Magic and Showmanship A Handbook for Conjurers

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A Great Book Every Magician Should Own!
Almost Entirely on The Presentation of Magic!

Magic and Showmanship

A Handbook for Conjurers

By Henning Nelms

Like theatrical presentations, conjuring is an art of illusion. A magician skilled in the craft is able to convince an audience that he or she can read minds, communicate with the spirit world, make objects appear or disappear, and perform other acts of seemingly genuine magic. Without having mastered the art of presentation or “showmanship,” however, even the most competent sleight-of-hand artist can fall short in performance. With this in mind, noted authority Henning Nelms goes beyond the basics to show how techniques developed for the stage by playwrights, directors, and actors can heighten the dramatic effect of a magician’s performance.
In this instructive book, Helms analyzes every phase of conjuring — from sleights, devices, and illusions to misdirection, controlling the audience’s attention, incorporating “patter,” and the effective use of assistants. Of particular interest is a chapter on body language, posture, positioning and movement. Also included are some 60 original routines — from simple card tricks to such major illusions as having the performer suddenly appear at stage center.
Indispensable as an instruction manual for novices, this how-to guide — enhanced with nearly 200 of the author’s illustrations — will also serve as a lasting source of advice and inspiration for veteran conjurers.

Contents Include::

Chapter 1 The Two Magics: tricks vs. illusions
Chapter 2 Deception vs. Conviction: developing suspension of belief
Chapter 3 The Measure of Meaning: magic and themes
Chapter 4 Who?: the conjuror's personality
Chapter 5 Making the Most of Assistants: making them significant
Chapter 6 Casting the Spell: creating the right atmosphere
Chapter 7 Mystery Without Magic: leveraging the edge of belief
Chapter 8 Providing the Proof: proving the phenomenon expressed by the magic
Chapter 9 Devices for Deception: "the art of illusion starts where the devices leave off"
Chapter 10 The Great Secret: work as if the theme were all true
Chapter 11 Eliminating Departures: getting rid of inconsistencies in your act
Chapter 12 Consistency In Characterization: make sure all your actions are consistent with your character
Chapter 13 Concealing Devices: surprise, etc.
Chapter 14 Controlling Attention: direction and misdirection
Chapter 15 Misdirection: taking attention away from an area
Chapter 16 Devising Illusions: effect, device, props, etc.
Chapter 17 Dramatic Structure: building structure in your routines
Chapter 18 Continuity: providing a clear picture of your routine
Chapter 19 Material for Entertainment: making a trick entertaining
Chapter 20 Words: thoughts on Patter
Chapter 21 Business: adding atmosphere, characterization, clarity, comedy, and drama
Chapter 22 The Performer and the Stage: positioning yourself and assistants on the stage