is where
the colors in the hidden part of the gimmick you can easily check to see all is working as
making it easy to set up. It takes me literally it should. I
seconds prior to the show, and I can place the
pen holder on my show table and not worry Other options to get the readings include
about it at all. The on/off is all hidden and once your phone as you can see in the following
turned on you are set. photo. This uses the Unifi App, which ties
every product in to one App. As you can see
Like all Illuminati products you have so many in the photo it can tell you colors and the
options on how to get access which color is status of each pen.
chosen. The two I prefer to use are Notifier and
more recently their Bone Conduction glasses. One point I'd like to emphasize about the
I have reviewed the glasses in previous issues Unif App and Illuminati products is on
of VANISH, but these allow the voice to tell an iPhone you can only connect seven
me which color is chosen. Because it uses real Bluetooth products. If you use other
bone conduction and is not just a Bluetooth Bluetooth things in your show from music,
speaker, I can have somebody standing right cameras, and magic then you are limited
next to me and they won't hear a thing. This - HOWEWEVER - what makes Illuminati
stand-out from anything else
is the fact they have designed
their products to all link to
ONE app and if you perform
eight of their products you
are only going to use ONE
Bluetooth connection. For me,
this is a real game changer and
something that makes them
stand-out. I believe they are
the first and only company to information on your watch because you can
do this. I use other Bluetooth look at the watch without anything looking
apps and tricks and now I out of place or like you are getting a glance at
can use as many Illuminati the information.
products as I want plus my If you are looking for a professional product
other products I use in my that you can rely on without having to worry
show, including my music, about anything not working, then this is what
without having to take things I would recommend. The technology used
out. here is far superior to what we have seen in
the past and the creators of Illuminati are so
technology really is superior to another out You can also get the information sent to the advanced in their technology that the Secret
there and I find it far better than wearing an Unifi Thumper. This has just been designed Service in the USA use their products to
earpiece. as a remote control and is about to be protect the Presidents of the United States!!
released. This is a huge step forward for ALL This is as close to REAL James Bond products
Notifier is a small device that ties in with all of their products and it really opens even more as you can get.
Illuminati products and in this case, it sends a impossibilities.
picture, color and name of the color making it
extremely easy to read the information sent. If Another option is to get the information
you look at the photo below you can see what sent to an iWatch. I really love this and it's
the Notifier looks like when it sends the signal. one of the reasons I bought an iWatch! It just
makes it so much easier when you get the
I had somebody make a 3D pocket holder for
 DAVE
ATTWOOD
YOUR FEE -
DOUBLE IT!
When I started out in magic, my goal was
not to make a million dollars or be the next
Copperfield. I simply wanted to create that
feeling that I first felt when I experienced
magic for others. I loved the idea of making
people feel that amazing feeling of wonder.
After joining my local club, I wanted to be
considered a ‘real’ magician by the others that I
was now associating with. They were all talking
about “corporate shows” and “private events”
and “birthday party shows”. I was only doing
magic for my friends and family and unwilling
waitresses. I felt that I needed to be out there
performing and charging for my show in order overtime which would have made me far more
to be a “real” magician. Then came the day when I decided that my dry cash than $89.
cleaning and slush powder bill was enough to
I started advertising to my social groups start thinking about charging for my services. Moving forward, I decided to come up with a
that I am ready to start performing shows. I began charging what I thought a guy would quick way to calculate my fee. Now there is no
I would perform a vanishing hanky trick or be reasonable in asking for. It was ten dollars. standard or scale to work off in the world of
make someone's cigarette vanish into their At the time, minimum wage was eight dollars. magic. I could have just asked other magicians
jacket and then say, “I also do kid’s parties. You I wasn’t doing it for the money so the actual what they were charging and gauge my
should hire me for your next function. The first amount wasn’t crucial to me. experience and value against theirs and come
question I always got was, “How much?” up with a mean value, but I decided I wanted a
Now people in the club may have assumed more mathematical approach.
At first, I was begging for the opportunity to that I was crushing out there because I was
perform for audiences, so my fee was nothing. performing a lot in the nineties but losing First, I added up all my association costs.
I was running all over my neighborhood doing money for the right to entertain. This included memberships to local and
shows for free so I could get that experience international magic organizations, costs of
of getting reactions to the things that I had Then, that fateful Christmas season came up lectures and meetings and I threw in there
been performing in my den and in front of the when I was now in competition with my fellow the cost of one convention. Then I added up
bathroom mirror. I spent a good six month entertainers in the club. I was hired to do a all the costs of my props that I would be using
of weekends running from kids’ party to kids’ show for a “friend” and so I charged a little that year. After totalling it all up, I divided that
party wearing a second-hand tuxedo and bit more this time, $89. This ended up being number by twelve forecasting that I would be
performing the Torn and Restored Newspaper. a complete catastrophe because this was doing one show a month.
another professional entertainer's biggest gig
It was exhausting but I was starting to feel like I of the year. Furthermore, I was asked to work If you were to do one show a month and
was one of the “real” magicians in the club. on that day where I was going to get paid charge that number, you would still be

