VANISH WO

D
D
FROM

R
R
THE
MAGAZINE EDITOR
PUBLISHER
Paul Romhany & Joomag

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & DESIGN LAYOUT

Paul Romhany
CELEBRATING 100TH ISSUE
COVER PHOTO
Sandy Chang This is a very special edition as we celebrate the 100th issue of VANISH. This does
not include the dozen or so Specials we have produced over the past 12 years
but the regular issues that come out every month. With so many wonderful
BACK COVER PHOTO things to celebrate I am pleased to announce a major step forward in how you
Thanks to Xavier Mortimer can now read VANISH on your mobile device.

ANNOUNCING A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH:

THANK YOU TO If you are reading this on your phone or tablet, you will notice a different layout
Chipper Lowell than if you read this on your desktop. For the past few months, I have been
working with a team of experts to take VANISH to a level in digital reading never
seen before. The system now automatically detects what device you are using
SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR
and adjusts the magazine accordingly. All the main articles will come up now as
Nick Lewin text, and you can scroll up or down on your mobile device making it much easier
to read on your phone or tablet. If you want to view the magazine in all its glory,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS then read it on your desktop and it will appear as the regular magazine. While
other magic magazines have tried to do this VANISH is the first to take it to this
Hal Meyers, Ben Robinson
level and once again, we offer cutting edge technology to magicians. Reading
magazines on phones has always been hard and this is a major advancement for
the magazine world in general. While it hasn't been cheap, and the time involved
CONTRIBUTORS
has seen months of sleepless nights I am excited about the future of digital
Paul Romhany, Louie Fox, Nick Lewin, publishing. We have so much more to bring readers and will be releasing new
Ben Harris, Felicity Fields, Connie features gradually.
Boyd, Christopher T. Magician, Hal
Meyers, Pierre Hamon & Gus, Dave You can now find VANISH on the AppStore - just search VANISH magic magazine.
Attwood, Patrick Kuffs, Nigel Harrison, We are currently working on the Google Store version now so should be up soon.
Ben Robinson, Richard Webster, Dave
Attwood I am excited to once again have full plans to build stand-up and illusions in this
issue by Nigel Harrison. Another first for VANISH offering full illusion plans for
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR those who enjoy building magic. This month it is a very novel presentation of
Jennifer Holden a production of a rabbit or any other item. You will love the creative thinking
behind this.
CREATIVE DESIGNER & LAYOUT
Paul Romhany Finally, thank you to Greg Gleason for allowing VANISH to offer a worldwide
exclusive deal on his amazing new routine. It is well worth looking at and I know
many will love this routine he has developed.
VANISH CONVENTION DIRECTOR
Steve Hocevar

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION

Paul Romhany
Joomag

ADDRESS
PLEASE NOTE:
The Great Pokkus
New address so email
prior
to posting any
product reviews to
VANISH.
editor@
vanishmagazine.com

BY PIERRE HAMON AND GUS

 CONTENT
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT 84
NOVEMBER 2022

ISSUE 100

05 Editorial
05 The Adventures of Pokku Part 19

08 Looking back at 100 issues of Vanish

14 XAVIER MORTIMER - Feature

LOOKING BACK AT 100 ISSUES 08

14

28 2022 AMA Ceremony - Nick Lewin

34 Product Highlight - Art Decko

XAVIER MORTIMER
Social media sensation and Las Vegas Headliner. Since the beginning of the
38 Buster's Back - Ben Robinson pandemic, Xavier Mortimer has amassed over 7 billion views and 15 million
combined followers on social media. We get the scoop on the latest from Xavier
42 The Van Hargen Twins - Connie Boyd and find out where he is headed.
 ILLUSION SERIES 88

42
RED Let's Taco "Bout it! - Christopher T.
68 Magician

ATU Connie Boyd gets the first exclusive interview with

the amazing Van Hargen Twins after their sensational
70 Hanky Pranky - Wayne Rogers - Trick

FE
appearance on Penn & Teller's Fool Us. You will be surprised by
these two soon to be superstars of magic.
78 Wild Ways - Ben Harris - Trick

LET'S TACO 'BOUT IT 68

83 The Pendulum Knows - Richard Webster

84 Cards that tell a story - Felicity Fields

Breaking the magician's code. A
50 scientific look at exposing magic
by Gustav Kuhn.
90 Illusion Design - Bunny Box

106 Kids Magic - Dave Attwood

114 MAGIC PRODUCT REVIEWS

CARDS THAT TELL A STORY 84
BUSTER'S BACK 38

28
50 Breaking The Magician's Code An exclusive interview with Amy
Kimlat about her amazing new
58 ThoughtCast 2.0 - Product Highlight book aimed at getting kids, and in
particular girls, interested in magic.
62 Step by Step - Patrick Kuffs - Trick A book that is destined to become a
best seller.
64 Take Out Production - Louie Foxx - Trick
NOVEMBER | 2022 7
CELEBRATING

100 ISSUES
T
his issue marks 100 for Vanish magic magazine. with new
advancements being released in this issue it is a good time
to reflect on where it started and where it is today.

I started Vanish magic magazine news that comes out a month or two late
back in 2011, and the main goal was to is old news, and by the time it comes out
have a magic magazine that was current people have moved on.
and offered something no other magic
periodical provided. The two biggest things The other thing in my favor was I want-
in my favor were that Vanish could provide ed Vanish to be an independent magazine:
the very latest news and stories because it in other words, we weren’t affiliated with
didn’t have to be at a printer’s a month or any magic clubs or organisations, so we
so earlier. You can see this throughout the could offer a much wider range of stories
past 100 issues, as I was able to break major and more that were outside of what we
stories hours after they were announced. had been used to in other publications.
There are many examples including paying With that in mind, the magazine could PAUL ROMHANY
tributes to legends of our industry that had reach a much wider audience and over
Paul Romhany has been
passed. This would mean having to re-think time some issues of Vanish have had more performing magic since he was
the entire issue that was planned and hav- than 300,000 downloads!! The largest one eight years old. He started his
ing it out within 24 hours. Recently, a week was the Criss Angel special edition that professional career at 20 and has
after FISM finished, VANISH offered a full blew the roof off the downloads when Criss worked on high end cruise ships,
free special edition with more photos and tweeted out to over a million followers. theaters, and tours in over 125
stories than anybody could do in a printed I have had complimentary emails from countries.
magazine. I realised that with today’s ac- musicians and other artists that are outside
As well as being editor and
cess to instant media and social media any of magic but enjoy the magazine and
creator of Vanish magic
magazine he is also an
established author with over 60
books, products and tricks that
are being used by magicians
around the world.

When he has time, he lectures

and attends magic conventions
but that has been rare with his
commitment to making sure
Vanish gets out on time.
have said they wished their industry had good to me, and having been performing
something like this. One of these came in professionally for over 35 years, this was a
from another well-known musician who way for me to give back to the community.
again has over 1 million followers!! Every The secret is to surround yourself with dedi-
now and then, right out of left-field, I will cated and like-minded people who I respect
get emails from people who I had no idea and who have carved out incredible careers
were subscribers and it makes me realise in magic. Vanish gives them a voice to share
I am on the right track. their knowledge with magicians around the
world, and hopefully make you think about
I have also seen VANISH as leading what you do. Louie Foxx is another who manages
the way in how it delivers the magazine to get his article in every month, and every
to its readers, and with the new feature Nick Lewin has been with Vanish since month has a creative and original routine
being launched in this issue nothing is day one and you will find something inside that he performs at different events. His
more evident than the hard work that every issue from Nick. There is nobody I volume of work and creativity is truly remark-
goes on doing this. In the early days respect more than Nick, and it’s such an able. Felicity Fields has also provided Vanish
Vanish came out bi-monthly and would honor to have him as part of Vanish. Over with a different and modern point of view
be 200 pages. I kept this going for a few the years, other friends have joined the with topics no other magic magazine would
years, until I realised a smaller monthly team including Ben Robinson and Hal touch. Again, she can reach out to a gener-
publication was the way to go. Originally, Meyers. Both have offered wonderful arti- ation of magicians that are coming up and
I took the concept of Apple Magazine cles; Ben also had several special editions able to give them a voice.
where it produced a large magazine that I produced, and although these aren’t
every few months, and it would take always magic related, they are important for I would like to thank my Kiwi friends
that long until you finished it. One of my magicians to read. Hal has offered his hand Richard Webster, Wayne Rogers, and Alan
favorite parts of that magazine included in helping with contacts and editing, as Watson. Sadly, Wayne passed away a few
the advertising for new products and ac- well as several major breaking stories, and years back, but like Alan and Richard, he was
cessories. The same can be said for magic. continues to be my go-to person all things a great supporter and encouraged all my
I remember growing up and getting magic. Very few people have the skill and endeavors. I am forever grateful to them, and
various magazines, and the first thing I knowledge that Hal has, and having him on to Chipper Lowell for his support in the early
would open would be the advertising the team has been wonderful. Connie Boyd days of Vanish, who could see a need for such
pages to see what the latest and greatest joined the team a few years ago, and has a publication. Having great mentors has been
tricks for sale were. Advertising still plays really provided Vanish with such amazing part of the success of the magazine.
a big part in Vanish, and without them stories and introduced us all to a world of
the magazine would not continue. magicians we probably didn’t know, or who Perhaps the most important part of
are about to hit the world stage. Again, by Vanish is giving people a voice that most
Vanish is, and always has been, a having this team we can get you stories publications wouldn’t touch because they
labor of love. Magic has always been long before anybody else. aren’t “well known,” or “famous.” This has
always been something I pride myself on
and we continue to strive for. More than
any other magic magazine, Vanish offers a
diverse range of cultures and topics in our
articles. For example, one month you could illusion plans in more detail. If, however, you
read about Anchal Kumawat, an amazing want to view it on your mobile phone while
female star magician in India, and the next waiting in line somewhere, the magazine now
month have articles by famous scientists automatically detects you are on a mobile
discussing how science and magic relate. device and will deliver you the articles in text
The topics vary so much from month to format making it easier to read. You can now
month as my team and I reach out around have your magic magazine with you wherever
the world to bring you the most interesting you go, and easily read the articles. You can do
stories you won’t find anywhere else. The the same on a tablet or iPad. This is a big step
goal of having a truly international magic forward, and I imagine other magazines will
publication that reaches every corner of the investigate this feature. The big step forward
globe has been realised when I look at the is you don’t have to do anything, the coding
statistics of where readers come from. on the back end does this for you, and adjusts
accordingly. This is just the beginning, and
Vanish is a 24/7 workload for me. I very I have more amazing advances coming out.
rarely take a break from thinking about it, Vanish has always been about keeping ahead
answering emails, or reaching out to peo- with the times and bringing readers the latest
ple. This isn’t just magic related because for technology.
the past few months I’ve been working be-
hind the scenes to update a major feature You can still download the magazine as a
of Vanish. Trying to keep ahead of what is PDF and read it at your leisure. This new fea-
happening outside of magic in the publica- ture means double the work for me, as I now
tion world is also a big task. I find out what design two different layouts, but the result for
the trends are in digital publishing and try readers is a huge step forward in making it
to implement features into the magazine. more accessible.
The latest one is a major step forward for
any magic publication, and any magazine in Finally, I would like to thank you all for
general. Working with a team of develop- subscribing to Vanish magic magazine, and to
ers we are now able to make Vanish much every single person who has contributed over
easier to read on mobile devices. the past 11 years. If I were to list the names of
people who have contributed the list would
What does this mean? take up an entire magazine. Without the
It means that when you subscribe to subscribers and contributors, the magazine
Vanish, you will have the option of reading would not exist, so a big heart-felt thank you
the desktop version as normal. This is great to everybody. ■
if you want to work on a trick or look at the
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 the amazing
Xavier
Mortimer
 What do Charlie Chaplin, The Minions, and Jason
Derulo have in common?

They have all been a part of Xavier Mortimer’s career

journey.

Growing up in a small village in the south of France,

doing magic and being a professional performer wasn’t
on Xavier’s radar in the slightest. In fact, it wasn’t even a
known possibility.

“I never really wanted to do magic for a living,” Xavier said. “I

was always passionate about it, though. I was so fascinated
by this unique language that only a few truly understood
its ins and outs. I began digging into it and researched
everything I possibly could about this alchemy. I started
creating tricks and building out my own show. After a few
test runs in front of family and friends, I began performing
everywhere I could, including the streets of my hometown.”

That passion and excitement for magic led Xavier from

performing on the streets of France to traveling across
the Atlantic and landing in one of the world’s most
famous entertainment hubs, Las Vegas, where he now
has residency at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod in
Las Vegas, amassing millions of social media followers
with billions of views worldwide and becoming the most
awarded Vegas show in 2021 by the Las Vegas Review-
Journal.

Where it all started

“I started like any other kid. I saw a magician and was
fascinated by him,” said Xavier. “The first trick I learned was
the back-and-front card palming. I would stand in front of a
mirror and practice for hours and hours. I then realized there
PHOTO BY BRIAN TO were easier tricks I could have learned, first.”
Social media magic

Magic just made sense. It was like family, friends, and everything that I
second nature to Xavier, and he had built was in France. I didn’t want to
kept at it. Performing for friends leave and move to Vegas.”
and strangers alike, in the streets of
Southern France, anywhere where After reconsidering the offer, Xavier
he could gather a crowd and keep told Cirque du Soleil that he would go
people entertained. After high school, to Las Vegas for six months and then
Xavier thought he would perform come home.
for a couple of years and then get a
regular job. “I never went back.”

And then Cirque Du Soleil called and From the streets to filling theater
as the saying goes, “What we plan for seats
ourselves, isn’t always what life has The dream was always to have his
planned for us.” own show and for that, he needed
help. Alex Goude was the missing
“I originally said no,” said Xavier. “I step to completing that trick and
wanted to keep my business in France. making it happen. Goude, French
My show was the most popular touring television host turned producer,
magic show in France at the time. My helped Xavier make Vegas his
permanent residence.

18 OCTOBER | 2022
Following a meeting at France’s Got Talent
before Xavier’s move to the United States, PHotos from Xavier's vegas show
Goude visited Xavier in Vegas. When he
wasn’t performing with Cirque, Xavier was at
open mics, stages, and cabarets, performing
his original tricks and creating a set unique
to his talents. A set that Xavier was getting
ready to take back to France.

Following his visit to Vegas, Goude set out

determined to find Xavier a theater in Vegas.
Three years into his time with Cirque, Xavier
exited the show. He began working full-time
with Goude on preparing to open his own
performance at the Sin City Theater at the
Planet Hollywood Casino.

“It was incredibly challenging. I thought we

would only last three months and go back
home. We’re still [in Vegas] five years later.”

When IRL went behind the screen

we’ve all heard the story by now.

Everything was going great. Everyone

was making plans for the future. Then the
pandemic came out of nowhere, and life
stopped. Everyone was stuck in their houses
with nothing to do but bake bread and
watch TikTok’s.

xcept for Xavier, instead of watching TikTok’s, he

started making them.

“I was bored. We were all bored. I took my camera

and started filming myself doing tricks at home.
Some of the videos took off.”

Although he had previously been on social

media, Xavier’s videos took off during the
pandemic. Since the beginning of the
pandemic, he has amassed over 7 billion views
and 15 million combined followers on social
media.

“It's all about being yourself and producing

quality content,” said Xavier “I found a way to do
magic while making content that would appeal
to a large audience. I wanted to do large stunts
and illusions on social media, and I was spending
a lot of money and I just committed to it. We had
a video go viral, over 100 million views in a couple
days, and I realized that magic can be shared
widely and to so many people.”

PHOTO BY BRIAN TO
OCTOBER | 2022 19
20 OCTOBER | 2022

TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE: 20 | JANUARY 2014

 CREATING MAGIC
"I take a lot of classic illusions and I change whatever it is built
with to an everyday item. If it is a box, it could be a cardboard box
from Amazon. A stick could be a lamp pole or something. I make
it organic - it has to look like it’s impromptu."

It became about creating content people actually

wanted to see. Xavier made videos that he himself
would want to see and engage with, as a fan of
magic, first and foremost.

“I love the creative process. With the help of my friend

Joaquin Ayala, we research and work together and
we try to make it new. A lot of the magic you see is
outdated; I believe. Putting a twist on the classics and
modernizing them makes the audience rediscover
magic. I did a decapitation on social media that was
a trick that was originally performed in the 16th
century.”

Social media is a much broader audience. Creating

content that makes people stop and watch, maybe
even engage, takes effort and time.

“When I work on an illusion, I make sure it makes

sense. I take a lot of classic illusions and I change
whatever it is built with to an everyday item. If it is a
box, it could be a cardboard box from Amazon. A stick
could be a lamp pole or something. I make it organic -
it has to look like it’s impromptu.”

At this point, something of this scale hadn’t been

done. Other social media influencers usually
perform smaller tricks in front of a camera, but
creating illusions and stunts, the amount of work
for potentially no views, had never been done. It
became about bringing illusions and stunts to a
place where it was missing social media.

“I’m trying to have the quality of TV magic from 20 to

40 years ago. When I was younger, I was inspired by
magicians and illusionists on TV, and I want to keep
it alive, but it has to be presented differently on social
media. When I started on TikTok, I had a concept
that was ‘Harry Potter in real life,’ a guy is seen doing
crazy stuff in the street and does not pay attention to
the camera. We captured people’s reactions and the
audience loved it. I made something I wanted to see. I
believe that’s why it worked.”

TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE: 21 | JANUARY 2014

22 OCTOBER | 2022
 Making sense of The magic
“My show is a progression from all
my shows. I started with the magic
competition circuit and later toured
magic festivals, cabarets, and then
Cirque. I kept developing acts and just
putting it all together. I try to make
sense of the magic I perform, it’s never
entirely about fooling the audience, a
big part of it is about the idea behind
it. What would you do if you had real
powers? What kind of story are you
telling your audience?”

No one knows where or when

inspiration will strike. Ideas come
from everywhere and everything.
“Books, movies, TikTok, Everything. The
most important thing is to be yourself
and make it personal.”

On stage vs. behind the camera

Magic is magic, right? Of course!
Unless you’re performing in two
different worlds.

