FREE MAGIC TRICK WEEK!!

The response from the BLOG has really been amazing. Checking my emails now takes a little longer due to the volume of people who write saying how much they are enjoying all the articles. It is good to know that readers are getting something out of all this and that many professionals are willing to share with others. This week is really exciting because my good friend Matthew Johnson is offering a solid 10 minute routine that he was going to market, FREE to all readers of the BLOG.

I also get the chance to introduce you to one of my heroes in Magic, Wayne Rogers. I was eight years old, growing up in New Zealand, when I got the magic bug and my next door neighbour was one of New Zealands most talented all round magicians, The Amazing Chicane - Wayne Rogers. The photo below was taken many many (and then some) years ago when Wayne and I would team up to do theater shows together. Here I am inside Wayne's version of Harbins' Barrel Illusion.



Wayne is by far one of the most creative magicians in the world today and I am constantly amazed by his incredible ideas and twists on standard magic routines. He took the original appearing pole idea to levels never thought of by anybody else. He played a huge role in helping develop original ideas for my Charlie Chaplin Act and continues to offer wonderful suggestions.


Here is a little article by my good friend TC Tahoe. It is something I need to keep reminding myself because I always make this mistake.

I would like to help you all avoid a potential faux pas. If you work with coins at all, you have more than likely come across a copper coin about the size of an American half dollar, commonly referred to as an English penny. This coin is in fact a BRITISH penny.
There seems to be a misconception, here in the States at least, when people are talking about England they are all too often meaning Britain.
You see, England, Wales, Scotland and yes even part of Ireland are all part of Great Britain.
And it's no wonder so many folks get it wrong when even the brain busting TV quiz show Jeopardy repeatedly makes the same mistake.
The easiest way to understand it is to consider that there are no English passports; they, along with the others mentioned use British passports.
So remember, you are turning that silver coin into a British penny.
Having said that, I hope my Scottish wife will now return my coins.



YOUR FREE MAGIC TRICK



I had this amazing email from Matthew Johnson who has offered a FREE MAGIC routine for readers of this BLOG. Before I tell you how to download the FREE trick here is Matthew's email and a little info on the routine. You can WATCH A LIVE PERFORMANCE of Matthew performing this routine by clicking HERE.

Hi Paul,

Your good friend Matthew Johnson here from Canada. I thought I would write and tell you how great your blog has been! OK I know I may be a little bias (seeing as yours truly has been a part of your blog for the past 3 weeks), but this blog truly is one of the best in the business (that's 10 bucks you owe me!)

I wanted to help your blog soar to the legendary heights I know it deserves, so I thought I would send you something really special for your dedicated readers, you know who you are :o)

I have been performing a routine in my show now for quite some time called "The YMCA Tossed Out Deck". Think Max Maven meets The Village People! This routine puts the MENTAL in mentalism folks.

Although I considered releasing this effect as a DVD, I decided to send the 7 page manuscript and a link to the youtube video of me performing this routine live to you, FREE of charge. Why? Well to be honest I stopped taking my medication about a week ago and so cannot be held responsible for my actions these days.

I hope your readers enjoy the show and the effect as much as I enjoy my toast with bluberry jam in the morning.

Your good friend,

Matthew (The Crazy Guy) Johnson

You can click HERE to download the FREE magic effect. It is a PDF file so you might need Abode Reader. If you are having troubles then send me an email and I'll email the file to you.
It's a really great routine and thank you so much Matthew for sharing this routine with all the readers.

UPCOMING NOTICE



Readers of this weeks BLOG will be the first to learn about two exciting new DVDs released end of April by Matthew Johsnon. One is called "The Secret Art of Monkey Business and you can look at a short promo by clicking here.

The other DVD is called The Color Blind and will be worth wait.



WAYNE ROGERS INTERVIEW


I am taking the following introduction to Wayne from the Grand Master Award Citation by Stan Goudge. It is a great write up of Wayne and his amazing achievements.




Wayne Rogers has been interested in magic since he was ten, when an Aunt gave him a
copy of Magic made Easy. He has been making magic easy ever since.

I first saw Wayne perform at the Auckland Convention in 1969 -70 and he impressed me greatly
then, and ever since. A busy magician he performs in many different categories and venues: stage, children, close up, strolling, mentalism, family occasions, corporate gigs, and grand illusions.