104 APRIL | 2023

losing money for the gracious gift of Saturday night that is two weeks before
performing. So, I doubled that number. Christmas. That is the one night of the year
that you can charge the moon and you will
get paid. Everyone is trying to get that date
Then I realized that simply performing
for their party and every single magician in
had a cost to it. There is fuel to get to the
your area is already booked so go crazy on
venue, dry-cleaning my tuxedo and all
that night.
the added cost of all my consumables
used for the performance, eggs, mouth
coils, newspaper, etc. Factoring all of There are also a few other days that are
this into my performance, I now had a one offs where there is no choice to move
hard number to work with. I knew what the date. These are Halloween night, New
it would cost me to do a show so I had Year’s Eve as well as any national holidays
a number that I could give to someone (July 1st in Canada). Make sure you double
that wanted a “friends and family” your fee for these precious nights. If you
discount, so I wasn’t losing money to don’t get the gig, you can always relax and
perform. Now I was able to add this to enjoy the party yourself.
my annual costs to come up with a solid
fee per show, then I doubled it.
Finally, the way to say “no” in the
entertainment biz, is to just charge
For each year that I was performing, I through the roof. There are days that I
added one percent to the fee. For every simply don’t want to work. I don’t want to
award I won, I added ten percent. work on Canadian Thanksgiving, Christmas
Eve and my birthday. The way that I say “no”
to working these days is I double my few.
Then, I doubled it.
And then double it again. This way, if I am
hired to work on these days that are special
Now I had a calculation for my fee that to me, I know that it will be worth it.
I was happy with. This was a fee that
I would be willing to stand behind if
Now this does not even touch on
someone called and said, “How much do
negotiating for a fee, which I absolutely
you charge.”
love doing by the way. This is simply just a
straightforward way for myself to structure
Finally, there are two other factors that I my pricing, so I knew exactly where to start
worked into my fee structure. from.

First, the Christmas season when

entertainment is at a premium. You
are always going to be able to charge
more for your services during the
holiday season where more people are
hungry for entertainment. During the
Christmas season, or harvest season
as I like to call it, I doubled my fee. This
is not opportunistic, well not entirely.
It’s just a simple fact that if you have
ten companies that are requesting
your services on a certain date, you
can command a higher fee. I take my
standard fee and double it.

Regarding the Christmas season there

is one specific date where you can
literally write your own check. That’s the
 REVIEWS
TOP PICKS

TRICKS, DOWNLOADS, BOOKS

You also get an online tutorial on how to produce and roll up the cane
if you haven't used one before. It works as all the other canes do but

01
because this really is a superior quality you will find closing it is easy
and you won't cut your hand like some of the cheaper versions.

I've always thought that if you produce a cane it should look like a cane.
With these canes you don't see any of the tell-tale diagonal lines like
most others, making it look solid in appearance, and for me this is one
of the great things about these. The production and colors really help
hide any of the regular giveaways.

Each cane comes in a little round tube that is perfect for transport
between gigs and for storage. You want to protect your investment and
props and MS magic have thought of everything. This really is an Ultra
Cane and I'd say could be the Ultimate Cane as well.

ULTRA CANE
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Price: $55.00
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MY THOUGHTS:
I have been using appearing canes since I was about 15, so that's over
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and cut my hands on the metal ones more times than I'd hate to say.

What I can tell you about these are they are so well made and since
using it I've not once worried about cutting my hands. The way these
are made means you shouldn't injure yourself at all when rolling them
up and when they spring open. Not only that but the springs on here
are so good that this cane literally appears out of nowhere! It just
shoots open making it one of the fastest appearing canes I've ever
used or seen.

The colors are super dynamic, and I don't think the photos do it justice.
The end tips look like they are spun metal and the tops have a metal
looking plastic part attached. I have the metallic blue one and wow
does it look good! It really looks sharp and more importantly once it is
open it is solid and very rigid. You can bang the bottom on the ground,
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career and this one must be one of, if not THE very best I've seen.

