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  • Is Magic for Humans fake and staged? Or a real show?

    Magic for Humans is a huge hit on Netflix but some people are wondering if it's real or fake? QUESTION: Is Magic for Humans Real or Fake? ANSWER: It's real! That means Magic for Humans films authentic reactions on the streets of Los Angeles and doe not use any camera tricks. There are NO actors, NO paid stooges, NO CGI, or NO special editing. The host of Magic for Humans, magician Justin Willman recently said: "No one is hired or paid to act amazed or do or say a certain thing, everyone is just pulled off the street. Everyone's real, and nothing is accomplished with fancy CGI or anything of that. Obviously ethically, but mostly because we can't afford it." In a recent TV Guide article, magician Justin Willman talks about skeptics and people asking if the show is real or fake said "...we're definitely not taking the easy way out" and whether he has magic powers, Justin Willman says, "I don't have powers. But what you are seeing is not the result of camera trickery or people pretending." "Before TV magic was a thing, most people were in the audience live and obviously they know there's a trick happening. So when people are like, 'Oh it's not real,' no, it's not real. I don't have powers. But what you're seeing is not the result of camera trickery or people pretending to be amazed. I have an incredible team of magic minds and comedy minds who I work with to really put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into creating the stuff on screen and we're definitely not taking the easy way out." (Source: TV Guide) Does Justin Willman have a twin brother? No. Justin Willman does not have a twin brother. Justin Willman was born July 11, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri. He began performing magic at age 12 after he broke both his arms. His orthopedic surgeon recommended he learn card tricks as an alternative to occupational therapy. His mom recommended the name Justin Kredible which he used as his stage name performing for friends, family and birthday parties. Justin Kredible and Justin Willman are the same person. He doesn't have a twin. Magic for Humans is currently streaming on Netflix What do you think of Magic for Humans on Netflix?

  • What magician shares his stage name with a Charles Dickens classic novel?

    What magician shares his stage name with a Charles Dickens classic novel? Do you know the answer? If not, don't worry. We'll reveal it. What magician shares his stage name with a Charles Dickens classic novel? The magician who shares his stage name with Charles Dicken's classic novel David Copperfield is magician David Kotkin. David Kotkin changed his name to David Copperfield at age 18 after leaving university to star in The Magic Man in Chicago because he liked its sound. David Copperfield (illusionist) has been called "The Greatest Illusionist of our time" by Oprah Winfrey, and Forbes describes him as the most commercially successful magician in history. David Copperfield vanished the Statue of Liberty, walked through the Great Wall of China, and won 21 Emmy Awards and 11 Guinness World Records for his unique combination of storytelling and magic. WATCH: The story of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD re-imagines Charles Dickens’ classic ode to grit and perseverance through the comedic lens of its award-winning filmmakers— giving the Dickensian tale new life for a cosmopolitan age with a diverse ensemble cast of stage and screen actors from across the world. Emmy® winners and Oscar® nominees Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell lend their wry yet heart-filled storytelling style to revisiting Dickens’ iconic hero on his quirky journey from impoverished orphan to burgeoning writer in Victorian England. Answer: David Copperfield

  • Best Magic Podcasts for Magicians

    Magician podcasts are a great way to stay connected with the latest magician news, interviews and magic topics. Here's a listing of the best magician podcasts! We asked our members of Magician Masterclass what magician podcasts they listened to regularly, the top five podcasts were Magicians Talking Magic, The Magic Word Podcast, Discourse in Magic, The Insider Podcast and Successful Performer Podcast. This is a comprehensive resource for the best magic podcast for magicians and fans of the art of magic. Whether you are a fan of magic, an enthusiast, a semi-pro or a professional magician, there's a great podcast for you! Best Magician Podcasts There is no better way to stay up-to-date and connected to the magic industry than a podcast. Download on demand all the latest news, magician business tips and advice, and interviews with the biggest names in magic, conveniently on your own schedule. All of these podcasts share unique discussions with magicians around the world. Scott Well's podcast for example well known for his fantastic magician convention coverage, Shezam answers the question "What is it like to be a woman in magic?" and the Magician Talking Magic Podcast shares interviews and magician business advice. These podcasts are created explicitly for magicians and fans of the art of magic. Top 14 Magician Podcasts (Alphabetical) Conversations with Close Michael Close Discourse in Magic Jonah Babins Magicians Advice Phil Taylor & Ian Brennan Magician Business Ken Kelly & Julian Mather Magicians Talking Magic Podcast Ryan Joyce & Graeme Reed Magic Talk James Lanteigne Penguin Magic Podcast Penguin Magic Shezam Podcast Kayla Drescher Successful Performercast Podcast Kris Sheppard The Insider Vanishing Inc The Magic Detective Podcast Dean Carnegie The Magic Word Podcast Scott Wells The Variety Artist Podcast John Abrams Two Magicians One Mic Nick Paul *Special Mention*: Penn's Sunday School Penn Jillette Penn regularly discusses magic, magicians and general magic concepts on his podcast. Here is a complete listing of all the magician podcasts currently available. We've also included the status. Some of the podcasts, like the Magicians Podcast, are no longer in production but still offer their episodes for download. List of the Best Magician Podcasts Here is a complete guide to magician's podcasts available now for download! The Magic Word https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com By Scott Wells A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full-Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells Status: Active | Frequency: Weekly Discourse in Magic http://discourseinmagic.com/home/ By Jonah Babins We help magicians improve their performing and marketing abilities by studying magic theory from those who’ve walked the walk. Status: Active | Frequency: | 60 min Conversations with Close https://anchor.fm/michaelclose By Michael Close On these podcasts, you’ll hear me interview magicians from around the planet: the industry’s best performers, creators, and innovators. I try to ask questions designed to spark robust discussions, giving you information and insights you won’t find anywhere else. Status: Active | Frequency: Monthly Magicians Talking Magic https://magicianstalkingmagic.com By Ryan Joyce & Graeme Reed A podcast for magicians and fans of the art of magic. As seen through the sleeves of two professional magicians. Weekly news, reviews and updates keep magicians connected to the world of magic. Status: Active | Frequency: Bi-Weekly | 30 & 45 min Successful Performer Podcast Kris Sheppard http://successfulperformercast.com/ Weekly Interviews with Professional Entertainers Status: On Hiatus Shezam https://www.shezampod.com/ By Kayla Drescher Join professional Magicians Kayla Drescher for this funny, feminist podcast about the world of magic Status: Active | Frequency: Weekly Magician Business https://magicianbusiness.com/ By Ken Kelly & Julian Mather We aim to bring you relevant tips, tricks and strategies that are current and focused on the entertainment industry. We are Ken Kelly and Julian Mather, two different people with one aim to bring you marketing ideas that lead to a happier, freer life with enough income for you to do what you love. Status: No Update Since February Two magicians. One mic. https://twomagiciansonemic.podomatic.com/ By Nick Paul Inspired by podcasts such as WTF and Nerdist, Two magicians One Mic tries to dissect magic and observe it from the performance perspective. We aren't interested in how the trick works, we want to know what the performance process was. Status: Active | Frequency: Bi-Monthly The Magicians Podcast https://magicianspodcast.podbean.com/ By Richard Young Informal interviews with the biggest names in magic. These episodes are no longer in production but Richard went out with a bang interviewing David Copperfield, Chris Kenner and Homer Liwag. Don't miss these interviews. Status: Ended Magicians Advice Podcast https://magiciansadvice.libsyn.com/ By Phil Taylor & Ian Brennan Magicians advice podcast is for magicians looking to improve the quality of their performance and to get a deeper understanding of this art we call magic. Hosted by Phil Taylor & Ian Brennan UK Magicians. Status: Active | Frequency: Weekly The Variety Artist Podcast https://www.thevarietyartist.com/ John Abrams The Variety Artist Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring spring artists and entertainers with in-depth discussions from top variety artist performers around the world. Status: Active The Insider Magic Podcast https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/insider-magic-podcast/ Welcome to The Insider, Vanishing Inc.’s magical podcast. Every week, we interview magicians you know and love. Each episode is 30 minutes, so we cut straight to the chase and give you just the interesting and important magic chat. Status: Active | Frequency: Weekly | 30 min Magic Talk https://www.spreaker.com/show/james-lantiegnes-magic-talk By James Lantiegne Magician James Lantiegne and White Rabbit Magic Shop owner Joshua Lantiegne talk about the magic craft with fellow magicians and fans. Status: Active | Frequency: Weekly Magic Detective Podcast https://magicdetectivepodcast.com/ By Dean Carnegie The magic history podcast, especially stories about Houdini, and many lesser-known magicians. Status: Active Penguin Magic Podcast http://podcast.penguinmagic.com/ By Erik Tait The Penguin Magic Podcast is a weekly show bringing you interviews from the top names in magic and a behind the scenes look at the P3 Magic Studios. Status: Active | Frequency: Weekly Illusionary Podcast https://illusionary.ca/podcast The Illusionary Podcast talks to different Canadian Magicians about their careers and influences. They talk about magic, illusions, and life. Status: Unsure | Frequency: Monthly Did we miss a magic podcast? Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to hit that ♥️ if this post helped you. Let us know what is your favorite magician podcast?

  • The Secret Ingredient to a Successful Magic Show: More Than Just Tricks?

    Ever wondered how the world's best magicians captivate their audiences with spellbinding performances? Dive into the secret world of magic show structure, where storytelling, community, and continuous improvement create unforgettable experiences. Get ready to uncover the hidden elements that make a magic show truly enchanting, and perhaps, learn to weave your own magic! Here's what we'll cover: Four questions every magician must answer in their audience's minds. How to develop more powerful stories How to properly structure your show How to develop stronger relationships with your audience and more! In this post, we cover one of the most important topics for magicians who want to improve their show without investing in new tricks! Magician Show Structure & Developing Story Listen to the Podcast Here Watch the podcast: 6 Lessons for Developing Your Magic Show Here are 6 important lessons for magicians creating, developing and improving their show: Storytelling is Key: A successful magic show is more than just tricks and illusions. It's about weaving a compelling narrative that captivates your audience from start to finish. Answer the Four Key Questions: To truly connect with your audience, you need to answer four key questions: Who are you (as a magician)? What is your act about? Why should it matter to the audience? And what should they feel or do in response? Master the Three-Act Structure: Like any good story, a magic show should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The Three-Act Structure, consisting of setup, confrontation, and resolution, is a proven formula for success. Embrace the Magic Community: Don't underestimate the power of community. Local magic societies and clubs are invaluable resources for sharing ideas, getting feedback, and accelerating your career. Strive for Continuous Improvement: Improving your magic show doesn't always mean investing in new tricks. Often, refining your storytelling and show structure can have a much bigger impact. Understand the Role of Magic in Society: Magic is more than just entertainment. It's a form of art that can bring joy, wonder, and enlightenment to people's lives. Recognizing this can help you create more meaningful and impactful performances. Conclusion In the enchanting world of magic, it's not just about the tricks you perform, but how you perform them. The art of storytelling, understanding your audience, structuring your show effectively, and being part of a supportive community are all crucial elements that can elevate your magic show from good to unforgettable. Remember, magic is more than just a spectacle—it's a powerful medium that can bring joy, wonder, and enlightenment to people's lives. That's It! Did you find these insights helpful? If so, please hit the ♥️ heart button to show your appreciation. Your feedback fuels our magic! We'd also love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences. Share them in the comments section below and let's continue the conversation. Together, we can create more magical moments! What to Read Next Marketing Guide for Magicians How to Make a Business Card that Gets Noticed How to Organize Your Magic Life

