The Entertainers Roadmap to Business
Highway to success is the essential business system for any artist or independent business person. Written by entertainers, for entertainers, and independent business people, it provides all the information you need to set up, operate, and thrive as a professional. From basic business structures to legalities, advertising to closing the sale, this system will refine your business practices and increase your clientele.
With over 45 years of combined experience as professional entertainers and businessmen, Elliott Smith and Ian Quick have put together for you an effective business system that works. Based on tried methods and practical experience, this common sense approach will equip you with the knowledge to successfully operate your business. |
Hugard's Magic Monthly - Volumes 1-4. Published from June 1943 to April 1965, Hugard's was one of the greatest magic magazines ever published - remarkable for the quality and quantity of the best tricks of the day as well as containing the most interesting information available on the magic scene of the day. More than 1,560 individual tricks and sleights, plus hundreds of tips, ideas and reviews plus historical and news items appeared in its 245 issues - a total of 2,524 pages! In addition, the final volume, Vol 20 & 21, includes a complete 250 page master index by W.L. Broecker. This index will guide you quickly to effects, contributors and general information. There's also an invaluable overview by Broecker of the history of the magazine and biographies of the major contributors. Finally, for an additional bonus, Volume 20 & 21 also includes a reproduction of the rare, fascinating program for the Jean Hugard Testimonial given at New York's Barbazon Plaza Playhouse on April 28, 1945. This program (over 100 pages) contains articles, pictures and testimonials by leading magicians of the day. |
Ibidem magazine ran from 1955 to 1979, during which time its editor, P. Howard Lyons, produced 36 issues. Those issues accumulated quite a reputation. For its long unperiodic existence, Ibidem became recognized as the best source for avant-garde card magic and diverse curious pursuits of Lyons and his diabolically inventive crew. All 36 issues plus related unpublished material will be gathered into three large volumes, re-typeset in a fashion that retains the quirky style of the original magazines while making the text easier to read. As important as the text are the many witty illustrations and covers done by respected professional artist Pat Lyons (Howard's talented wife). For these books, Pat Lyons has redrawn all her artwork, being faithful to the originals while enhancing them for the superior reproduction techniques used for these volumes. And all her hand-screened covers are carefully reproduced as color plates! Volume 1 contains issues 1-16. 352 pages, hardcover. Volume 2 contains issues 17-28. 358 pages, hardcover. Volume 3 The final 8 issues. 360 pages, hardcover. |
The author of Solo-X and Illusion F/X presents a brand new book of large illusions. Whether you're planning your club show or television special, there's something here for you. 220 Pages, 100 New and Original Ideas, 100 Illustrations and Diagrams Here are just some of the effects included: - Cut an audience member in half with a pair of giant scissors
- Appear from a small remote control car
- Make an elephant disappear without actually owning one
- Crawl through a four inch hole
- Turn your assistant into a motorcycle
- And much, much more!
Signed, numbered and limited to a run of 1000 copies. |
Paul has a vast experience in the theme park industry and has had to build most if not all of his specialty illusions, specifically designed for each venue. Now he shares this valuable and incredible information with you. Not only will this series save you money it will educate you in the art of selecting illusions, the care and feeding and much more. If you are handy in the shop, you will be able to build many of these for your own use, saving you hundreds and thousands of dollars. If you do not have the resources to build them, you are directed to those that can.
These books are a treasure trove of information for the beginning illusionist as well as the seasoned performer.
Book 1 7 easy to build illusions
Book 2 building plans for the Lion and Cobra (great stage trick for kids), Tony Spina's Suspension on Silks, The Cabana Production Illusion, DeKolta Chair Vanish, The Ark of Tibet, Orbs (A giant Strat-O-Spheres built into an illusion), Bullet Proof Girl, Dinner For Two (a great full dinner table production), The Prisoner's Dream, She's Come Undone (combination Girl without a Middle and Zig Zag), The Misplaced Maiden (Topsy Turvy Girl), Stretcher Illusion, The Witch Doctor Illusion , and the Bio-Tron Illusion,
Book 3 Plans for some very portable illusions called "Quickies" such as the Toy Box Miracle, Poof Production, Crystal Case, Flower Girl, Costume Case, and The Sacrifice by Masklyn ye Mage. Some of the larger illusion plans include Noel Cowards' Comedy Sawing in Half, Emperor's Tea Chest, Great Ape Escape, Multi Media, Hindoo Screens, Stan Allen's Broom Suspension Plus, Passkey Illusion, Woodbury's Vertical Shadow Box, Lady Iluma (light bulbs thru girl), Hades Table Levitation, and Diamond Blade of Baghdad. There are also chapters on Building Tips by Bill Smith, Using Hardwoods by Scott Davis, Performing Illusions by Doug Anderson, Do It Different by David Ginn, Spring Hinges by Ed Verba, and Fast Paint Finishes by Paul Osborne. As a special treat there is a complete section w with schematics on the Light Bulbs thru Girl as featured by Blackstone.