108 APRIL | 2023

02 03 04

DUSTY BY RIAN LEHMAN THE BOX BY MS MAGIC PERFECT MANIPULATION BALLS BY

BOND LEE
PRICE: $10.00 PRICE: $199.00
AVAILABLE: www. AVAILABLE: www.magiclismstore.com PRICE: $70.00
AVAILABLE: www.magiclismstore.com
"One day, as random as any, my phone Universal production box made of black
took an unfortunate turn. The battery had walnut wood; quality made by MS Magic. "The wait is over, come and experience the
extinguished and rendered it powerless. Trying You can display it empty then produce a wine perfect manipulation ball."
to revive the situation, no connection seemed bottle, a bouquet of roses, and many more We devote ourselves to continuous
to work. What issue lay inside? Was there objects. improvements. After years of testing, we
an obstruction? Upon further inspection, I proudly announce that our new manipulation
couldn't believe the coney that would emerge Max capacity: 33 x 8.5 x 8.5 cm balls are ready. While having the quality of the
from its burrow." previous version, we have made it even better:
MY THOUGHTS:
This is the most fun you will have with sponge If you like the drawer box, you will LOVE this - Better grip/ finish
balls. An innovative and situational way to wooden version. It is beautifully made and is - Great bounce
get into your sponge ball routine that makes, very elegant and very solid. - 8 vivid colors available
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The drawer box is one of the most versatile - Customizable
Comes with 4 Dust Bunnies. effects and tools in magic where the magician - Great value for the money
can easily make objects vanish and appear. - Basic routine tutorial included
MY THOUGHTS:
Rian has come up with a modern sponge ball This size of this is perfect to use for wine This is one of the finest sets of manipulation
style routine that makes total sense and brings bottles and larger objects. balls available.
this classic into today’s world! Each set come with 4 balls and 2 shells (except
This is a well-made version of the classic single ball/single shell)
You receive four special 'dust' bunnies which drawer box and the way I like to use this is to Two sizes available: 1.7" (45mm) | 2" (50mm)
are black and represent the dust balls that can produce a bottle of wine at the start of my Deluxe version: Full set + Metal case
be found in the charging ports of phones. It multiplying bottle routine. I find the bottle is
also comes with a link to a short video where a real surprise because it looks impossible to At MS Magic, we want to get the best
he teaches the handling on how to take these show something empty then produce a bottle Manipulation Ball fit for your hands. Before you
out of the charging port of a borrowed phone. from inside. You could obviously produce a order, send us a photo of your hand, fingers
This is such a cool way to get into the sponge real bottle, and this would make the perfect spread open, on top of a ruler.
ball routine and makes total sense because giveaway at any private function or corporate
we all know the problems with dust in the event. You could also make a bottle vanish.
charging port. It's very easy to do and I just It might be fun to incorporate this into a
LOVE the premise of this routine. Rian has routine where you vanish the bottle and it
made sponge balls hip again and I can see appears elsewhere. By combining this with a
everybody wanting to use these! multiplying bottle routine could be good. You
could also vanish a bottle in a paper bag and
Because of the design of the 'balls' you can have it appear inside the drawer box.
cleanly show two sponges as one, unlike
regular balls where you would see a seam. The drawer box really is one of the most
These are jagged in appearance and when you versatile tools in magic. No matter if you do
put two of them together, they really do look stage, kids magic or parlor you will find a use
like one. This little element means you can for this well-made prop.
clearly show ONE sponge dust bunny before
placing it in the spectator's hand. No more
rushing to hide anything - just do it slowly
and clearly. The sponges are great and it's the
novelty that makes this such a great version of
the classic. If you do any sponge ball routine,
then this is a MUST HAVE!! Bringing sponges
into the modern world!
MY THOUGHTS:
These are truly the most beautiful
manipulation balls I have ever seen. The
handling on these and the grip are remarkable
and will stay in your hand as you do your
manipulation. These are made from silicon and
as somebody who hasn't done manipulation
balls for a long time these made me want to
put it back in the show.

There are a variety of colors and the vibrant

ones really do stand out. I personally have the
white set and these looks great on stage and
pop. They can be seen from the back of the
theatre no problem. They have a nice bounce
to them as well which can add to any routine
as you bounce them on the floor.

The set comes with four balls and two shells

that nest over one ball. Another important
point about these balls is that they are totally
washable so you can keep them looking
good forever. There are two sizes available
depending on your hand size and what you
are comfortable using.

The shells next over the balls perfectly and are

easy to manipulate from the ball.

This also comes with a 20-minute tutorial

with a really wonderful routine performed
and taught by Bond. This routine would serve
anybody well who wants to learn a billiard
ball routine. This isn't beyond anybody who
wants to put in the time and effort to master
something that will stay with them forever
and can go in any act. A good solid billiard ball
routine that is taught step by step is worth its
weight in gold. Bond teaches all the necessary
moves from palming a ball to producing and
vanishing techniques.

Bond's routine he teaches is very well

structured and he utilizes the moves that he
teaches in a way that makes sense. Everything
makes sense and there is a lovely flow with
this. For those who master this I highly
recommend BORN and REBORN which covers
extreme ball manipulation.

Note: The deluxe set comes with a hard

cover box. The regular sets come in a sturdy
box that is foam lined making it perfect to
care and travel with the balls.

110 APRIL | 2023

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L M A G I C M A G A Z I N E

APRIL 2023
NO. 105

JOAN DUKORE