“On stage, you’re performing every

night. You have to make it work every
night. You’re performing, getting
people’s attention, delivering. It’s
about rhythm and energy. It’s very
personable. You talk and interact with
the audience,” said Xavier. “On social
media, you can take your time. Like a
painting, it takes two or three months
to produce a video sometimes. You can
film and test it out. I’ve had videos in
production for 5 or 6 months, I spent
thousands of dollars on videos never
released. You have to make sure your
performance works on camera, as well.
It can take twenty takes.”

ON SOCIAL MEDIA
YOU CAN TAKE YOUR TIME.
LIKE A PAINTING, IT TAKES
TWO OR THREE MONTHS TO
PRODUCE A VIDEO.
OCTOBER | 2022 23
 Partnerships artist who created one of the most iconic
In May 2022, Xavier, Wally’s NFT, and characters in the video game industry and
wallstreetbets.com announced a multi-year is backed by a unique story imagined by
partnership that will expand the World of the scriptwriter of Assassin's Creed: Lineage.
Magic into the Metaverse, making Xavier’s His integration into Mortimer's "The Dream
“The Dream Maker” Residency at The STRAT Maker" will come with multiple perks for
the first on the strip to accept Crypto as Wally's NFT owners, including VIP seating,
payment for entry. specialty drinks, and exclusive merchandise.

$WSB, the official token of Wally's NFT, is “This partnership opens up my world: in both the
traded on Bittrex Global, one of the largest Metaverse, where Wally’s NFT has big plans, and
and safest crypto exchanges in the world my current show. NFTs are here to stay, and I am
and has its own DEX on wallstreetbets.com. thrilled to be part of this revolution. I am eager to
Wally's NFT is designed by a legendary bring my art and skills to this new era.”

EVERY KID HAS A

Brands approach Xavier often, offering perks
in exchange for videos and other social
engagement. Sponsorships and branding

MOMENT IN THEIR LIFE THAT

deals aren’t new, but Xavier makes sure
everyone he works with makes sense and stays
true to him.

SHAPES THEM ... “I only work with brands that I like and inspire
me.”

FOR XAVIER IT WAS The Charlie Chaplin of it all

Every kid has a moment in their life that
SILENT MOVIES. shapes them—going to a concert for the first
time, seeing that scene in a movie, meeting
24 OCTOBER | 2022
that one person. For Xavier, What’s next?
it was silent movies. Following the pandemic, in
2021, Xavier opened his “The
“I was in love with silent Dream Maker” Residency at the
movies. My biggest influence STRAT, performing for locals
from when I was a kid, who and visitors alike. Xavier and
helped shape me, it’s not Goude continue updating
even a magician. It’s Charlie the show and adding new
Chaplin and Buster Keaton. elements, incorporating Wally’s
I try to integrate character NFT and much more into the
work into my performances nightly routine.
because of them. The ones
that really made a difference Despite not being stuck
in my life, the real beginning at home anymore, Xavier
of it, that inspired me to get continues to produce videos
on stage and do what I do on TikTok and YouTube, sharing
and create my videos were his bag of tricks with his online
those silent movies. They’re fans.
the reason my shows are
character-driven. They’re the At the end of the interview, we
reason I do magic this way.” asked Xavier some questions
that helped us get to know him
better. Below are the questions
and answers.

OCTOBER | 2022 25
 Q: What’s your favorite trick or Q: What’s the most fun collab you’ve
illusion you created? done?
A: Jump rope illusion. It was a dream A: I did a TikTok for The Minions. I love the
that I had with a guy flying with a jump Minions, so I wasn’t turning that down. I’ve
rope. It made sense, and it’s organic, also collaborated with Jason Derulo, which
it proves there is nothing around you. was awesome.
It’s the magic that I like. I called a friend
asking if this was doable. She said I Q: If you weren’t a magician, what
didn’t know but that I had to make it would you be doing?
work because it’s a fantastic idea. It A: I’d be a mountain climber. I went to
took me years to figure out the right school and studied to be a mountain
way to do it and a lot of research. I guide, so that’s what I would be
learned so much. doing.

TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE: 26 | JANUARY 2014

Q: Do you have a mentor? Q: Do you have any tips for starting a career ANNOUNCEMENT:
A: I learned magic by myself. The closest and in magic? “Xavier Mortimer has announced
most influential person close to me is Joaquin A: It’s a lot of work! I would rather be a lawyer that he will be leaving The STRAT at
Ayala, who has helped me with every sense (laughs). I should have listened to my parents. the end of the year. Mortimer, along
of the world. With the show, the business, and You never know where you’re going. One day with his new partners, Wally's NFT, are
the design of the illusions. When I question you’re at the top of the world, and the next looking to build a new version of the
things, like most do, he’s there and helps me day you get a bad review, and you think you’re show to combine his stage skills with
through all the aspects of the business. a loser. It’s a lot. We’re lucky to do what we the extremely successful magic he
do, but it’s a lot of work. Just keep trying and performs on social media."
pushing, and don’t give up. ■

"WE'RE LUCKY TO DO WHAT WE DO, BUT

IT'S A LOT OF WORK. JUST KEEP TRYING AND
PUSHING AND DON'T GIVE UP. ”

TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE:27 | JANUARY 2014

TATYANA MAGAZINE PAGE:27 | JANUARY 2014
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Max Maven & Erika Larsen HérvyLévy
Hervé Lévy Shoot Ogawa & Simo

2022
AMa ceremony
BY NICK LEWIN

O
n September 27th I was excited to attend
the Awards Ceremony for the Academy of
Magical Arts 2022 awards. It was held at
the beautiful Avalon Theater in the heart of
Hollywood. As most magicians will know the
A.M.A. is the magic club centered from the world-famous
Magic Castle. The awards presented by the Academy are
amongst the most prestigious in the magic community.

Max Maven & Erika Larsen

on Coronel Jeff Hobson Milt Larsen & Randy Pitchford

The Covid pandemic closed Why am I mentioning all

the doors of the Castle for 18 this? Because the Award
months and resulted in a two- Ceremony this year was
year hiatus in the annual awards an event that celebrated
during those difficult years. not just a superb group
Along with other members of of magicians, but also
our beloved club, I was deeply the start of a whole new
concerned about the future era for our unique group
of the Castle. Aside from the of magicians, and magic
pandemic catastrophe, there lovers. This means a lot to
had been other problems that me. The first Castle Award Diana Zimmerman
negatively affected the Magic banquet I attended was in
Castle in an unnecessarily public 1977 when I received my
manner. first nomination. While I
didn’t win the award that
I am delighted to say that these year it is an honor to have
concerns have been addressed lost to a magic icon like the
and are being remedied in a late David Roth.
highly satisfactory manner. We
even had a white night, in the It was with a great
form of Randy Pitchford, sweep sense of excitement and
in to help guarantee the Magic anticipation that I flew in Lance Burton
Castle’s future in a real and from my home in Austin,
practical manner. Thank you, Texas to be a part of the
Randy, The Board of Directors, festivities at the Avalon
our new general manager Hervé Theater last month. The
Lévy, Erika Larsen, and everyone moment I walked through
else who are working hard in a the door I was delighted
concerted manner to smooth to feel the high-spirited
out some potentially very electricity of our 2022
troubled waters. Awards Ceremony. Not that

Lance Rich & David Sandy

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR WONG

COURTESY OF TAYLOR WONG AND THE MAGIC CASTLE.
the Magic Castle ever
went away, but it was
extremely evident that
the Castle is back and
better than ever under
the thoughtful and sage
direction of the current
stewards of our club’s
future.

With the suspension of

live performances during
the last two years, there
were no awards given for
the various showroom
categories. However,
there was a tremendous
cause of celebration
for the many awards
being presented at the
event. The occasion also
featured a “hometown"
acknowledgment of
the achievements of
our Castle team at the
recent FISM convention
in Quebec, Canada.
This group of winners
included Shoot Agawa,
Simon Coronel, Richard
Kaufman, and Max Max Maven
Maven. Obviously, this
quartet of illustrious
magicians needed no delivered a quality and Martinez and Erika routine that was a
outside source to point quantity of refreshments Larsen, who along delightful nod to a similar
out their numerous that far exceeded their with their team, did routine that had been
and significant modest description in a magnificent job featured previously by
contributions to the the promotional material. of presenting a very Bill “The Prez” Larsen
magic world, however, I saw many people eat heartfelt event. Michael and his beloved wife
we were all delighted enough delicacies to Carbonaro was the MC/ Princess Irene. The role of
by the worldwide qualify as a full-scale Host for the show and Brunhilda is in safe hands
acknowledgment of their meal! I was too busy his humorous, smooth, without needing to leave
unique talents and hard catching up with old and skilled manner kept the hands of a Larsen
work to improve magic. friends to fully explore everything running family member.
the various food options, smoothly. Carbonaro
On a non-magic note, the maybe next year! even teamed up with the
venue was ideal for the multi-talented Liberty A special note about the
event; the hors d’oeuvres The awards show was Larsen to perform a understated, but first-
and dessert stations produced by Chuck great mock mindreading rate, musical talents of
 the presentation of
the Literary Fellowship
to Jamy Ian Swiss
by Max Maven, two
contemporary giants
in every field of magic.
Following this first award
was a performance by
Andrew Evans who
presented an excellent
version of the Think A
Drink routine. The only
thing that could have
improved it is if he had
managed to pour an
aquavit for Milt Larsen.
Past mutual experiences
at the Owl Bar have
alerted me to Milt's
love of this curious (and
curiously powerful)
beverage!

A Special Fellowship
was awarded to David
Sandy and Lance Rich
for an outstanding
collaboration in their
Gary Stockdale and his MAX MAVEN Magic Collectors Zoom
band "The EccenTricks." show that helped wave
Their contribution magic's flag high during
was impressive the recent pandemic.
and omnipresent sang a moving ballad Castle's past, present, Another Special
throughout the to accompany Dustin and future onstage at Fellowship was awarded
evening. As is so often Stinett’s evocative video one moment in time. by the ever radiant Diana
the case in award tribute to these past Zimmerman to Connie
shows, the sentimental masters. I’m sure I wasn’t Let’s move on to the Boyd for her ongoing
heart of the event the only one present who awards themselves, I and timely exploration of
was the In Memorial held back a tear during will be brief here, not the many great women
tribute to the magical this segment. On another because I have nothing in magic. One of those
figures who had left personal level, it was very to say, but because female trailblazers was
us in the previous two special to see Milt Larsen I don't have enough Gloria Dea who was the
years. Stockdale and and Randy Pitchford space to express my very first magician to
his musicians backed present an award thoughts adequately. perform in Las Vegas. Ms.
Liberty Larsen as she together; this was the The event began with Dea received a Special
 Anni Kupper
Mac King & Jack Goldfinger

Fellowship. Next up was a performance piece

by the extraordinary juggler Anni Küpper, who
delighted the crowd with her unique development
in her chosen art form. She was great.

Jeff Hobson presented a Special Fellowship to Gary

Beutler. Gary created the first series of magical
videos (on VHS initially) with his A-1 MagicMedia
company and is also a major force in the new
Marvyn’s Magic Theater in La Quinta. Awards of
Merit were then presented to FISM winners Shoot
Agawa and Simon Coronel. We were also treated
to a brief sequence from Shoot's award-winning
performance. Following the FISM winners, a Special
Fellowship was presented to Tannen's Magic Camp
Liberty Larsen for their work in helping train future FISM winners.
Up next were the Junior Awards, which went to
Aaron O'Brien and Conçalo Sousa.

A Creative Fellowship was given to the late Martin

Lewis, whose recent book "Making Magic" all but
defines creativity in magic. An Award of Merit was
next awarded to the AMA team whose technical
skills kept the spirit of the club on full video display
during the pandemic. As an out-of-town member,
I particularly enjoyed their video presentations.
I certainly hope this feature will continue and
not disappear with the pandemic. A Performing
Fellowship was awarded to Charlie & Sherry Frye;
aside from their awesome live performance skills
Charlie and Sherry created a long and endlessly
creative series of Facebook videos that blew away
Andrew Evans the Covid blues, albeit briefly for everyone who
enjoyed them.
 Lance Burton
Max Maven

Next up was a brief performance by Master helped shape and influence every aspect of
Magician Lance Burton who delighted contemporary magic. We were all delighted to
the crowd with a brief excerpt of the card see him honored in this manner.
manipulations featured in his own FISM
award-winning show. Lance also performed After the Award Show was finished, there
the popular jumbo card routine B’Wave were still deserts to finish and the crowd
created by Max Maven. Another Master mixed and mingled to share their thoughts
Magician, Mac King, walked onstage to a roar and delight with the event. Next, of course,
of approval from the crowd and gave a warm a large contingent of those present moved
and highly personal speech before making the festivities to the Magic Castle to end the
the Special Award Presentation to his lifelong evening. I didn't visit the Castle (all your ties are
friend Max Maven. The love and appreciation burned when you move to Texas!) but exited the
for Max were amply evident in the standing evening with my good friend Steve Schlanger
ovation that accompanied his arrival onstage without whom my visit would not have been
to receive the Castle's highest honor its Master possible. I heartily congratulate the winners,
Fellowship award. Earlier in the proceedings, recipients, and the organizing/production team;
Max had received a similar award from the this was a wonderful evening that I will long
Society of American Magicians. remember. ■

To say that these Master Fellowship Awards

were deserving for Max is an understatement;
his knowledge, creativity, and performance
skills are legendary in the magic world. A
visibly moved Maven accepted his award and
addressed the attendees with an elegant and
erudite acceptance speech. I cannot think of
another performer more deserving of these
awards, and the AMA might need to invent
an entirely new award to do full justice to his
unique talents. The more fully you immerse
yourself in the magic world, the more you
appreciate how frequently Max’s genius has
 Greg Gleason has created, Art Decko is the
GREG GLEASON most amazing effect ever created with a

ART DECKO
deck of cards! No card or cards are selected
or need to be remembered, in fact you
don’t even to know the values or suits of
cards to be absolutely amazed with this
Price: $99.95 masterpiece!
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SPECIAL VANISH DISCOUNT: DECKOCARDS.COM/DISCOUNT-2/ until the canvas is revolved 180 degrees.
It is a three-phase routine that gets more
I FIRST SAW A PERFORMANCE OF THIS ROUTINE ON A TELEVISION SHOW AND WAS SO amazing each phase and really pulls the
IMPRESSED I REACHED OUT TO GREG TO COMMEND HIM ON A TRULY WONDERFUL audience into it.
ROUTINE. IT WAS DURING THIS CONVERSATION HE TOLD ME HE WAS GETTING A LIMITED
NUMBER OF DECKS MADE BY THE US PLAYING CARD COMPANY. AFTER MUCH BACK AND No one is ever trying to figure out how it
FORTH I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A SPECIAL DEAL FOR READERS OF VANISH MAGIC works, they just enjoy the moment while
MAGAZINE. BE SURE TO CLICK THE DISCOUNT LINK ABOVE WHEN ORDERING. you are creating art.

THE ROUTINE: IMAGINE BEING ABLE TO SPEED PAINT WITH A DECK OF CARDS - NOT JUST The magician shows a shuffled face up deck
ONE PICTURE BUT THREE!! THIS IS NOW POSSIBLE WITH VERY MINIMAL WORK ON YOUR and explains it to be a magician’s tool, the
PART IN GREG GLEASON'S NEW RELEASE. deck is then spread face down where every
card is seen to be a pallet of different colors;
THE CARDS ARE MADE FROM THE HIGHEST QUALITY PLAYING CARDS FROM BICYCLE the magician then forms the deck into a
MAKING IT EASY TO PERFORM. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE ABLE TO DO A PERFECT FARO BUT paint brush and begins to paint. After the
AS LONG AS YOU CAN INTERWEIVE CARDS TOGETHER YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO THIS. painting is complete the close-up mat is
revolved, and the painting reveals itself.
WHAT I TRULY LOVE ABOUT THIS IS THAT IT ISN'T A 'PICK A CARD' TYPE TRICK AND MAKES This amazing moment is repeated 2 more
THE PERFECT CLOSER FOR CLOSE-UP OR STAGE. I HAVE A FRIEND ON A CRUISE SHIP times forming a total of three different
DOING THIS NOW CLOSING HIS BIG SHOW USING A CAMERA AND PROJECTION. HE SAYS amazing pictures from three different
PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS ONE ROUTINE EVERYTIME THEY SEE HIM. THERE IS moments in history.
SOMETHING VERY ARTISTIC ABOUT THIS ROUTINE AND CAN BE DONE UNDER PRETTY
MUCH ANY CONDITION. This routine can be done be performed by
anyone who can do a simple false shuffle or
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A ROUTINE THAT PEOPLE HAVE NOT SEEN BEFORE THEN THIS false cuts, (taught on instructional video)
IS DEFINTELY FOR YOU. PRICED AT A POINT TO KEEP IT OUT OF HANDS OF HOBBIESTS More advanced shuffles can be added if
AND NOW BEING USED BY MANY PROFESSIONALS AND WORKING MAGICIANS. desired.

10 NOVEMBER | 2022
Automatically resets itself and cards are
marked on faces if ever get out of order.

Cards are the highest quality from US

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You can do this for a small group or for the

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This has been the finale of my one-hour
card show and this is what everyone talks
about after the show!

As any working magician will tell you,

if you can get a piece of magic that you
can add to your act and can have the
impact something like Art Decko has on
your audience then it's worth its weight
in gold. Set at $99.00 this is a great price
for something so strong that is tried and
tested over a long time. Anytime a working
professional release a prized possession
you should take notice. This would make a
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it would bring down the house. You can
do this for zoom, which is perfect, and in a
regular close-up setting. Imagine you take
ONE routine with you to a party and asked
to do something. This is one thing I would
take because everybody can stand and
watch, and they won't forget it.

"The most artistic

piece of magic with a
deck of cards!"

- Paul Romhany

NOVEMBER | 2022 11
 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.

 The Apprentice Magic Tricks are
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Available at your favorite Murphy’s Magic Dealer.