  • Magic Live 2019 Convention Review

    Full-time magician Peter Mennie stops by talk Magic Live 2019 Magicians Convention. Plus we real-life magicians topics: confidence, anxiety and growing as performers. Listen or Watch. TOPICS COVERED: Magic Live 2019, Magic Conventions, Performance Advice, Learning New Magic, Stage Introductions, Confidence on stage, stage fright and how to deal with your nerves. Listen here Magicians Talking Magic Episode 6 | Touring Tricks Podcast With Guest Peter Mennie Table of Contents 00:00 | We had an OWOW Magic Festival Meeting and... 04:00 | Schrodinger's cookies & Choose You Adventure Magic Show 07:32 | Magic Live 2019 recount and review from Peter Mennie 10:35 | Storytelling and magic 12:00 | Magicians from all over the world need to see this person 14:10 | One person and a suitcase magic shows 15:00 | Highlights from the stage shows 16:00 | Who was the stand-out performer at Magic Live 2019? 18:45 | There was a zebra appearance, again? 19:45 | What did you learn at Magic Live 2019? Biggest Takaway 21:45 | After 45 years in magic-- here's why Peter attends Magic Live 23:10 | Being bitten by magic, dragging a Table of Death and Rick Thomas 24:00 | Graeme tries a new market for his magic shows 24:45 | The best thing about restaurant magic 25:30 | When do you stop learning new magic? 26:30 | Confidence on stage, where does it come from? 28:00 | Two factors that affect confidence and anxiety 30:00 | A tip for stage introductions 34:00 | Final thoughts struggles all magicians face Magicians Talking Magic Episode 6 With Guest Peter Mennie TRANSCRIPT Ryan Joyce: Well what we found,. Graeme Reed: We found a Peter. Peter Mennie: Yeah. I was just driving by. Graeme Reed: Yeah, just stopping by and. Peter Mennie: I was like two and a half hours out of my way. We found many people. We were here at Brown. I was here, I was here for another reason. Yeah. What a big needs make meeting again. A big, big festival, which is a big, big surprise later. Ryan Joyce: OWOW. Peter Mennie: It's not a surprise. Ryan Joyce: Presto. Graeme Reed: It's not a surprise. I think we can tell everyone about it. OWOW. Yeah. That everyone should know. Ryan Joyce: magicfestival.ca. Meeting time. That's what we blasted through the whole thing. It's all solved. It's like a Rubik's cube. Graeme Reed: Are we allowed to talk about the whole lineup and everything? Ryan Joyce: Oh yeah! Graeme Reed: Can you, can we, yeah, is that real? Who wants to talk about it? Ryan Joyce: So headliners wise, you mean. Graeme Reed: Ya the two main shows, to the big main shows. Ryan Joyce: Gala shows that we're going to do. A Friday night is going to be the Canadian gala show and that's going to feature a, I can't wait to see Carisa Hendricks,. Peter Mennie: Lucy Darling. But that's her new stage name, Carisa Hendricks is her real name. But Lucy Darling is, Kay is the darling of, of the magic right now. And she's coming up, a Canadian. Yeah. Who else? Canadian. Jay Sankey. Ryan Joyce: Jay Sankey He's, well, he's incredible. I mean, just close, who does doesn't know Jay Sankey? Graeme Reed: And Canadian, uh, Paul Paul Rohmany, as you can tell I'm promoting Yeah. This is, this is how you spell magician in Canadian. So, you know, yeah. There you go. And a Canadian, Greg Frewin. Greg Frewin yeah, he's an up and comer from Niagara Falls. Right? I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Don't, don't listen to this. Uh, and then those of you probably, you don't know Greg Frewin is FISM grand champion from how many years ago? A his own show in Niagara Falls for ever,. And he's got tigers and birds and, and, oh my, he is like, you know, master magician. Ryan Joyce: He does it all. He does the, he, it does, it always. Peter Mennie: Continued continuing to do it every Friday and Saturday night. Ryan Joyce: That's right. What other magicians do you know, have their own theater? I mean, especially in Canada, I mean, wow. So that's the Friday night. Oh, wow. Oh Wow. Peter Mennie: And the International Show is is, well Canadian-American Mike Close, . Ryan Joyce: Illinois based. Right. That's where I believe he says home was, so he's definitely,. Peter Mennie: Who else Stephen Bargatze taking time off from his son comedy tour. You know he opens for his son his, that's a cool idea. That's awesome. So cool. Dads going along on the tour just to make the sure of the son behaves. Warming up the crowd for his son who's the headliner. Graeme Reed: Well, it also adds context to a lot of the jokes that he'll probably tell later on. Yeah. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. We'll all the magicians will know. Like he'll be, it'll be like one big family. Graeme Reed: He's also done magic conventions too, Nate. Yeah. Oh yeah. Ryan Joyce: You've talked about him MagiFest. Yeah. That's great. Peter Mennie: Yeah. But would you want your dad opening up for you? Graeme Reed: Uh, sure. You know what? If depending on the, if I played at Ancaster town, I would get a lot of people to come just the same, but whatever my dad's doing.. Yeah. Right. Lift a car. Ryan Joyce: See your dad is-- Your Dad's a teacher, so it's got, you've already got that kind of. Graeme Reed: He's a gym teacher guys gym every day. So he would do like the strong man stuff. I bet you. Ryan Joyce: My dad's an engineer and he was never in my life too. I know him ever being on stage. Graeme Reed: So he would do one of those talks with the slides. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. Well yeah, I don't think, God, I don't think anyone in my family would ever. Peter Mennie: My dad would go play golf on the, if he was alive. Right. Ryan Joyce: Right. On the international show. There's also Rick Merrill. Peter Mennie: Rick Merill. Sharp act, sharpie act. Ryan Joyce: Talk about proof that like seven minutes can change your life. Graeme Reed: Yep. Right. Oh yeah. Ryan Joyce: I mean this, I love, I've seen- Rick a handful of times and I just, he's so an incredible. That's, that's sparked my interest in what he's going to do. And we don't want to talk too much about what we're going to show is. so good. Graeme Reed: Is nick Wallace from really far away a Canada again? Ryan Joyce: Yeah. Steel town boy. Peter Mennie: He's from AGT. He did a AGT. Yup. And, uh, that's Anyone's Got Talent and, uh, sorry, I, you know, I maybe, maybe we should edit this fine. Sarcastic. I've eaten a I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Nick. Nick is great. Graeme Reed: I've been cookies with Nick Wallace. You're really, yeah. Oh yeah. Oh that was quite the experience. I get to do that. I have, I went to a show and I have a keepsake box too. This are, have you ever seen a show at like a fringe or Hamilton. A stage show, but there's a whole thing that has this box and there's something inside the box and he teases it up and at the end of the show he gives you, and I was like the volunteer by random, which is fine cause that's when I first kind of met Nick too, was in a show, uh, you're allowed to disclose what's inside the box or keep it to yourself. And uh, I kept it to myself because I figured that's what sort of what's in the box. Like. Ryan Joyce: Cookies. Graeme Reed: Yeah. Yeah. Peter Mennie: Cool. I love that concept. It was this finger, this finger. I love that concept cause I was, I was a volunteer for John Allen. Those of you who don't know John Allen, he's the, he's the Silent Treatment guy Ryan Joyce: Great. Graeme Reed: Yeah. Peter Mennie: And uh, yeah, I was, I was involved in his. Ryan Joyce: Such a good piece. Peter Mennie: Ambitious card or silent treatment Ryan Joyce: Silent treatment. Silent treatment. Well his ambitious card is called Schrodinger's card. Okay. You know, Schrodingers cat? Graeme Reed: I know the concept of Schrodinger's cat, let's call shortage cart. Yeah, Peter Mennie: because he, you know, he brought me up, I signed the card. You did all the ambitious card routines and moves and all that stuff. Brilliant. And then he reaches any does it doesn't move. And he reaches in and pulls out an envelope and he holds up the light and says your cards in the envelope or maybe not and you have a choice. Now you can open up the envelope and see if your cards in there. I'm telling you it is, but you can see if the cards in there or not. It's up to you. Now. If it's not, you're going to be really disappointed. I'm telling you. It is. And if you opened up and it's in there, then you just found proof. But all the mysteries gone. All the suspense has gone. It's up to you now and it's still on my bulletin board. Still sealed. I will never open it up. Cool. Leave that. That card is in there and I'm kind of ruin it. I don't care. Cause the entertainment value and the mystery was so cool. Ryan Joyce: I think that's so fun. Graeme Reed: Doesn't JJ Abrams have a tannins mystery, but my box of magic that has never opened yet. Oh Wow. And that's like the cause he likes the mystery but he loves it. Peter Mennie: It's like twice. It's like $50 worth of material or $50 worth of props and tricks and whatever that he paid $25 for it and he doesn't want to know what's in there. Graeme Reed: Yeah, I think it's done a ted talk on it or something. Peter Mennie: Yeah, he does. He has any, here's a great segue cause I know we're going to segue into something else. Tannens was selling those mystery boxes at Magic Live. They're boxes with a big question mark. Yeah, they were. They really were. And, and I saw it like a whole bunch of magicians going down the escalator with these boxes. Sure. Yeah. And I was going, you can open it. And he goes, well of course I'm going to old, but it's like $50 worth of stuff in there for that. I paid just 12 bucks for it. I said, no, don't open it. Right. Why would you open it? You know, and believe it is a mystery. Graeme Reed: Yeah. By two. Peter Mennie: No, just leave it. and I tried to explain to them about JJ Abrams. I don't get it. Ryan Joyce: I this is giving me an idea that I'll talk about it afterwards. Yeah. That's so fun. It is cool. It's fun to leave people with this. It's like the closest you could get to like a Choose Your Own Adventure live, ever. Peter Mennie: Totally choose your own magic show. I think that's been done. Graeme Reed: Um, but yeah, you are just, you are fresh from Vegas with the Vegas cough and everything. Peter Mennie: Yeah. Don't talk to me about that there's, they say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well this stupid thing, you should have stayed there. Ugh. Yeah, no, I got, I got a cold in Vegas and I were like manifested in Vegas. Ryan Joyce: Oh you were just so ironic. It was probably 140 degrees. Peter Mennie: Right. But I don't know, I never went out. Right. Ryan Joyce: But it is when you, if that's the thing it would Vegas in August is like when you go outside it's like Bam. It's like, yeah, a sauna high. That's the outdoors. Peter Mennie: Yeah. We went, we wanted to do, the Orleans has a little walkway between the food court and the in the registration desk is like, let's cut that way. Oh my God. Getting swimming through humidity and then aw, but it's better than the air inside the casino. Yeah. Talk amongst yourself. Ryan Joyce: I'll, while you cough while you breathe it out. I got it. Just regale a quick story, cause I use my photo from last year's Magic Live is the ones that they retweeted, the New Orleans, The Orleans sorry, retweeted. Yeah. Yeah. I was so happy about it. I love, yeah, the hotel. Yeah. That's cool. So they, so when it wrapped, I said, I am scheduled a couple of posts and, and just said you know, I hope you've ever had a great time. And I included a couple of my favourite, cause I wouldn't up so early that in the morning it doesn't hit you like a wall when you go outside. It's so beautiful. We bunked together last year. So I went up and I was just grabbing some really great shots and so they used it. It was the one was so perfect because it's literally like the Marquis Empty I couldn't ever sell that because it's obviously like every day. But that's like a great shot for magicians to put their own not the right thing to do. Peter Mennie: Totally steal that. Yeah, yeah. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. So anyways, so Vegas 2.0. Graeme Reed: Yeah. What was the theme of this year's Magic Live? Uh, it doesn't, there's always a theme, right? Wasn't last year as like ask questions now. Peter Mennie: Oh crap, what was it this year? Graeme Reed: I honestly usually get the. Ryan Joyce: It was, you'll never remember the theme,. Peter Mennie: oh Geez, I don't working like a work in progress. I can't remember the name of it, but, but the, they changed a few things this year. You didn't get, you got a book, like it was kinda, it was a program, but there was space for notes in the program. You can make your own. And the book was like a drafting book. Okay. He didn't get a free tee shirt. You didn't get that. You could choose between a, a, a backpack and a Duffel bag. I chose the backpack and a, is that nice? Yeah. Well it was actually ripped a little bit, but that's okay. There's left a little merch Right. Um, and uh, of course you've got the name tag and all that, that stuff. Uh, and, and the, the key card cool was cause it was all Magic Live out, but it was all kind of a, a drafting thing wasn't completed yet. And you didn't get your, no, you didn't get the notes every day. It was at the end. You've got an actual book of everything included. Graeme Reed: Right. That's what they do in Magic Live right? Well, they used to do it. They used to give it to you at the end of every day and then collect them. But they said, no, we're not doing it this time. We're only printing one with everything. Sure. Which was, you know, we had to wait. Okay. Um, and, and there wasn't really a, there was a general theme, I just don't remember what it was. But uh, you know, the, the Ted talks one morning was all on creativity and another one was kind of on a storytelling, which was really cool. Just the whole concept of putting stories into your magic and making it yours. I know you're really into that cause you think like video and you, you have that through like story stuff. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. Well and it's a little bit more theatrical, so I enjoy that. But it's also like, just to reiterate, as long as this story doesn't add to just WEIGHT you know, like, Peter Mennie: well for me it really, it really spoke to me and they gave you tools to work it because that's cool. I've tried to, my kids show Kinda of, it does have a story. It has a character story and I've had that for a while, but my, my corporate show, my new standup show has never had a through line. It's never really had, there are pieces that are connected and they work as units. But I see now a way that I can make it great. My story. That's great. Which is, you know what it's all about. Ryan Joyce: You know what it does too is it makes selecting materials so much easier or at least so much more poignant. Peter Mennie: Yeah. Cause you can look in, you can immediately look at it and go, that's going to fit or it's not going to fit right. Yeah. You can just count. Yep. And a, you know, when you walk around the dealer room, which is 17,000 square feet of toys, um, you can,. Ryan Joyce: Was there a helicopter this year. Yes. there, the Scorpion was there. That's fun. Um, the floating tables were there. Graeme Reed: Like a helicopter illusion. Peter Mennie: The appearing helicopter Mike Michael's appearing helicopter was there. Yeah. Is there, um, ProMystic was there with only, I mean everybody was there. Great. Great. Couple of new ones, which, which was interesting. Couple of, uh, new, uh, Michael Weber was there. Oh, one booth. He was selling his stuff. Oh Wow. Yeah. Which is, yeah, you, everybody goes, Michael Weber is actually pitching his stuff? Yeat it was cool. And, uh, Jonathan Levitt a brand new trick called The Stranger. It's a, it's an app on your phone. It's like we used to phone a friend who will tell you. Graeme Reed: Yeah, Aaron Fisher was promoting that alive. Well, this conjuring community,. Peter Mennie: This is kind of what it is. This is what it is, but it's an app that Levitt created. And he was there promoting it. Hense he wasn't, the emcee, the MC's were, were different. They used to be Julie Eng and Jonathan Levitt, but they rotated. Um, Steve Beam was one. Dan Harlan was another one. Uh, and I think it made it more fun cause they're not the, Jonathan and Julie aren't performers, but they were more moderators. I mean, uh, Steve Beam went out and he did 15 minutes of standup, which was killer, all about magicians and magic, like dug into stuff that was all in jokes. Right. And Harlan, just, he gave a really good talk on, on stuff. Uh, but the highlight I was telling you guys earlier for me, the highlight was the um, uh, the closeup. I mean, you book in your book into two fairly decent acts. I won't say who they were cause it's not fair. Uh, you don't know who I am. And they were good acts there. You know, one of them is a friend of mine, but uh, to put Henry Evans at the start and to, to hit a close with Dani DaOrtis, my mind just went at the end of that show. It was that good. I couldn't, I couldn't believe it. I, you know, I'd fly across the world to see your Dani DaOrtis. Now if I can afford it. He's that good. Right. Ryan Joyce: I'm trying to think. You've ever seen him live? I mean it seemed like bought his DVDs. Peter Mennie: Yeah. It's not the same. Ryan Joyce: No. Graeme Reed: He's going to be at MagiFest this year Ohio next year. Peter Mennie: We got to bring them up for oh wow. Dude,. Ryan Joyce: That would be fun. Can you imagine? That'd be fun. Peter Mennie: You'd get magicians coming from all over the world to that. Well, they would probably be a FISM dude. Ryan Joyce: That would be fun. Um,. Peter Mennie: Yeah, that way. And it was neat too because they did a, they did a cabaret show, which I liked. Um, I mean that's the style now that I really gravitate to is just one person, small suitcase, don't we all? Yeah. I mean, I love the illusions, I love working for you when you do the boxes, but I would never,. Ryan Joyce: I don't like working for me when we do the boxes. Peter Mennie: Okay. Let me, let me rephrase it. I don't like working for you when we do the boxes, but um, you know, I didn't mind you've yet to do them, but uh, you know, when you build them and you rehearse them and I hate the rehearsal process. I hate it. You like it, but I don't like creation of the routine for an illusion or do you? I don't know. Ryan Joyce: It's tough. Well, it's, so it's a skill that doesn't, is not sharp anymore. Yeah. But yeah, I don't know. I enjoy, I enjoyed working. We would do it together. We would do it with four of us. I would do the bulk of it in my own head first and then collaborate and then be influenced. So it's a group thing. That's what I liked about it. Peter Mennie: When you walk on stage and, and you're working out of your pockets for 300 people, that's what, you know, or you worked for 1500 people with you. Ryan Joyce: Same set up. Yeah. And that's the thing, 300 1500 is it's the same. Yeah. Peter Mennie: Yeah. I can't work for 15. I think my maximum is probably three. Ryan Joyce: I included the camera in that equation Peter Mennie: We talked about, I, I won't, but uh, um, not that I can, but I just, I just don't like it. But Guy Hollingworth you know, his, his whole act was so compact and so efficient and just brilliant. Just, you know, it's sleight of hand was not, not the Korean, this kind of stuff, but cards everywhere. It was elegant and slow and deliberate and really good. And then Jade, who I, I've never actually, I think I've seen your life before, but she came on and did 10 minutes of her thumb tie. Ryan Joyce: Great. Oh, she asked. She's incredible. Yeah. Peter Mennie: And it was just, that's it. She comes on, she's wearing an elegant dress and she's got two twist types or whatever. The Zip ties. Yeah. And I, and a big sword, actually, no, it wasn't sorry, it was a pole. Graeme Reed: It's an like a bo staff kind of thing. Peter Mennie: It's a pole. Yeah. Yup. Great. And two volunteers. Yeah. And that's the act. That's great. And it's brilliant entertainment and uh, I didn't know. I loved that. And then there were other standout acts too, like Mario the Maker Magician, we know. Ryan Joyce: Oh, Mario. Yes. So good. I cannot wait to, it's destined to meet him at some point. It can wait. Peter Mennie: He's just, he's just so super, super cool. He did his, uh, he did a little lecture as well by his show. Was talking about yourselves. this will go on. Ryan Joyce: Well, let me ask you why you're recovering. So last year, like one of the real standout knock out performers was seeing Ding Yang, who is, I guess working with Greg too? Was there, was there someone like that this year? Peter Mennie: Um, well Dani DaOrtiz, but, uh, Ryan Joyce: Ding Yang was so unique cause she was such a surprise. No one knew what was coming. I mean Greg knew, cause he had been working with her for Peter Mennie: The surprise this year I think was an, I don't know his name, I could look it up in the program, but I don't have it. Um, he was a kind of a Victorian renaissance kind of an act, a smoky, he part of a show that kind of bridges the gap between backstage and onstage. It was, it was a weird concept that worked in some. Yeah. But the onstage persona, his Uh, he started out with a book and, and a pipe. So there was smoke coming out of this pipe and it was more of a mirror shot, So it was like a, uh, what do you call them? The Sherlock Holmes kind of pipe. Uh, but it would disappear. The book disappeared. Uh, I can't begin to describe it, but slow, deliberate. You would use the smoke has been a misdirection, but also a way to make things vanish. And if you can imagine he had a watch or a clock about Yay big. And it started down about here and as it floated, it actually turned over and as it turned over, it just disappeared in mid air. There was no covering. Obviously he didn't do this with his hands. It just went and, and the magicians went bananas. Ryan Joyce: It would have been a great moment. Peter Mennie: Oh, it was the, that was the only one. He did a lot of that kind of stuff. Ryan Joyce: The one amazing thing about it? It's seeing amazing magic with a room full of magicians. Like the energy in the room is just beyond what you're going to find anywhere. You can't, you just can't match that. Yeah. Oh, it's so good. Peter Mennie: And of course the bonus this year was we didn't get a zebra. Ryan Joyce: Oh, right. Oh, I forgot about that from my,. Peter Mennie: Well, I know I shouldn't, I shouldn't say that. We did get zebra. The opening party was, uh, was it how the, we was a costume party and Jason England game dresses zebra. Oh, that's so fun. Yeah, it was. It was awesome. Yeah. You can bring it back full circle, which is kind of cool. Uh, Lucy, Darling, Carisa Hendricks was a stage manager for Magic Live Yeah. And I didn't realize that she just did. I just heard the name. You said Carisa Would you mind it? I would see. Oh really? That's right. Yeah. Cool. She just got back from, from overseas and flew right into Vegas stage manager. Ryan Joyce: Wow, she must be, I feel her pain. Peter Mennie: I hope. I hope I live up to her expectations cause I get to stage manage her when she shows up. Ryan Joyce: Yes It's going to be great. We'll see. We've got to see if we can connect with some, we've got to see if we connect yeah, let's, let's chat with them and see if they'll talk to us on, on the podcast. Yeah, that'll be fun. Peter Mennie: And you want to talk about something else? Totally. Ryan Joyce: Well yeah. Just real quick to wrap up to your, your Magic Live. So what would you say, cause you've been full time pretty much. I mean you've had other jobs where magic is the only thing you've really done for the last 20 plus years. Peter Mennie: 45. So. Ryan Joyce: What did you learn? What would you say the to maybe one or two takeaways maybe from the, as a whole, from the convention? Peter Mennie: Well, the biggest takeaway was the, it was this whole concept of story. There's for me, you know, it's, it's nice to watch that and then have someone explain it to you and how important that is. And they give you the tools. Cause that's, that's another thing. You could sit back and go, how do I, how do I make this work and how do I, how do I join segway and how do I make it? And now I think I can, I think I can see a, a beginning and an end. And now you've got to try and bring the two together. Because it's, I'm at a point in my career where it's about who I am through what I do know as a, as a performer, I can't sing worth crap. So I wouldn't be a singer. You know, I can't tell my story in music the best. Yeah. So I chose magic, but you know, and another reason I use Magic Live is, um, and this is something for me. I don't, I don't know whether it's the same for your, your, your young pop. I mean, you would doing it, we said 20 years, but still. Graeme Reed: Well, yeah, but like professionally. Peter Mennie: Only like look at six months. Oh, you're such a virgin. Ryan Joyce: Um, you know, don't forget he looks 12, but yeah, that's true. Peter Mennie: He's still, he's like only 22 but. Ryan Joyce: On the inside he's like 70 the reverse. Yeah. Graeme Reed: We all TV industry. Yeah, no, I know. Peter Mennie: Hey, I, I feel free, man. I learned that Shit, dude. Oh, sorry. Podcast. Um,. Ryan Joyce: Shit. Peter's stop. Peter Mennie: I don't give a (bleep) what i say. Ryan Joyce: I have a topic. Peter Mennie: Oh No, I'm just gonna wrap it up. Say what? I said, you know, I lost the magic Mojo over a while. I, you know, you do it a lot and then once you, yeah, and once your, and this, this is the thing that happens once you stop performing for the love of performing and you realize you have to make it your living, your whole, the whole dynamic of how you present yourself and how you think about you, your industry changes. Okay? Because you've got to eat based on what you do. You can't just do anything. You're not, I did a whole lecture on this, but you're not an artist. You're a businessman and it's hard. Well, once you make that jump, it's hard to give back. So why do you go? You know, you don't find joy in, in, you know, magic as an industry. You know what? I see magic on TV. It's like, Nah, I'd rather watch Survivor. You know, it didn't used to be like that. I used to crave all the new magic that it was on TV, but now I don't. People ask me if I watch AGT. I don't, my friends are on all watch that. But then right past, I don't care. So I go to Magic Live to get the Mojo back. Ryan Joyce: Yeah, I agree with you. I feel you. I feel all of that. Mine's slightly different. Mine, I feel it was killed from travel. Just eroded my love of magic but not, I still love magic. That's the thing is I love magic, I love doing, I love performing it. Yeah. But the like we just, there's elements of it that are really tough. And I was charged after Magic Live too cause the same thing. Peter Mennie: Things have changed. I just recently just do a podcast from Rick Thomas, which is really cool. Rick, Rick is a guy that I'd love to sit down and just be around them for awhile. I've only known him superficially. He actually came in one year to the Western Fair and took my job away from me because the lady who hired me for like 15 years of, I'm going to go with someone new and it was Rick Thomas. Ryan Joyce: Did he bring tigers? Peter Mennie: No but he brought his wife. Um, but that guy busted his ass. He's full illusions. Like he had a Table of Death that he had to move from stage to stage. Whoa. Y'All. Yeah. And I, you know, one, one afternoon I'm watching the stage hands actually push this thing through the sun to get to the other stage. Cause you had to do a show like it was, it was insane. Uh, but he was before his Vegas days when he said something interesting. He's