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Feature Story:  How it’s Done:
Eric DeCamps Brings Pure Magic to Chicago:

Chicago is a theater town. For decades, the city has fostered an environment in which one-man shows have been born and grown, found audiences, and flourished. Enter Eric DeCamps, a New Yorker through-and-through. In October of 2012, with an eye on the city that welcomes one-man shows with open arms, DeCamps debuted his own production Pure Magic, in Chicago.

Volume 3 Issue 5

WHAT’S INSIDE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 5:

Feature Story:  How it’s Done:
Eric DeCamps Brings Pure Magic to Chicago:

Chicago is a theater town. For decades, the city has fostered an environment in which one-man shows have been born and grown, found audiences, and flourished. Enter Eric DeCamps, a New Yorker through-and-through. In October of 2012, with an eye on the city that welcomes one-man shows with open arms, DeCamps debuted his own production Pure Magic, in Chicago.

Marketing: Networking meetings. Do you go to them? Should you go to them? Is it a waste of time or a valuable marketing tool? If you go to them on a regular basis, what is the best way to maximize the experience? Lou Serrano answers all these questions.

Behind the Owl: The Magic Castle has its share of celebrities visiting the club on any given night. Some as guests and some as members. Kurt talks about a couple of celebs who have been long-time members and recounts some stories about their frequent visits to the Castle.

Consultant’s Corner: Being the emcee of a show is not as easy as it looks. The best ones in the business make it look easy. Tony, being an emcee himself on occasion, shares his expertise on how to be the best emcee you can be.

Stuff Magicians Like: Kris takes a cynical look at magicians who enjoy performing magic with everyday objects, and even offers up a list of “trick ideas” using not-so-common everyday objects. Perform any of these at your own risk.

Performing Standing Up: Paul Romhany’s unofficial “Teddy Bear Trilogy” of tricks sees its third installment with a variation of a smash and stab routine. Yes, you read that right…smash and stab with a teddy bear.

The Hard Truth: A little anniversary celebration is in order as Brent reviews Lubor Fiedler’s Chameleon Cards Plus, Marc Arthur’s (W)Hole Deck, and lectures that have taken place in his shop. Lectures that he has booked!

Who Moved My Cup Load?: Tom talks about the consequences of stealing material and what happened when he was confronted with someone attempting to steal his while working a comedy club.

Judgmental Tidings: Our news section reporting on current happenings within the magic industry with a thoughtful, witty, and editorial slant.

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Feature Story:  Deceiving the Deceivers:
What Happened at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory? 

For over 30 years Hank Lee’s Magic Factory has been an icon in the magic supply industry setting themselves apart from other magic dealers early on in the game and creating a successful business. So what happened? We dig in and unearth some information and details that describe what led to the fall of the Factory.

Volume 3 Issue 3

WHAT’S INSIDE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4:

Feature Story:  Deceiving the Deceivers:
What Happened at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory? 

For over 30 years Hank Lee’s Magic Factory has been an icon in the magic supply industry setting themselves apart from other magic dealers early on in the game and creating a successful business. So what happened? We dig in and unearth some information and details that describe what led to the fall of the Factory.

Marketing: Lou’s advice on marketing your show is useless if you don’t have a good show. Lou talks about how your show is just as important a marketing tool as any of your promo materials are.

Behind the Owl: What role have the police played in the history of the Magic Castle? Kurt Freitag answers that question, but it’s not how you think it would be.

Consultant’s Corner: Part two of Tony’s series on entering the stage talks about the first impression you make on your audience and how to make that first impression the best it can be.

Stuff Magicians Like: Who’s your favorite magician? Kris Sheppard offers up a name that might surprise you, and maintains that no matter how much you may deny it, you probably like this guy, too.

Performing Standing Up: Paul Romhany expands Mental Epic, literally, and offers up an interesting routine that uses no force of any kind.

Storytime:: Max Maven shares a personal story this time around involving Dai Vernon, dinner, and a movie.

The Hard Truth: Brent offers up his “Out with the Old” and “In with the New” lists: the must haves for 2013 and the garbage from 2012.