 By Ben Robinson
BUSTER KEATON
RETURNS TO
MUSKEGON, MI
October 7-8, 2022
Keaton's granddaughters with Ben

Buster Keaton (1895-1966) is a world icon. his rival when Buster got the girl. Well, if
Like his contemporary Charlie Chaplin (1889- you thought being a magician was clever,
1977), these men changed the world, through in Keaton’s comedies you will learn how
the dawn of film, and led operatic lives. They surprise is delivered and how the audience
appeared brilliantly together in Chaplin’s is baited to the payoff; just like in a magic
masterpiece LIMELIGHT (1952). trick (simplistically stated). You’ll also learn
cleverness w/o malice. Keaton described his
In the first week of October, celebrating Buster character as “one who would never steal.” Not
Keaton’s 127th birthday, a cake was cut to the cocky. Clever. There’s a difference. So much
great clown on stage at the newly refurbished a difference that the timelessness of this
(3M) Frauenthal Center in downtown, spirit attracts people from ALL walks of life to
Muskegon, MI. About 40-minutes from the Muskegon MI on Buster’s birthday weekend.
Grand Rapids airport, people flew from all Enter Chloe.
over the world to be there for those precious
48-hours. What kind of “presence” or raw talent Younger magicians sometimes ask why
Ben with statue of Keaton could inspire people to spend thousands of studying silent clowns is important. No
dollars, thousands of air miles traveled, and armchair philosophy this: I had one student
not sleeping much while discussing one I taught weekly from 1992-2002, and I have
thing: Buster Keaton. The International Buster recently met a young lady I met five years
Keaton Society (known far and wide as the ago when she was 12. Now 17, Chloe Fadem,
Damfinos1) is the producer of this yearly event has been a hardcore Buster Keaton fan for
(now back in person for the first time since as long as I have known of her. Her father,
2019). Films. Lectures. A table reading of a new Steve, an entertainment attorney, gave me a
script. Auctions (silent and not). You can even photograph of his daughter assisting me on
buy a porkpie hat object d’art (though there stage receiving a standing ovation. That’s what
were people wearing them 24/7). And Buster we all want — theatrical success, the win-win-
Keaton’s granddaughter Melissa Talmadge win. Chloe was the only “kid” at the convention
Cox, and her cousin, Buster Keaton’s nephew, in 2017 so it was natural she should be my one
Harry Keaton. Relatives of Keaton’s stock volunteer. She had a great time and the hat
company also made an appearance. she wears is the same one Buster is known for:
the porkpie.
Ben rehearsing on stage Who was Buster Keaton? Why do these people
gather? Why do they not sleep but talk and Now in 2022, she’s headed to study film at
worship this man? Most modern film lists college. Her father and I chatted; agreeing
will put his film THE GENERAL (1926) as one talented kids have it rough; they ARE different.
of the top ten (read “best”) films ever made. Chloe proved it again that night.
Inarguably, in that film Keaton and crew
created the most expensive film shot in the Backstory: Buster Keaton’s mother was one
silent film era: he lit a bridge on fire and then of The Three Keaton’s who were known as
ran a real train across the flaming bridge, “one of the roughest acts in vaudeville.” It
having it all collapse into a river below — a was knockabout comedy; very physical.
recreation from the American Civil War. 1926 Precision work. Myra Keaton, Buster’s mother
is an important year here too, coincidentally. was the first woman to play a saxophone on
Because on Halloween 1926 Harry Houdini the American stage. Through some miracle
died. The old timers will tell you, “Houdini died unexplained, the actual engraved with her
right. Halloween. Great PR. He died right.” It’s name sax that Myra played came up for
cynical but true and fitting for the man who auction and a Keaton scholar noted it, bought
allegedly gave Buster Keaton his name. Prior to it and had it refurbished, then donated it to
both their fame, Houdini had been in business the International Buster Keaton Society. When
with Buster’s father in the Keaton-Houdini Chloe and her father drove from their home,
Medicine Show. they had no idea during the interval at the
Frauenthal Center, before the screening of
At the opening of Buster’s COPS (1922), he Keaton’s epic The Electric House (1922), Chloe
quotes Houdini. Buster’s stunts were carefully was introduced to play Myra Keaton’s sax!
worked out as Houdini often counseled when
escaping from a strait jacket. Buster, nor his Think about this. A child obsessed, having
mentor Houdini, really needed words to get not played a sax in 4-years, but game to play
their performance across. Study that. The link Myra Keaton’s own saxophone on stage at a
between Keaton and magic is unmistakable. gorgeous film palace, in Buster’s hometown,
There is even an entire book written on this on his birthday, with Keaton family members
subject titled Magic & The Silent Clowns (2011 attending, fronting one of his most famous
Museum of the Moving Image, NY). I wrote it. films—are you still breathing? None of it
planned. Yet, it happened. Magical.
The first time I saw Keaton was in his hilarious
comedy ONE WEEK (1920). Buster’s character I rely a lot on an obscure book definition
had gotten married and then fell prey to of a magician, by Brander Matthews, who
1 In Keaton’s film “The Boat”(1921) he is in trouble on the high seas.
was Dean of the Columbia School of Drama,
His boat is called DAMFINO. When the radio operator asks him his a close friend of a magician named John
name, Keaton replies, “Damfino."
OCTOBER | 2022 41
42 OCTOBER | 2022
 Mulholland (1898-1970). Matthews states in
his 1916 tome A BOOK ABOUT THE THEATER:
“A magician is a comedian playing the part of
a magician.” This is obviously his reorientation
of Robert-Houdin’s definition of the magician
being an actor playing a role; and Maskelyne
and Devant’s 1911 precision definition of
the magician being a “great magician.” Here,
Matthews is defining the greatness; the talent
required.

What is talent? It think it is the result of

perspiration and inspiration. I offer that the
biggest talents are the most humble too. In
our short-attention-span world with threats
global and not, who is better prepared and
laughs more than the professional magician?
No one.

My back ups have back ups. I run small teams

to get shows done in theatres at a profit for all
involved. I capture my work and publicize it to
other buyers. I make sure every detail is gone
over as many times as possible and then I give
the command for the money gates to flow
to create something never before done. I’ve
had policemen go from arresting a suspected
terrorist (me) to laughing like hell and me
offering them knife-throwing lessons! Where
did my joie de virve come from? Why am I like
this? Why are others equally obsessed with
Buster Keaton?

Damfino. ■

Ben Robinson’s recent autobiography and film

are titled The Outlaw Hero.
His writing has been published daily in The
New York Times since 2020.
The Damfinos

OCTOBER | 2022 43
the
van hargen TWINS
by connie boyd
 “Penn & Teller FOOL US” Season 9 As young, aspiring presenters, we
launched on October 14th, 2022 have always visualized tackling
on the CW network in the United international stages. It was a dream
States. Created in a game show come true to debut on a Las Vegas
magic competition format, the stage, at the epicenter of magic and
“Fool US” show has spot-lighted entertainment”.
some of the greatest magic talent
in the world. It’s an important, Sasha continued, “we are excited to
credible credit for magicians see where our journey takes us next
who are featured on the show; to and look forward to broadening
become a FOOLER can be a career our reach. Our ultimate vision
game changer. is becoming the next household
names in entertainment. Television
The first episode of Season 9 and hosting our own tv show are
WATCH CLIP included the Van Hargen Twins. amongst our hopes and goals“.
At seventeen years of age,
the teenager’s performance It’s an ambitious but attainable
was polished, clever, highly statement. Fooling magic legends
entertaining and a delight to Penn & Teller by delivering
watch. The charismatic duo telepathic, information at
blindsided Penn & Teller and they lightning speed the talented
became the first FOOLERS of the teenagers have proven that they
new nineth season. have a very bright trajectory
ahead of them.
The twin duo strives to
revolutionize the world of magic "Our main aspirations with this
& entertainment with their performance was to bring a
innovative and contemporary unique and fresh perspective to the
perspective. To quote Sasha Van magic form, one that is filled with
Hargen, "we are trying to create creativity, dynamism and uplifting
magic artistry like you've never energy.”
seen before”.
For their performance Poppy and
Their brand and goals are, Sasha decided to showcase an act
“to bring to life the most that was distinctively, signature
unimaginable and unforgettable “Van Hargen”.
performances”. With their Penn &
Teller FOOLER performance they
are doing just that.

About their Fool US experience,

Poppy Van Hargen explains, "it was
just surreal and we are exceptionally
grateful to have been so warmly
embraced by the Fool Us Family.

THE “VAN HARGEN” FORMULA

REFRESHING + ORIGINAL
SUPERSIZED + VISUAL = THE VAN HARGEN TWINS
CREATIVE + ENGAGING CONTENT
When I asked them to elaborate on what it has enabled us to fulfil our ambitions and
exactly is “Van Hargen” they explained, chase our wildest dreams”.
that it’s their twin brand vision and the
applications of their skills that make them As young girls they were introduced to
unique. For example, for the Penn & Teller magic through a Marvin’s Magic kit. They
Fool US performance they designed their own took turns, each “playing the magician”.
costumes, scripts, props and the Olympic They admit “practicing for hours” and recall
inspired backdrop graphics. Their art and fondly, “giggling away and enjoying the
graphic abilities supported and enabled their thrill of a successful trick”.
magic artistic vision.
It was during that time they discovered that
All their skillsets and talents layered to create their bond as siblings and their sixth sense audiences and leaves them amazed,
a cohesive final product. Together they state, as twins allowed them an extraordinary that’s what we love about magic”.
“we hope to show the world just how incredible connection. That discovery was the key
twins can be and we love to give people a reason to the direction that their unique magic From an early age their
to smile!" performances developed. background encompassed music
and presenting. “We performed
At age nine, Poppy and Sasha had the spoken poetry at the Cheltenham
ROOTS privilege of singing to the then Prince of Festival of Performing Arts and
Wales, now HRH King Charles III. It was his that gave us a strong foundation in
The Van Hargen twins, Poppy & Sasha, were public speaking. We also compose
involvement as an Honorary Member of
born in the UK in 2004. Poppy is the eldest by our own songs, some of which have
the Magic Circle, that inspired the twins to
two minutes. been featured on BBC Radio”.
pursue their interest in magic further.
They readily admit their greatest champions They cite “twin buddies” the
“It’s the endless possibilities to showcase
are their mother, brother, sister in-law and digital illusionists, “Les French
something breathtaking and original;
family friends. Enthusiastically they state, “we Twins”, Shin Lim & Andi Gladwin
something that resonates deeply with our
have a lot of gratitude for their involvement as as magicians who have inspired
their creativity. They explained,
“it’s each of those magician’s
upbeat, refreshed perspective
and contributions to the world of
magic that we hope to emulate as
evolving artists ourselves”.

In addition to their telepathic

magic their “day-job” and further
education is at the luxury car
brand, Bentley Motors. They are
contributing with their creativity
and influencing the design of
Bentley’s digital outlets and car
features. Concurrently, they are
studying towards a bachelor
degree in UX (User Experience)
Design.

The multi-talented duo are

additionally gifted, business-
visionary presenters. Recently,
they interviewed Marvin Berglas,
the CEO of Marvin’s Magic and
son of magician David Berglas.
Marvin was impressed by the
twin’s irresistible personalities and
natural aptitude for on camera
interviews. His encouraging
comments tapped into the
twin’s ambition and vision for
the future, to become television
personalities.
 "Marvin was impressed by the twin’s irresistible personalities and natural
aptitude for on camera interviews."

Their interview included the topics of interest, match expectations and be children’s book brand to create stories
Innovation, Young Entrepreneurship, distinctively “Van Hargen”. that are aimed to support children of
Collaboration, The Power of Advancing mixed-abilities.
Technologies including Augmented They state, “as we tackle more international
Reality, Captivating an Audience, and stages and perform to new audience’s we Both twins have dyslexia and both have
Going Global with Magic. will look to retrofit our style. It could be first-hand awareness and understanding
super-sizing our props or finding new ways that every child develops differently. The
Sasha & Poppy explained that as young to strengthen our connection to perform the sisters meticulously illustrated each page
app designers and content creators impossible”. using techniques that help to engage
they are drawn to the principals of a readers and stimulate their imaginations.
traditional craft. They are keen to use As young women within the magic “Little Gold Ted's” books are filled with
those fundamentals to propel and community Poppy and Sasha hope to captivating illustrations which allow less
advance magic into the future with the inspire more young ladies, like themselves, confident readers to visually enjoy Ted’s
evolution surrounding digital magic. to embrace magic, creativity and adventures.
performance.
When developing their routines, Poppy “There is something very magical about
and Sasha focus on endorsing their “Little Gold Ted” Children’s Book Series seeing our published children’s books being
uniqueness as twins. They actively enjoyed by little-ones far and wide. Our
develop aspects that will cultivate At age fifteen Poppy & Sasha illustrated a ultimate goal would be a “Little Gold Ted”
 SECRETS REVELAD
animated cartoon series for television, to be
more accessible to children everywhere”.
-We absolutely love fashion … so much
This Christmas the children's book brand so that we even designed our own track-
has developed a plush toy of the main suit for the Penn & Teller performance.
“Ted” character to be released in time for We are also developing high-end jewelry.
Christmas. -Collectively, we have been awarded 29
scholarships … we wonder if this could
You can learn more about “Little Gold Ted”
be a Guinness World Record?
here: https://littlegoldted.weebly.com

When asked what their ambitions are, Favourite Quote

The Van Hargen Twins said “We are excited “They’ll make you see double and think
to contribute our distinctively vibrant twice, it’s The Van Hargen Twins” - Alyson
personalities to the world of entertainment Hannigan
and look forward to developing refreshing We fell in love with this quote from the
content for audiences far and wide”. ■ moment we heard it.

Dream Encounter
Sasha: I would love to interview Richard
Branson. We are both entrepreneurial,
future-thinking and visionary
Poppy: I would enjoy a coffee or perhaps
a jamming session with Bruce Spring-
steen
As Twins: We would love to spend some
time conversing with Oprah Winfrey.

Favorite Photo:
 Does my work as a scientist
to unlock the secrets of
the human mind put me in
conflict with responsibility
as a magician to guard the
secrets of magic?

Gustav Kuhn PART ONE

'breaking'
the magician's code
the problem with exposure rules
28 OCTOBER | 2022
A
s the director of the MAGIC Lab, at a fine line between secrecy and honesty – or at viewers a deeper understanding of magic and
Goldsmiths University of London, least that’s what I thought I was doing. the important role that magicians have played
I oversee projects that combine in areas beyond entertainment.
psychological research methods with I joined the Magic Circle more than 25 years
performance magic. For instance, we study ago, and I have lectured there on several occa- I have been performing magic for most of my
misdirection and forcing to learn more sions, talking about how science can enhance life, and I have been fortunate to have been
about consciousness and free will. We also the art of magic. A few years ago, several mentored by some of the world’s best magi-
seek to apply many of these principles to fellow members of the Magic Circle accused cians (Jim Cellini). I have a deep respect and
non-magical contexts. For example, we are me of exposing magic secrets to the general passion for magic, and I’m certainly not out
currently exploring ways of implementing public, which resulted in a formal investigation to loot the art of magic for scientific prestige.
forcing principles in computer games, and by the Magic Circle’s Exposure Committee. I genuinely believe that enhancing the public
we are even ‘teaching’ artificial agents magic Moreover, it resulted in a truly heated, and interest in the mechanisms that underpin
deception, as part of a project to develop often hostile argument on social media. The magic is a good thing, something that will lead
new cyber security technologies. By mixing Exposure Committee ultimately concluded to a greater appreciation the art. A short sur-
magic tricks with science, we aim to uncover that I was indeed guilty of exposing magic vey we conducted during the exhibit provides
the secrets of the human mind (see Experi- secrets, and that I should be publicly shamed. some empirical support for these beliefs. We
encing the Impossible [1]). The ‘secret’ that I exposed? I acknowledged, to surveyed a sample of nearly 400 visitors dur-
non-magicians, that magicians sometimes use ing the exhibition. For the vast majority of the
The Science of Magic has now become a misdirection manipulate what you see and fail people questioned reported that the exhibit
research area in its own right, and its princi- to see. As part of my scientific work and public had increased their interest in magic and re-
ples are helping advance science, technol- engagement activities, I often explain how we spect for magicians. Only 2% felt that learning
ogy and well‐being. It might seem like a par- use eye tracking and other scientific tools to about the psychological principles that un-
adox, but, science and magic complement investigate misdirection in the laboratory (see derpins magic had a negative impact on their
each other nicely. Magic provides unique Royal Institute talk). Welcome Collection in perception of magic. Some magicians (who
insights into ways that the human mind can London put on an exhibition that examined presumably did not conduct any surveys of
be deceived, and science can help reveal the link between magic and psychology and their own) took great offence at the exhibition.
the psychological mechanisms that under- it prominently featured some of the scientific These magicians believe that magic secrets are
pin these deceptions. Magic and science work conducted by myself and my colleagues. so valuable that we should never reveal them
do however have rather different views on In one of the pieces, (part of a recorded exhib- to the outside world under any circumstances.
outward transparency. The world of magic it) I spoke about how misdirection can be used Furthermore, their definition of ‘secrets’ proved
shrouds itself in secrecy and deception, to prevent people from seeing things that are to be alarmingly broad.
whilst science strives towards openness happening right in front of your eyes. The
and clarity. I am a scientist and a magician, Smoke and Mirrors exhibition attracted nearly
which means I have had to learn to straddle 180’000 visitors, and our goal was to give

OCTOBER | 2022 29
 I was both puzzled and amazed seen a dramatic revolution in how
by some of the negative backlash. we access and share information,
As a magician myself, I am very and I think it’s time to re-examine
aware of the taboo of gratuitously the value of the exposure rule.
exposing magic ‘secrets.’ But I
was shocked that some magi- 1. EXPOSURE FOR CHEAP
cians would extend this idea to THRILLS
encompass the act of publicly
discussing some of the scientific Let us start by examining the least
principles that we are studying. controversial form of exposure –
For them, even the act of ac- exposure for the sake of exposure,
knowledging that magicians can usually with the intent of self-pro-
manipulate the way an audience motion. In some cases, magicians
looks at a scene was tantamount have sought attention by crudely
to ‘exposure’ of a secret of magic. exposing magic tricks on TV or
But then again, exposure is one online. The online craze for likes
of the most contentious issues and followers has driven people
within the magic world, and the to expose pretty much any magic
Magic Circle in particular. Back in secret online. If you Google a par-
1936, David Devant, the founding ticular magic performance, a link
president of the Magic Circle, claiming to expose the method
was asked to resign from the often pops up before the original
organization for exposing secrets performance. And, of course,
[2]. The twist was that Devant we all love to hate the Masked
had been exposing the secrets to Magician. Let me be clear - I do
tricks of his own invention. At the not defend this type of exposure.
time of his censure by the Magic Exposing magic tricks to simply
Circle, the aging Devant, who attract attention seems wrong,
was suffering from Parkinsons, especially if it exposes individual
was living out his last days at magicians and potentially affects
Putney Home for the Incurables. their livelihood (e.g. preventing
He simply wanted to share some a magician from performing a
of his work with the world before signature illusion). This is wrong
he passed away. The Magic Circle in the same way that any public
later regretted this decision, action that negatively impacts
Devant’s membership was quietly another performer is wrong. That
reinstated before his death, and said, let us be clear that exposing
they have now named one of a magic trick is not a moral issue
their rooms in their headquarters on par with leaking state secrets,
and award after him. Although a point previously made by Jamey
some rules have been liberalised Ian Swiss [3]. Revealing magic se-
since Devant’s time (selling your crets can be intellectually lazy and
own secrets in books is now ‘per- aesthetically crude, but the only
mitted’), exposure remains one genuine moral issues with magic
of the most contentious issues in secrets concern the theft of ma-
many magic societies. terial, or in the case of exposure,
the impact that this may have on
Having become embroiled in my fellow magicians.
very own contemporary exposure
debate, I was inspired to take a When I first heard about the
closer look at this supposedly Masked Magician back in the
sacred rule. At first glance it 1990’s, and I naively feared that
might seem simple to prohibit his actions would bring about the
magicians from exposing their end of magic. To me, as a young
secrets to the public. However, performer, it seemed as if he was
I have learnt that exposure is an gratuitously exposing the secrets
emotive and complex issue, and behind many of our classic illu-
the closer I look, the less sense it sions, and clearly did not respect
makes. The last few decades have for the art of magic. Looking back

30 OCTOBER | 2022
 "if exposure truly damages magic, i would expect to see a negative
correlation between ease of discovering the secret and people's
enjoyment of magic - the current popularity of magic suggest
otherwise."

on the ‘performances’ now, I still really don’t

like the show, but I doubt that the exposure
caused much actual harm. I would argue that
his casually misogynistic demeanour was more
offensive than exposure of secret methods. If
these kinds of exposures are really so detri-
mental to magic, how can magic survive in a
world where all of its secrets are shared on-
line? If exposure truly damages magic, I would
expect to see a negative correlation between
ease of discovering the secret and people’s
enjoyment for magic – the current popularity
of magic suggests otherwise.

