Learn about the main types of magic and the quality of each type. Wait! Don’t forget props! Also learn about the main types of props and their qualities.

Children’s Magic

A magician may perform for young children parties, homes, schools, or theaters. They usually wear colorful robes and perform in colorful environments. Magicians usually have children participate in the show and have their audience join in on saying the "magic words."

Close Up Magic

Close up magicians usually perform for small audiences. Their props are usually stuff that you find in your pockets. Professionals may perform in restraints, moving from table to table doing the same short trick for tips. Magicians usually chat and make jokes during the act.

Stand Up Magic

Stand up, magic is the kind you might often see. Magicians perform on stage or on television. Acts are usually funny and elaborate equipment . Magicians might ask for an assistant to add variety.

Silent Magic

Silent magic is rarely done in complete silence, acts are usually done with music. Costumes are very important to them, so are their equipment, gestures, and expressions. Since they don’t talk, equipment, gestures, and expressions are their "voices." It takes the most talented magician to do a great silent act.

Illusions

Illusions are "impossible" feats with living things. You might know some such as, making an elephant disappear or making a person float or even the sawing the man in half. This requires large and expensive equipment . Performers may need to be well established before they can afford to do some of their acts.

Escapology

Escapology involves escaping from all kinds of bonds and positions. Performers must be fit, flexible, and have a lot of nerve. Some acts may be VERY dangerous. Performers usually have to "magically" untie themselves in a certain amount of time.

Props

Props vary from every day objects, such as a handkerchief, cards and coins, to specially bought or made equipment. Your prop is your most important thing in your act! Props also divert the audience’s attention from any secret moves.

Classical Props

These are props that have been around for many years, but can be used in lots of fresh new ways.

Tricks for young Children

These props are often brightly painted and feature themes that appeal to young children.

Traditional Props

A top hat and a wand are strongly linked with magic. Seeing them instantly tells people you are a magician.

Illusions

These are specially made props used by illusionists. These props are expensive because you pay for the secret of how they work as much as for the equipment.

Live Animals

Although you may occasionally see animals used in tricks, this can cause accidental mistakes leading to revealing your secrets. These are the trickiest to use.

Buying Props

You can buy props in magic shops, some toy stores, department stores and directly from magic dealers. In shops assistants will often show you how they work. Equipment may vary a lot in price. Remember, you can make a lot of your own props for a cheaper price.

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