Who Moved My Cup Load?: How did Tom Burgoon become the comedy magician he is? He gives a charming recounting of his humble beginnings and also includes a cautionary tale about the “dangers” of his favorite alcoholic beverage.

Judgmental Tidings: Our news section reporting on current happenings within the magic industry with a thoughtful, witty, and editorial slant.

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Feature Story:  DON LAWTON – THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN PUN by Steve Dick 

In the early days of the Magic Castle, Don Lawton was a familiar face and popular host.. A part of the “rat pack” of magic that included such people as Clarke “The Senator” Crandall, Karrell Fox, Bob Lewis, and Jay Marshall, Don held his own mixing magic with silly and sometimes cornball humor that only served to endear him more to the people around him. Learn why this very punny man was beloved, not only by his magic peers, his clients, but also the many people who visited the Magic Castle

Volume 3 Issue 3

WHAT’S INSIDE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 3:

Feature Story:  DON LAWTON – THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN PUN by Steve Dick 

In the early days of the Magic Castle, Don Lawton was a familiar face and popular host.. A part of the “rat pack” of magic that included such people as Clarke “The Senator” Crandall, Karrell Fox, Bob Lewis, and Jay Marshall, Don held his own mixing magic with silly and sometimes cornball humor that only served to endear him more to the people around him. Learn why this very punny man was beloved, not only by his magic peers, his clients, but also the many people who visited the Magic Castle

Marketing: Are you working for your “ideal” clients? Do you have ideal clients? Have you ever thought about it? Lou Serrano not only makes you think about it, but tells you how to identify and attract your own ideal clients.

Behind the Owl: Learn about Invisible Irma, the Magic Castle’s resident musical ghost. She can be mischievous, enhancing one’s visit while also creating some good-natured havoc. Kurt Freitag shares his past history with the song-playing specter.

Consultant’s Corner: Tony Clark begins a two-part study about the intricacies on making your entrance on a stage. Something that many performers think is just a minor detail of their shows is really just as important as any trick they may perform, and Tony breaks it all down for you.

Stuff Magicians Like: Kris Sheppard takes a tongue-in-cheek look at magical apparatus and the magicians who love it.

Performing Standing Up: Paul Romhany offers a tried and true presentation for the Torn and Restored Newspaper taken directly from his own repertoire.

The Hard Truth: Brent reviews three Di Fatta Magic tricks that are cheap, fun, and easy to do. Mathematical Genius, The Fabulous Egg, and Let’s Swap a Card.

Tricks of the Trade: In what is part history lesson and part magic trick, Kurt Freitag offers up an interesting concept that can easily be adapted and elaborated upon. And it’s all based on an even more obscure hobby than magic. Nerds of the world unite!

Who Moved My Cup Load?: Tom Burgoon waxes nostalgic (okay, maybe drinks nostalgic) as he shares some humorous stories from his youth.

Judgmental Tidings: Our news section reporting on current happenings within the magic industry with a thoughtful, witty, and editorial slant.

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Feature Story:  Howard Hamburg: Underground Magic, Loyal Friendships, and Cherished Memories by Brent Geris 

Howard Hamburg has been around for decades, but it’s only recently that people have really started to take notice of his incredible card work or even heard his name. His close friendships make up a who’s-who of magic, and despite the fact that he is in his seventies, he is rapidly becoming the hippest cat in the room.

Volume 3 Issue 2

WHAT’S INSIDE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2:

Feature Story:  Howard Hamburg: Underground Magic, Loyal Friendships, and Cherished Memories by Brent Geris 

Howard Hamburg has been around for decades, but it’s only recently that people have really started to take notice of his incredible card work or even heard his name. His close friendships make up a who’s-who of magic, and despite the fact that he is in his seventies, he is rapidly becoming the hippest cat in the room.

Prior Art: David Byron discusses hedge mazes and fantasy gardens — the funhouses of a more civilized age.

Marketing: Which is better: online marketing or offline marketing? Our magic marketing expert, Lou Serrano, discusses this very topic and weighs the advantages and disadvantages of both. In today’s rapidly changing advertising climate, this is information you need.