always grateful for one more show that that's his moniker has changed. You know, it changed over the years, but in the last few years that's what he lives for. It's, he's just grateful every day that he can get up and do one more show and it's Kinda effected, you know what I'm thinking about in the last little while, I've got a few shows coming up and I'm just grateful that I have them not, you know, they're there. It doesn't matter who they're for or whatever. It's just one more opportunity to get out there and try to do something. Ryan Joyce: yeah. Cause once you're bitten, it's, it's over. I mean you've got to keep performing. You have to keep, yeah,. Graeme Reed: Yeah, yeah. Just have to, if I can get some time somewhere and do some magic like yeah, for sure. Peter Mennie: Yeah. Well you're lucky cause you go to restaurants, you, you, you get a chance to get up and try to do a trick 20 times a night. Yeah. I'll be lucky if I can do the same trick 20 times a year. Graeme Reed: Well this summer too I started doing farmer's markets. Yeah. And uh, it was the same. It's the same kind of thing. And I basically just bring the restaurant to the farmer's market I guess. Like you have tables set up and. Peter Mennie: You don't get paid for that. You just do it. Graeme Reed: I do. So it's different for every market that I've been doing. Some markets pay and I busk at all of them so I have a tip can there. yeah. I never do a hat line though. The tip can just stays there. I think this is like the Chris Capehart idea. I do just have the tip bucket there. Yup. He does do a hat line I think sometimes, but basically I just kind of, it's a sidewalk shows that people come by and through a couple of tricks. Yup. We'll practice all that new stuff. It's kind of a day, it's a different environment, but it's also like awesome performance experience. Peter Mennie: It's great to have that opportunity to do. And when I do restaurants like it was great cause you know every night I can get up there and get up there and do it now you know I go through the toy story, magic Live and I said that's a great trick. That's a great trick. That's a great trick. What am I going to buy it? Because I'll never use it. It's not not a personality thing. It's not there won't fit in the act, but I'd love to sit there and practice that, but unless I have a place to perform it, it's just magical masturbation, which is stupid for sure. Yeah. I don't need that. Right. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. At some point the your beaker of knowledge is full and you don't, you want to acquire and obtain it, but it's not like you're absorbing and taking on like it was. You just can't keep up at that rate. Then the beaker overflows and then you've settled on the ones that you really liked the most and then you Polish those Peter Mennie: and then you start throwing up stuff out. You know, every year I'm purging stuff. I don't know. I haven't used it. You haven't used it in two or three years. It's probably not going to go into your act, but you can't part with it because, oh, I just love the prop. I might use it again eventually. Yeah. Or maybe dead by the time. Graeme Reed: Maybe I'll be inspired to use the appearing card castle Sure, yeah. Right. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. Confidence as a performer. Where does it come from? Because that's the thing is like that invisible layer. It's not like you can like here is all of the confidence I have today. Oh Shit. six of them. It's like, Whoa, where'd you create that? And it's just like, it's that, that part that you feel right now that you know, you could go out and do it. You just literally maintain that straight through. Right through past the point you don't think you can do it anymore. You keep holding that idea. It's like a blind ignorance is what confidence is. Peter Mennie: You know what? I think there's that old saying, you fake it until you make it, um, you fake confidence in it. It just happens. When I used to run the kids theater company, um, back then the kids got really nervous about it, about performing and these are new kids. You know, they're, they're teenagers and young teenagers and they'd say, I'm, I'm really nervous. What are you nervous about? Well, can I get to perform in front of the audience. I said, well, you gotta realize that everybody out there wants to see what you have to do. They, they already are anticipating you're going to be good. Now there's nervousness. There's, there's anxiety. I mean, I get anxiety that's different. Okay. I mean there's, there's performance you throw up before they walk on stage. That's anxiety. That's their stomach just going nuts. Yeah. Ryan Joyce: These are like big lover performers too. That's everybody. Peter Mennie: Huge. Yeah. Yeah. Graeme Reed: Everyone has been, I think everyone needs that or you're, or you're going to have a bad show or. Peter Mennie: Not necessarily. There's, well there's anxiety. Yeah. And then there's nerves. Shit. Nerve. Yeah. okay. And then they manifest themselve kind of the same way. Um, I think get rid of to do, to, to achieve confidence. First of all, you have to know your material. Cold. Ryan Joyce: And the environment. Peter Mennie: And the environment. Yes. And there's control the environment too. I mean you walk in and you say, okay, I've got confidence on it on a cruise ship stage or you know, in front of the a hundred kids. Right. I know I can command that room or you know, you can come in that room. I'd be out of my element in the first week or so on a cruise ship stage cause I haven't performed in front of 1500 people and there's a lot riding on the performing for 1500 people. I make one mistake, I have lost my contract. Great. I make one mistake in front of a bunch of kids. May the parents go pick them up and leave or different thing, but the confidence comes from a lot of performing. Knowing your material, knowing your environment. Ryan Joyce: He gets choked up about this is so powerful. Peter Mennie: You gotta realize (cough) invited me to do this podcast. it's your sugar free. Damn. Werther's. anyways, here's the thing. When when you get to a certain point in your career, every audience that you're going to work for has chosen to be there in front of you as opposed to when you're busking and you're saying, come over here. I'm worthy of it. Okay? It's a different dynamic. Okay. When you have to entice an audience to come over here and convince them that you're going to be good for something that you had yet to do, is different than they already assume that you're good and they have chosen or that you're confident that they have chosen of the to give up their time to watch you do what you're going to do. Right. Once you understand that then you just deliver. And we got to realize too that you're not going to entertain 100% of the people that are sitting in front of you. That's not the reality of it. Um,. Ryan Joyce: So much harder earlier on. Graeme Reed: A lot of it comes in to stage time, right? Yeah. Get over these humps And I think it's, I in my mind, I've always thought about it like Guitar Hero, like in Guitar Hero, you start off in a garage band, you move up, like your venue grows and grows and that's the same thing as magically. You start off with smaller shows and they get bigger and bigger and event. You tackle these things and I feel like you, you like this, like notches on a belt that you kind of achieve and you can, you get the confidence in that. It's like I think I can tackle another room and do more things like that to me. Yeah. Peter Mennie: Yeah. Um, and I think it's also, uh, something had happened to me over the last few years is that I, I used to worry about, I, I'd have it recorded introduction. I'd walk on stage going to, it was a bit of a joke, like it was a treatment. There was a joke built into the induction and I walk on stage and then, you know, "Hi, I'm here and you know, et Cetera, let's do something really cool." And they would look at me like, "who the hell are you?" You just interrupted my night. Now, that was in a lot of corporate work. And you really have, you kind of have to sell yourself to the corporate world because they're not there to be entertained. They're there to get drunk and dance and you know, you're interrupting that process. Some, some are different. But what I, what I changed is I got the CEO to introduce me, which is something I learned from our friend Steve Seguin. He, I don't have a prerecorded introduction. Now I get them. And this is something I also learned from David Hira. He said, get the most important person in the room to introduce you. That's number one. Okay? So you walk on with an air of confidence because the most important guy just said your good. Right? Okay. It's the dynamic between the audience. And the other thing I did was I stood there and I stand there and I let them take me in. Now, I know there's a lot, a lot of people who live on both sides saying that you should walk on, you do something really powerful and magical right away. I know you've talked about this in a previous podcast. You come on, you don't say anything in the first 30 seconds, and because you got too many other things going on, you do your newspaper tears, Great piece of magic. Then you take your breath, right? You take your breath after that, it's all done very. Um, for me, I can't do that. I walk on and of course you were essentially street closed when you perform. I got this jacket that I'm going to glow in the dark with. Right. Everybody has to look at. Ryan Joyce: It doesn't by glow and dark, like neon things. Peter Mennie: Yes. I go backstage and people just shake me up and now, yeah. Ryan Joyce: As he was walking down the hall, like Neon chiropractors tracks a lot. 90 cheat. Yeah. Yeah. Quick. I got to go on stage. yeah, there's a routine in here. I'm just saying. Peter Mennie: This is the edited part of me. That's okay. That's why we're here. It's fun. It is fun. Said I take it out. I can take a breather. I let the audience take me in. I talked to them. Why are you doing, you know, I was meal, et Cetera, et cetera. There's nothing, and I slowly build into it, but also my character slowly builds into it, so it's unsure and then all of a sudden I hit them between the eyes with a piece of magic. Right. And it is an arc you've got to break. No. What are your instinct? And yet these are the outtakes. Yes. Ryan Joyce: I rarely get giggle fit, so I'm like, half of these, like I got a record deal that I'm like, Shit, man, this is great. Graeme Reed: Oh, it wasn't even funny. Like coughing until let's your voice just start again. And that was the money. I'm sorry. Peter Mennie: Oh my gosh. Okay. We can do it over. Pixels are free. It's a lot, huh? Ryan Joyce: The takeaway is like, I just exactly was, I've avoided like I made mistakes in my own, my own part of it. You know, we're never going to be perfect. You're always going to make mistakes. And the thing is you just minimize the gaps in between as you get older. And it's, it's how you can handle those mistakes, right? If You screw up who cares? right. Know that that's a confidence thing too. Graeme Reed: I think it Juan Tamariz, but I think Juan said it, that if you screw up, you learn. Maybe you told me this, you learned something that day. Peter Mennie: I never try. I always succeed. So, uh, you know, you try, I don't try to do something. There's always a, there's always a learning. There's something I learned because of it, you know, if you try align it right. It's funny now, now that I'm trying to get a little bit more standup stuff into it now, I'm not trying to do stand up comedy, but I'm trying to put some jokes into the act. Sure. I have a great deal of confidence now in throwing a line in just to see if it lands and if it doesn't land, I don't care because I've got some good solid magic to back it up. Right? Yeah. Yeah. And, and uh, I've also, the audience is your friend. Okay. There's a lot more confidence Yeah. Yeah. Right. It's not added to adversarial. You're taking them on this journey. There's nothing to, and, and I've also learned that if I have any adversaries in the audience, you can leave Ryan Joyce: Yeah. We build it up in our own old brain. That's what it is. It's the little demons in our own brain. And, and if you just work hard enough at it, you'll win. So, yeah, that's, I think that's pretty fair. I mean, can just push through it. I mean, the truth is, is all those cliched statements you see on the Youtubes, if you need to listen to it, listen to it, do whatever it takes, because those can have really changed your state. It's about the state of mind. And sometimes we put ourselves into a bad state. Peter Mennie: And so what if you die. Graeme Reed: Well, and the whole point is that what makes someone more of a professional than not is like you have a crappy show. You continue to do it again and again and you'll still have crappy shows and you'll keep doing it anyhow. You don't get discouraged and then you just continue to do it. Peter Mennie: Wake up in the morning, you start all over again, you know you die. It's funny. Dying on stage does not mean you're dead. Ryan Joyce: But it's what's weird and we should, we'll leave it on on this as like it does affect you. Like we all, I 100% can relate to the feelings after a bad show like we all have and they linger. If you don't, you'd be having a bad show and then you go a couple of days, you can impact you. So the feelings are real and we want all of those and they're all justified. But you can maximize those successes by, by just keeping at it and doing it as much as you can and try not to put yourself into this state. Well, let's end it there. That's good. Okay. All right. We'll end it there. Before I start coughing. Magicians versus a cough. Graeme Reed: Uh, sharing the podcast with all your friends. If you guys do magic, share with some magic friends. Subscribe. Good. Check out the, OWOW Magic Festival. Peter Mennie: Stay healthy!

