If you are a magician, here are some names you should know. If you are not familiar with the work of these performers, it is to your loss. They all were, or yet are, treasure troves of magical knowledge and information. Ali Bongo. Karrell Fox. Jay Marshall. Billy McComb. Warren Stephens. Pavel. Trevor Lewis. Hank Moorehouse. Marvyn Roy. Johnny Thompson. Fukai. Jupiter. Fantasio. Norm Nielsen. Shimada. Why this particular list of names? Because, relating to them,
I just returned home from the annual convention of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. While there I was interviewed by Matthew Hill, the new owner of the Dock Haley Magic Company, about my life as a gospel magician and about my thoughts concerning gospel magic in general. During the course of the interview I was asked a question that caught me by surprise. Matthew said, “What about gospel magic annoys you?” The word “annoy” means
In context of a magic show, I have a strong opinions about how children who come on stage as volunteers should be treated. Fundamentally I believe every helper should be a hero. Every child assistant should be shown great appreciation and respect. I do not think a child should ever be made to feel uncomfortable, nor do I believe in making jokes at a child’s expense. Over the years I have developed a variety of
I have heard it a number of times over the years and every time I hear it I feel bad. It is when someone says, “Oh, I tried magic, but gave up on it. I just couldn’t do it.” That statement troubles me for two reasons. First of all, I’m sorry to learn that a person has given up on the fun and wonder magic can provide. Second, I am peeved that the person probably
A few years ago in one of our shows, I dug out a prop I had not used for several years. It is a production box, called the “Hank Box,” made by Joe Eddie Fairchild. It allows for a huge production of silks. We created a presentation, using that prop, that played extremely well. In fact, it may have been one of the most impressive features in the show. The key to using a prop
A few weeks ago I put together a show for a new venue. I was to present an hour of magical entertainment to guests at a resort. In preparing the show I sat down, as I usually do, and wrote out a possible running order. Based on things I have done in the past, while guided by the desire to try a few new things, I put together a plan that looked good to me.
As this article begins I must admit frustration. While researching a speech for musicians, I came across a fascinating blog written by a man who coaches country singers on how to put on a great concert. I copied a statement from the blog and moved on with my research. Later, when reviewing the copied statement, I decided I should learn more about the man who made it. For reasons I cannot figure out, I was
The Square Circle trick is a great trick…if handled properly. When not handled properly it can be pitiful. I encourage gospel magicians to use the Square Circle, but also challenge us all to make sure we know how to use it well. Rather than about proper handling, this article is about the use of the prop in presenting a gospel lesson. If you want to learn more about proper handling, it is one of the
Not long ago I came across a Facebook post, made by a gospel magician, that went something like this… “I recently lost my job. This led me think it may be time for me to go full time with my performing. I’ve been doing magic in my hometown area for quite a while. It might be time for me to go to the next level. Pray for me as I make this decision.” I have
In preparing for my speech at the recent gathering of the BGSSA (Branson Gospel Singers Songwriters Association) I came across a fascinating study. It had to do with the visual versus audio aspects of performance. Although primarily a lesson for musicians, it is something to which magicians and variety entertainers should give attention. A Social Psychologist of University College London, reporting in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shared findings showing people are