This form of exposure is ethically dubious, but

it may actually have very little long-term im-
pact on the public perception of magic. Any
lay person who discovers a specific method, in
a specific context, will struggle to generalize 2. EXPOSURE AND DEBUNKING routines in his theatre [6]. He also testified as
this knowledge to a new situation. For exam- an expert witness in prosecutions of mediums
ple, people may know about the use of thumb Having considered an ethically dubious form for criminal fraud, and he helped establish an
tips to vanish a silk handkerchief and yet they of exposure, let us move to a form of exposure Occult Investigative Committee within the
will struggle to extrapolate this knowledge that I feel is more palatable – exposing individ- Magic Circle (the committee still exists today,
to switching billets/notes or to making fluids uals who do not admit they are using magic although it has since been re-branded as the
disappear. Most kids’ magic kits have a version tricks. Magicians are typically honest about the Paranormal Investigation Committee).
of the cups and balls in their magic sets, fact that their seemingly impossible feats are
accompanied by detailed instructions. Many not what they appear to be. But deception is a Fraudsters who use magic tricks to pretend
magicians, myself included, still frequently tool that can be used for both entertainment they have skills or gifts in order to exploit
perform the cups and balls, and I would be and for more predatory purposes. Others have innocent individuals are clearly wrong, and,
very surprised to hear that anyone’s experi- used similar tricks to exploit vulnerable indi- consequently, I feel it is ethically right to
ence of the routine was spoiled by a childhood viduals. For example, mentalism techniques expose them. This type of deception causes
magic set. Decades of psychological research (e.g. cold reading) are often used by psychics, immeasurable damage to individuals and soci-
on functional fixedness has shown that people who charge vulnerable people to contact their ety more generally. Surely the magic commu-
struggle to generalize knowledge to different dead relatives. Since the early days of spirit- nity has an ethical responsibly to enlighten the
contexts [4], and I feel the same is true for ualism, magicians have played an important public about this form of malpractice. Even
magic secrets that are publicly exposed. Most role in debunking fraudulent mediums [5]. though the Magic Circle still has a dedicated
people will simply forget about it (they don’t Prominent performers like Harry Houdini and Paranormal Investigation Committee, its mem-
really care that much about it anyway), and James Randi have publicly exposed charla- bers are discouraged from exposing magic
those who do remember it won’t necessarily tans who claimed to have real supernatural methods used by mediums. Indeed, when
be able to extrapolate it to a performance in a powers [Popoff and his earpiece]. This form of questioned, the Exposure Committee told me
different context. exposure is (generally) embraced more posi- that “In the case of "mediums" and psychics
tively and accepted by the magic community. we would encourage alerting the public to
Maskelyne often included psychic debunking the fact that they are not actually exercising
OCTOBER | 2022 31
genuine supernatural powers, but we would
again shy away from revealing specific methods
because the same methods are also used by ma-
gicians and mentalists.” Likewise, when I asked
whether it was acceptable to publicly expose
individuals who claim to be using scientifically
dubious or outright fraudulent “psychological”
techniques such as Neurolinguistic Program-
ming, or those who use magic tricks to claim
they could put members of the audience under
an instant trance, I was told to avoid exposing
the ‘magic’ secret.

Mentalists often use disclaimers which explicitly

inform the audience that they are using tricks,
which means they avoid explicitly misinforming
the public. Many performers who wish to avoid
spreading fraudulent claims about their own
work simply label their feats as being ‘tricks.’
It seems that the Magic Circle’s advice is that
we should simply apply similar disclaimers to
the work of charlatans. The idea that anyone
might mistake a trick with genuine evidence
represents a fascinating problem for psycho-
logical researchers. In the MAGIC lab, we have
spent nearly 10 years studying the impact that
different types of disclaimers have on people’s
willingness to accept that they have witnessed
genuine paranormal phenomena, (e.g. ability
to read minds and contact dead people) and
our experiments have yielded some surprising
results [7]. In short, our research shows that
simple disclaimers have very little impact on
people’s beliefs. Meaning that even though sim-
ple disclaimers might make performers feel like
they’re taking an ethical stand, they might have
very little real influence on audiences. We have
tested thousands of people on experiments in
which we use magic trick methods to create
fake psychic readings. We combine a range of
techniques, including electronic devices (e.g.
an iCube), cold reading and stooges to give the
illusion that our ‘psychic’ medium has genuine
supernatural powers. We perform these types of
demonstrations in front of large groups of vol-
unteers and we use questionnaires to measure
people’s beliefs about the demonstrations. Two
findings are particularly poignant. Firstly, a large
proportion of our participants express the belief
that the demonstrations are genuine. Secondly,
simply telling people that they are watching a
magician performing magic tricks, rather than a
real psychic performing a genuine supernormal
feat, has virtually no impact on their reported
beliefs. In some of these experiments, we ex-
plicitly told our participants that the person they
were about so see was a magician who used
tricks and deception (without actually exposing
the specific methods), and yet, after they saw
the magician ‘read’ a person’s mind, many of

32 OCTOBER | 2022
 The scientific research on misinfor-
them still claimed to have witnessed mation presents a difficult dilemma.
a real psychic event. In one of our "I personally feel that magicians have an I personally feel that magicians have
most recent studies, we showed an ethical obligation to prevent
that even when we explicitly told ethical obligation to prevent people from people from exploiting magic trick
participants they were seeing a ma- methods outside of entertainment
gician who uses tricks, those same exploiting magic trick methods outside of contexts. Magicians can play an im-
participants still reported increased portant role in protecting the public
beliefs in paranormal phenomena entertainment contexts." from fraudulent scientific claims, and
after watching our magician’s ‘mind history illustrates that magicians are
reading’ demonstration. often better equipped at exposing
perience, as well as talking to other and other forms of misinformation fraudulent mediums and psychics
The types of disclaimers usually used mentalists, that members of the can have a psychological impact than scientists are. However, it’s
by magicians (e.g. I don’t have real audience often mistake explicitly despite knowing that the informa- possible that the best way of coun-
supernatural powers) are arguably fake mind reading demonstrations tion is false [7]. Our most recent tering this type of misinformation
much weaker than the ones we used that are performed as for genu- research shows that the surest way is to expose the methods the tricks
in our experiments. This leads me to ine paranormal demonstrations. of avoiding false beliefs is to move that are being used. The problem
doubt that such simple disclaimers Indeed, much of the psychological beyond simple disclaimers and of course is that many of these
have much of an effect on what research shows that people often actually expose the real methods methods are used by magicians
people believe to be true or not. An- struggle to distinguish fact from behind the tricks. which means you are exposing more
ecdotally, I know from personal ex- fiction, which is why fake news general magic principles. I have no

OCTOBER | 2022 33
 answer to the dilemma, but as a scientist I am obliged
to point out the difficulty in maintaining the moral
high ground in maintaining a magic society does it’s
best to protect the public from flatulent supernatural
claims. ■

Continued next issue ....

References

1. Kuhn, G., Experiencing the impossible: The science of magic.

2019, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
2. Dawes, E.A., RULE 13: David Devant’s illusion. Cabinet,
2007(26).
3. Swiss, J.I., Magic in the age of information. Genii, 2001. April:
p. 61-63.
4. Solomon, I., Analogical Transfer and “Functional Fixedness”
in the Science Classroom. The Journal of Educational Research,
1994. 87(6): p. 371-377.
5. Tompkins, M.L., The Spectacle of Illusion: Magic, the paranor-
mal & the complicity of the mind. 2019: Thames & Hudson.
6. Steinmeyer, J., Hiding The Elephant: How Magicians Invent-
ed the Impossible. 2005: Arrow Books.
7. Mohr, C. and G. Kuhn, Magicians read your mind – What
does it tell us about the human mind?, in Mind Reading as a
Cultural Practice, C. Kassung, L. Schlicht, and C. Seemann,
Editors. 2020.

https://youtu.be/Kor_L12bBB0

34 OCTOBER | 2022
 I N T E R N AT I O N A L M A G I C S Y M P O S I U M

WE WANT YOU!
Do you have an effect
you want to launch?
Release it with Class!

Please contact our Product

Development Ambassador:
[email protected]
 THOUGHTCAST 2.0 BY BENJAMIN BUDZAK
PRICE: $999.00 for new users ThoughtCast Pro is a specially designed
$399.00 for existing customers or check out container, this is the most hidden and
the website for prices depending on when innocuous ThoughtCast board ever created.
you purchased the original. It is designed to look like a solid piece of
Available: www.thoughtcastmagic.com wood or plastic, but it contains all the guts
that make ThoughtCast the most innocuous
As far back as the first electronic impression and unassuming piece of hardware on the
boards came out, I have owned almost all market today. Plus, the board can still open up,
of them at some point. A few years back I allowing you to charge and power the board
reviewed the ThoughtCast Impression board on and off quickly and easily! I own the plastic
and found it the most reliable board on the version and it really does look like a regular
market. It's now the only one I use! clipboard with regular paper! You can order
the boards in regular or large size, with a
The launch of ThoughtCast 2.0 App really is a wood or plastic finish. There are many options
game changer and has so many new features I depending on what you like. You can also
know I’ll miss some out!! order a whiteboard version!

There are two packages being offered - the What I really love about this are the pens you
first is the one for NEW users which includes use. They all look like regular markers you
your choice of board and the App for the might use such as a variety of Sharpies or
watch and phone. These are used for iPhone regular writing pen. Nothing looks out of the
and iWatch products. ordinary.
Charging the board couldn't be easier. You
just lay it on the charging pad that is supplied,
and it will charge. I love this technology as it
makes it so easy to keep it charged up.

Let's look at NEW app itself and what you

can now do. NOTE: If you own the original
you can still use the App, but it won't have
technical support. This new App is well worth
getting because of what you can do with it.
It's completely rebuilt from the ground up. If
you already own the board and previous App,
then you can get the new App for $399.00.

This new App has been five years in the

making and it really shows. Here is a list of 10
things it does that are huge advancements in
any type of impression board.

Dead Zone Elimination

In prior versions of ThoughtCast, they used a
recognition method that limited the spectator
to only drawing on a certain part of the pad.
Plus, the pen capture technique required a
lot of manual adjustments to make sure the spectators drawing would just vanish into I have never seen this feature on any of the
board knew when the pen was touching the thin air, making it next to impossible to reveal other impression devices and this totally
paper. multiple drawings in the same show. blows my mind. This type of technology is like
real magic to me!
In the new ThoughtCast app, they have With the new ThoughtCast app, when you
revamped the capture technique. Now, the hit save, it saves the drawing to a thumbnail
entire area of the ThoughtCast board is that lives at the top of the screen. Now, you
writable or "hot". This includes the large can see all the drawings in one place. If you
model of ThoughtCast as well! Plus, you save a lot of drawings, ThoughtCast will
can customize the part of the pad that is automatically rotate them past on your screen.
hot, eliminating errant strokes from the pen Plus, if you need a better look, just tap to blow
outside the bounds of the board. This means the thumbnails up to full screen. These will
you no longer have to worry about where the rotate automatically as well!
spectator writes on the board.
The Detective
Pen Calibration Think of him as a miniature Dick Tracy, but on
One of the biggest hang-ups with the original your phone. The Detective is the brand-new
was the inability to finely tune the pen's recognition engine designed for recognizing
capture position on the pad. They suggested both text AND drawings.
some manual methods, like moving the ring
or adding cardboard under the pad, and Text Recognition: You can only describe this
although it did the trick, it wasn't the best as SCARY accurate. Using a machine learning
solution. algorithm, it will figure out the words your
spectator has written on the ThoughtCast
Now, ThoughtCast includes a Pen Calibrator. board, then send the results to a Bluetooth
Touch your pen to the pad, hit save, and you earpiece, a PeekSmith, or to the Action of your
have the first page set. You can also fine tune choice.
this value to make sure your spectators pen Actions
strokes come in as accurately as possible. This Drawing Recognition: Like Text Recognition, If you ever wondered "Does ThoughtCast
new addition makes calibrating your pen but for drawings. Ask your spectator to draw work with this other magic app?", wonder no
quick and easy and again you will not have something, and the Detective will try to figure longer. With this new version of ThoughtCast
any worries when performing. out what it is. Plus, the Detective will show they have introduced ACTIONS!
you a confidence percentage, so you can see
how sure they are of themselves. Like text, Actions are a set of integrations that connect
Thumbnail Carousel this goes to an earpiece, a PeekSmith, or an ThoughtCast to all your favorite magic apps
In prior versions of ThoughtCast, when you Action of your choice. and devices. From sending a written word
would hit save in Performance Mode, your
to your spectator’s phone via Inject, setting a Versa Remote Support
number written down as the force number in The Versa remote is made by Benjamin
Calculon, or showing a thought of word written and If you own this, you can now control
as a prediction on the back of your business ThoughtCast HANDS FREE! Save drawings,
card with the Legacy wallet, the doors of clear drawings, magnet reset, trigger actions,
possibility for magic are blown wide open with and more all without your hands touching a
Actions! phone or leaving the audience's sight! The
use of remotes is becoming very popular
Plus, Actions will be available not just for with Apps which now means you won't have
ThoughtCast, but for OmniSense, Calculon, a phone in sight. If you also use this with
future ThoughtCast Magic releases, and even Peeksmith then you can use that to see what
some of your favorite magic apps! With the they are writing or drawing.
Send to Glyphs, you can have any word written
and that word appears written on a old receipt! Native iPad App
Or have any number written equal the balance Unlike the original ThoughtCast app, this
in your bank account! You will be impressed one comes with a fully native iPad app. Now
when you see the list of actions available. you can see all the drawings your spectators
make at full iPad resolution, both portrait
Add a Number/Target Number and landscape, plus take advantage of all***
Along with text, ThoughtCast will detect the features of the iPhone/iOS version of
numbers! Written as digits (21) or words ThoughtCast!
(twenty-one), ThoughtCast will keep track of
them. Plus, if you hit save after each number, The new ThoughtCast app still has magnet
ThoughtCast will automatically add them reset, vibration notifications, auto save, touch
together and show you the sum of the numbers to peek and camouflage mode, button lock,
written down (and you can send this to an drawing library, Apple Watch app, and more
Action as well). features that make the best impression pad
software available even better.
Target Number does the same thing Add a
Number does, but for a Target Number. So, FINAL THOUGHTS:
you tell ThoughtCast what the target number You will get excellent instructions but do take
is, and it will subtract each number from the your time to work through all the amazing
Target Number as they are drawn by your features this App offers. The technical support
spectators. Perfect for math tricks where you is excellent, and Benjamin makes himself
need to know the number to add to get to your available to answer questions. Once you work
big reveal, ThoughtCast does all the math for through it all chances are you won't have any
you! questions as the tutorial is self-explanatory.
What I really love about this is that it's the
Dictionary Location only board I've had that has never failed on
On top of all the other Detective features, this me. There are things in place so you can feel
one is the most mind boggling. When it’s on, confident you are getting a reading on your
and your word is found by the Detective, the phone or watch or Peeksmith device.
detective will show you where that word is in
a Merriam Webster Pocket Dictionary, so you For price and what you get this is the best
can reveal the location to your audience before version on the market. I have yet to find a
you even know their word! Plus, support for prediction device that does more than this
other dictionaries will be coming soon! Again, and now you can use other Apps it really
this is the only impression device that has built opens up a world of impossibilities.
in routines and this one is incredible. You will
need to buy the dictionary for this. What does this mean for you? You can have
a spectator think of a cocktail, a Mickey
Internal Logic and Friends character, a star sign, or almost
This one is a feature that is a bit hard to explain anything and, without telling anyone or
and grasp the concept of, but for the magician writing down what it is, you know what
that can try it in their show it will open a world they're thinking of.
of possibilities.
It's a powerful, clever, and flexible solution for
Internal Logic is part of Zone Mode and allows an amazing piece of mind reading that isn't
you to create progressive lists that show the possible with any other electronic impression
results based on the zones drawn in by the pad!
spectator.
 PATRICK KUFFS
STEP BY STEP
should be a secret, it is not important yet, at this point in the game.
Ask the participant to push aside part of the cards with her foot. You
obligingly scoop the rejected cards in your hand face-up. The bottom
face-up card of the spread is the same card as the top face up card of
I love card effects! I love the objects and all possible applications. the deck to be switched. When this same card is eliminated from the
I am playing all the time with a deck of cards! Almost every day I floor spread, you place it on top of the deck in your hand. Now you are
manipulate cards. It is one of the subjects in magic I consider I’ve study in position and ready for the switch. Repeat the elimination process a
the most, maybe even more than mentalism?! So, when my path of couple more times until you end, having only two cards left on the floor,
learning introduces me to the fabulous mind of Anneman I was happy in front of the participant.
to see in one artist, a prolific series of playing card ideas as well as
deep mentalism routines. Ted Anneman is irrevocably associated to Switch the pack for the cold deck, don’t rush all the focus are on the last
mentalism, and deservedly so; but he also was a relentless and prolific 2 cards, in the action of taking the eliminated cards from the floor or on
creator of card effects. The inspiration for the following lies in a creation any timing you feel better. Have the spectator eliminate the last card,
named, “The Walk around Discovery” bring to my attention by Jan which you add to the face-up deck.
Bardi from Belgium who I am proud to consider my “mentor”. Jan also
suggests one super subtleties for the final reveal in the routine and it Explain that the spectator has made an interesting choice since her final
changed a good idea, into a decent miracle. selection has a back color which differs from the rest of the cards, as
you spread the lot face down on the floor or in your hand, revealing all
A prediction is offered to a helper and ask to protect it like it was very red backs (keeping the bottom most card concealed). Ask the spectator
important. A deck of cards is introduced and then spread on the floor to turn over her selection and show it is the only blue back card and
in a face up condition in front of everyone. When the group is formed different from the rest.
around the magician the trap is set. The performer asks an onlooker if
she would consider upgrading her social status to that of a participant. By the way, if you don’t have a deck holder, you can do the classic
Getting a positive reply, it is explained that she will make use of her switch in the pocket and it will be great to. Why do I use this holder?
foot it to make the selection of a specific card. She is asked to isolate a Why this approach? Simply because our ''pocket space'' while doing a
few cards from the group, using her foot. Sometimes she eliminates 2/3 gig is very limited and I prefer using my pocket to place others item,
cards, sometimes almost a dozen. The castaway cards are eliminated by than simply letting a deck waiting for action. Also, you don't have to use
the magician but kept in hands for later use. this on the floor. You can present a version of this idea while a spectator
is sitting on a chair behind a table.
The pace quickens as the spectator gradually whittles down the group
to one final card. The performer explains that the last card kept was The chair will be your helper for the switch by making a great cover.
predictable, as he asks the guardian of the prediction to open it and The idea to make this routine on the floor, is to change the pacing or
read it out loud. “The card on the floor will be a red card” and the card regular card presentation and it is a good way to gather a crowd on a
face is shown, and it is in fact a red card, a red back design with a big cocktail situation. The idea to make the action on the floor also makes
question mark over it. All the unselected cards are then turned over as the switch so easy you will have a
well exposing a different back design than the chosen one. smile each time you will do the secret
move... while nobody cares about it!
The pivotal move of the effect is a deck switch (with the deck in
a holder.) Do not be taken aback and rejoice, my friend; the pack You can also change the regular
substitution is so easy integrated within the routine’s inherent playing cards, for example, imagine,
suspense that you will find this a wicked delight to perform. Each a drawing of a ''shoe horse style
successive performance will enhance your confidence… Just don’t let magnet'' on the final card on the
it go to your head. The misdirection of the elimination process takes floor and all the rest of the deck with
all the focus away from the deck proper; the ‘game’ literally lies on the blank cards and you have a perfect
cards moving onto the floor, not in your hands. theme about the Law of Attraction...
The idea to make a prediction as a
Let’s pretend you will use a special holder for the deck prior to the misdirection for the switch while a
switch. Before the performance, place a full blue pack in a holder participant read it while is a great
pinned underneath the bottom edge of your jacket. My preferred spot idea share by my friend Jan Bardi. It
is above the rear pants pocket, on the side is which you usually hold the makes the switch devious and bring
deck in your hand where your lands in a relaxed position. This makes it the presentation to another level of
easy to access. theatrical magic.

