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LEARN MAGIC
BE AN MAGICIAN
The teaching of performance magic was once a
secretive art. Professional magicians were unwilling to share knowledge
with anyone outside the profession to prevent the laity from learning
their secrets. This made it difficult for an interested apprentice to
learn magic beyond the basics. Some had strict rules against members
discussing magic secrets with anyone but established magicians.
From the 1584 publication of
Reginald Scot's Discoverie of Witchcraft until the end of the
19th century, only a few books were available for magicians to learn the
craft. Books remain extremely useful today, and are still considered the
best way for a student to learn magic. Videos and DVDs are a newer medium
of tuition, which many inexperienced magicians rely on as a primary source
of information; in reality, many of the methods found in this format are
readily found in previously published books. However, they can serve
useful as a visual demonstration.
Nowadays, magicians can join magic
clubs. Here magicians, both seasoned and novitiate, can work together
and help one another for mutual improvement, to learn new techniques, to
discuss all aspects of magic, to perform for each other — sharing advice,
encouragement and criticism. Before a magician can join one of these
clubs, they usually have to perform an audition. The purpose is to show to
the membership that they are a magician and not just someone off the
street wanting to discover magical secrets.
The world's largest magic organization is the
International Brotherhood of Magicians; it publishes a monthly
journal,
The Linking Ring. The oldest organization is the
Society of American Magicians, of which
Houdini was a member. In London, England, there is
The Magic Circle which houses the largest magic library in Europe.
Also
PSYCRETS - The British Society of Mystery Entertainers, which caters
specifically to mentalists, bizarrists, storytellers, readers,
spiritualist performers, and other mystery entertainers. The
Magic Castle in Hollywood is home to the
Academy of Magical Arts.
Types of magic performance
Magic performances tend to fall into a few specialities or genres.
A
mentalist on stage in a mind-reading performance, 1900
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Stage illusions are performed for large audiences, typically
within an auditorium. This type of magic is distinguished by large-scale
props, the use of assistants and often, exotic animals such as elephants
and tigers. Some famous stage illusionists, past and present, include
Harry Blackstone, Sr.,
Howard Thurston,
Chung Ling Soo,
David Copperfield,
Siegfried & Roy, and
Harry Blackstone, Jr..
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Platform magic (also known as Cabaret magic or
Stand-up magic) are terms used to describe magic performed for a
medium to large audience. Night club magic and comedy club magic are
also examples of this form. The use of illusionettes (small table top
illusions) is common. The term Parlor magic is sometimes used but is
considered pejorative. This genre includes the skilled manipulation of
props such as billiard balls, card fans, doves, rabbits, silks, and
rope. Examples of such magicians include Jeff McBride, Penn & Teller,
David Abbott, Channing Pollock, Black Herman, and Fred Kaps.
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Micromagic (also known as Close-up magic or Table
Magic) is performed with the audience close to the magician,
sometimes even one-on-one. It usually makes use of everyday items as
props, such as cards and coins (see Coin magic) and seemingly
'impromptu' effects. This is also called "table magic" particularly when
performed as dinner entertainment. Ricky Jay and Lee Asher, following in
the traditions of Dai Vernon, Slydini, and Max Malini, are considered among the foremost practitioners of close-up
magic.
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Escapology is the branch of magic that deals with escapes from
confinment or restraints.
Harry Houdini is a well-known example of an escape artist or
escapologist.
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Mentalism creates the impression in the minds of the audience
that the performer possesses special powers to read thoughts, predict
events, control other minds, and similar feats. It can be presented on a
stage, in a cabaret setting, before small close-up groups, or even for
one spectator. Magicians in this field include Alexander, Theodore
Annemann, Banachek, David Berglas, Derren Brown, Kuda Bux, Bob Cassidy,
Chan Canasta, Corinda, Joseph Dunninger, Uri Geller, Luke Jermay,
Kreskin, Al Koran, Max Maven, Richard Osterlind, The Piddingtons, Ehud
Segev, and The Zancigs.
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Theatrical Séances is that aspect of magic that simulates
spiritualistic or mediumistic effects. This is meant purely as theatre
and not meant to "conjure up spirits." This is an aspect of stage magic
that is often misused by charlatans who pretend to actually be in
contact with spirits.
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Children's magic is performed for an audience primarily composed
of children. It is typically performed at birthday parties, preschools,
elementary schools, Sunday Schools or libraries. This type of magic is
usually comedic in nature and involves audience interaction as well as
volunteer assistants.
- Online magic tricks were designed to function on a computer
screen. The computer essentially replaces the magician. Some online
magic tricks recreate traditional card tricks and require user
participation, while others, like Plato's Cursed Triangle are based on
mathematical, geometrical and/or optical illusions. One such online
magic trick, called Esmeralda's Crystal Ball, became a viral phenomenon
that fooled so many computer users into believing that their computer
had supernatural powers, that Snopes dedicated a page to debunking the
trick.
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Mathemagic is an aspect of stage magic that combines magic and
mathematics. It is commonly used by children's magicians and mentalists.
- Corporate Magic or Trade Show Magic uses magic as a
communication and sales tool, as opposed to just straightforward
entertainment. Corporate magicians may come from a business background
and typically present at meetings, conferences and product launches.
They run workshops and can sometimes be found at trade shows, where
their patter and illusions enhance an entertaining presentation of the
products offered by their corporate sponsors. The pioneer performer in
this arena is Eddie Tullock.
Current Corporate Magicians include Charles Greene, Bill Herz and Danny
Orleans.
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Gospel Magic uses magic to catechize and evangelize. Gospel Magic
was first used by St. Don Bosco to interest children in 19th century
Turino, Italy to come back to school, accept assistance and to attend
church.
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Street magic is a form of street performing or busking that employs
a hybrid of stage magic, platform and close-up magic, usually performed
'in the round' or surrounded. Notable modern street magic performers
include Jeff Sheridan and Gazzo. The term "street magic" has recently
(since the first David Blaine TV special "Street Magic" aired in 1997)
come to be used to describe a style of "guerilla" performance where
magicians approach and perform for unsuspecting members of the public on
the street. Unlike traditional street magic, this style is almost purely
designed for TV and gains its impact from the wild reactions of the
public. Magicians of this type include David Blaine, Criss Angel and
Cyril Takayama.
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Bizarre magic uses mystical, horror, fantasy and other similar
themes in performance. Bizarre magic is typically performed in a
close-up venue, although some performers have effectively presented it
in a stage setting. Charles Cameron has generally been credited as the
"godfather of bizarre magic." Others, such as Tony Andruzzi, contributed
significantly to its development.
- Shock magic is a genre of magic that shocks the audience,
hence the name. Sometimes referred to as "geek magic," it takes its
roots from circus sideshows, in which "freakish" performances were shown
to audiences. Common shock magic or geek magic effects include eating
razor blades, needle-through-arm, string through neck and
pen-through-tongue. Magicians known for performing shock magic include
Criss Angel, Andrew Mayne, Sean Fields, and Brian Brushwood.
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