  • How to Make A Magician Business Card That Will Open Doors

    Many magician business cards are tacky and outdated. Is yours? Are business cards essential for the modern magician? YES! In this article we'll share essential tips and hacks for making your business card effective and help you book more shows. Jump to Section: Magician Business Cards Step By Step Why magicians need a business card Tips For Your Next Business Card Watch: Magician Business Card Tips & Suggestions Frequently Asked Questions Listen: Tips for Your Next Business Card Summary Magician Business Cards Business cards are small marketing tools magicians must-have. A powerful business card can make potential clients believe in you even before they see you perform. It should be memorable, with a dramatic photo of you and your name. You should know a few things to create a card that gets noticed. First, business cards are incredibly affordable marketing. Keep your business cards cheap and dispensable so you can always give them out! This article will show you how to create a business card that gets noticed and helps you promote your business effectively. Step-By-Step Roll up your sleeves, fellow magicians, because today we're diving into the world of business card design, where no promotional headshots, custom branding, or logos are allowed! If you have a headshot, you are ahead of the game. Today we design effective business cards with the absolutely bare minimum. - Download Our FREE Helpful PDF Guide for Magicians - It's a challenge that might seem as perplexing as a well-executed card trick, but fear not, for we have a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this uncharted territory. But wait, there's more! If you're hungry for a visual feast of before-and-after transformations, check out our article series in Vanish Magic Magazine. There, we've taken submitted magician promotional material and given them a makeover that's as dazzling as a coin vanish (without flashy moves). So, grab your top hat—err, I mean, your thinking cap—and let's embark on this journey of minimalist design magic. Who knew creating an effective business card could be as thrilling as a night at the magic theatre? We did, and we're about to share the secrets with you. No smoke and mirrors here, just good old-fashioned design wisdom! Here's the BEFORE and AFTER: Step-by-Step Guide to Designing a Business Card for Magicians 1. Define What You Want to Include on Your Business Card Do: List the essential information like your name, contact details, and a tagline. Don't: Include your autobiography, favorite card trick, or the secret to levitating. Keep it simple, folks! 2. Create a Business Card for Each Individual Service Why: Different services appeal to different audiences. A card for kids' parties might not work for corporate gigs. How: Design separate cards for each service, like one for stage shows and another for close-up magic. 3. Write a Benefit Statement That Resonates with Your Ideal Client Think: What's in it for them? Why should they call you? Write: Something like "Transforming ordinary events into extraordinary memories!" Need some helpful magical words? 4. Select a Color Palette of 3 - 5 Colors Why: Colors convey emotions and set the tone. How: Choose colors that reflect your style. 5. Select Complimentary Fonts, Two or Three at Most Do: Choose fonts that are easy to read and match your style. Don't: Mix Comic Sans with Gothic Script. That's like mixing oil and water or a magician and a mime. 6. Use High-Quality Graphics or Stock Photos Where: Mystic Pixel, the only royalty-free solution exclusively designed for magicians. No, really, it's like a magic shop but for pixels! 7. Final Thoughts Remember: A business card is like a handshake; it's your first impression. Recommendation: Check, double-check, and maybe even triple-check everything before printing. And there you have it! A guide to creating a business card that's as effective as a well-executed disappearing act but without the usual flair. Download FREE Helpful PDF Guide: 20 Essential Design Tips & Hacks for Magicians. Why Magicians Need a Business Card Business cards are affordable marketing for magicians. They're so discreet and easy to use that you can always give them out, including when performing or at conventions. Many potential clients keep business cards, so your card stays with them even after they've forgotten about you. Keep it simple and clean. The most important parts for your client to see are your name and contact information. Change your business card frequently. One amazing magician photo can sell more than text. Choose dramatic images that capture attention—and if you're unsure what works, print a sample first and hold it an arms reach away to check. Does it pass the visibility test? Use bold fonts, and avoid scripts and serifs. Promote only the social media channels you're actively using. If in doubt, take their name and phone number (don't worry about email addresses). Why Business Cards Are Still Important In an age where digital connections are as common as a magician's love for a well-shuffled, broken-in deck of cards, you might wonder why business cards still hold a place in our pockets. Well, dear reader, let's unravel this mystery! Personal Touch: Business cards add a personal touch to your introduction. Handing over a card is like performing a classic handshake. It's a tangible connection that leaves a lasting impression. Professionalism: A well-designed business card screams professionalism. It's like wearing a tailored suit to a gig instead of your pyjamas (though we won't judge your wardrobe choices). Networking Gold: Ever tried to scribble your contact information on a napkin at a networking event? It's messier than a magician's first attempt at sawing someone in half. Business cards are your networking gold, ready to be handed out at the perfect moment. Branding Without Branding: A business card reflects your style and personality without custom branding or logos. It's like a silent ambassador, whispering to potential clients, "Hey, this magician knows their stuff!" Always Ready: Unlike a website or social media profile, a business card doesn't require Wi-Fi or a charged battery. It's always ready to perform, just like before a big show. A Mini Billboard: Think of your business card as a mini billboard in your pocket. It continues advertising for you long after the initial meeting without the hefty rental fees. In conclusion, business cards are far from a vanishing act in networking and professionalism. They remain vital in building connections, showcasing your identity, and leaving a memorable mark. So, don't dismiss them as relics of the past; they're as timeless as the joy of pulling off a perfect trick. Now, if only they could magically refill themselves... but that's a topic for another blog post! Tips For Your Next Business Card Business cards are an amazingly versatile tool for networking and marketing yourself and your magic shows, but they can also be a bit overwhelming initially. Here are some tips to make your next batch of business cards easier Simple - Keep it simple and clean. Capture attention - Choose a dramatic image that captures your attention. Easy to read - Remember that your name and contact information must be easily legible. Do a test - Not sure which image to select? Print out your selections at 2 x 3.5 in and hold it an arms reach away. Does it pass the visibility test? Font choices - Use bold fonts, and avoid scripts and serifs. Affordable marketing - Business cards are cheap and quick to print. Change them up frequently. Social media - Promote only the social media you are actively using. Write their contact information down - If in doubt, take their name and phone number. Follow up - Follow-up is the true secret to booking more shows Watch: Magician Business Card Tips & Suggestions In this video, magicians Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed share their tips and advice for magicians needing a business card. The essentials, what's most important and the details specific only to magicians. Your magician business card is the first impression you give potential clients, so it's essential to ensure it looks great. But no matter how great your magician business card design looks, you must have good client follow-up skills and a great show. If in doubt, take their name and phone number. Follow-up is the true secret to booking more shows. Frequently Asked Questions Here are some frequently asked questions about magician business cards. 1. What's the standard size for business cards? The standard business card size is 3.5" x 2.0", with designs that are available in both landscape and portrait orientations. Professional printers will require an extra bleed for trimming and typically adding. 125" This size works best because it lets you fit in your most important information without overwhelming potential clients or customers. Because of its small dimensions, it can be easily carried around, making it convenient to give out at social events and to leave at a meeting or trade show booth. 2. Are business cards still relevant? Business cards were conceived in the late 18th century as a way to exchange information without scribbling a name and number on a piece of paper. But with the advent of social media and the prevalence of smartphones, they've become less necessary. Many alternatives to business cards have popped up, some of them free and some of them paid. In this digital age, you can use LinkedIn, Twitter, or any other social media outlet to contact someone. I think business cards will be here to stay for a while. We'll start seeing more QR codes for the recipient to scan. I think these cards are fantastic, and if we're not careful, I will bet they could replace the traditional business card altogether. Listen: Tips for Your Next Business Card Listen to the full episode of Magicians Talking Magic about business cards: Summary The business card is one of the performers' most affordable marketing approaches. Although it may not seem like much, you can increase your chances for bookings with a business card that truly stands out and makes a great lasting impression. With careful planning and examination, you can create a business card that gets noticed and helps promote your magic and drive new clientele to your shows. What are your business card tips? Let us know in the comments. Are you looking for some high-quality magic-themed images to use in your blog or social media? I have some limited edition, high-quality magician photographs that are sure to impress. That's It! If you got any value hit the ❤️ and share any questions or comments below. Check out other business topics for professional magicians here. What to Read Next Complete Modern Marketing Guide for Magicians How to Organize Your Magician Life 16 Magician Websites Analyzed! Here's What We Discovered...