He designs a show for any occasion, and always has something different and unique up his sleeve. He is a multi skilled magician, performer, inventor, author, manufacturer, lecturer and international dealer. A good friend and colleague in magic, he is always ready to help, to share ideas, and to encourage others.

Wayne Rogers is a great ambassador for magic. He was a member of the Wellington Society of Magicians, and the New Zealand Society of Magicians in recess. He is an Inner Circle member of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians Inc, The International Brotherhood of Magicians, The Shore City Magicians Club Inc.,The Society of American Magicians, member of the London Magic Circle (Associate of The Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star) and is a Trustee of the Bernard Reid Magical Arts Trust.

He has been on the organising committee of many New Zealand Magicians Conventions.
He has held office as President in the BAM, and is an Executive Member of IBM Ring 160.
One of his best contributions to magical societies has been as Organiser Producer of Public Shows, where his wide theatrical experience and knowledge of lighting, sound, staging and special effects has been greatly appreciated

It was after he came to Auckland in 1970 that he took the stage name of The Amazing Chicane.
I am rather suspicious of magicians who take great titles to themselves, because some have not lived up to them, but Wayne has been one to fulfil the expectation that his stage name implies.

His magical performance and his career in magic has been truly amazing. He has won many cups and trophies at national conventions in New Zealand and Australia and is perhaps the most successful competitor at competition in New Zealand's magic history.

In 1996 the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand presented Wayne with the special Scroll of Honour for creative and professional contributions to magic. As the Millennium approached in 2000 the Magic Circle London advertised a world wide competition for an original magic effect. It was won by Wayne Rogers with his unique trick "Signed Card on Blue Stake."

Other original effects marketed by Chicane Enterprises Ltd include : Percy the Penguin, Hot Video, Appearing - shovel, spade, broom, poles, opinion poll, and ladder and hat rack from briefcase, Briefcase Table, Over Exposed and so on. For more information about Wayne and his products check his web page www.nzmagic.com It is truly amazing that such great magic has come from such a small and cluttered workshop. Wayne, I don't know how you find anything in there.

Many people have enjoyed the Ronald McDonald Road Show not knowing that Wayne is on the design team and a principal builder of the Happy Meal Machine. He has appeared at many Telethons, has numerous TV credits, radio interviews, and he built the illusions for and appeared on The Great Kiwi Magic TV Show producing the entire cast from his own version of the rarely seen Jarrett Box.




Wayne has read and researched widely in the magic field, is an original and creative thinker, and has not only adapted and improved many standard effects, but has a long list of original effects to his credit. Many of these have appeared in our NZ Magic Magazine Magicana where he is a regular columnist, in the IBM's Linking Ring, and other magical publications. An honest and ethical man he consistently acknowledges sources and origins of magical ideas that he has adapted and improved on.

His books include : Commercial Chicanery the basis of his lecture at the Magic Castle, Los Angeles, USA in 1993. He is the first New Zealander to lecture there. Out of the Pole Vault, a collection of routines ideas and presentations of the appearing pole. Wayne is an acknowledged world leader and expert on Pole Technology. Nothing to Declare was prepared for his Lecture Tour of the UK in 2002. Again this was a first. Mrs Rogers little boy Wayne is the first New Zealand magician to undertake a lecture tour of England. All reports indicate that tour was a great success.

Wayne is a well presented performer, he has a variety of costumes for different venues ranging from formal evening wear, to Wizard Costume or the casual look. He is always well prepared for any show, speaks clearly, and uses appropriate music. The Amazing Chicane is a magician who gives excellent value for those who book him. In all this he has been ably supported by Elizabeth his wife, their son Cerdin and daughter Felicity.

Felicity is an accomplished magician in her own right, her father's magical assistant, as well as a prize winning photographer and computer animation artist.

The criteria for the Grand Master of Magic is as follows :"Its purpose is to honour those magicians who are acknowledged by their fellow magicians to be masters of the art and craft of magic. The recipients first and foremost must be magical performers of a high standard. In addition they might be originators of magical effects, or administrators giving time and expertise to running societies and conventions. They could be consistent competition winners, or have an international standing, or be known only in the New Zealand setting. But above all they are people who have served magic well, have graced our art, and made a special contribution over many years."Such a person as Wayne Rogers, the Amazing Chicane, Grand Master of Magic.