Ribbon spread a face-up (red deck) along the floor. The pack’s color
 LOUIE FOXX
TAKE OUT PRODUCTION

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

Sometimes there are ideas that you write down Next you will need to make the load chamber.
and it takes years to get to, and when you finally You will cut out whatever size/shape you need
get around to them, you wonder why it took from the parts box and tape or glue it large
you years to take action on it. The idea is using panel on the production box, opposite where
a Chinese Take Out box (aka Oyster Pail) as a you made the magnet panel.
production box. I’ve since come up with several
methods for doing this. Reassemble the box with the load chamber on
the outside and use a glue dot on each side to
EFFECT: hold the box together.
You show a Chinese Take Out box empty by
unfolding it and refolding it back into a box. SET UP:
You then produce noodles from the previously Fill the chamber with the noodles and stick the
empty box! logo onto the front of the box.
Working: Show box, keeping the load
You can watch a demo of the trick here: https:// chamber at the back. Open the box so that
jwp.io/s/ga4KUnZ6 it’s flat, keeping the load chamber on the back
and unseen by the audience. As you go to
NEEDED: refold it into a box, your right hand steals the
Two 16 ounce Chinese Take Out Boxes, cooked logo off of the box. Your right hand will bring
but dry ramen noodles (or whatever you’re the bottom of the box up behind the load
going to produce), glue, glue dots, packing tape, chamber, essentially turning the box inside
and four magnets that are ¼ inch across and as out (the load chamber is now on the inside).
thin as possible. You will also need two Asian Reassemble the box (inside out) and as you
looking circle logo that’s 2 inches in diameter do that you stick the logo onto the back of the
with a black border (see notes at the end for box, then turn the box around.
where to download these).
Open the box and remove whatever you want
CONSTRUCTION: You will glue two the to reveal whatever you want to produce. I use
magnets inside of the Asian circle logos so that chopsticks or a fork to produce noodles.
one is on the upper half and one on the lower
half. You will now have a double sided circle
logo with magnets inside.

You will now take one of the take out boxes and
use is to construct a double wall to hide the
other two magnets and the load chamber. We’ll
start with the hiding the magnets in the double
wall. Open up both of the take out boxes,
so that they lay flat. One of them will be the
production box, and the other will be the parts
box. Tape the magnets onto the production box
on one of the large panels. Now cut out one of
the large panels of the parts box and glue it over
the magnets on the production box.

108 NOVEMBER | 2022

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52 NOVEMBER | 2022
 CHRISTOPHER T. MAGICIAN
A FAMILY SHOW PRO SOLVES YOUR FAMILY SHOW WOES

One
hundred issues of Vanish Magazine! That’s Here’s how to implement it. Before revealing the finale of an effect,
quite a milestone. I’m honored to be a small explain to the audience what will happen. Next, provide the audience
part of this incredible publication! with an action to take once they experience the magic. They can point.
They can shout. Any action at all. Lead the children in practicing the
Speaking of milestones (how’s that for a transition?), I published my action a couple of times.
first book on entertaining children with magic in 2012. 2022 marks
the ten year anniversary of Beyond Look, Don’t See: Furthering the Now comes the fun part! “So when [insert effect here] happens, you
Art of Children’s Magic. In the book, I compiled a list of twenty-five [insert action here]. In fact, let’s just practice one more time.” Instruct
techniques, techniques that can be paired with an array of effects to the audience to repeat the action a final time, but at the same moment
easily and effectively build kid show routines guaranteed to leave kids reveal the finale of the effect. Naturally, in typical Look, Don’t See style,
interacting and laughing their heads off. pay no attention to the magic, only allowing the children to notice it.

In honor of this one hundredth issue of Vanish, I’m thrilled to unveil a As a performer, what happens now is one of the funniest moments
secret I’ve been holding onto for these past ten years. After the release to experience. In an instant, the children’s intentions completely
of Beyond Look, Don’t See, I continued to compile a list of more kid flip, altering from obedient practice to outright berserk emphatic
show laughter-inducing techniques, and each upcoming issue of enactment of the action. Frankly, it’s hysterical.
Vanish, I’ll reveal some of my favorite new techniques in my kid show
toolbox. In case the above description is a little unclear, a couple of examples
will help make sense of it all.
Let’s start with what has proven to be my absolute favorite:
During my Silver Scepter routine, I notice the wand has mysteriously
risen. Having noticed it, I ask the audience, “Did that just go up?” After
Let’s Practice they confirm that it indeed has, I say, “Do me a favor. Everybody point at
the wand … and say, ‘Look!’ That’s good. One more time, say, ‘Look.’”
The Let’s Practice technique provides a great deal of participation for
the younger set. At the same time, I’ve discovered that it brings about The children obediently obey (how else would they obey?). I push the
a large amount of laughter from any parents watching along with the wand back down and continue. “If that wand goes up again, I need to
show. Most importantly, it’s just plain fun for me, the performer. It’s a know, so if it goes up, you point and say, ‘Look.’ That way, I know to look.
win-win-win technique! Got it?”

The kids confirm that they do, as they say, have it.
“Perfect … actually, let’s practice one more
time. Everybody say, ‘Look!’”

The audience shouts, and I immediately

release the wand, allowing it to once again
rise up. Again, I cannot stress how much fun
this is from the performer’s point of view.
The children immediately transition from
practicing their pointing and ‘Look’ing into
over-the-top and serious points and ‘Look’s.

I continue to ignore the wand, and react to

how amazing their “practice” is going. “Wow!
That’s great practice! That’s exactly right! I love
the energy. Very good. Wait for the wand to go
up now, but that’s perfect practice.”

And of course, the shtick ends when I

finally recognize with a jolt that the wand
unexpectedly arose while we were supposed
to be practicing.

I also use the technique in my routine for

Supreme Magic’s Rainbow House effect. The
trick consists of a black and white house. A
rainbow box is lowered over the house. When
the box is removed, the house is now colored
in.

Having performed all of the magic and bits of

business to color in the house, I lift the box to
reveal … the house still black and white. “Oh,
sometimes it takes a minute, so I need all of
you to do me a favor. Everybody say, ‘Look at
the house!’”

The kids follow suit. “In a second, I’ll take off

the rainbow, and the house will be colored in.
When I do, you shout, ‘Look at the house.’”

I lift the rainbow box a couple of times,

instructing the children to shout, pretending
that the house is colored in. For the final
practice, I lift the box, revealing the colorful
house. The kids immediately switch from
practice mode to excitement as they try
desperately to get me to ‘look at the house.’

Like with any technique, I encourage you

to use Let’s Practice sparingly. Once in a
show is plenty, although, you could repeat
the technique a second time later as a fun
callback. The good news, however, is that the
technique is pretty darn universal. I have no
doubt you can find a place for it within your
current show.

Add it to the finale of one of your effects,

and I’m sure you’ll find the results as fun and
hilarious for you as it is interactive and exciting
for the audience!
 HANKY
PRANKY
CLOSE-UP & STAGE DANCING HANKY

WAYNE ROGERS
INTRODUCTION

There are 4 matching silk scarves used during

my routine but only one is seen at any time.
Each hank works in a different way providing a
visual disconnect that helps disguise the various
methods. The following routine, with minor
variations has been in my act for almost 40 years.

56 OCTOBER | 2022
SOME HISTORICAL NOTES Wayne gimmick. I also completely covered the
workings within the silk and a double cloth.
Don Wayne's original “PRANKY HANKY” was With the addition of an extra middle phase
marketed by Supreme Magic of England back plus an ending, the combined routine allowed
in the mid 1970”s. That’s when I bought mine. me to work the whole effect close-up and
David Copperfield performed a far more surrounded. A feature not possible with most
elaborate version on his 1978 TV Special. Don other solo methods.
Wayne released a re-designed solo version as
THE DON WAYNE DANCING HANK. This was In May 1992 I published a book Commercial
sold by dealers worldwide. Sean Bogunia Chicanery that described my routine. I
later went on to re-work Don’s one man included it in my 1993 lecture at the Magic
Dancing Hank concept by adding many new Castle in Hollywood, and in my 2002 lecture
enhancements. Sean’s routines have lifted tour of the UK. Out of respect for Don Wayne,
the original to new heights. his original gimmick was not fully revealed,
but referred to as the starting point.
My MANUAL version of the Dancing Hank
was created by tweaking the original Don

OCTOBER | 2022 57
 Take your Don Wayne DH gimmick, cut off ¾
off the stiff wire armature (the wire the silk
attaches to) and replace it with spring wire.
magician eventually manages to get it back I used Orthodontists stainless steel wire and
into the box and place on the lid. attached it using a brass connector. A brass
MY ROUTINE tube with two screws, cut from an electrical
The magician ties a knot in the end of a silk The box is dropped into an open top table, or strip connector.
handkerchief and drops it onto a folded dump box. Again the hank flies out into the
cloth lying on his table. He snaps his fingers performer’s hands and may be tossed to a The original DW model was a wire rod formed
to animate the silk but nothing happens. spectator for inspection. into a hand grip at one end. The other end
held a stiff wire armature secured with rubber
He takes the hanky and places it under the PROPS bands. A strong thread connected the end of
cloth. Suddenly, it emerges dancing and (1) As mentioned, the Don Wayne Dancing the armature, ran through a ring and was tied
cavorting around and about the cloth. As Hank gimmick was the starting point. One back to the gimmick arm. When you placed
the performer attempts to wrap the silk up of Sean Bogunia’s manual gimmicks may be your finger into the ring and pulled, this
in the cloth, the hanky gets out of control. In able to be used, but I have not handled one. If created a simple double purchase action and
desperation he places the silk and cloth into you can get your hands on the old Don Wayne the armature with silk attached quickly flicked
a box. The hank jumps out again and runs version you will be able to follow exactly what backwards and forwards.
along the front of the box. Using the lid of I did with it.
the box to control the runaway silk hank, the I found that the ring and string method
58 OCTOBER | 2022
 In 2002 Don wrote to me: "I am pleased that you were able to use our
caused too much friction and the cord Dancing Handkerchief in your lecture as well as your show. You have a lot of
would easily break. Back in the 70”s I solved good ideas. I wish that I could have seen your lecture. People have told me it
the problem for myself by tying a single was very good. Generally, I would prefer people not to show how a Dancing
cord to the armature, and on the other end Hank gimmick works . . . . in the future if you are sure that it will not hurt my
the string tied to the end of a metal thumb sales for the Dancing Hank, then you use your own good judgment as to
tip. With my right 2nd finger in the thumb what is best. I wish you the very best and continued success with your magic.
tip, the amount of movement I archived,
coupled with the spring wire, gave the silk
a very flexible and fluid movement. See Sincerely,
DOUBLE CLOTH insert photo for a close up Don Wayne
view. A piece of white card was placed in the
photo for contrast.

(2) A DOUBLE BLACK CLOTH measuring

25” (66cm) square, sewn as a bag then top
stitched around the outer edge. A 15cm
long seam is left open on the left, starting
25cm up from the bottom LHS.

2 small holes about 2" (5cm) below the

top edge of the cloth, are made in the
rear side to allow for the insertion of the
centre section of the wire gimmick so it is
completely covered by the cloth. The silk
end of the gimmick is outside in the centre
of the cloth. The hand grip is to the right.
Sew the gimmick to the cloth at point X.
Hold the cloth at the top corners A and B.
See the line drawing DOUBLE CLOTH.

(3) 4 x matching silks 20” square (51cm)

I always used a full square large silk for
maximum visibility on stage. The extra
material also hides the gimmick better than
a diamond cut silk. Tie one of the silks to
the Hanky gimmick. Fold the silk around
the wire and secure with stitching. In my
routine, the gimmick is completely covered
by the silk. When the movement is activated,
the silk moves in a flexible way due to the
spring wire. It is possible to flick the silk
back and forth from one side of the cloth
to the other, and go through a wide range
of movements without the gimmick being
seen. During the routine the top of the cloth
drapes over the hands and hides the finger
movement. See photo FULL SET OF SILKS
REQUIRED.

(4) A decorated shoe box with wire

gimmick. See PRANKY 2

(5) A dump box for tossing the shoe box in

at the end. The 4th silk is on a loop of black
thread and set to one side of this box. The
thread goes over two small hooks so you can
get your thumbs into the loop.