Behind the Owl: Kurt Freitag recounts his first dubious visit to the Magic Castle and how it involved some of Dell O’Dell’s props, Milt Larsen, and a case of mistaken identity – all of which made him live the place that much more.

Consultant’s Corner: Looking to compete in America’s Got Talent or some other similar program? Why? Tony Clark not only gives suggestions as to why, but offers up advice on how you can maximize your appearance, and, possibly, win. Good luck!

Storytime Max is back! And this time he offers up recollections of U. F. Grant. You’ve heard the name, and may even be familiar with one or two of his effects. But, there is the very distinct possibility that you are familiar with more of his effects than you realize. A fascinating description of a fascinating man.

Magic Words to Boost Success Wayne Pernell, “Dr. P.,” uses his expertise as a personal management coach and spins it toward magicians in particular. In this very helpful essay, Wayne suggests magic words that only work if you don’t use them.

Stuff Magicians Like: Kris Sheppard explores the difference between musical jam sessions and magical jam sessions. Not surprisingly, there are some big differences — geeky and otherwise. Plus Kris offers you a free gift.

Performing Standing Up: Paul Romhany take what has now become a standard effect – Kevin James’ Bowl-A-Rama – and offers an audience-tested script (and a little bit of apparatus) that adds a new element to the effect.

The Hard Truth: Brent Geris offers you more product reviews, the frankness of which you have come to love and respect. This issue, he looks at The Perfect World by Mago Migue and Luis De Matos, Chapter One, by Asi Wind, and Boris Wild’s Any Card at Any Birthday

Who Moved My Cup Load?: To what lengths would you go to perfect a watch steal? Tom shares what he did, and how it affected the hotel he was staying in at the time. Plus, he offers advice on how to choose – or not choose – a stage assistant.

Judgmental Tidings: Our news section reporting on current happenings within the magic industry with a thoughtful, witty, and editorial slant.

Continue reading »]]> Feature Story:  Justin Willman: Not Just Incredible 

Whether you know him under his old moniker – Justin Kredible, or his real name – Justin Willman, you have to agree that his style of magic and personality are a force to be reckoned with. He is all over the place and constantly working on more. How did this guy come to be the host of numerous television shows? How did he gain recognition on such shows as Ellen and The Rachael Ray Show? How did he blow through two names? Writer Ryan Oakes explains it all.

Volume 3 Issue 1

WHAT’S INSIDE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1:

Feature Story:  Justin Willman: Not Just Incredible 

Whether you know him under his old moniker – Justin Kredible, or his real name – Justin Willman, you have to agree that his style of magic and personality are a force to be reckoned with. He is all over the place and constantly working on more. How did this guy come to be the host of numerous television shows? How did he gain recognition on such shows as Ellen and The Rachael Ray Show? How did he blow through two names? Writer Ryan Oakes explains it all.

Prior Art: David Byron discusses hedge mazes and fantasy gardens — the funhouses of a more civilized age.

Marketing: What’s the best way to drive traffic to your website and increase your SEO? Don’t know? Don’t even know what SEO means? Lou answers all these questions for you.

Behind the Owl: Kurt Freitag joins us as our new columnist, and he starts off large as he tips a new gimmick at the Magic Castle that has yet to be made public to the entire membership. Read what it is and how to see it in the first of what promises to be some very interesting stories from the world-famous club.

Consultant’s Corner: Speaking from experience and passing on advice from his legendary mentor, Tony Slydini, Tony Clark explains how to get the most out of your rehearsal sessions.

Stuff Magicians Like: Kris Sheppard kicks off his new, tongue-in-cheek column examining the “junk drawers” of magicians and why we find them so fascinating.

Performing Standing Up: A Bill to Anywhere effect that uses the Out To Lunch principle? Yes! Paul Romhany has been using this idea for years in his performances and offers it here for the first time.

The Hard Truth: Our inimitable reviewer, Brent Geris, reviews new products from Bebel, JP Vallarino, and Woody Aragon.