Interview

1) Your appearing pole products have been a huge hit all over the world. Chris Angel featured several of them on his hit TV show Mind Freak. How many different types of 'appearing' products do you produce? Are there any that you haven't marketed but made for yourself?

Over all I have made and sold about 20 different products based on the Original Appearing Pole system. That includes one-off props made for individuals and some custom made props for McDonalds. 13 items have been made in some quantities and sold through dealers Worldwide. The best sellers have been the Appearing Ladder from Briefcase, Appearing Broom, Missing Spade, Pinocchio’s Nose and the Appearing Shovel. The first of these I made commercially was the Missing Spade back in 1996. The most complicated to date would be the Appearing Hat Stand, but I don’t make many of them. My next most time consuming is the Appearing Ladder. The Ladder was first launched in 1998 through Hocus Pocus Magic. Paul Gross phoned to order some spades and asked if I had anything new. I had just made and started using the Ladder myself so told him about it. It took a few weeks to work out the production sequence and make some special tools before the first order was dispatched. Since then I’ve made a few thousand.

2) Over your career you have been involved in pretty much every type of facet of magic from trade shows, television, large illusion show to childrens parties. Which do you enjoy most and why?

I most enjoy working for adults with a stand up solo act. My current show is a mixture of mentalism and some of the earlier visual items such as the Missing Spade and Appearing Broom. The routines with both of these appearing props are still light hearted mental effects so they still fit in, although mentalst purists would disagree. Having said that Children’s shows,my bread and butter, are still fun to do.

3) What is the largest or most complex illusion you have made and performed?

That would have to be the Jarrett Box for producing 21 people. The Jarrett book didn’t have any building details to go on, but we managed to make it from the description and from watching a Doug Henning video. I had it shipped to Australia along with three other illusions for a Travel Agent Conference. In the conference centre where the show was held a set had been built that prevented us from using the stage. So the box, loaded with 21 people was pushed the full length of the room, on carpet, in the dark while the credits of a film were rolling. I was on stage behind the movie screen loading the CEO into another special illusion. The film ended, the lights came up, they flew out the screen and I was on. I look back now and wonder how it all came together. The answer is planning, of course, plus a large dose of youth and enthusiasm for magic!




4) Are there any set rules you have when you start creating an original magic routine?

With the Appearing Pole type routines, I set out to do two things. First, make the prop look as realistic as possible. I don’t think anybody really believes that the 8 ft pole is made from solid wood, but if you take a smaller length of the material and add a blade at one end and a handle at the other, they recognize a garden spade and accept it for what it seems to be. Same would go for the long handles Shovel and the Ladder.

Secondly, the sudden appearance of the prop must be totally unexpected and the climax to an entertaining plot. Using the Missing Spade, again, as an example, a card is selected but the magician’s prediction is wrong. The classic “magician in trouble”. Then the Spade is produced to correct the prediction and the surprise appearance is both a mystery and a cue to laugh. The Ladder comes out of a standard briefcase. There is no logical connection between the two items so it’s a surprise.

In everything I strive for simplicity . . . in the plot, the script and method. I am not a comedian, but I like visual humor. Even with mentalism which is my main interest now, I try and introduce humor and visual elements wherever possible. This can often be achieved by using more spectator involvement. I do a Rat Trap Roulette routine. I started out by having one person help, and the traps were on a table. Now I have 5 helpers and each one holds a rat trap. This quickly brings me to an important aspect when working with spectators. Safety. It is vital to stage all routines so no one can get hurt. Just common sense really. Mind reading is not an exact science, but handling spectators is.


You can view Wayne's website at http://www.nzmagic.com


CHECK THIS MOVIE OUT

If you are looking for a good British comedy movie then check out this movie at your video store called Magicians. It is rated for mature audiences.



Here is the movie in brief:
Lifelong friends Harry and Karl (David Mitchell and Robert Webb) are the greatest magic double act in the country. But after a guillotine illusion goes horribly and spectacularly wrong, their friendship and their careers are finished. Now, down on his luck and out of cash, Harry sets his sights on the prize money of the prestigious 'International Magic Shield' tournament. But to win he will have to compete against the world's oddest (and saddest) magicians - including his deadly rival Karl, performing under the guise of ridiculous psychic 'The Mindmonger'. Can new tricks and a new assistant (Jessica Stevenson from 'Confetti' and 'Spaced') help Harry to triumph over his underhanded opponents and his disastrous past?