Book 4 This is the the fourth Illusion System Book written and illustrated by Paul Osborne. He has once again introduced a great book for the would be do-it-yourself illusionist that wants to create his/her own illusion set ups. Mr. Osborne has included detailed instructions and illustrations that enable the reader to see the complete techincal aspects behind great illusions such as Abbott's Guillotine, Phantasmo, The Goodbye Girl, The Vampire Illusion, See Thru Strait Jacket, and many, many more. |
If you're searching for brand-new illusion concepts, look no further than Rand Woodbury's Illusionworks series of books. Volume three features 40 original illusion concepts and ideas, including Positions and Conditions; Barstool Stretching; Vismet; Horizontal Levi; Duck It; Odds Are; See Thru Base; Human dartboard and Suspended Animation all explained in the Ilusionworks style-with computerized illustrations and dimensions.
Softbound, 110 pages. |
This is J C Sum’s first complete book on original illusions & presentations. Widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative magic minds in Asia, J C is also one of the premier corporate entertainers in the region.
J C shares a small treasury of illusions straight out of his professional repertoire and material he has developed for clients over the past seven years.
The book features over twenty illusions with carefully thought out designs, methodologies and presentation plots that take into consideration motivation, logic and credibility in the performance of illusion. All the illusions were created for the working performer. All props are designed to pack down effectively for transport and most of the illusions can be performed surrounded or with audiences on three sides.
'Illusionary Departures' features 120 pages of illusion construction plans as well as full illusion presentations.
- WALK THROUGH THE WINERY - An original penetration illusion
- VISUAL DISPLACEMENT - The passing of a person through four vertical solid steel bars
- THE TIME MACHINE - A ‘cerebral’ stage routine performed to a time-travel plot
- CURTAIN CALL + TRUNK ESCAPE - Radically different variations & presentation ideas for the ‘Substitution Trunk’
- CREATION OF LIFE - A paradigm of powerful illusion presentation
- FOURTH DIMENSIONAL EXIT - The magical vanishing of a company of dancers/ performers using a new illusion utility
- CRYSTAL STRIPTEASE - The magical vanish & reappearance of a girl while being stripped of her clothes
- NEW-AGE SPIRIT CABINET - The manifestation of inanimate objects with a kicker ending
- SWEEPSTAKES - When motivation and combination collide
- BACK DOOR APPEARANCE - The magical appearance of a person(s) in a special event setting
- GRAFFITI GIRL - An audience participation illusion with a girl from graffiti appearance
- MOTION DELAYED VANISH/ APPEARANCE - An original application of an illusion utility
- MODERN FLIGHT CASE TABLE - An ATA case-table for working performers
- BRANDED - A corporate logo magically appears in a flash of fire
- GHOST CABINET - A versatile prop for a multi-cast illusion production number
J C recently returned from a successful project for a Samsung product launch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He performed a number of original illusions as detailed in 'Illusionary Departures' including 'Branded' and 'Backdoor Appearance' (used to produced 4 girls). This was actually a modified version of 'Backdoor Appearance' as he also produced a giant-sized TV. |
Andrew Mayne's new book on illusions Learn how to build illusions for $1 to $10,000 by understanding basic illusion principles. Andrew Mayne's newest book features several new creations along with re-worked classic illusions that help teach you how to think like an illusionist.
In the first installment of the series you'll discover the methods of secret spaces, contortions and manipulation as they apply to magic.
+ Build a $99 beveled base + Build a $1 head twister + Create a stretching illusion for under $75 + Create a stunning shadow box effect for less than $50 + Plus learn how to turn classic effects into modern miracles!
8.5 x 11, 120 pages filled with diagrams and illustrations. |
by Rand Woodbury
Illusions, Ideas & Inspiration
If you're searching for brand-new illusion concepts, look no further than Rand Woodbury's Illusionworks series of books. Volume One features fifty-three illusions, including Torturtina, Shadow Dancer, and Body Transformer explained with the aid of understandable explanations, computerized illustrations and construction dimensions.
Excerpt from the Introduction:
Where do you start one of these things? I've never had to write anything like this before. There was that one job application and that police report. Well, nevermind. Why does this book exist? Basically, it's because I haven't seen this kind of book on illusions in any magic shop; a book with just original ideas or illusionist. I have a few books on the subject of large stage illusions and Jarret, by Jim Steinmeyer has to be my favorite. I thought it would be cool to have a sort of modern "Jarrett" type book containing new and modern material. And for the record: I'm not comparing myself to genius that was Guy Jarrett or the genius that is Jim Steinmeyer. I do thing Guy Jarrett might have gotten a kick out of this book and probably even swore a bit.
Pages 182 - Softbound |
Here is a new collection of how Kenton makes miracles. Simple props and tools become memorable miracles.
After each unusual effect and method is a "Lesson". These are short and sweet reminders of the principles and concepts at work behind each effect. The "lessons" will get you rethinking what you do and how you do it. Many treasures in each of these short paragraphs following the effects.
If you have seen what Kenton does with an Imp Bottle in the spectator's hand - that is finally in here - and fully explained for the first time ever. This alone is worth the price of the manuscript in the opinion of many who have seen it. Very commercial, exciting and memorable work... with an Imp Bottle no less!