Who Moved My Cup Load?: To what lengths would you go to perfect a watch steal? Tom shares what he did, and how it affected the hotel he was staying in at the time. Plus, he offers advice on how to choose – or not choose – a stage assistant.

Judgmental Tidings: Our news section reporting on current happenings within the magic industry with a thoughtful, witty, and editorial slant.

Continue reading »]]> Congratulations to the winners of our trailer contest. These three winners will receive a 1 year subscription to The Mandala.

3rd place Michael Ross
2nd place Matthew Noah Falk
1st place Richard Hatch who identified…
13 magicians!

Here are the magicians we were looking for (and the timecode they first appear):

0:00 Joe Gold
0:00 Christopher Carter on poster
0:00 Servais LeRoy on poster
0:00 Thurston on poster
0:02 Houdini on poster
0:15 Jonathan Levit
0:16 Loch David Crane
0:20 Hiawatha Johnson, Jr.
0:23 Michael E. Johnson a.k.a. Magician Michael
0:24 Shin Lim
0:31 Presto the Digitator from Presto’s Magic Shop in Long Beach, CA
0:46 Felix Ryan
0:59 Penn
0:59 Teller
1:34 Alexander on poster
1:40 Peter Winch
1:44 Sisuepahn
1:44 Nich Dupoch
1:44 Carter Poster
1:45 Tom Meseroll
1:47 Chung Ling Soo on poster
1:49 William Draven
1:51 Akua Shin
1:56 Brian Gillis
1:59 Rob Zabrecky
2:05 Steve Wastell
2:05 Shawn McMaster
2:17 Hermann The Great on poster
2:18 Ed Alonzo on packaging of trick

We did not accept names of actors playing magicians. We only accepted names of people who consider themselves magicians.

watch the trailer again, and see if you can spot them:

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Continue reading »]]> Feature Story: Miracles of Rare Device—The Theatrical Magic of Christian Cagigal 

Christian Cagigal is a name you probably don’t recognize, but he has developed quite a following performing his unique theatrical magic presentations of a bizarre nature. David Hirata describes Christian’s journey to this place, the film that is in the works based on one of Christian’s shows, and his thoughts on bizarre and theatrical magic in general.

Volume 2 Issue 6

WHAT’S INSIDE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6:

Feature Story: Miracles of Rare Device—The Theatrical Magic of Christian Cagigal 

Christian Cagigal is a name you probably don’t recognize, but he has developed quite a following performing his unique theatrical magic presentations of a bizarre nature. David Hirata describes Christian’s journey to this place, the film that is in the works based on one of Christian’s shows, and his thoughts on bizarre and theatrical magic in general.

Prior Art: David Byron challenges the infamous Robert-Houdin description of a magician and offers an artistic discourse as to why.

Marketing: Lou describes the “Velvet Rope Policy” and instructs you how to implement it into your business.

Behind the Owl: Rich Cowley finishes his “Behind the Owl” duties with this final column. In it, Rich tells you what you get when you cross Aye Jaye and Howard Hamburg with young close-up performer Kiu Li and a zucchini. Trust us, it’s worth the read!

Consultant’s Corner: Tony speaks on a golden rule of magic: Don’t be outnumbered by your props.

The Method for Better Graphic Design: In the second part of Kris’ two-part series, he shows you how he drew visual interest in the recent redesign job that he was hired for, and again, offers pointers on how you can use these same techniques to enhance your materials.

Performing Standing Up: Paul Romhany offers up a Magic Square effect using a Rubick’s Cube.

The Hard Truth: Wacky and outstanding product reviews from our reviewer, Brent Geris, as he reviews Out Standing Magic by Aldo Colombini, Out-standing by Roberto Mansilla, and Wacky Packet (a version of Nick Trost’s trick) by Gary Plants

Who Moved My Cup Load?: Tom Burgoon’s weirdest story yet involving matches, a bar bet, and a trip to the emergency room.

Judgmental Tidings: Our news section reporting on current happenings within the magic industry with a thoughtful, witty, and editorial slant.