ROMHANY'S TRICKS OF THE WEEK

Another great week with some pretty amazing tricks on the market. Here are a few of my favourites this week.

The Naked Zombie Ball - By Raymond Crowe




If you were to ask me who my favourite magician is I would without hesitation tell you Raymond Crowe. He is the most creative performer I have ever seen or met. This is a book that EVERY magician should read. Imagine performing your zombie ball routine WITHOUT a cloth and WITHOUT the gimmick. Very highly recommended.
Raymond appears at over 150 Corporate shows a year. His work has been featured on “World’s Greatest Magic IV “ and he received a standing ovation for his performance at the 2003 FISM.

Classically trained in Mime, Raymond applies these techniques to the humble Zombie ball with some astonishing results - a complete routine for the Zombie using no Cloth and no Zombie Gimmick!

Each phase of the routine is discussed in full detail. Mini classes in Mime techniques are taught - such as Fixed Point and the showing of Weight.

This DVD is a must to anyone wishing to learn more about combining illusionary Mime with Magic. The routine is designed for stage/platform use but the principles taught here can be relevant to any performing environment.

"I used to hate ZOMBIE. Not anymore... Excellent!" -- WAYNE DOBSON

"It’s just great. I laughed really loud .... makes brilliant sense as an intro to doing the Z without a gimmick. I’d hate you if I didn’t like you so much." -- TINA LENERT

"Imagine my surprise when I put in the DVD and discovered it was about the floating ball. I was hoping for naked zombies.......or anyone naked for that matter! This DVD is absolutely brilliant! The routine is very magical and visually appealing. And the lessons are many, far beyond the ball itself. Most magicians don’t give their movement a thought . You aptly demonstrate how effective a little thought, observation, experimentation, and rehearsal will go toward an outstanding effect. How 'acting' and movement create an illusion instead of just a trick. You have provided perfect example of how attention to simple details can create something astounding. One of the things that appeals to me most regarding magic, is not just 'secrets,' but beautiful, elegant, SIMPLE solutions for making the ordinary look extraordinary. The simpler the means, the more I love it. Anyone can dazzle people with a million dollar budget, topless showgirls and fireworks... but it takes a brilliant mind to bring to life a simple idea and astonish people with it. The production was also top notch. Everything was beautifully written, staged, directed and scored. The little silent movie and extras are also priceless. Congratulations on some really great work." -- JOHN CARNEY

"The Naked Zombie is a real fooler. Raymond Crowe not only fooled me in his performance, but while he was doing his explanation – he did it again. I was waiting for him to introduce a thread someway or other. When I think back I still cannot believe the illusion that he created with his body and hand moments. This is real magic. This is a thesis on theatre technique. Even if I did not care for magic I would have loved the performance of the Naked Zombie. Great story, camera work, music and acting by Raymond." -- BEV BERGERON

"Your teaching section was masterful, I loved that you took each tiny little step and isolated it on its own, moving the viewer from subtlety to subtlety towards a fuller understanding of your performance. You had a lot to pass along, and did well in giving an overview while cautioning the viewer to get a foundation in solid training before trying to perform the piece." -- WALT ANTHONY

"Raymond Crowe is a cutting edge thinker who takes the floating ball well over the edge with concepts and teaching guaranteed to make you a better Zombie manipulator." -- Jeb (Sable) Sherrill

SIGNED BILL TO CAN - Paul Romhany



After my original release of my version that I performed for years on TV and in Trade Shows and Private shows I decided to look for another 'easier' method of getting a signed bill in to a can. The method of this routine is DIFFERENT than my original, which is still available on DVD. Here is a routine I put together that is perhaps more practical for everday working situations, still giving you the effect of performing a Signed Bill To Can routine. If you have ever wanted to do a routine of this type then this manuscript has it all, including my word for word routine that I use myself in all shows. I like to offer more than just a 'magic' trick but give you everything you need including patter.

This is a complete manuscript with full word for word routine and method. This method is different than the DVD Paul released 2 years ago. It is actually much more practical for everyday magicians.

Ten years ago Paul Romhany caused a stir in the magic fraternity when he performed his original Impossible Bill To Can routine on national television. He was accused of using stooges because the routine was that impossible. However what magicians did not know was that Paul had worked out a routine that did not use stooges.

