The Importance of Importance

A Conversation with Eugene Burger, by Romany – Diva of Magic I first met Eugene Burger at FISM Dresden in 1997 in my first year of learning magic and was fascinated and inspired by his original lectures. I’ve still been a student of his magical theory through his books and McBride Master Classes. As the series of awards given to him by the world of magic attest: Magic Castle Close-Up...

The Writing on the Wall

Inspiration sometimes comes from the strangest places. Without a doubt, one of my most inspired moments came in a bathroom. Strangely enough, Jeff has had the same experience in the same bathroom. The bathroom of interest belongs to Gary & Tam Stadler. Gary is the Techno Wizard that you hear about from Jeff now and then (and my best friend). Tam is his wife and the first person to make me...

The Highs and Lows of a Travelling ‘Diva of Magic’

“Gotta keep moving on, gotta keep moving on Don’t let my hopes slip away Dream as if I’ll live forever Live like I’ll die today” — From “Moving on” by Zoe Lewis Strong coffee and a big slice of cake is the reward for gritting through the ‘why-do-I-go-but-strangely-I-enjoy-it’ Saturday morning boxing class. Divas of Magic keep muscles...

The Bali Journal

Ah, draw near, beloveds, and let me tell of you of our journeys, of where the Fire and the Magic have taken us. Listen to the stories inside my words, and hear the heart of humanity, beating on, and on. These worlds are happening every day, now, somewhere, someone is experiencing a similar moment to the one I saw, and witnessing the kaleidoscopic beauty of Now. See through my eyes, as I...

“Talking to the Dead: Kate and Maggie Fox and the Rise of Spiritualism”

Imagine sitting in the darkened attic room of an isolated cottage, conversing with a disembodied intelligence—an intelligence that seems to know about you. On March 31, 1848, just such a communication seemingly began between two young girls and the ghost of a murdered man, a conversation conducted by a series of coded knocks, taps and raps. Within two years Kate Fox and her sister Maggie were...

Gemstone Gift

A few words on gift magic Discussing the issue of off-stage magic with a great Los Angeles magician: “I really like to do more magic but isn’t it just plain weird to perform card tricks in a shop while I’m buying new clothes? How do you get away with that?” The question and the need for a coherent answer forced me to analyse quickly how I got away with it and my off-stage magic didn’t seem weird...

Audio Equipment Revisited, Part 2

As I mentioned in last installment of The Magic Tech Road, there have been improvements in audio technology, which are a great asset to magicians. These include new versions of Kelly Duro’s Virtual Soundman, budget sound system options and portable PA systems from Apollo, Anchor and especially SOUND PROJECTIONS. I also have recommendations for speaker tripods and audio cables. WIRELESSS VIRTUAL...

Illusionist’s Bookshelf

A recent workshop we offered here at the Las Vegas Magic School featured the Grand Illusions of the Pendragons. Our 2nd annual “Focus on Grand Illusion” was a fun and informative event. We had 13 magicians, men and women from all over the USA attending the 3 day event. Jonathan and Charlotte brought a few of their actual working stage illusions with them for a “hands-on”...

Learning Life Lessons from Children

The following interview was requested by and published on the Dutch website: kidsmagic.nl. How do you define your profession, or the work that you do? Do you find your self a magician, illusionist, or entertainer? All of the above. I feel that many people start out with an interest in magic, and by pursuing the craft, the “how, what and why,” of magic, they become entertainers. Illusionist is a...

Drawing the Line

Can you keep a secret? Do you think I’m joking? I’m not. As one who, as we say, “earns his living” entirely from the performance of close-up magic and sleight-of-hand for adults-in cocktail lounges and restaurants, and at corporate and private parties — I think secrets are important. Please don’t treat them lightly. I have long suspected, however, that the...