Magic For the Slight of Hand
Written By Gregory Lauzon
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In a 2008 study at the University of Hertfordshire in England, 50 children took a crash course in magic. Psychologists assessing the rookie magicians found a sharp rise in their confidence and sociability. Maybe Hogwarts had the right idea -- teach your muggle a little magic and watch him grow before your very eyes.
How-To Magic Videos Coming Soon!
Magic Trick 1: Ice Breath
Magic Trick 2: The Climbing Ring
Magic Trick 3: Queen Runaway
Magic Trick 4: Fantastic Elastics
Magic Trick 5: Money Clip Flip
teller talks!
The silent half of the magician duo Penn & Teller was hospitalized at age 4 1/2; after a day of making snow angels led to a serious cold. Recuperating at home in bed, he sent away for a Howdy Doody magic set and began learning the craft that now consumes his life.
And yes -- he can speak. In between escaping from locked trunks and catching bullets, he gave us his best advice for young magicians.
1. Rehearse! "Do tricks so many times you can't fail. Then have a friend you trust sit, watch, and say, 'I saw that thing sticking out of your hands!' (Even Houdini started off working with his brother.) It can take a very long time for something to get into your bones and become a beautiful thing. I just spent 18 months working on a terribly simple-looking trick for our live show. Be patient with yourself."
2. Involve the audience. "All great kid magicians I've seen are experts in taking the audience's energy and bringing it to the stage."
3. Don't rely on storebought gimmicks. "Don't buy tricks, buy magic books. If you buy a gadget, it'll break. If you learn a skill, you can use it on all occasions and develop it your whole life long."
