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Eshla Inner circle 1239 Posts |
I am a big fan of stage illusions, and currantly I do not know many of the basic principles of stage illusions. For example, I know a lot of tricks involve "mirrors", but I have no idea how this works. I also have no idea, for example, how to vanish a person/object from one place to another with a blanket or such.
Where do I learn such arts? I almost wish not to learn because the open-mindedness that I have currently seems to be helping me, I have already created three new effects, one close-up levitation, and two stage show effects, one of which I am hoping to perform at the end of the year, and should be VERY spectacular (particularly with such a low budget). I do not know the other illusions however, such as the Shadow Box or such. Its strange, because I can figure and create some illusions myself, but not other "classics". Where do I learn the basics of stage illusion, to help me make grander shows? Tom xx
I come from the future to culture you poor sods with fire.
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MichaelOzMagic Loyal user Des Moines, Iowa 234 Posts |
Well first of all Tom I going to tell you somthing about illusions just to aware you about them! Illusion are kind of hard to travel with! If you have a full illusion show you are going to have to have a trailor to carry them in! Also you are going to have to have a case for the illusion to make sure it doesn't get damaged. Also you said that you want to stay on a low budget that's hard when dealing with illusions!
Now about where to learn a good reasource is Jim Steinmeyers stuff. He has some great books on illusions! any more questions feel free to PM me! Thanks Michael |
1906Alpha1906 Special user North Cacky Lack 516 Posts |
I would also recommend reading a few "intro" books on illusions such as Mark Wilson course, Tarbell, etc... While you are headed in the right direction with asking questions, there is more to it than meets the eye per say.
Also, with the illusions that you have 'created', just take fair warning to do your research first, as it may have already been created, just not seen by the masses, and if so, a simple contact to the originator will keep you out of "hot water" so to say. Learning Stage illusions is just one small key factor, learning staging, blocking, character, theme, etc....is another part. Just doing illusions is one thing, performing is another. More to it than just doing an illusion. *smile* Development is the main focus of any stage performance. If you don't develop a purpose, then all you have is an illusion. What's your story? Why this illusion?Where does it fit in theory? - Just a few things to ask yourself when you get into illusions. Does the illusion really fit what you are doing, or do you just want that illusion to do it? Many things to keep in mind when deciding, or you'll have, like most of us do, some illusions sitting around that just collect dust and are nice to look at. *smile* And travelling, yes, happy hauling!! *haha* -Alpha |
Aaron Smith Magic Inner circle Portland, OR 1447 Posts |
Paul Osbourne's books. It's a great place to start.
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trey Loyal user 291 Posts |
Read ALOT! That is the best way to understand the principles of what we do.
Trey |
James FX Regular user Virginia 178 Posts |
Hi Tom, assuming that you're interested in more than simply obtaining effects or secrets, I suggest reading Hiding the Elephant by Jim Steinmeyer. Within it's pages you'll learn of great classic illusions as well as some basic principles. But even better, you'll learn not only how magicains act but also how magicians think. Great reading for anyone drawn to illusion.
James |
Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
Here's a list of books that can get you started:
'Conjurer's Optical Secrets' by SH Sharpe 'Conjurer's Mechanical Secrets' by SH Sharpe 'Conjurer's Hydraulic and Pneumatic Secrets' by SH Sharpe 'Jarrett' by Jim Steinmeyer 'The Great Illusions of Magic' by Byron Wells 'Easy Build Illusions' by Paul Osborne 'Illusion Systems, Vol. 1-4' by Paul Osborne 'Haunted Illusions' by Paul Osborne 'Evolution of the Magic Box' by Paul Osborne '4E Illusion Design' by Mark Parker 'Seven Basic Secrets of Illusion Design' by Eric Van Duzer The books by SH Sharpe and the last book (Van Duzer) will give you cover the theory of illusions the best. The others will provide basic plans for individual illusions. Jim Steinmeyer's book on Jarrett is a fascinating read regarding a great mind of a designer. You might also track down a copy of 'Keep the Wheels Turing' which you can get from Owens Magic Supreme. There are a lot of books floating around (some easy to get and others not so much) that cover individual illusionists, their biography, tours, illusions, and contributions to magic. Too many to list, but they are interesting to read as well. As far as showmanship, there isn't too much available, but Joanie Spina's DVDS 'Get Your Act Together' would be a good place to start. Also the Pendragon's DVDs will give you a lot of thought regarding how they approach their illusions. As a final thought, I would suggest reading, 'Our Magic' by Meskelyne and Devant, and the Fitzkee Trilogy. Although not specific to illusions, these books give you a great overview of the theory of magic. Not all of it applicable, but outside of a couple of other books, These four serve me very well. Good luck and keep us posted.
Coram Deo
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MichaelOzMagic Loyal user Des Moines, Iowa 234 Posts |
Hey one more thing to suggest, Gary Darwins Inexpensive Illusions both the dvd and the book are great great way to get into illusions. They tell you some real key secrets in magic and also tell you how to build them reletivly inexpesive. Also a lot of Andrew Maynes stuff is good for getting into illusion! just thought I would share that!!!!
Michael |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
On my site, Jim Gerrish has e-Books showing how to build many illusions inexpensively with PVC pipes, hardboard and duct tape, foamboard, as well as with traditional building materials. So, as you can see, there are plenty of resources to help you learn illusions and build them. The real question is about YOU. Have you studied magic sufficiently to know that just as you never perform the same trick twice in a row for the same audience, you should also not keep using the same magic principles over and over again. You mentioned "mirrors" in your post. You would not want to do illusion after illusion that uses the mirror principle. The same goes for other principles like shadow illusions, black art, and so on.
You should also know THE NINETEEN BASIC EFFECTS as described by Dariel Fitzkee. This will help you from continually showing the same effect to the same audience. http://www.angelfire.com/musicals/fitzkee/TB1.html# To start you on your journey.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
Aaron Smith Magic Inner circle Portland, OR 1447 Posts |
Jim Gerrish's PVC pipe illusion book.. I knew that one was comin..
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Marcus.magic Veteran user 359 Posts |
First I will suggest you the "S.H. Sharpe books series " especially the Conjuring series ,
but I think for shure I don't want suggest you any Mayne's books ( for me he just pick some existents ideas or illusions and after he put the ideas in his books (even whit bad descriptions), and the same it's for PVC Pipe etc.etc. sorry but this is what I think ! |
pradell Special user Alaska 560 Posts |
Here are two links which should be viewed by those interested in stage illusions.
http://www.magicauction.com/IllusionHotl......ooks.htm http://www.zigmont.com/backstage.html :magicrabbit: |
James FX Regular user Virginia 178 Posts |
It appears that the poster has moved onto Card Magic & Close Up, asking for advice there as well- and not really appreciating anything involving reading or study.
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-10-31 12:39, James FX wrote: But others can benefit from this thread. We often find that new posters with less than 100 posts only ask questions and leave the thread. They are frequently just trying to build post count. However, it still can serve a good purpose for others, if the questions are good and not just repeats. We do hope that they do a search before they post the same question. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
James FX Regular user Virginia 178 Posts |
Excellent point Bob; at least others can learn from our information
James |
doubletime New user 49 Posts |
I got a mentor - most wonderful experience of my life.
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