In 2007, Paul released the exact routine and version he used on the TV show on a DVD and is still available from magic dealers.

This new version is an alternative to the original Bill To Can routine, in many ways this is more practical for most working conditions. The routine is perfect for magicians who work in private homes, corporate functions or even on cruise ships. Paul has given his complete routine including the exact script he uses word for word. You are not only buying the method but also the complete eight minute routine as performed exactly by Paul Romhany at private homes and corporate functions around the world.

Anybody wanting a strong, commercial and hilarious routine, this is it!

Everything is taught in this in-depth manuscript complete with photos and a completely different method than th on everything you need to get you performing this very quickly. It includes a detailed description of the $100 Bill Switch with numerous photos.

The Effect: At the start of the show the magician hands out a can of baked beans, this can be held by a spectator. Later on in the show a bill is borrowed and signed, it is burnt and after a lot of hilarious bits of business the spectator brings the can on stage. It is then opened and the money inside is unfolded and found to be the signed bill!

This is a real stunner and remember, method and routine is different than the original Impossible Bill to Can.

IT'S A MATCH VERSION 2




This is a really cute and clever routine that is easy to perform allowing you to have fun with the routine and spectators. This is one routine that will go in to my close-up show on ships. This is great for close-up or private parties.

Transform your spectator into the star of the show with It's a Match, Version 2.0!

You display a glass bowl filled with over two dozen matchbooks from hotels around the country. You also show a hotel key card which is placed face down on the table. The key stays in full view the entire time. The spectator randomly removes matchbooks from the glass bowl, one at a time, and stops on any one they choose. They turn the key over and both are a PERFECT MATCH!

This is so diabolically clever; we wish we could tell you how it's done!
The spectator FREELY chooses ANY matchbook.
There are NO switches or funny moves!
Perfect for close up or even platform!
This updated version now includes 25% more custom printed matchbooks (with a different hotel from the original release), a custom manufactured hotel key, and detailed DVD instructions which include bonus ideas and tips.

THE SECRETS OF DR. TAO - Docc Hilford




Docc Hilford is a very creative performer and writer. He is one of my favourite authors and I own a lot of his material and actually perform quite a bit of his magic. This is a great book for those who want three solid routines for walk about situations. There aren't too many effects in mentalism that suit this type of situation, however Docc has developed some strong material for this type of work.

From the Secret Books of Dr. Tao come three original tricks of the mind. In this tome, the mysterious doctor also reveals three of his innermost ancient secrets to effective mentalism.

Each lesson is more than merely an outstanding original effect, it's a lesson that can be applied to mentalism students already perform.
Desire - A participant writes an item she desires on a piece of paper and leaves another paper blank. No matter how much the participant mixes the two papers; no matter how well she hides them from his sight, without even a glance in her direction, he is able to reveal which paper has the desire and where it is! This is repeated until Finally the paper is burned. Although any item imagined was written on the paper and Dr. Tao never handled it, the ashes seem to form the desire in front of the participant's eyes!
Twin Swans - Dr. Tao writes a fortune for a young couple on a borrowed scrap of paper. The woman mentally chooses a card. Her partner is shown the faces of the cards and reaches out to take a card of his choice. It is the same card as that in his girlfriend's mind! And the fortune also has the name of the mentally chosen card written on it.
Bound Blossoms - Dr. Tao shows a large red envelope. A man goes through a borrowed deck of cards one at a time. A woman goes through a handful of page corners cut from a magazine. A third woman tells them both when to stop. The red envelope is opened. Inside is a sealed yellow envelope. A member of the audience removes a folded sheet of paper. Written on it in large black writing is a prediction containing the chosen page number and the chosen card! Everything is examinable! And with the exception of the prediction, can be borrowed.
Each trick is a reputation maker, specially design by Dr. Tao to be used at cocktail parties or banquets.

But there is much more to this little book than just three fine mentalistic tricks. The lessons hold ancient secrets that demonstrators of true mystery must know.

Most of the secret books of Dr. Tao were lost, but in a dusty bookshop in Chinatown, Docc Hilford has uncovered Volume IX, Book 6 in this monu-MENTAL series.

"And after all is said and done, it's really all a lot of fun." -- Dr. Tao