  • Filming Paul Harris Deep Clear

    A sneak-peak behind Paul Harris magic trick Deep Clear plus watch FULL PERFORMANCE with NO CUTS. See the trailer for Paul Harris Deep Clear and more. Watch here. Here's the official trailer: Paul Harris Presents Deep Clear Paul Harris creates incredible magic. Graeme Reed and Ryan Joyce recently worked with Paul Harris on Deep Clear-- filming elements and editing the trailer. The full feature performance below was filmed on campus by Graeme. Watch the full edit of his performance below. Watch full performance of Paul Harris Deep Clear Performed by Graeme Reed The trick got incredible responses and it was a blast to shoot. Watch until the end of the video to hear how they thought the trick might be done. This was an excerpt from the Touring Tricks Podcast Magicians Talking Magic episode 3. To watch or listen to the full episode, see below. TRANSCRIPT: FILMING PAUL HARRIS DEEP CLEAR AN EXCERPT FROM MAGICIANS TALKING MAGIC PODCAST (FULL EPISODE BELOW) Graeme Reed: When you say, I'm ready to take the next step, what's probably is suggested is Paul Harris. Ryan Joyce: His books are incredible. Graeme Reed: So creative, like so poetic. All the tricks and everything. Yeah. Ryan Joyce: It should be included on everybody's. Graeme Reed: Yeah. Everyone should have all three Art of Astonishment. There's Close-up Seductions. Ryan Joyce: Now. I figured like when you got asked about this originally, I figured a little envelope who wrapped in leather would arrived, right? Graeme Reed: Yeah. Ryan Joyce: There'd be a hooded character that hands it to you right in and have the initial or the, the the signature on it and you open up and it's, this is the invitation to work with, you know,. Graeme Reed: Written out on handmade paper. Ryan Joyce: That's right. Graeme Reed: Yeah. LISTEN TO FULL EPISODE OF MAGICIANS TALKING MAGIC With Hosts Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed Episode 3 Ryan Joyce: Yeah. A little bit of dust. Graeme Reed: Like a quilt pen. Out of it. Yet all the pressure points that he wrote,. Ryan Joyce: I figured that that isn't how it happened. Right. Graeme Reed: As a hundred percent how it happened. Yeah. Yeah. Ryan Joyce: True statement. You heard it right here on Magicians Talking Magic Graeme Reed: So if you're waiting to work with Paul when you get that fancy envelope, that's the sign. Ryan Joyce: No weather changes or anything before. Graeme Reed: I can't talk about that part. Ryan Joyce: Sorry. Graeme Reed: That's the part you can't talk. Ryan Joyce: It's a great trick. Yeah. And you should check it. We'll leave the,. Yeah, so the check-out the trailer. Graeme Reed: Yeah. The trick is dynamite. You filmed, you helped found the demo. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. We've had a beautiful day in fall last year and we've in Guelph universities. Yeah. Room around to do magic on. Graeme Reed: And pretend to be students. Ryan Joyce: Yeah, it was great. Yeah. Graeme Reed: Yeah. We kind of, I don't, ah, hopefully, Guelph doesn't see this but I think no one will from Guelph but um, it was fun cause we just kind of ambushed the students there and I think we pitched it as, so this is like a good tip if you're filming a product for a trick, right. Um, we went in there and we just said, hey, uh, my name is Graeme slash Graemazing, cause that's how I'm going to introduce myself all the time. And we presented it like "I have a brand new magic trick that I want to share with the world. It might end up on youtube, it's going to end up online. Are you okay with being in the video?" And by that point you'd be recording. We get all this on tape so that we have that confirmation everything, and then I present Paul's trick. And this trick is a, it's a really good effect. It's a full routine. You get a cute little magic trick at the start. Is that right? The kind of breaks the ice, helps bring people in and opener. An opener, a perfect opener, followed by an incredible mentalism piece that you do close up where you're predicting someone's thought of word and it's on the back of playing cards. He had clearly in a wallet the entire time. It's really to take off his original, uh, Deep Astonishment. Ryan Joyce: The reactions during all of the filmings was solid. Like every one of them was that one that were on the bench when we were filming the, the group or the bench. It was great. Yeah, total authentic, just like totally fried. Graeme Reed: And when we'd asked them like, how do you think it happened? They all, a lot of people are like, I don't know, maybe you tapped into my brain somehow. Or then that's if you're doing this kind of stuff. That's the reaction you're aiming for. Right. I've seen some comments online of people questioning the routine. Like I don't get this, this first part to get there, but if you really analyze any of Paul's work, it's all kind of cute and fun and then becomes so amazing cause to get to get to the amazing part, like on stage, you've got to like build rapport with the audience and you can't just go "who was the first person you kissed?" Ryan Joyce: Right. Graeme Reed: It's creep show, right? That's Creep show. It's a well structured or yes, absolutely. It gets everyone on your side and then you reveal the incredible magic word and then everyone's floored. It's perfectly set up. I mean, great piece. It's Paul, so, right. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. Great piece. Graeme Reed: Yeah, totally. Ryan Joyce: It was still so much fun to film. I enjoyed being part of that. Yeah. Graeme Reed: And it's fun to get to talk magic with Paul. Cause I remember when you talk about the routine and talk about the editing of the trailer and everything like that, um, and I would bring up ideas like, "well what do you think about this? Should be, show that." And Paul would be like, well, "let's talk about that." And you know, as a kid that grew up on his books, like, um, I'm chatting magic philosophies with Gandalf right now. Live on the phone. Yeah. So that was a real treat. Super cool that we got to do that. Um, I highly suggest the trick. I think it's an awesome trick. Ryan Joyce: Yeah. Penguin and check it out. Graeme Reed: Yeah. Yeah. And you got to give it at least a couple of good performances. Ryan Joyce: We're not affiliated with Penguin, we're just,. Graeme Reed: There's no affiliation with any of this. Like we're done with the project. There's no, no reason to do this. I just, we just wanted to talk about it. I think it. Ryan Joyce: Its a great piece, yea, It was a lot of fun. WATCH MAGICIANS TALKING MAGIC (FULL PODCAST) Click here for Table of Contents #magician #paulharris #deepclear #magictrick

  • 6 Steps to Stunning Magician Logo Design (Sample Included)

    Do magicians need a logo? 81.4% of magicians we polled said "Yes." What are the steps any magician can follow to design a stunning magician logo? Here's a helpful step-by-step guide. Your magician logo is a visual representation of how you want others to view you and your brand. Designing a logo for magicians or mentalists requires a specific tone that matches the performer. Most mentalists have a mysterious vibe, and magicians range from serious to comedic. Should all magicians have a logo? Are there reasons a magician shouldn't have a logo? What steps would a professional take design a custom logo? We will answer all these questions and provide the six steps to designing a logo that stands out. Something magical. Six Steps to Designing a Killer Magician Logo: Step 1: Define your brand Step 2: Research Step 3: Start Creating/Sketching/Designing Step 4: Get Feedback Step 5: Refine Step 6: Publish How to Design a stunning Magician Logo (Step-by-Step) First, today we're walking you through the steps to creating a logo-- not a brand. A brand is not your logo. Let's design a magical logo! Step 1. Define Yourself The first step in designing a creative magician logo is writing out the things that make you unique. What makes you different? What makes you stand out? Your logo is the part of your personality that casts a shadow. Details have a significant influence; complexity does not. This includes colour choices, personality and voice. Some of that is easy because YOU are the product. In our design example, it's a logo for a magic show. Step 1: Define In our example, we are creating a logo for a magic show called "Magician VS." We outlined the must-include items of this undeveloped brand: Defining our brand for our sample Magician Vs Magic Show The brand for Magician VS must: Fun, bold, sporting tone Simple, clean, bold font Scream "magician" from across the room but not cheesy implement a visual hook with something recognizably 'magical.' Competition vibe to support VERSUS Glitchy (I love the look but decided against it for my brand) No rabbits. No wands. Ever. No cheesiness. These are the things I wanted to communicate in the Magician VS logo. Step 2. Research What Magician and Non-Magician Logos. Get some inspiration. Time to do some research. Look for the magician's designs you like but more importantly, look at the other brands and logos that draw your attention. Take inspiration from outside the magic industry. Please bookmark your favourite designs or store them in a folder. Start asking yourself, "why do I like this brand?" There may be a great visual hook, but try understanding what the logo is projecting. It's like cold-reading for your brand. Step 3. Start Sketching Design time! Pen, pencil, Photoshop, tablet, scroll and quill-- whatever! Just get everything out of you. This is idea-vomit. Trust me-- there's going to be some terrible @&(! in there. It takes time to get your juices flowing. Spend more than twenty minutes and play around. My initial design work: Magician VS Logo If you create something you like-- polish it into a much brighter diamond. Part of that work is playing around with the design. The rest is decision-making. Here's something that came out of my first design session. After chatting with my buddy Graemazing Reed, this idea was abandoned. Why? It may be visually appealing, but it didn't service the brand. Back to the drawing board. Step 4. Get Feedback on Your Design Design and then sleep on it. You need to make sure you are comfortable with the design. I returned to this design, and here was my next idea-vomit: Magician VS Logo Design Attempt #2 In this last image, you can see the mistake that causes the design. I copied over the spade pip onto the design, and the story revealed itself to me. I started with a purple background because I had pre-established this colour for the brand. You don't need Photoshop for this process. Use whatever you available to you. Canva is a great free option. Step 5 - Refine Your Logo Design This is where you add some final touches and changes from your feedback. When designing-- keep your work and save the steps. There's something mentally encouraging about seeing progress (it's called momentum), but more importantly, any opportunity to make a mistake is an opportunity for something extraordinary to happen. Mistakes are the birthplace of creativity. If you lack creativity, it's most likely lacking effort. Ask yourself, what's the very first step-- and then do that. Step 6 - Publish Your Work Your logo should be finished in black and white and ideally vector. It's like hot sauce-- you should be able to put it on anything. Getting your logo finished as a vector graphic is essential so you can scale it for any project, on any medium or back-tattoo. Finally, after all this work, it's time to publish. Put it to bed. Brands and logos evolve incrementally. Final Design: Magician Vs Logo Conclusion Do magicians need a logo? No. A logo isn't required for magicians to be successful. Have a great act, offer something unique and be consistent with your designs. Choose a nice font and stick with it. If you are interested in creating a brand, the first step is to start, get your ideas out on paper and start brainstorming. Start designing and use the tools available to you. Define the things that make you stand out and find ways to showcase them in your design. Select and refine. Make mistakes, and don't judge too early in the process. Rinse and repeat. You must do the work actually to make progress. Creativity is born from mistakes. Ask for opinions from people you trust. Make tough decisions, and don't be afraid to start again. Commitment is the hardest part of creating your brand. Have you ever searched magician on a stock photo website? Horrendous! Here's a solution. Another problem that's unique to magicians is terrible stock magician photos and images. Check out these resources if you need high-quality graphics for your magician's website.