There are daring favorites which a select few have seen Kenton perform live. These have also made their way on to television in many countries. You will find in full expanded explanation and exposure "The Love Force", "Mojo Grow Bag" and "A Miracle For Those Who Dare".
Kenton realized that he needed to more fully explain these concepts and effects so other performers could grasp them easily and perform them. You will find new information, new illustrations and the latest work on these favorites.
"Drawn Together" is a new bit you'll have a load of fun doing. Two spectators stand next to each other and try to force one another off balance. When they remain balanced, the performer states this is due to an unusual connection between them. He makes them stand apart, but says that "each will subconsciously reach out to each other". The audience laughs for as the performer speaks, the spectators do just as he says. Even the spectators are amazed by this event.
This manuscript will get you to reconsider old bits and props you have dismissed, while giving you valuable lessons and insights that can be applied to all that you do.
Other effects and methods are included, each with their own unique spin on performance and principle.
If you care about performing more than just learning tricks, this is a manuscript you will find very useful and inspiring. If tricks are all you wish, then get ready for some very different tricks - the kind that make you and your audiences think about what they have seen for a long time to come.
OVER 30 FULL SIZE PAGES. |
Finally! Would you like to add some of those dazzling quick costume changes into your act just like the pro's? Award-winning magician Monica Monros' Instant Magic Costume Changes book and DVD combination will teach you 10 different techniques and variations in detail.
You can apply these methods to any kind of outfit, including tuxedos, pantsuits, dresses, leotards and more!
The Book: Combbound, 46 pages, illustrated. Comes with a 90 minute instructional video.
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Yes, it’s here! Aldo's new comedy book is finally available. It contains hundreds of insults and comebacks for hecklers and every possible situation that may arise during a show. All one-liners are different from the previous books in this (now) famous comedy series. For magicians, comedians, you name it!
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Within these volumes are meticulously described 556 tricks and routines conceived by Stewart James. Of these, 478 have not been published before. Many of the originations of this extraordinary man appearing here for the first time are brilliant, some are transcendent. And of the 148 choice variants of his inventions created by others, 74 have not seen print before. Nearly 1700 Pages of Stewart James' Magic, Most Previously Unpublished Compiled and Written by Allan Slaight Accompanied by Max Maven Two Hardbound Volumes With A Hardbound Index of Some 15,000 Entries for Stewart James In Print and The James File |
There has never been anything that equals the Jinx Magazine, Ted Annemann's own idea of a practical and inventive publication. The Jinx demanded and received every last bit of magical knowledge and psychological research that only Ted Annemann could give.
Every variety and type of magic is here. Ball Tricks, Bill Tricks, Billet Reading, Book Tests, Brain Tests, Cards and some of the most creative effects and miracles. Cigarettes, Coins, Silks, Matches, Slates, Spirit, Thimbles, Ropes and Ribbons are also included.
We are proud to present, for the first time, the complete three volume set on CD ROM! Search through over 800 pages with the interactive index or keyword search. Just type in the word or phrase you're looking for and the interactive Jinx will take you there. Usable on both PC and MAC computers!
Bonus: 5 Supplemental Jinx Programs! These are completely routined, 30 minute acts from beginning to end! |
Greg McMahon is one of the true professionals in magic and clowning. He's now revealing some of his best kid-show material in his new book, KIDS THINK IT'S FUNNY. In 27 unique and entertaining chapters, Greg teaches hilarious gags and routines to make you funnier than ever to your kid-show audiences! His tips on how to make a small show look big or his chapter on top hat juggling or his Rocky the Raccoon routines are easily worth much more than the price of the entire book. KIDS THINK IT'S FUNNY includes: - The Value of Repeating Material
- What Makes a Good Website
- Ideas for Organizing Your Show Case
- How to Make a Great First Impression
- Entertain While Setting Up
- Make a Small Show Look Look Big
- Getting the Audience on Your Side
- 15-minute Opening Routine (Thumbtip and wand)
- Pop-Away Wand Ideas
- Running Gags
- The Monkey Bar
- Professor's Nightmare (Very different routine!)
- Shoelace Magic (Rope routine kids identify with)
- Four Great Sponge Ball Routines
- Using and Teaching Scarf Juggling
- Top Hat Juggling (Remove bunny before attempting!)
- Rubber Chicken from Canon (A strange routine, but funny!)
- Nothing Grinder
- One Hundred Balloons an Hour
- Balloonology Seminar
- Rocky Raccoon Routines (15 pages of ideas!)
Greg has packed all of this into a neat book of 106 pages with a full-color cover. Designed and typeset by the Wizard of Odd himself with illustrations by Mrs.Odd (first name: Pretty), and published by SPS Publications. |
From the man who made an unfortunate purchase!
Due to a manufacturing defect (accidental or deliberate), some handkerchiefs won't knot for right-handers. How can you recognize one of these radical rags? Well, unless you know how, it will only submit to left-handed tying!
Pocket-ready for close-up or stage work.
28-page staplebound booklet. |