Performance
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“Hole In One” Theory
Since 1947, Abbott’s Magic has offered a parlor effect called “Hole in One.” Background, description, and a whimsical performance video is available on Martin’s Magic Collection. The trick is one of those you don’t see much anymore as a parlor performance with lots of props has gone out of fashion and replaced with material that Continue reading
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Occam’s Razor
One of the reasons I have decided on my self imposed fast on purchasing magic is that the vast majority of material being produced fits into Sturgeon’s Revelation: “Ninety percent of everything is crud.” Most magic producers and by association, the magic buying public, believe that their audiences are idiots. While some may actually be Continue reading
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Book Notes: Comedy, Character & Control
This is not my typical magic book to read as I have always struggled with the idea of a comedy magician. (Aside: I also have a struggle with magicians who bill themselves as motivational speakers but that’s best left for another day.) I believe that magic is inherently funny – weird and unusual things happen Continue reading
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Rick Johnsson: Linking Ring Parade June 1975
For those who are unaware, the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ monthly publication has a trick section that features the work of one or more magicians. The Parade as it’s called has been a part of the magazine since close to its inception. A number of prominent magicians have contributed over the years and some multiple Continue reading
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Remembering Rick Johnsson
The number of creative, funny, engaging people in magic is enormous – far greater than the number of magic-famous or famous-famous individuals. One of these people was Rick Johnsson. He was a long time columnist for the Linking Ring magazine. For over thirteen years he wrote the monthly column, “Come a Little Closer”. It was Continue reading
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Media Notes: Justin Wilman: Magic Lover
On a recent evening, I reluctantly hit the select button on the remote and started streaming the Netflix show, Justin Wilman: Magic Lover. Reluctantly because I’d watched a few episodes of his previous series, Magic For Humans, as well as some YouTube clips from various television appearances and, honestly, I really didn’t care for his Continue reading
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A Fine Line
A recent magic podcast featured a two part interview with a comedian talking about the similarities and differences between magic and stand-up. A significant portion of the second episode was on the comedian’s approach to working with the audience or as it’s called, crowd work. Crowd work is hard and requires empathy and respect as Continue reading
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