  • Best of Penn & Teller's Fool Us & Behind the Scenes

    Magic has always captivated audiences, leaving them in awe and wonder. Penn & Teller's Fool Us takes this enchantment to a new level. As an aspiring magician or a curious viewer, you may find yourself drawn into the realm of deception, where performers strive to outwit the legendary duo Penn Jillette and Raymond Teller. Table of Contents Behind the Scenes Exploring Penn & Teller's Fool Us 10 Best Fool Us Clips Frequently Asked Questions Conclusion Penn & Teller Fool Us Penn & Teller's Fool Us is a television series that showcases the world's most talented magicians as they attempt to baffle and mystify the minds of these seasoned professionals. The show's premise is simple: if a magician can successfully fool Penn & Teller with their trick or illusion, they earn the coveted prize of performing in Penn & Teller's Las Vegas stage show. But the challenge is not an easy one. Penn & Teller, known for their extraordinary sleight of hand, mentalism, and grand illusions, have mesmerized audiences for decades. Their extensive knowledge and experience make them formidable judges, making it all the more impressive when a magician manages to leave them truly perplexed. The show's popularity led to its relocation from the United Kingdom to the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. With this move came two new hosts (and now a third new host!) - Relevant Post - The vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas adds an extra layer of excitement and glamour to the show, making it a must-see for both magic enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. As a contestant on season three of Penn & Teller's Fool Us, I had the incredible opportunity to experience the magic firsthand (and a few challenges!) The show's setting at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas provided the perfect backdrop for unforgettable performances and a few nerve-wracking moments. Join me as we delve behind the scenes of Penn & Teller's Fool Us, uncover the secrets of the show's success, explore the best moments captured on camera, and answer some frequently asked questions that will satisfy your curiosity about this extraordinary magical journey. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Penn & Teller's Fool Us. II. Behind the Scenes: My Filming Experience Being a part of Penn & Teller's Fool Us was an exhilarating experience, and I wanted to showcase the dedication and behind-the-scenes challenges we faced filming our segment. I was invited to be part of season three and film an illusion called "Eclipse." This season was a big change for Penn & Teller Fool Us because it was the first filming at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Our segment was filmed on the first full day of production. Little did I know that this illusion would come with unexpected twists and turns. One of the unique aspects of "Eclipse" was its impressive size, standing at around 15 feet tall. While I owned the prop, the large structure itself is expensive to transport, and if there was any location on the planet to find this rare prop-- it was Vegas. Joining me for filming was my onstage partner Jade and a friend I met performing on cruise ships. As you'll see in the video footage, Jade bursts through a massive piece of paper, leaving the audience in awe. However, the behind-the-scenes challenges we encountered while filming may not be immediately apparent. Challenges During Filming The prop rented by the show came with only enough paper for two performances—one for our rehearsal and one for the final take captured by the cameras. Regrettably, we experienced an unforeseen power outage during our first filming attempt, which caused a delay and necessitated the need to begin the illusion again. On our second filming attempt, the paper burst prematurely due to the strain of multiple restarts. With no extra paper readily available, the resourceful production team swiftly improvised a solution. Backstage, they carefully taped the remaining paper pieces of the prop together, ensuring the illusion would be complete for the cameras. Unexpected Stress We didn't fool Penn & Teller with our illusion, and to prove they knew the secret, Teller handed me a drawing. This drawing would have been one of the biggest souvenirs a magician can receive from a legendary magician. A priceless souvenir. But... I've been performing and touring my entire life-- I'm used to high anxiety, but the technical issues unexpectedly impacted me. The silent half of the duo, Teller handed me the drawing and my mind was completely occupied with our challenges. Jade and I ran off stage without thinking about it, I threw away the drawing Teller had handed me after the performance. The priceless souvenir-- I threw it away. - Relevant Post - It was an incredible token, but my flustered state caused me to discard it without thinking, and it wasn't until we left the theatre that I realized my mistake almost an hour later. Sneaking Backstage Luckily, I could correct my mistake thanks to a stroke of luck. Sneaking back into the theater a few hours later, I dug through the trash bin and found the discarded souvenir. The relief and gratitude I felt at that moment were immeasurable. Watch Behind the Scenes For a closer look at the magic behind the scenes, I invite you to check out the behind-the-scenes video that shares our insider's perspective on filming. The videos show the meticulous planning, unexpected obstacles, and camaraderie shared among the magicians and production team. The journey of bringing "Eclipse" to life on Penn & Teller's Fool Us was filled with challenges, unexpected turns, and moments of triumph. Despite the added stress. These behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal the dedication and determination of the magicians, demonstrating that magic isn't just about the final performance—it's about the dedication and resilience that go into creating moments of wonder and astonishment. III. Exploring Penn & Teller's Fool Us Penn & Teller's Fool Us has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide, but understanding the inner workings of the show can deepen our appreciation for the magic and talent showcased. Here's what we'll cover in this section: How many Penn & Teller's Fool Us seasons are there? How do Penn & Teller know if they've been fooled? Is Penn & Teller's Fool Us staged or scripted? How does Penn & Teller's Fool Us work? Let's delve into some common questions and shed light on the mechanics of this captivating series. 1. How many Penn & Teller's Fool Us seasons are there? Penn & Teller's Fool Us has had ten seasons. I'm excited to see new talented magicians and performances for the upcoming season! 2. How do Penn & Teller know if they've been fooled? Penn & Teller doesn't reveal the specifics of a magic trick to the audience and viewers. They confirm with the magician often with a drawing, magic principles, or secret professional reference that a professional magician understands. 3. Is Penn & Teller's Fool Us staged or scripted? Penn & Teller's Fool Us is not scripted, and the magicians' performances do not use any camera tricks or staged trickery. The show thrives on live audience performances and spontaneous reactions for the legendary duo. Creating an authentic and unpredictable experience. 4. How does Penn & Teller's Fool Us work? A breakdown of the format and rules. The show follows a simple format: magicians from around the world present their tricks or illusions to a live audience and Penn & Teller. The goal is to perform an act that baffles the duo. If Penn & Teller cannot determine the method behind the trick, the magician is declared the winner (a "Fooler") and earns the opportunity to perform with Penn & Teller in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for the next set of frequently asked questions and an exploration of the magic behind Penn & Teller's Fool Us in the upcoming sections of this blog post, including changes in hosts, the show's authenticity, how to get on the program, and more. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Why did Penn & Teller's Fool Us change hosts? While I participated in the show during the transition, changing hosts from Jonathan Ross to Allison Hannigan and now Brooke Burke was likely driven by various factors, such as refreshing the show's format, bringing a new dynamic to the hosting role, and appealing to a wider audience. The change in hosts added fresh energy to the show while maintaining its essence of showcasing incredible magic performances. Is Penn & Teller's Fool Us real? Yes, Penn & Teller's Fool Us is a genuine show where magicians worldwide perform their acts to fool Penn & Teller genuinely. While the show has its production elements and careful editing for television, the magic tricks performed are not staged or pre-arranged with the intent to deceive the duo. The authenticity of the performances and the reactions from Penn & Teller contribute to the show's allure. How can one get on Penn & Teller's Fool Us? If you're an aspiring magician and dream of appearing on Penn & Teller's Fool Us, the first step is to contact the show's production team or keep an eye out for casting calls. The selection process typically involves submitting a video of your performances showcasing your unique magic act or trick to the producers. Where is Penn & Teller's Fool Us filmed? Penn & Teller's Fool Us was filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Rio Hotel and Casino during the season I participated in. However, as production circumstances may vary, it's always best to confirm the current filming location for the latest seasons of the show. How do you watch Penn & Teller's Fool Us? Penn & Teller's Fool Us can be enjoyed by tuning into the show's broadcast on television. Check your local listings for the specific channel and airtime. Additionally, episodes and clips from the show are often available for streaming on the network's official website or other online platforms. Is Penn & Teller's Fool Us available on Hulu? As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Penn & Teller's Fool Us was unavailable on Hulu. However, streaming platforms and availability are subject to change, so it's recommended to check Hulu's catalogue or other streaming services for the latest updates. Is Penn & Teller's Fool Us on Netflix? As of my knowledge cutoff, in September 2021, Penn & Teller's Fool Us was unavailable on Netflix. However, streaming platforms frequently update their content offerings, so it's advisable to check Netflix or other streaming services for the most current availability. Explore the magic, mystery, and genuine wonder of Penn & Teller's Fool Us as we uncover more intriguing aspects of the show, including additional FAQs and insights into its fascinating world of illusions and performances. Conclusion Penn & Teller's Fool Us is a show that has captivated audiences worldwide, providing a platform for magicians to showcase their extraordinary talents and push the boundaries of magic. Throughout the seasons, this remarkable series has delivered unforgettable moments, leaving viewers in awe and wonder. From the behind-the-scenes challenges performers face to the mind-boggling tricks and illusions that have left even Penn & Teller astounded, the world of Fool Us is filled with creativity, skill, and dedication. The transition to Las Vegas and introducing Brooke Burke as the host have added new dimensions to the show, infusing it with fresh energy and excitement. Penn & Teller's Fool Us inspires aspiring magicians and magic enthusiasts alike. That's It! We hope you enjoyed delving into the enchanting world of Penn & Teller's Fool Us. If you found this blog post informative and entertaining, we'd love for you to show your appreciation by hitting the ♥️ heart button below. Your support means the world to us! Do you have any burning questions or comments about the show, the behind-the-scenes experiences, or magic in general? We invite you to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. We'll be thrilled to engage in discussions and provide further insights. While you're here, check out these recommended articles to further satisfy your curiosity about the world of magic: What to Read Next

  • How to Become a Magician for Beginners (Tips, Links & Videos)