PRE SHOW SET UP

Fold the cloth and lay it on the table with
the HANKY gimmick inside and hidden
underneath. Arrange the cloth so the open

OCTOBER | 2022 59
 original
lk a s per the of
ate th e si er the top
e c lo th and anim e si lk ca n pop ov r neck and
Pick up th k instructions. Th you
d around ck. Finally
th e R H S hidden D a n c in g Han
u n d th e side, ben y o u r ba
a n d g ri p is on th , p eep aro a s you turn acting is
in g you. The
h the c lo
u n d er your a rm
l. A li ttle bit f o
slit is fa c
pop up fr
o m
get out o
f con tr o e silk up in
d e r th e cloth. d th e th e si lk to h it , th e n wrap th box, down
un hin allow wit e
down be . Struggle dle into th
2 a n d tu ck the silk the box so it re q u ired here k ly d ro p the bun
NKY ainst and qu ic
Take PRA box lid ag an assistant, they the cloth
it io n . Lean the rk w it h th e partitio
n.
e box
pa rt
si lk . If you w o behind m ic k. Hold th t
covers th
e for you . e wire g im rt the firs
a rr y th e box on m p x a n d a ctivate th u n d e rn eath. Inse ut and
c e du o
may
p out of th thread. Pick up b on top and fingers silk to po
po
y
si lk th a t will jum o f b la ck w it h th umb r ri n g to cause the you are constantl
k e th e a lo o p e fi n g e B e c a u se n o t
Finally, ta d
silk aroun quickly get your
th
finger into the side of the bo
x. ovement
is
knot the can uth. e finger m p up. Use the
box, and so y o u o x g o e s so o v e a lo n g
q u e n c e , th o
e thread e shoe b m
uring this
se
ANKY 2 w
ill p
Arrange th the loop when th moving d n from behind. PR ntrol it. Drop the
lid a
thumbs in to
c e d , e v e g to c o ru st the lid on
noti
it th e si lk, tryin n z y. F inally th ontents
A N C E y th e h a nky and b ox lid to h
s to a d d to the fr e
ro p th e box and c the
PERFORM d to music. Displa animate it f time d
g out and e your thumbs into se
rke couple o ill hangin
h is is w o p re te n d to
tu ck it th e si lk st ia te ly p la c art to cau
T
o t in o ne end, n d a p pear to e
with
p b o x . Immed y o u r hands ap if you
tie a k n
ll y, fo ld the silk a
y tu ck e d into th
in to the d ro
d q u ic kly mo v e
B re a k th e thread
fu a ll f read a n air .
unsuccess th. The silk is actu g slit in the side o loop of th h into the ■
d e r th e clo e o p e nin st silk to fly up hig to the audience.
u n ro u g h th f p la y. th e la e si lk in
loth th out o to toss th
double c lk is now are going
c lo th . T hat first si
the
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 BEN HARRIS

WILD WAYS

This effect is designed to be a visual jaw-dropper that can be repeated pull pairs from freshly opened decks as you work your way through a
over and over in walk-around situations, or for table-hopping. brick. A 48-card deck is okay. Instructions for cutting and then finishing
Performable completely in the hands, no table is required. It’s a Svengali the edges can be found in Symmetry, Parity & The Chimera Deck.)
Deck routine, but as demonstrated in my new book: Symmetry, Parity &
The Chimera Deck, it’s Svengali from a new angle (or two). Configure the deck normally: The 26 shorted Jokers (or your existing
“force cards”) occupy the odd positions in the deck (1,3,5,7…) and the
With Wild Ways, we allow a free selection of card, but it’s not one of the 26 indifferent cards occupy the even slots (2,4,6,8…).
“force cards,” typical of a Svengali routine. Instead, we are allowing a free
choice of any of the indifferent cards. Because these are all different, the TO PERFORM:
effect can withstand repeated performances where there may be some Introduce the deck and give it a face up fan, as in Photo 1. Kept in
viewer overlap (walk-around, restaurants, private parties, etc). In other motion, the duplicate indices will not be noticed. No one is looking for
words, “it’s a different card every time!” them, the audience simply see a “deck of cards.”

EFFECT: Close the fan, square and turn the deck face down. Dribble the cards,
The deck is fanned to display indifferent cards. One card is freely allowing them to fall in pairs from the right hand and into the left hand.
selected and then shuffled back into the deck. The performer cuts to Photo 2, audience view. This shows an apparent full deck of different
the Joker, and explains that the Joker is “wild,” and can take on the value faces.
and identity of any card. As such, the Joker is the perfect undercover
operative, able to identify and “flip” any dodgy operatives in the deck. Repeat slowly, asking a spectator to call “stop” during the dribbling
action. The card on the face of the right hand packet becomes the
The Joker is dropped face-up atop the deck. The performer flicks his “chosen” card. Photo 3, audience view. Ask the spectator to “remember
fingers and then dribbles the cards from hand to hand: Every single card the card.” As you do so, touch its face with the extended left fingers,
has become a Joker! jogging the selection slightly to your right, Photo 4, audience view.

Flipping the deck face down, the performer fans the cards showing that Square the deck, grasping a break above the selected card. This is easy,
one card has indeed been “flipped” or reversed in the fan. It is the chosen just pull down on the previously side-jogged selection. Give the deck
card! a complete cut at this point—bringing the selected card to the decks’s
top, and a Joker to the deck’s bottom.
“It’s only an illusion,” the performer comments, “fleeting.” Turning the fan
faces towards the audience, the performer now displays a regular deck As you introduce your “magical wild card, the Joker,” execute a Braue
of cards, all indifferent faces (with the reversed selection in situ). The Reverse: Take a right thumb break below the top card, at the same time,
Jokers are gone! cut about half the cards from the bottom of the deck, rotate the block
face up, and place it atop the deck. Photos 5 and 6. You have cut to a
PREPARATION: Joker, in time with your words.
This works with any standard Svengali Deck. The “force card” in your
deck can be designated a “magic card” or a “wild card”—you don’t need Immediately flip all the cards below the thumb break over (face up), and
to use Jokers. (It’s not that hard to get the required batch together—just then drop the right hand packet on top. Photos 7 and 8. These actions
have reversed the deck around the selected card (now about mid-way
in the deck). We’ve also flashed an indifferent
card during this part of the procedure—subtle
and consistent.

Discuss the Joker’s “wild powers and

attributes,” as you thumb the Joker from the
face of the deck and into the right fingers,
Photo 9. The action reveals an indifferent card
on the deck’s face. Perfect.
Photo 1 Photo 2
As you reach the point in your story when
discussing the Joker’s ability as a “wild card,
one that can take on the value of any card,”
drop the Joker face up onto the face of the
deck, Photo 10. Immediately lift the deck
from the left hand and perform a wide dribble
(allowing the cards to fall in pairs, from hand
to hand), showing all Jokers! Photo 11. It’s a
stunning moment.

Flip the deck face down and snap it into a

two-handed fan. This will reveal the selected
card “flipped” or face-up in the middle of the
otherwise face-down fan, Photo 12. Photo 3 Photo 4

Up-jog the selected card, but leave it in situ.

Photo 13. Now, turn the hand to reveal a
display of normal indices, the illusion having
only been “fleeting.” Photo 14. Note how the
fingers conceal the Joker on the face of the
fan. Keep the fan moving a little to avoid
the duplicate Joker indices from becoming
apparent.

The effect is easily reset by stripping the

selected card from the fan and placing it back
onto the bottom of the deck. You are now Photo 5 Photo 6
ready to perform for the next group, with a
different card being selected.

If you’ve enjoyed this, please do check out

Symmetry, Parity & The Chimera Deck. It’s brand
new, and consists of a lovely hardbound book
and three custom USPCC decks. All explore the
classic Svengali Deck in ways not considered
previously. We begin, for instance, by throwing
away Burling Hull’s traditional 26 “duplicate
force cards,” and asking: Is a Svengali Deck a
“Svengali Deck” when it has no set of duplicate
force cards? Grab a copy of the book and find
out: Throwing away the force cards is just the Photo 7 Photo 8
beginning of the journey! ■

www.wowbound.com
(Videos, blogs, books, ebooks)

Photo 9 Photo 10
Photo 11

Photo 12

Photo 13

Photo 14
 RICHARD WEBSTER

THE PENDULUM KNOWS

EFFECT:
A spectator is asked to write the name of a teacher who influenced
her greatly when she was at school. She writes names of other
teachers – real or imaginary – on four or five other cards. The cards
are mixed and placed on the table. The mentalist discards one at a
time as he tries to find the card with the influential teacher’s name
on it. He fails and asks the volunteer to mix them again. This time
the mentalist not only finds the card, but also divines the name of
the teacher who was so important in the volunteer’s life.

METHOD:
One of the cards is marked. This is handed to the volunteer to write
down the name of the teacher that influenced her most. Once she’s
done that, she writes the name of four or five other teachers on
other cards. The cards are mixed, and the mentalist deals them in a
line on a table.

He holds a hand over one of the cards and says, “It’s not this one.” He
picks it up and places it face down on the palm of his other hand.
(This is the marked card.) He places his hand above another card
and rejects it, too. He places this one face down on top of the card
on his palm. One by one, he rejects all the cards. It seems that he’s
failed. Using his free hand, he picks up the cards in his other hand,
and passes them to the volunteer and asks her to mix them up
again. While doing this, he reads the name on the bottom card.

While the volunteer is mixing the cards again, the mentalist

produces a pendulum and says he’ll see if he can do better using it.
The cards are laid out again, and the mentalist holds his pendulum
over each one in turn. The pendulum reacts differently over one of
them (the marked card), and the mentalist confidently announces
that it must be the card containing the influential teacher’s name.
He asks the volunteer to think of the teacher’s name, and after a few
moments of intense concentration, tells her what it is. The volunteer
picks up the card and sees that the mentalist (or maybe the
pendulum) not only picked the right card but somehow managed
to read her mind at the same time. ■
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 FELICITY FIELDS

A SQUIB
IN
THE WORLD
CARDS THAT TELL A STORY

I
n 2017 Rosemary Reid presented at the
Browser’s Bash, the world’s largest one-day
magic convention, where she put forward the
idea that the world of magic could be considered
a microcosm. A community that is regarded as
having miniature qualities of something much
larger. She later turned this talk into a video that
you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=gb6i8N1d2xY

But one of the issues in this microcosm is that the

statistics that are used in the larger world don’t
quite apply to our community. We are a smaller
group, with a different demographic. For instance,

76 NOVEMBER | 2022
it is calculated that the “real world” has a close women’s feelings and experiences in magic contacts in their towns and cities.” Discovering
to even 50/50 split of people born as male or was to ask them. And not just a few, but all new names became challenging around the
female, but our community isn’t 50% female. the female magicians she could find on the 350 mark, yet she forged ahead, eventually
Similarly, the statistics about experiences internet. ending the search with 561 names on her list.
of racism, discrimination, assault, etc. could
apply to our community, but we don’t know,
We now have the data! This month, I want to Writing the questions took a great deal
as we don’t have the numbers to compare. I,
explain how she found the data and present of time. Rosemary “consulted with trusted
along with several others, talk a big game on
the cards that help tell the story. In future female friends from in and out of magic, from
this whole “magic needs to be more inclusive”
issues we will take a closer look at the data. different generations, all providing their unique
thing. But in reality, our evidence for this is
and valuable advice.” These are the same
from personal experience and conversations
trusted friends that also gave insight into the
with fellow magicians. In our community some Rosemary started by trying to find a pathway
content of the survey and how it should be
would consider the personal narrative all the to encourage more girls and women on their
structured. “It’s essential to craft the questions
evidence we need, while others need to see magical journey. She realized that to find
the right way, so folks don’t get bored as they
the data to be convinced. But we have never that pathway she had to first know who was
go through the survey. Did you know that
had the numbers to see if we are making a already in our world and “understand how the
whether your survey is ten or 30 questions,
big fuss about nothing, or if we have a serious women in our community feel and what they
people are likely to spend the same amount
issue in our world. believe on these topics to help establish a united
of time answering the questions? This means
voice for the female magic community. It’s easy
choosing long answer responses carefully...
to ignore individuals but harder to ignore an
This a glaring issue that clearly needs to be Plus, you want to place potentially triggering
entire group.”
altered, and luckily someone noticed. or emotional questions strategically to avoid
frustration and ensure everyone makes it to
Rosemary spent months Googling to find the end. Otherwise, we risk the answers and
Rosemary Reid is a professional magician of
female magicians from across the globe. “I the data not being as thorough.” Because of
twenty-plus years and a playing card collector
wanted to do my best to include everyone so this, several questions had to be removed or
from Toronto, Ontario. She decided it was time
that we could accurately represent the culture rewritten to find the perfect combination.
to dig deeper and survey women in magic, to
of magic for women right now. I know I didn’t The questions ranged: how vocal are they
discover their feelings and sentiments about
reach everyone… for example, not all women about equality on social media; do they
participating in this industry. So, when the
magicians are searchable on Google. I owe many feel safe around other magicians; have
world shut down in 2020, Rosemary decided
thanks to magicians internationally for sharing they experienced racism/sexism; do they
to act. The only way to learn about other
NOVEMBER | 2022 77
 sent the data to the Senior Manager for Ad
Ops, Insights, and Planning at BBC Global
News, Yen Mac. Mac worked her own magic
and transformed the insane amount of data
Rosemary received into digestible statistics
that can be discussed, shared, and used as
the baseline of progress in our world. With 36
questions and 230 submissions, that calculates
to 8,280 answers, with a story behind each
one. Rosemary has a beautiful way of looking
at data. She talked about how the future and
past in magic are already being compared
to the present. She describes how together
“we all created a data point-in-time, against
which the future experiences of magicians
can be measured.” Having these statistics
communicates “we are here, we have been here,
and this is our experience.”

Once the responses and calculations came

feel a sense of sisterhood in magic? The list to give your name or remain anonymous back to her, Rosemary began thinking about
goes on. One question I found particularly in this, giving the participants the power to distributing this information to the magic
interesting was ‘Have you ever been asked if share their experience and keep their privacy. community. “It wasn’t long before the idea
you have/want children before, during, or after Rosemary expected many anonymous for using a deck of playing cards as a vehicle
a performance?’ Coming from a background responses, yet most chose to share their of information came about. It seems the
of studying and researching psychology and names along with their experiences. She perfect way to engage with magicians on an
human behavior, I can genuinely say Rosemary wanted to make sure that any data gathered important topic... We’re putting this information
did a great job asking a range of questions. I’m would be an accurate representation of our directly into their hands. Plus, a deck of cards
looking forward to diving into the answers and community. In the end, just under half of the also appeals to the collecting community.”
what they could mean for our industry. magicians on her list filled out the survey. Rosemary is a member of 52 Plus Joker, the
That’s 230 responses. Over ¾ of the responses world’s largest playing card collectors club.
were or are working magicians, with years of World-renowned magician and playing card
With questions in hand, Rosemary began
experience stretching from the newbies to expert, Lee Asher, is the President of 52 Plus
contacting all 561 magicians on her list. “I
the seasoned pros. But all the participants Joker and has worked closely with Rosemary
used every method at my disposal, including
identified as female or non-binary and throughout this project. For the couple of
voice notes, video messages, text messages,
identified as a magician! years, she’s written monthly articles for their
and e-mail. I wanted people to know that it
CARD CULTURE magazine. Her column is
wasn’t a scam or bot, but that I am one of their
titled the Real Deal and features leaders in the
colleagues in our industry.” There was an option After receiving all the submissions, Rosemary
world of playing cards (designers, producers,

78 NOVEMBER | 2022
industry specialists) who often go unnoticed the survey. But there was something in the created. You can support the Sisterhood
or underrepresented. way she spoke of the Queen of Diamonds, Project by clicking ‘Notify Me’ on their
the “Introspective Queen” that really shone Kickstarter page and following the prompts.
through. “She represents the importance of Rosemary explains “You’ll hear about early-
This idea of using playing cards to share
connecting to ourselves, setting boundaries, bird specials if you want to ‘back’ this project.
information marked the creation of Sisterhood
and reaching our unlimited potential... Actual Even if you don’t want a deck of cards, hitting
Playing Card Company (PCC). Created by
change happens in the hearts and minds of ‘Notify Me’ and following the prompts helps
professional magicians, Sisterhood PCC
individuals, and that’s where it must begin in the the project rank higher in the algorithms so it
hopes these custom-designed decks of
magic community, too.” gets seen by more people.”
cards will start essential conversations
about issues impacting women. Rosemary
noted a “clear ‘brotherhood’ presence in the These cards are intended to start a https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/
magic community… Yet, I’ve never heard conversation, to tackle the challenges sisterhood-cards/the-sisterhood-deck-of-
anyone talk about Sisterhood in magic in connected to discussing such sensitive topics. playing-cards
all my years as a magician. And I knew from Rosemary got a chance to demonstrate the
experience, and the data, that many women power of the SISTERHOOD deck at the 52 Plus
The launch of Sisterhood Playing Card
didn’t feel that.” Sisterhood PCC’s inaugural Joker playing card collector’s convention in
Company encourages new directions for the
deck, “SISTERHOOD” was born through the Pittsburgh, PA, at the beginning of October. “I
playing card industry. Like in magic, women
presentation of Rosemary’s data. A deck of was one of two women in the room with around
are severely underrepresented in the world of
cards that are an accurate representation 14 guys... I walked them through the concept
playing cards, too. Sisterhood PCC continues
of the women who took the survey and and art on the deck. The stories, experiences,
the conversation of equality for women
showcase the statistics through a medium that questions, and discussions that arose were
within the magic community. Rosemary took
we are all well versed in. But a simple deck of incredible. It seems few people present had
all the necessary steps to ensure that this
cards just wouldn’t cut it. ever had the opportunity to discuss these
information is accurate. Then, she created a
things in an easy, open, and relaxed way. It was
deck of cards to make it fun and easy to open
so encouraging! Many guys approached me
The court cards still have the traditional suits this conversation with others. We now have
throughout the weekend, asking me to share
and letters in the corner, but it isn’t a picture evidence to support the stories that have been
more. It was beautiful to see this idea taking
of a Jack or King. Instead, each court card is shrugged off as gossip for generations. The
shape in the real world.”
a Queen with each representing the issues data is statistically relevant and an accurate
that many women around the world, not representation of the magic community.
just in magic, could connect with. Kaitlynn You have the opportunity to be a part of
Copithorne, a renowned Canadian artist, and support this project as it moves into
illustrated the court cards and Jokers. The tuck production. It’s launching soon on Kickstarter;
box, back, and Ace of Hearts were created a funding platform for creative projects, Until next time…
by Canadian playing card designer Brendan full of innovative ideas that get brought to
Hong. life through the direct support of others.
Hundreds of custom playing card decks
are released here every year. Yet only some
Each Queen has a nickname and is connected
of them reach their funding goals and get
to one of the statistics from the survey.
Including my personal favorite,
the ‘Student Queen,’ represented
on the King of Hearts. She
stands for equal opportunity
and education for everyone,
and she means everyone. These
images are unlike any you have
seen on a playing card before.
When viewed in sequence
(Hearts, Spades, Diamonds,
Clubs) the court cards represent
a conventional journey through
life. For those who, like me, don’t
have a photographic memory,
the deck will include a printed
guide with all the names and
details behind the courts. As well
as access to a digital guide with
further detail. The intention of
this deck is “to be used as a vehicle
for education and empowerment.”

