The Rev. David Reed-Brown | Secret Art Journal

Audio Equipment Revisited, Part 1

Posted by The Rev. David Reed-Brown on Oct 31st, 2003 home title

Given the current state of electronics available to the average magician, this is a good time to revisit the issue of audio equipment. However, let me first restate that the purpose of our “Magic Tech” column is to consider some of the technical issues for a practical one or two person stand-up show. In several years of producing my own self-contained cabaret act for 50 to 300+...

Backdrops, Part 2

Posted by The Rev. David Reed-Brown on Feb 10th, 2003 home title

ABBOTT’S JET SET is perhaps the most famous and inexpensive tripod system for magicians ($70). They have it manufactured specifically for magicians. This hardware only package is chrome-plated, has no loose parts, collapses down to 3’ x 5” in diameter, and weighs less than 7 lbs. As I mentioned, 6’ x 6’ is rather small, but you can safely extend it to 8’ x 8’ with simple piping available from...

Backdrops, Part I

Posted by The Rev. David Reed-Brown on May 22nd, 2002 home title

Welcome to “Tales From the Magic Tech Road” a new column for The Secret Art Journal. Our purpose for “Magic Tech” is to focus on the practical aspects of producing a one- or two-person stand-up show for a one-night-only engagement. We will discuss backdrops, lighting, sound, staging, prop management and vehicles. We will also question the assumption that large magical...

All Linking Rings Are Not Created Equal

Posted by The Rev. David Reed-Brown on Dec 15th, 2001 home title

I have often seen magicians using any old linking rings in their performances without paying attention to their many variable qualities. I learned a great deal about rings in my research last year, so here are some “key” factors to ponder as you make your decision. WARNING: Whatever you do, try out the rings first. Make sure they are really what you want because you will probably...

Sound Advice, Part 4

Posted by The Rev. David Reed-Brown on Jul 18th, 2001 home title

SOME EXCEPTIONS Thus far we have discussed the sound system needs of solo magicians working for audiences with 50-500 people. The “portable PA” systems by Anchor and Apollo are excellent. I also shared two wireless remote music systems: one based on a simple switch and a Sony Walkman purchased through Radio Shack and another professional mini-disk system, Remote Commander IV by...