    Do you want to learn how to become a magician? Step into the captivating world of magic and discover the surprising journey to become a magician, where secrets and skills blend to create awe-inspiring moments. Are you interested in just learning magic tricks? How to Become a Magician In this post, we'll cover the five steps to becoming a successful magician and amazing others with your tricks. Here are the most important takeaways: Start with simple tricks and gradually progress to more complex ones. Practice consistently to hone skills and build confidence. Study the work of accomplished magicians for inspiration and learning. Perform as much as possible for various audiences to gain experience and feedback. Understand the importance of presentation and storytelling in magic. Join magic communities or clubs to network and learn from others. Continuously innovate and add personal touches to create a unique style. I've been a professional magician for nearly 30 years, and in this article, I'll share the best tips, inside secrets and suggestions for learning the art of magic and becoming a magician. These are the secrets I wish I had known when I started my journey in magic. Let's dive in! Jump to a section: The 5 Steps To Becoming A Magician Learn Magic Tricks, Secrets & Magician Theories Performing Your First Magic Trick Connect With Other Magicians How to Become a Better Magician Biggest Secret of the World's Best Magicians Let's dive in and learn how to become a magician. The 5 Steps To Becoming A Magician Becoming is similar to learning any other skill set or sport. Magicians must practice frequently and expand their knowledge. Let's take a look at the five steps it takes to become a magician. Here are the five steps to becoming a successful magician: Learn Magic Tricks, Secrets & Magician Theories - Learn various magic tricks and magician concepts behind the tricks. Practice, Practice, Practice - Practice and perfect your tricks and try them out on your audience. Connections and Feedback - Reach out to other magicians and magician communities. Get feedback from magicians you trust. Perform As Often As You Can - We all get nervous performing magic! The more time you spend performing, the easier and more polished you become. Repeat - Keep at it!!! The difference between a good magician and a great magician is how much time you dedicate to performing and improving. The art of magic is technical by nature. A magician practices hours to learn complicated moves that an audience will never see! So, how do magicians become magicians? The obvious answer is that after hours of practicing magic, they perform magic tricks. Becoming a successful magician is more than just knowing tricks. Successful magicians use great storytelling and unique personalities to shine and connect with their audience. Let's talk about the first step, learning new magic tricks. Step 1. How to Learn Magic The first thing you must do is immerse yourself in a world of magic. Learn all the magic tricks you can! Read, watch and listen to every magic book, podcast or magic instructional video you can get your hands on. Here's a great resource for learning 20 easy magic tricks with household items. In the early years of magic, it's all about the tricks. Get a well-rounded knowledge of magic secrets and learn all kinds of magic. With time, you'll understand how to follow your instinct and discover which tricks resonate with you, your style and your personality. How to learn magic tricks and magician theory. How do you learn the secrets to magic's most incredible tricks? Here is a look at the various ways to learn magic's methods. 1. Learn From Magic Books Hundreds of magic books are available for magicians at all skill levels. One of the most significant benefits of learning from books is that you aren't influenced by the teacher's style or character. I have always been a big fan of learning from a magic book. As a child of magic, the gold standard magic book series was The Tarbell Course in Magic and Mark Wilson Course in Magic. I highly recommend it for both beginner magicians and magic enthusiasts. Remember! Never overlook books-- you'll discover a lifetime of inspiration in old magic books. Keeping an eye on the past has been part of every successful magician's history. 2. Learn Magic on YouTube YouTube and videos are excellent ways to learn the art of magic. Watching another magician perform makes it much easier to learn the nuances of complicated magic moves, sleights or tricks. Video is a valuable way to learn magic tricks, but remember to add your personality and presentation to these magic tricks instead of copying. Here's a fantastic magic trick called the Coin Through Balloon, which you can learn with household items. Watch below and subscribe to Magician Masterclass on YouTube: Learn the Coin Through Balloon Routine here: https://www.magicianmasterclass.com/post/coin-through-balloon 3. Learn Magic from Other Magicians One of the most enriching and effective ways for an aspiring magician to learn the art of magic is by joining a local magic club or society. These clubs are not just gatherings; they are melting pots of expertise, experience, and shared passion. READ: There are 7 Magic Societies in North America By becoming a member, you immerse yourself in a community that lives and breathes magic. In a magic club, you'll find veterans and newcomers alike, each with unique tricks up their sleeve. Here, knowledge isn't just passed down through formal lessons; it's shared in conversations, demonstrated in impromptu performances, and discussed over shared challenges. You'll witness firsthand the diverse styles and approaches to magic, providing a broader understanding of the craft. Magic societies often host workshops, lectures, and special events where renowned magicians showcase their skills and reveal insights into their techniques. These events are invaluable for learning advanced tricks and understanding the nuances of performance. But it's not all about learning new tricks. Joining a magic club is a gateway to forming mentorships and friendships. Seasoned magicians can provide personalized guidance, helping you refine your technique and develop your unique style. They can also offer practical advice on navigating the world of professional magic, from booking shows to managing stage presence. Furthermore, these clubs often provide opportunities to perform, whether in club meetings or at public events organized by the society. Performing in front of fellow magicians who understand the intricacies of the craft is an excellent way to gain constructive feedback and build confidence. Being part of a magic club or society is about being part of a tradition that values the sharing of knowledge and the continuous evolution of the magical arts. It's a place where magic is practiced and celebrated, offering a supportive environment for anyone embarking on the magical journey. 4. Learn Magic From Magician Podcasts Podcasts are a great way to keep your ear on the pulse of magic. Magician podcasts cover a broad spectrum of magic topics, including business, performance advice, conventions and interviews. They also can provide long-form conversations with essential topics like magician theory. For a complete list of magician podcasts, visit this page. Where do magicians buy magic tricks? The age of brick and mortar appears to be coming to an end. There are very few magic shops that you can visit in person and do your magic shopping. Most magicians buy their magic online at stores like: Vanish Inc Magic Penguin Magic Hocus Pocus ellusionist Theory11 After you've learned many magic tricks, it's time to perform. Whether you are presenting a trick for one person or an entire audience, there are some essential steps you need to take first. Step 2. Perform Your First Magic Trick Before you perform any trick, you must practice. Practice the trick endlessly until you can do it in your sleep. The reality is some magic tricks are much easier to perform than others. You have to be able to complete the trick without hesitation or thinking about what's next. Any awkward pauses or delays in your performance will signal to your audience that something isn't quite right. That's why it's critical to practice, practice, practice. Once you are confident that you are ready, it's time for your first magic show or performance! Remember, it's one thing to know the secret to a magic trick, and it's another thing to perform it. All successful magicians work tirelessly on their magic tricks by practicing the moves, actions and patter. Patter is the script that you say during a magic trick. When you watch an outstanding magician perform a trick that looks effortless, they have likely presented that trick hundreds of times. The more you perform magic, the more confident you get. Each time you show a trick, it is like sanding the rough edges and making your routine smoother. It will get better and better each time. Entertaining as a magician requires focus. Magicians who execute the most difficult tricks make it look effortless because they have performed their routines countless times. However, like every journey, it starts with taking your first step-- and for magic, that's your first magic performance. Get practicing! Step 3. Connect with other magicians and the magician community. Discover the magic community and a world of professional magic. Meeting and collaborating with other magicians is crucial to improving your skills. Only other magicians can provide helpful feedback based on experience. Getting feedback is critical to becoming the best magician you can be. Plus, you can meet new friends who also share your passion for the art of magic. Magicians seeking to connect with fellow magicians have several online opportunities, including forums and message boards. There are also in-person meetings, magician associations and annual conventions worldwide. There is even a magician "Olympics" that happens every three years, called the FISM World Championship of Magic. Here are a few online resources for connecting with other magicians: The Magic Cafe: themagiccafe.com - an online magician forum Reddit: https://reddit/r/magic - online forum Step 4. Perform As Often As You Can Suppose you want to be a great magician; what's the secret? You must perform often. Find as many ways to present your magic as possible, including small social gatherings and events at school or work. The secret to being a successful magician and entertainer is performing your magic as often as possible. You need to be confident, and your magic needs to look effortless. When you perform a piece of magic hundreds of times, you understand how to maximize the entertainment value at every moment of the magic trick. Anticipating in advance how spectators react will take your magic to the next level. You must know every turn, movement and potential misstep of a routine. The only way to earn mastery as a magician is through repetition. And, of course, magic can also be a business that earns you income-- but that's a conversation for another blog post. Step 5. Repeat Repetition and dedication to improving your magic are the biggest secrets to being a great magician. Whether you are building a magic show or presenting a few card tricks, these five steps are essential to building confidence and perfecting your skills, but the best thing you can do is do it repeatedly. Getting feedback from people you trust is essential. Don't get stuck in a bubble of your ego. Understand that not every one of your performances will be the best. Learn from your mistakes, get back up, and do it again. Your job as a magician is to inspire wonder in the imagination of your audience. Every time you perform a magic trick, that impact will become more robust and polished. To become a great magician, you must perform magic a lot! Never forget that the real magic happens in your audience's mind; don't make your tricks about you and your skills. Take your audiences out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary and make them feel great-- they'll remember you forever. CONCLUSION Magic is an incredible art, hobby and profession that can provide you with plenty of unique opportunities and even take you worldwide. You need more than great magic tricks to be a successful magician. A great magician uses magic, personality, scripting, and storytelling to capture their audience's imaginations and make them feel astonished. Work hard on your sleights and moves. Learn a wide range of magic and understand the theory behind each trick. Practice your magic tricks regularly by performing them as often as you can. Connect with other magicians and get feedback from people you trust. Absorb yourself in the world of magic and make an effort to improve, learn and grow every day. That's it! If you got some value from this article, please hit the ♥️ and don't forget to share your questions or comments below. What to Read Next 20 Easy Magic Tricks with Everyday Objects Anyone Can Do Magician Glossary of Terms Jumping Rubber Band Magic Trick: Amazing Leap of Fun!

  • How to Practice Your Magic Tricks -- According to Science

    Are you learning a new magic trick or sleight? Do you want to learn how to become a better magician? We all want to improve. If you've heard the saying "practice makes perfect" let's look at what science is actually tells us and how it applies to magicians. Let's explore Becoming a magician isn't just about tricks. There are many factors beyond magic tricks that make successful performers, including personality, character development, storytelling, humour, marketing, and branding. In this article, however, we are talking specifically about the science of practicing magic tricks. Before we dive in, remember tricks and methods are just one element of becoming a successful magician. How well you attach your personality to your routines is what sets you apart from 100,000 other magicians BUT being a magician is the ability to execute complicated sleights without your spectators figuring out the secret. It's not magic without mystery. Let's talk about the most efficient ways to magicians master new skills, sleight, move or techniques, according to science. How to Practice Effectively by Annie Bosler and Don Greene Here is the best way to practice the art of magic, according to science 1. Focus on your task without distractions Eliminate all distractions. Understand your practice session is about being deliberate and focused. Mute your phone and alarms, find a quiet place and remove any triggers that will pull your focus. 2. Go slow-mo to learn complicated sleights easier Slow down your practice and think about each movement. Take care to strive for the best execution in slow motion you can. This will help your brain get through the basics and build a solid foundation. You don't want to train yourself in bad habits. Strive for the absolute best you can. Pay close attention to your technique now and save a lifetime of frustration. 3. As you make progress, speed up the actions The point here is to always push your brain a little further and further. As your vocabulary of skillsets increase, so too will your ability to pick up new moves. The idea behind accelerating your speed is to increase repetition while maintaining your efficacy. Gradually increasing your speed is like increasing the rate on a treadmill. Our mind and bodies respond to stress, the speed increase will cause your brain to work harder. Speed shouldn't sacrifice the quality of rehearsal. 4. Practice with consistency and take breaks This may be one of the most significant and most misunderstood parts of how our brains respond to new skills. Walking away and taking breaks is essential for deep learning. Stepping away allows your subconscious mind to do its magic in the background. Sleep may be one of the most important ways to accelerate learning. Sleep and proper nutrition are essential-- you can't expect your body to do all this work if you are neglecting the basic necessities for brain function. Provide your body and mind with an opportunity to succeed. 5. Practice without practicing The idea of repetition is obvious-- next time put down the cards and do it entirely in your mind. Think through each move, sleight or moment. Being able to clearly think through the steps ensures you know every part of the routine or move. Conclusion Practicing magic tricks requires repetition. When learning a new trick or move, focus on slowly executing the movements and doing them as perfectly as you can. This is the foundation for all your practice, don't create lazy and bad habits. Start speeding up your movements. Increasing speed forces your brain to work harder. Science shows us that sleep is crucial for learning new skills. Practice when you aren't practicing by thinking about the moves in your mind. And finally remember, the most successful performers find ways to weave their own personalities into each and every routine! Interested in becoming a beginner magician and learning the art of magic?

  • Founder of Canadian Association of Magicians Surprising First Reaction to Magic

    Joan Caesar is a legend in the world of magic. She is the founder of the Canadian Association of Magicians, past president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, FISM World Championship of Magic Head Judge, FFFF Organizer, and someone I've known long enough to call my "Mom # 2." The historic decision for the FISM World Championship of Magic to come to North America for the first time in 74 years can be primarily attributed to the effort of Joan Caesar and Renee-Claude Auclair. READ: FISM World Championship of Magic Complete Guide A few years ago, I sat down and chatted with Joan about magic, performing, female magicians, and her introduction to the art of magic. Joan made soup and egg salad. It was a wholesome afternoon filled with magic conversation. Here are some of the highlights. Watch: Joan Caeser and I chat about magic. I met Joan Caesar at a gathering of magicians in a nearby city, who all assembled monthly for lectures, meetings, and events. She also introduced me to Tannen's Magic Camp in New York City. It was a university education for a young magician like me. Joan is the founder and Past-President of the Canadian Association of Magicians and an International Brotherhood of Magicians Past President (2008-2009) Before CAM was founded in 1997, Canadian magicians couldn't earn the coveted Grand Prix title at the FISM World Championship of Magic, and some magicians competed under other countries. Magic Competition Within the art of magic, you'll find many categories of interest. One fascinating aspect of magic is completion. Just one six-minute act can change a magician's entire career. Joan Caesar has judged every major magician convention and is the Head Judge for the FISM World Championship of Magic. Listen to the full podcast episode: As a judge for the largest magic conventions in the world, Joan shares her perspective on what makes a great magic act. We talk about her life as a magician. We talk about female magicians and why it's challenging to be a woman in magic. Why Joan founded the Canadian Association of Magicians (CAM), and what world-famous magician motivated her? Female Award-Winning FISM Magicians Mentioned In this episode, Joan mentions several female magicians. Here is footage from two female FISM Award-Winning magicians: World Championship of Magic in Canada History was made for magicians in 2022 with the help of Joan Caesar. The FISM World Championships of Magic appeared in Quebec City, Canada, for the largest gathering of magicians in the world. This was the first time in World Championship history that the five-day convention and competition appeared in North America. To learn more about the Canadian Association of Magicians, visit their official page or learn about FISM here.

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