As the art director, Rosemary

feels connected to each of the
‘Queens.’ She spent time going
over every detail to showcase
a story that represents the
230 women who completed
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DESIGN
& EFFECT illusionplans.ca

WORKSHOP
PLAN
Design by
NIGEL HARRISON

BUNNY
BOX
The Magician's fluffy assistant appears
PLUS
Link to AR
from inside an empty hat box demo video
Bunny Box
BY NIGEL HARRISON

When Paul Romhany reached out asking if I would put something together
for the 100th edition of VANISH Magazine (thank you Paul), I immediately
went to my sketchbooks in search of that 'special something' I could share in
honor of this very special occasion.

Rabbit from Hat... one of those classics, if not The Classic, synonymous with
the Magician (in fiction & non) and agreeably the most famous effect in magic
history... is my trick of choice in celebration of VANISH's 100th Edition
Milestone.

What you will find on the following pages is not so much a routine, but
rather a unique twist on traditional staging, with non-traditional props,
designed to support a refreshed presentation of the legendary Rabbit from
Hat.

I extend my sincerest congratulations to Paul & VANISH. Here's to the next

100, and beyond.

02 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022 ILLUSIONPLANS.CA

 Bunny Box

IN EFFECT
On the stage, stands a thin wooden table reminiscent of a The back of the table has a frame, tiled with 2 wooden
vintage hall or entry table... a spot to throw the keys or panels, faced with a vintage wallpaper, for design. Hanging
hang your hat. from the front is a third panel with a hinged door (image 1)

The Magician, standing Stage Right of the table, rotates it

90 degrees to the left and right, giving the audience a
view through, under and 'around' the unit.

Moving Stage Left of the table, the Magician rotates the

table slightly toward the audience and begins to
demonstrate the nature of the panels by folding the Top
Rear panel, backward and down, forming the back of
what will soon be a box (image 2)

(notice the black inside faces of the wooden panels,

in contrast to the wallpaper)

03 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 PERFORMANC
2 4

Keeping the table in a state of motion, it is now rotated in the

opposite direction so the audience has a clear view under the
table, across the bottom shelf. In this position , the Magician
unfolds the Rear Bottom panels (two panels hinged together)
as a unit, forming the Front and Left walls of the box (image 3)

Once again rotating the table' approx. 90 or more degrees,

the Floor panel is hinged upward forming the Right wall of
the box (image 4)

At this point, the "load" now in place inside the box (image 5)
6

04 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 Bunny Box

7 THE
BUNNY
APPEARS

With the table now facing the audience, the

Front panel (hanging below the table's front
edge) is removed and placed on top of the
box, with the hinge to the rear of the box
(image 6)

The lid of the box is opened, and a silk top

hat is removed from within. After showing
the hat empty, it is placed on the table
beside the box (image 7)

The Magician again reaches in the box, this

time removing a beautiful white rabbit
which is then gently placed inside the top
hat (image 8)

END

Alternate: After producing the hat,

previous steps are reversed, unfolding
the box to it's original state, then
reconstructing to produce the bunny

05 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 Bunny Box

BY DESIGN
By design, I wanted the props facilitating the effect to be quickly became; "what if I constructed the box in front of the
just a interesting as the effect itself. What was originally audience?" and... "what if I were to produce the empty hat
intended to be a rabbit produced from an empty box, (hat from hat box), then produce the rabbit to be placed in
the hat?"

Each phase leads, I feel, logically to the next, and when

combined with the fluid movement of the table, creates a
charming and curious presentation.

1/4" plywood

The table is essentially a deceptive base, with one half

(under the box) open to the shelf below. The two sides
of the shelf are separated, in the center, by a two-sided
mirror that runs from the front edge to the back edge of
the shelf.

When the lid of the box is hanging from the front of the
table and the table is turned lengthwise to the audience,
the right side of the shelf appears to be empty due to the Lid of box
reflection in the mirror of the left side of the shelf.

The bunny is secured to the underside of the Right panel

of the box. The moment this panel is raised into position,
the lid can be removed from the front of table to show
the empty shelf in its' entirety.

06 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 1/4" Metal Frame.
Hinges along the top and
side edges facilitate movement
of the panels

1" Metal Frame

Mirror edges hidden by

center shelf support

There are two frames affixed to the back edge of the table top.
Each frame serves the same purpose, to hold, via hinges, edges
of the square wooden panels.

The larger of the two frames is 1" aluminum square tubing,

painted tp match the color of the table. I tend to lean toward a
Hinge nice walnut brown.

The smaller frame is 1/4" or 1/2" metal, painted black to blend. I

don't see a need for this frame to be obvious to the audience, as
it's purpose is purely functional.

The table itself is all constructed with 1/4" & 1/2" plywood. The
Hinge legs of the table are 1 1/2" square at the top, tapering to 1" at
the bottom.

The casters are 1 1/2" to 2" in diameter

07 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 Bunny Box

THE
TABLE
TOP

Mirror
Box tray

Black (inset 1")

TABLE & TRAY

The right half of the table top is open to
the shelf below. Separating the box
from the table top is a raised tray, sitting
on four 1/2" legs. Between these legs,
under the tray, is a 1/2" thick space
(faced in black felt) on all sides.

The tray and table are finished in the

same walnut brown.

Shelf

08 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 Bunny Box

09 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 Bunny Box

10 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

DOUBLE-
SIDED Load visible through
rear of table

MIRROR
Between the front and rear shelf supports are two mirrors, each 1/8"
thick, attached back-to-back creating a double-sided mirror. Each
mirror reflects its' side of the shelf. When the lid of the box is hanging
from the front of the table, the right-side of the shelf appears empty due
to the reflection in the left-side mirror.

Shelf Support

Shelf Support

11 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 BUNNY BAG
The bunny is held against the underside
of the right panel of the box by a "bag"
of fabric. This is made of black semi-
stretch fabric and attached via Velcro
and snaps (a type of tear-away bag).

The top hat (partially collapsed) sits over

the Bunny Bag, affixed with Velcro tabs.

When the box is fully assembled, the

Magician opens the lid, reaches inside
and removes the top hat, which expands
fully as it's removed.

Reaching back inside, the Magician

opens the snaps and tears the fabric
away from the bunny as it is pulled from
the box.

Bunny Bag attached to

underside of right panel of box

Bunny not visible due to mirror

12 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 Bunny Box

13 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022

 Bunny Box

AR MODEL

AR
MODEL

Augmented Reality Capture - Bunny Box (collapsed)

Scan the QR codes above to view AR demo videos This workshop plan has been made available for
of the Bunny Box props as they would appear full- personal collection and/or professional use.
size in real-life. Fabrication of these props for commercial resale
purposes is strictly prohibited.

The author does not assume any liability for injuries

stemming from the construction or use of this effect.
© Copyright 2022 Nigel Harrison Productions Use at own risk.

14 | BUNNY BOX • NOVEMBER 2022 ILLUSIONPLANS.CA

DAVE
ATTWOOD
KIDS MAGIC
When I made the reckless decision to start
entertaining children, I had no idea what I
was in for. There were no warning labels or
signs that would have prepared me for the
crazy notion of being a kid's magician. Before
you make the foolish decision to become a
children's entertainer, there are a few things
you should know about them.

1 Kids are mean

2 Kids are smart

and they started bouncing all over the place.
Before one begins down the bumpy road of The kids went into hysterics. I was embarrassed
becoming a family entertainer, it’s vital to but the kids didn’t care. They were laughing so
know that: kids are cruel; kids are mean; kids hard that they were almost peeing themselves.
are sticky, bitey grabby and have an ignorant
disrespect for the precious secrets of magic. If Kids are smart is not quite the right way to put
they see a move or something that they are not After that show, the parents congratulated me it. I think it is more accurate to say that kids are
supposed to see, they will point and scream on knowing exactly how to entertain a roomful diabolical.
and blurt it out. If you make a mistake, they will of kids. I was never going to admit that I was
laugh. If you drop something, they will laugh just clumsy. Instead I just said, with my lying
and if you hurt yourself, oh boy howdy will they hand on my lying heart, “I just love children so Do not walk into a birthday party show with the
laugh. Kids are cruel. much and know how to connect to them.” idea that you are going to be able to outsmart
your audience. They will pick up on it. They will be
insulted and they will resent you for it. Understand
After years of putting myself in the vulnerable Today, as I am crafting my show, I purposely that children are smarter than we adults give them
position of allowing these monsters to be in put in things that were once catastrophic credit for. If you underestimate your audience here,
charge, I have learned how to use their cruelty fumbles but are now a scripted part of the you will be in trouble. I remember clearly being a
against them. I know how horribly awful they comedy. Now they are part of the show so I can child and having the adults around me giving my
can be so now, in my show, I now use all of time the laughter and use their cruelty to my awareness less credit than it deserved. Don’t make
these as a weapon against them. I call it kid- advantage. I plan to drop things on the floor. the same mistakes other adults around them make.
magic-jujitsu. I plan to expose certain parts of the magic in
order to lead them down the garden path to a
magical conclusion. The entertainment has to be solid. Do not think that
When I started out, I was so nervous and jittery because you are standing before an audience of five
that I would drop things. One particular show, year olds that they do not have a sophisticated taste
I dropped my silicon multiplying billiard balls
in entertainment. Children, as never The children of today are far more
before, have so many entertainment aware than ever before. They have the
options and have learned to enjoy solid world of information at their fingertips.
story lines and meaningful comedy. The Couple that with that youthful need to
entertainment that you bring to your show off how smart they are with just
audience must be well rehearsed and a dusting of social ineptitude and you
sophisticated. have yourself a heckler that will disrupt
There was a time that cartoons were your show. These hecklers have little
little more than colorful lights on a regard for the social contract and are
television screen on Saturday morning. just looking to get a laugh from their
Today, you have the full weight of peers. Well, I guess if I am being honest,
Hollywood creating blockbuster, they are a lot like drunk hecklers in a
academy award winning full length nightclub. The difference here is that
feature films that kids have access to mom and dad are usually standing
twenty four seven. ten feet behind them smiling at how

CHILDREN, AS NEVER BEFORE, HAVE

SO MANY ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS"

More than anything else, the magic that precocious their little genetic progeny
you are performing has to be magical. is. This means that you can’t throw back
Because of all of the information that the same insults you can at the comedy
kids are exposed to, they are far more club.
sophisticated than even just twenty
years ago. Do not make the mistake of
When you are crafting your show,
thinking that just being silly is enough
ensure that the comedy is solid, your
for these diabolical miniature super-
script is rehearsed and the magic is
villains. A magical coloring book is fine
sophisticated enough for anyone in the
as filler but it must be performed with
room to feel the magic. Putting together
professionalism and expertise. The
a kid’s show is exactly the same as
story line must have meaning and the
putting on a stand up full theatrical
magic must have the wow factor that
magic show, with less card tricks, more
is powerful enough to entertain the
poop jokes and lots of farting.
grown ups in the room as well. Keep
your magic solid and your scripting
tight.
 DO EVERYTHING THAT YOU CAN TO KEEP CARDS
OUT OF YOUR MAGIC SHOW WHEN YOU ARE
PERFORMING FOR KIDS."

3 Kids don’t like cards

Kids don’t understand card magic and therefore don’t
5 Kids Have Adults
understand the nuances to why something magical has
taken place. Kids have adults and bring
them with them just about
I find it funny that when I am in a bar performing a everywhere they go. Al-
knuckle busting card routine, someone inevitably leans
in and says, “Do you do kid shows?” though the kids are usually
Children don’t get card magic. They’re too stupid. They the ones barking out orders
don’t understand the premise behind it. In normal and demanding happy
muggles’ homes they don’t have a closet filled to the
brim with seven different types of decks of cards all meals and more screen
organized according to their stock qualities or whether time, it’s the parents that ul-
they have a thick white border or not. Most normal
timately make the decision
people have a single deck of cards that they casually
threw into their shopping cart at the grocery store to to call the magician.
play crib with. In a normal home, children are forbidden It is vital to understand that
to touch them.
when you are performing for

Now here you come in, practicing your Elmsly count to children you are also per-

4
perfection and you start off your show with Twisting forming for the grown ups
the Aces routine. You are going to lose the kids. They
in the room. You are performing for the

Kids are
can understand the routine but it will bore them to
distraction. So, if you are planning on doing your principals, the teachers, the parents,
ambitious card routine, don’t. Throw it away.
gross the grandparents and the aunts and
uncles. It’s easy to believe that you
Do everything that you can to keep cards out of your
magic show when you are performing for kids. When are only working to “fool” children but
you are designing your show, look for things that are in fact you are being paid to entertain
I have found that kids
bright and colorful because cards are for smart people
think fart jokes are everyone in that room.
and kids are stupid.
hilarious. I find it dis- It is also important to understand that
Now all that being said, you can put cards into your gusting and completely the adults that the kids have in tow
show as long as you alter the premise of the cards. Kids are the ones writing the checks. The
are too stupid to understand a poker demonstration but beneath me. However,
if you were to put a bunch of pictures on blank cards when they are writing last thing you want to do is put on a
and have them choose a rainbow or a spider than you show where the decision maker in the
the checks, call me Mr.
could dumb it down for the kids to comprehend.
Farty McFartington. Kids room is thinking, “Well I could have just

are entertained by farts, stood up there and made fart jokes.”

burps, poop and zippers When you are hired to perform at a

that are undone. It would kid’s function, or any event at all, your

be wise to acquiesce to main job is to make the event planner

these carpet dwellers and feel confident that they made the right

design a show with a fart choice in hiring you.

or two in it.
Why shop at MJM?
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that embarked on this path before you; You will have conquered the
foundations and the finish line will be firmly in sight.

Price: $30.00 Memorizing the order of a deck of playing cards allows you to perform
Available: All magic dealers card miracles that appear TRULY impossible, even to other magicians. If
Wholesale: www.murphysmagic.com you're looking for magician foolers, this project is bursting with them!

What do the world's top 1% of card magicians and mentalists have in What's more, every effect taught in Forecast can be performed with
common? ANY memorized card stack. Craig uses the existing Mnemonica stack
by Juan Tamariz but you are welcome to create your own by shuffling
They have INSTANT recall of the position of ANY card in a memorized a deck into a random order and using that to begin your mem-deck
deck! journey.

And now you can, too. No more procrastinating. There has never been a better time to master
the mem-deck.
With a focus on prediction effects, master magician Craig Petty
has taken an underused principle in card magic and created a Are you ready to join the 1%?
monster masterclass demonstrating just how ridiculously powerful a
memorized deck can be. MY THOUGHTS:
Memorizing a deck of cards can be daunting for most magicians, but
Imagine instantly telling a spectator EXACTLY how many cards they those who take the time to memorize one know how powerful it can
fairly cut from a deck. be. If you've ever been put off because of the memory work involved,
Imagine PREDICTING the number of cards a spectator will cut before then THIS IS S MUST HAVE PRODUCT! The gimmick is perfect for those
they even do it. who don't want to learn a system or for those who want to have it on
Imagine performing the world's CLEANEST Card at Any Number them just in case they forget. What Craig offers here is a fantastic way
routine. for the novice or seasoned user of a memorized deck to never forget
You will learn all these effects and so many more. the order of the cards, and for me this made me want to learn the
system
But there's a catch.
You receive a packet with two special playing cards that are printed on
Memorizing a deck of cards is laborious and time consuming. It's why Bicycle and a link to an amazing tutorial. What I really liked about this is
so few magicians ever make the top 1% and why so many performers how he explains every aspect of this project and how they categorize
quit trying. them. Depending on your level with memorized deck you will find it
easy to get to the place you need to. There is so much material on here
that you will need to really take your time to MY THOUGHTS
digest it all. The way it has been put together
allows you to start at the beginning and once
you get confident with the material work
02 One of the things I really like about this is that
they say it is designed for any type of social
media or television. A lot of magic released
towards the more detailed tricks. is designed for this type of camera audience
and hopefully others will be more honest like
The first part of the download teaches you Artifie & Craft are. This made it easy to review
some basic information such as the different with that in mind.
stacks out there; note he shows the stack he
uses on the gaffed card, but the other card You receive the gimmicks all set and ready to
supplied will allow you to create your own go. These are not just regular bills but made
gaffed card if you have another stack you like form a strong material that won't break. A
to use. He will also show you some false cuts to nice addition are the two alternative parts of
give the impression you are mixing the deck. HUNDO HEIST BY ARTIFICE & CRAFT the gimmick so you can change the routine
to either having Franklin turn in to the face of
The first part of the teaching tricks section is Price: $29.95 Squid Games, or Salvador Dali. These are both
something you can do straight away. Craig Available: All magic dealers great alternatives and the download tutorial
shows you how to use the gimmick, so you Wholesale: www.murphysmagic.com will show you how to easily replace them with
don't have to memorize a deck of cards. This the blank version.
can be used two ways. If you don't want Imagine at your command you make Ben
to ever memorize a deck then just use this Franklin completely disappear from your note. For social media this is such a visual routine.
gimmick, or if you want to practice you can You take a bill from your wallet showing the
have this and use it, but the more you use Take it one step further and with no switch face, and instantly Ben Franklin disappears.
it the chances are you will automatically or shading handlings. You begin to blur your You then run your hand over the bill, and it
memorize the stack. audiences’ minds by transforming your bill then blurs the entire image of the bill front
into a blurred note. and back. You can then put it back in your
The tricks themselves are strong and could be wallet. As a social media trick this ticks all
used in a working act. There is a good variety This effect includes 3 highly visual $100 bill the boxes. If you practice it and rehearse it as
on here too, and not just the ACAAN style we transformation options to add to your social shown on the tutorial, you will get some great
often see. Having said that he does have some media videos and virtual show performances. feedback. It looks just like CGI but without the
great versions on here and my favorite is one expense.
called, "Storm Force Berglas." In the second transformation option you take
your $100 note and with a flick of the wrist you As mentioned, the gimmick is very well
Of particular interest is the way Craig uses the visually transform your bill from Ben Franklin constructed and is made from a material that
gaffed card to get a peek at what position a to Salvador Dali the world-renowned surrealist will last. It is printed with a US dollar $100 bill,
card is at so it's not so obvious you are looking artist. with Franklin on the front. Even if you don't
for something. The card itself is designed so use US currency it shouldn't matter for social
you can easily look at it and see the number In the 3rd option, when you want to create media. Nobody will know and it's more the
and card. a conversational piece, you pull out your visual effect they are focusing on. Because it
$100 bill and transform Ben Franklin into a is best performed for a camera you won't have
There is such great material on here your Squid note. Your audience will recognize this anybody asking to see it at the end.
main problem will be deciding which ones character from the famous Netflix®™ series.
to do. The last trick on here is his Invisible
deck routine which is the perfect opener for Each of these performance options can be
anybody using a memorized deck. He takes easily added onto your gimmick. Nothing to
one of the strongest tricks in magic and ditch or palm, the gimmick is completely self-
utilizes a memorized deck, and when you contained.
finish your stack is ready to go again.
The gimmick is precisely handcrafted and built
If you really want to impress people with card ready to perform out of the package.
magic, I think the memorised deck is one of It's not a paper gimmick that wears down over
the strongest tools we can learn. Craig has time, its specifically designed to be durable
taken the hard work out of it and given a and made from tear resistant material.
solution for everybody. This could possibly
be the best $30 value you've ever spent on This effect was created as an eye-catching
magic!! opener to add to your favorite money routines.
Hundo Heist will allow you to create highly
visual bill transformations at the tip of your
fingers, so visual it looks like CGI, but it's not.

