Vampire Bat

A question was raised a while back as to whether bizarre magic could include comedy.

Well, I don't see why not - provided it's done properly. After all, the great Ted Annemann, in his full evening show of mentalism, did a cut and restored rope trick right in the middle of the act. And, by all accounts, it worked. So the following offering combines (or attempts to combine) bizarre magic with comedy.

Effect: The magus relates a story of vampires:

"High in the mountains of Pennsylvania - or was it 'Transylvania?' - no matter; high in the mountains, there was a castle that towered over the local village.

"By day, the castle was inhabited by the infamous Count Dracula. (The magus takes out a nine-inch silk with a picture of Count Dracula drawn on it.) The villagers lived in fear of Dracula for, while they could prove nothing, it was rumoured that the count possessed supernatural powers, the kind of powers that mere mortals did not even dare to think about.

"For much of the time, at night, Count Dracula appeared to be normal - or as normal as a count could be in far-off Pennsylvania - or was it Transylvania?

"During the daylight hours, the count would live in a cave underneath the castle. (The magus tucks the vampire silk into this closed left fist.)

"But, once a month, the moon would be full.

"And, when the moon would rise, the count would leave his cave and be transformed into - (pause here and let the audience add the words "a bat". If they don't, carry on, adding the words yourself.) - a bat!"
The magus then opens his closed left fist, showing that the vampire silk has vanished, to be replaced by a bat - a tiny baseball bat!

Working: This is fairly straightforward and I assume most of you are ahead of me already. When you reach into your pocket for the silk, the left hand palms the small bat and a thumb tip. The silk is pushed into the left fist (the thumb tip) and the tip is then stolen out.

The left hand is then opened and the baseball bat is allowed to drop to the table.

Second thoughts: To make the silk, get a picture of a vampire (I got one from clip art on the internet) and tape a nine-inch while silk to the picture.

With a black Sharpie marker, use light, brush-like strokes to trace the picture; the brush-like strokes will keep the ink from bleeding into the silk.

With a red marker, add touches of blood to the lips and fangs.

Let dry for at least 24 hours.

For the bat, I found a baseball bat and ball key chain at a flea market; however, larger craft stores also carry tiny, wooden bats (along with a whole range of other cool stuff that can be adapted to magic).

This is one of those routines that is 90% presentation and 10% mechanics.

The entire routine - until the punch line - should be done semi-seriously and pompously (even the Pennsylvania-Transylvania gags). You are leading the audience in the wrong direction here, so pause and freeze at the end, when the baseball bat appears, to give them a chance to understand what has happened and to get the gag.

Don't be in a hurry to rush into the next routine; remember a cardinal rule of entertaining (or comedy): Never step on applause (or a laugh).

Don't Let Them See You Sweat! The Art Of Performing Magic!

The Art of Performing Magic Tricks

We've all been there. Our hands are sweaty, your heart is racing and your hands are shaking like a leaf. Yes, I am talking about trying to pull off your first magic trick that you just learned. You are excited to show your friends and family your amazing trick but then when the time comes, boom! its like you are standing on stage in your underwear and everyone is laughing at you! Even though you have practiced the trick hundred times or more and in front of the mirror, it's never the same when you are about to do it to real people.

Well, have no fear, as this you'll be glad to hear it can be conquered and you will pull of your trick like the pros! You see, it is natural for our body to tense up when the spotlight is on you, now not everybody is the same, some people are just naturally gifted to have that knack of performing for people, they love the spotlight, then there are the other 90 percent that have to work at it to get comfortable of the beading eyes watching there every move.

So, what do we do about this nervousness? Here are some quick tips for you:

When performing any kind of magic, be it card magic or a certain illusion...the best way to get your audiences attention so they are not focusing on what you are sometimes trying to cover up, is to use your hands as they will always follow your hands when you talk. The other thing is to always look into their eyes, this makes them focus on you also. Last but not least, in your routine, ask your audience questions, this gets them even more distracted and not so focused on trying to find the secret to your magic trick!

If you do all the above magic trick tips above, you will also notice that you will loosen up in the process knowing that your audience is in your control! No more sweaty hands, shakiness, or standing in your underwear feeling:)

You just have to learn some "patter", as in small talk, learn some jokes, some one liners, this will take your magic performance to the next level.

Practice these tips and you will have no problem with your future performances.

Las Vegas: The Best Magic Shows

Las Vegas is the premiere destination for those wanting to sit back and be entertained. If magic is what you want to see, then Las Vegas is the right place because it offers the very best magic shows in the world.

The essence of magic is illusion. Things that are there one minute, but disappear the next. This is the magic that kids love best, so if you are visiting Las Vegas with the family, reserve a place for yourself and your family where Lance Burton the 'Master Magician' will suspend your disbelief.

If you like your magic with a dash of comedy then Penn and Teller are the guys for you. They are the supreme crowd pleasers. They'll befuddle you with their tricks, let you in on some of their secrets and then confound you once more.

Rick Thomas invites you into his world of magic, which he calls, "The Art of Dreaming". He performs the most evocative magical illusions with his team of dances, birds and even, a Bengal tiger.

The Showgirls of Magic show is the prime Las Vegas experience. Gorgeous showgirls performing virtuoso illusions. The show is a cabaret of magic, dance, and comedy.

For more comedy and devious sleight-of-hand action try the Mac King Comedy Magic Show. King is a magical whiz and loves to include the audience in the fun. So it's the perfect magical show for all the family to enjoy.