INSIDE THE PACKAGE

(1) $100 prop bill gimmick.
Each package contains 3 optional
performance gimmicks to transform to a Blank
note, Dali Note or Squid Note.
The gimmick also is constructed of the blurred
$100 note change.
 to get yourself a black lighter. They are made of a tough plastic so
definitely built to last. They easily slip over your lighter and can be

03 always on you. This is the great thing about this trick - all you need
is a deck of cards and the lighter and you are ready to go. The larger
one is great for gigs where you want to have several different cards
chosen. One side gives you a 3, King and 7 while the other gives you
clubs, hearts, spades, and diamonds. The smaller gimmick will fit over
the small lighter and just give you a 3 and a heart. The numbers are
designed in

The download tutorial is about 30 minutes and taught by Gregory

Wilson. As usual Gregory does a good job with the teaching, and you
get lots of live performances which is always good to see. You will need
to learn how to force a card, and if you don't know how he will teach his
favorite method.

A great routine that is different than anything people would have

seen. The 'dirty' work is done long before they are aware of what is
happening, and you start and end clean.

This trick has a long history starting in the 70's and Tim has brought
something different to the table with this product. It's well worth
checking out and if you do any type of walk-around seriously get this in
your repertoire.

WHERE: Designed for walkabout performances or close-up.

WHO: If you are old enough to use a lighter and can force a card you
could do this. Very little skill is required - it's more about acting and
giving the impression you burnt your fingers which have left blisters on
your fingers.

BANDED BY TIM TRONO

Price: $24.95
Available: All magic dealers
Wholesale: www.murphysmagic.com

04
IMAGINE: You show a painful looking blister on your thumb from
your last attempt at this hazardous stunt. Someone selects a card and
concentrates on it while gazing into the flame of your lighter. You
pinch the flame, and the bubbling blister magically morphs into the
configuration of their card. In other words, the image of their thought
appears fried into the flesh of your fingertips--seared into your sizzling
skin - Branded!

This gimmick takes over where the other gimmicks left off. It's now a
very practical, easy, no-nonsense method that happens in the open,
with nothing to hide! No more pocket management. No more public
displays of affection. No more unwanted glances.

With Branded, you'll leave the room in a blaze of glory!

INCLUDES:
THE HAUNTED KEY DELUXE BY MURPHYS MAGIC
Online Instructions
PRICE: $14.95
Precision-made Gimmick.
AVAILABLE: All magic dealers
Downloadable Instructions in Japanese, French, and Spanish.
WHOLESALE: www.murphysmagic.com
ADVANTAGES:
The Haunted Key is a classic of magic, and for good reason, It looks like
No pocket work.
REAL Magic!
New design of realistic numbers and pips.
Includes gimmicks for BOTH regular and mini–Bic Lighters (Bic Lighter
Murphy's Magic is proud to present the Haunted Key Deluxe!
NOT included)
Effect:
MY THOUGHTS:
Imagine placing an old Key on the palm of your hand and without any
This has been around for a while but it's always good to re-look at older
strings, wires, magnets, electronics, etc. the key starts to move on its
effects that still get great reactions today. You receive two gimmicks
own!!! Turning 180 degrees right in the palm of your hand!! A seriously
that fit over regular lighters. The gimmicks are black, so you just need
spooky and mystifying effect that can be handed out at any time for
complete inspection. You need NO body-hookups, NO extra gimmicks

05
and there are NO lighting issues.

The problem with most haunted keys is that they don't look old or
"Haunted"... The Haunted Key Deluxe looks and feels the part.

BONUS!
Also, included is a full tutorial on bonus effects that can be performed
with the Haunted Key Deluxe. With some of these effects you may need
extra items to perform with.

The Haunted Key Deluxe fits right into your pocket and can be
performed in many different environments, making this one of the
most versatile gimmicks you can have on you.
Aged Patina
Perfectly Balanced
Large Size SOCKS HOLIDAY EDITION - BY MICHEL HUOT
Multi-Effect Tutorial
Fits in Pocket PRICE: $40.00
Take Anywhere AVAILABLE: All magic dealers
WHOLESALE: www.murphysmagic.com
MY THOUGHTS:
The Haunted Key can create an eerie feeling and is so simple to do.
Murphy’s have released a great looking key that looks like it came from MY THOUGHTS:
an old house. It has a rusty look and is a good weight to it. Because the I reviewed the original version when it was first released and loved it
key is made for this routine, they have weighted it just right so there is and now with Christmas around the corner this is the perfect trick for a
no visible move on your part and the key will move by itself. You can parlor or close-up situation. You get everything you need including two
control the movement as taught on the download tutorial. special packets of cards with socks on them, the Christmas socks, and
the excellent online tutorial.
The tutorial is 30 minutes and has a variety of routines. The real secret to
making this look so good is doing it slowly. This key is perfect for that, The cards are printed on high quality stock and come in a highest
and the first routine teaches a basic handling but has a great premise quality card wallets I've seen. This will protect the cards for a long time.
where the spectator can control the movement of the key with their The images on the socks are all festive and are a little over the top but
mind. that is what Christmas is about. You could perform this routine month
prior to Christmas and make a joke about getting your ornaments out
They also teach ideas that take the key off your hand including one now, etc. like they do at most major shops. Some countries such as
where the key is placed on the side of the table. This looks spooky, and New Zealand also celebrate mid-year Christmas in July when it is winter,
you will need a little something extra to make work. so this would suit any theme based around the holiday season.

Another idea is using the haunted key to find the card on a table. If you This is an effect you usually see on stage, so this close-up routine is
combine this with a Tarot deck you will have a great routine for bizarre a welcome to a great premise. Two packets of cards are shown. Each
magic. They also teach a routine where cards are placed in a clock card has a different sock on it and, despite the fact they are randomly
fashion and the key moves around to find it. shuffled, and your spectator chooses when to stop as you deal through
them, you somehow will manage to find the only perfect match pair.
This is one of the best keys I've seen for using in a Haunted Key routine
and if you know the power that this can have then I suggest you get However, something goes wrong! When you turn over the two cards
this one. It comes in a padded box that is good to transport it. they stopped on, the socks don't match! Thankfully, you're a magician
and can fix this. That's when you lift your pant legs and reveal that
I would highly recommend checking out some of the work already you're wearing the mis-matched pair of socks they stopped on.
published on the Haunted Key, by Richard Webster and Neale Scyrer.
I suggest looking at Scryer's Seers by Richard Webster. This book has What I love about this is the magic goes wrong premise making the
over 15 key effects using the haunted key – never seen before. Imaging final reveal a real surprise. They won’t see this coming which is why it
doing a parlor or walk-around using only one haunted key. If you get plays so well. The method is the same as the original other than this
The Haunted Key Deluxe, then definitely look at getting this book. is holiday themed. This can be a great trick for a variety of situations
from close-up to a parlor show. The socks are a great quality and will
last a long time, and Michel even teaches you how-to put-on socks. I
WHERE? A great routine for walk-around, close-up and even bizarre remember learning this from the original and he is correct when he says
magic. knowing the right way will make socks last a lot longer. The tutorial is
35 minutes and easy to follow. The method is clever and within reach of
WHO? This is very easy to do and if you have a hand you can do this. To a novice to seasoned professional. You will learn a few ways to force the
really sell this you need to fully understand why this can be strong, and cards and if you have your own method, you can use that. There is also
it's not just about turning a key in your hand. The Haunted Key can get a bonus routine by Liam Montier with another version with cards that
a strong reaction if your story and acting is good. It can connect to your is well worth checking out. Regardless of which method you use this
audience but you need to know how to do it. is a great trick and the premise with socks is a real novelty and packs a
surprise ending. Very highly recommended.
 With retails prices being so low I can also see these as the perfect
give-a-way for magicians at birthday parties or back of room sales. If
you have a Wholesale account with Murphys and you sell magic then
obviously you get the wholesale price.

For me this series far exceeds any beginner magic trick I've seen both in
the quality and the packaging and onlline tutorials.

LETS LOOK AT THE FIRST FOUR TRICKS.

TIME MACHINE - THE APPRENTICE SERIES

PRICE: $8.95
AVAILABLE: ALL MAGIC DEALERS
WHOLESALE: WWW.MURPHYSMAGIC.COM

NOTE: Over the past decade I have reviewed a large number of tricks
for beginners and various beginner magic kits. This new series by THE TIME MACHINE is a classic fun magic trick reimagined for today's
Murphys is by far the best quality and product I have seen for anybody audiences!
wanting to get started in magic. Not only are the products much higher
quality than what we are used to seeing in a beginner magic kit, but the EFFECT:
instructions not only teach via an online tutorial how to do the trick In this version, you show a mysterious timepiece. An audience member
BUT also giving a story line so the kids can understand presenation is SECRETLY sets it to ANY TIME in the future. While your back is turned the
important. timepiece is placed inside THE TIME MACHINE by your spectator. Then,
it is handed back to you. You then travel into the past and divulge time
Over the next few months VANISH will be reviewing the entire range of they had chosen moments earlier!
Aprentice Magic series. We will also have my eleven year old son Jon-
Paul doing some video reviews. Tricks that are made for this age should This is an AMAZING magic trick to perform for any audience!
be reviewed by this age!! Having said that these could be great for
teachers or adults who want something easy to show kids because ALL All Apprentice products come complete with all necessary props, online
of these will fool kids and adults. instructions as well as a great storyline to capture the imagination of
your audience. The Apprentice Line of magic is focused on beginners
yet, many professional magicians around the world use these same
tricks in their live shows. Learn magic the right way with the Apprentice
Line of magic!
EASY TO PERFORM!
SELF WORKING!
NO SLEIGHT OF HAND!
EASY TO LEARN!
ONLINE VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS!
ALL PROPS INCLUDED!
PERFORMANCE TIPS!
STORY / PATTER INCLUDED!
GREAT QUALITY!

MY THOUGHTS:
A terrific trick that is a great introduction to a mindreading style routine. THE MUMMY - THE APPRENTICE SERIES
Something I will talk about with all of these are the high quality. This PRICE: $8.95
trick is great because the magician hands out a clock and the spectator AVAILABLE: ALL MAGIC DEALERS
can choose any time then puts it in the safe. The magician can instantly WHOLESALE: WWW.MURPHYSMAGIC.COM
tell the time that was chosen.
THE MUMMY has returned!
To test this out JP watched the tutorial then performed it. It was easy
for him to understand and follow. He is 11 years old to give you an idea. EFFECT:
The download tutorial was very clear and engaging enough to keep his
attention. He fully understood the method and how it worked. After a In this fun version of the effect, you show three different colored
little practice he felt confident enough to give his first trial for family. Mummies (red, blue and yellow) and a black Sarcophagus. You tell the
Since the review video he has put more into his presentation and by story of three different Egyptian Mummies (Nefertit, Cleopatra and
going back to the download is able to follow the story line and even Nitigret).
come up with his own.
While your back is turned (you can even be out of the room) an
WHO? Anybody who can follow instructions can learn this. The audience member places one of the Mummies into the sarcophagus.
important thing is how the performer gives the instructions to the you walk back into the room, and you immediately know what Mummy
spectator. I would say a child who understands numbers at about age Queen they placed inside! A fun, great mind reading trick! VERY easy to
8 onwards could do this. It is important to pracitce to make sure the do!
sneaky part isn't seen.
All Apprentice products come complete with all necessary props, online
WHERE? This can be great for kids to do for friends, as part of a larger instructions as well as a great storyline to capture the imagination of
act if they need to put on a show. The tutorial does a great job teaching your audience. The Apprentice Line of magic is focused on beginners
how to put this together in a routine. yet, many professional magicians around the world use these same
tricks in their live shows. Learn magic the right way with the Apprentice
Line of magic!

EASY TO PERFORM!
SELF WORKING!
NO SLEIGHT OF HAND!
EASY TO LEARN!
ONLINE VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS!
ALL PROPS INCLUDED!
PERFORMANCE TIPS!
STORY / PATTER INCLUDED!
GREAT QUALITY!

MY THOUGHTS:
This one is a REAL fooler and the method is so clever I doubt most
magicians would know the secret. The props are extremely well made
and doesn't have that cheap plastic feel about it that we often see in
beginner magic kits. These are high quality and solid props. When you
hold it you feel like it’s something you are proud to perform.

The premise of this opens some great themes for kids to do a fun
presentation based around Mummies and Egypt. This is something I
know kids love and adding this mystery mind reading aspect makes it
even more exciting. Once you know the secret this can be done over
and over.

The download tutorial is 15 minutes and very high-quality production

value. They go over the story line and make it easy for the child to
learn. This trick needs to be done on a flat surface, but the performer
doesn't touch the tomb at all. This is a great introduction into the world
of mentalism for the beginner. I can also see this as a great trick for
a teacher or adult to perform on students. These kits can be used in
such a variety of ways from teaching to sparking an interest in magic.
If I were teaching, I would use this to talk about Egypt, etc. and really
engage the class. For kids who want to be able to do something
incredible this is the perfect trick. It's one of my favorites in the series
because it fooled me!! It can fit in to a pocket and these aren’t pieces
that can get lost easily like others. I suggest keeping the box it comes in
so you can keep it all together.

The packaging really grabs your attention, and it was one of the first
ones my son wanted to open. The props do all the work for you and
once you know the secret you can do this at quite a distance from the
tomb. You never see what is inside the box or see what the two left are THE GHOST - THE APPRENTICE SERIES
in the spectator's hands.
Price: $8.95
JP really loved this as you will see in his review below. It was easy for Available: All magic dealers
him to learn, and you can do it over and over and there is no way Wholesale: www.murphysmagic.com
anybody will find out the secret. JP gave this 10/10 in his rating scale.
THE GHOST is a stunningly visual magic trick and is extremely easy to
For $8.95 this is really great value for money. Whoever designed this perform!
entire product line has given everything a lot of thought into every
minute detail. The packaging really grabs your attention, the story line EFFECT:
is great, and the actual props are extremely well made.
In this version, you show two yellow rings (the walls of a haunted
house) and a round disk (the roof ).

You place a coin on the black mat (included) and stack the two rings
around the coin as well as cover everything with the disk, making a
"Haunted House"! You ask the ghost to go into the house and take the
coin away! Next, you lift the "roof" off the rings and show the coin has
completely VANISHED!

Lastly, you place the disk back on the rings and invite the ghost to
return the coin. You lift the rings and the disk and show the coin has
magically RETURNED!

All Apprentice products come complete with all necessary props, online
instructions as well as a great storyline to capture the imagination of
your audience. The Apprentice Line of magic is focused on beginners
yet, many professional magicians around the world use these same
tricks in their live shows. Learn magic the right way with the Apprentice
Line of magic!
EASY TO PERFORM!
SELF WORKING!
NO SLEIGHT OF HAND!
EASY TO LEARN!
ONLINE VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS!
ALL PROPS INCLUDED!
PERFORMANCE TIPS!
STORY / PATTER INCLUDED!
GREAT QUALITY!

MY THOUGHTS:
This is a classic magic trick, but the props supplied make it extremely
deceptive even close-up. This comes with a little black mat, two
bright yellow rings, and a disk with question marks on both sides. The
performer can borrow a coin and talk about how ghosts can make
things vanish, and that you will try and get the ghost to do its work. The
coin is covered with the ghost catcher and sure enough it goes only to
reappear a few minutes later.

I love the story lines of all these tricks. You get a download tutorial
and this super easy to do trick literally works by itself. This means the
performer (child or adult) can really work on an interesting story line
that will create mystery and intrigue.

Once again, the filming and production are first rate, and the quality
of the products of the highest quality. The yellow rings are seamless
which might not go noticed by anybody but if you have seen cheaper
versions, you know these little things are what makes the difference in
quality. The method is extremely simple and can be done by anybody.
You can't let them examine the rings but really with the story and
setting this up they won’t ask about the rings. In the tutorial you will
learn how to casually show everything so there is no need to hand
anything out.

If you know the method, then you will know how important it is for
certain things to be exactly right. They have certainly done that and
provided the best material in that respect. You could look as close as
you like to the gimmick in action and never spot anything.

What did JP think?

JP enjoyed this and had some great stories about ghosts. It really got
his attention. He did need to practice it a little bit more than some of
the others because the rings hid the gimmick so well. Watch the video
to see his thoughts and quick performance.
 The EVOLUSHIN Magic kit
by Shin Lim is the most innovative
and exciting Magic Kit on the market!

Most magic kits put focus on the "toys"

in the kit and not the person performing
them. Shin Lim has developed a magic
kit focused on the beginner, which
makes YOU the star of the show!

Shin did this by creating and adapting

SECRET TOOLS that will make you
look like you have spentyears
learning difficult sleight of hand.
The EVOLUSHIN kit will make
you look like a professional
Magician because all the tricks
are professional level!
Each trick has been handpicked
to bring you the MAXIMUM
response from your audience!

EVERYTHING IS EASY
TO LEARN AND PERFORM

https://www.murphysmagic.com/evolushin
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NOV. 2022

#100

THE
VAN HARGEN
TWINS