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This Article was written by Rajon Lynch AKA RJ THE Magician. RJ is a 23-year-old, black magician from Wisconsin (home of Harry Houdini). RJ is a writer, TED Speaker and performing magician who currently works as the director of the Houdini Museum of NYC and Fantasma Magic.
This was originally going to be called “The 8 Most Influential Black Magicians of the Decade”...but there is a problem with that. These magicians are not simply influential because they are black; but they are important, influential and prominent, AND black. The difference in wording seems small, but yet their impact on the magic community as a whole is huge. All 8 of these magicians are influential in different ways, whether as a performer, creator, producer or just a trailblazer in general. These are 8 magicians who have become pillars of the magic community, magicians who have smashed barriers and created paths for generations of younger magicians (like myself) to have a shot at being the next great magician, regardless of color. Now I don’t know ALL of these people, but I am fans of all of them, and I hope to meet them one day in the future.
Ben Barnes: The Chaplain of Chicago
As a midwestern magician myself Chicago and Chicago style magic hold a special spot in my heart. Chicago is one of the pillars of American magic. Known for a quick snappy style and the rich history of magic bars in the last century. The most recent and perhaps well known of those magic spaces is known as the Chicago magic lounge. A former weekly event has transformed into a multi-million dollar multi-stage theater, equipped with booze and incredible entertainment. You can experience magic close up, on a palor stage and even at the bar. Manning the helm of this is operation is Magician Benjamin Barnes. Barnes is known as an encyclopedia of magic and he is also one of the most well connected magicians in the industry. He is responsible for booking the talent at one of the most sought after performance venues in the United States (for magicians at least). A former co-producer of Magic Chicago, Barnes sources the best talent in the country to perform at the lounge. In an interview he gave to the Windy City Times he stated, “You'll see yourself" reflected on the stage," he assures. "Every night at Chicago Magic Lounge there will be at least one woman, one Person of Color; all are bad-ass magicians."
Kendrick Ice Mcdonald: The 1st famous Kendrick
The “coolest” magician on this list (I’m sorry, I had to), Kendrick is the #1 magician that is sure to turn heads as he walks into a room. A classic magician that has been featured on, Masters of Illusion and any live big name magic show you can think of. He was also featured in “Art and Soul” of magic documentary, a film highlighting the lives of various black magicians. Ice was even honored by the Minister of India with the “Performer’s Trophy of Honor”, where he was the only United States representative in their Festival of Global Magic, held in Kerala, India. Ice is one of the most talented performers in recent history and an All Star magician, you'd be lucky to catch a glimpse of. In 2014 he was named the President of the Society of American Magicians, being the first black president ever.
Randy Shine: The Presidential Magician
Known as one of the “nicest guys in magic”, Ran’D is a traveling performer who has been on the college market longer than most new magicians have been alive. His reputation as a great human is part of the reason he is also one of the most well connected people in magic today. Randy has been featured at NYC's Monday Night Magic, the Magic Castle, the Chicago Magic Lounge, Penn & Teller's “Fool Us” and TWO presidential Inaugurations (including Obama). Ran’D is a founding member of the International Association of Black Magical Artists, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Black magic history, where he was the president. Ran’D has been on a mission producing his “Heart and Soul of Magic” show, which is an ensemble show featuring a cast of all black performers; the first show of its kind. A staple of the college market and an advocate for inclusion in magic, Ran'D Shine is "the new face of the millennium magician".
Jack Goldfinger: The Godfather
The Godfather of black magicians who once referred to himself as “The original overnight success that spent 10 the last 10 years getting there”. Since 2009 one man has had the position of Director of Entertainment at the world Famous Magic Castle previously held by the great Max Maven. Goldfinger is a bona fide legend in magic and one of the first black magicians to be seen on television. Jack not only curates every person that performs at the castle but more importantly he chooses who comes back. Performing at the magic castle is a rite of passage for every magician who hopes to make it one day. Jack’s legacy as a performer as well as his position as a gatekeeper of west coast magic make him more than worth of the list.
Frank Brents: King of New York
In NYC a pitstop for a well known magician is performing at Monday Night Magic; New York’s longest running magic show. What you may not know is that it was cofounded by the New York Legend: Frank Brents. The late Frank Brents travelled around the world performing magic in over 40 countries. He performed for King Juan Carlos of Spain, Princess Grace of Monaco, the Rockafellers and even the Kennedys. Brents had numerous TV appearances including on the Captain Kangaroo show, at a time where African Americans weren’t seen on television. He was known largely for his work with birds, namely his vanishing of a live duck, which was a staple in his act for 30 years. Brents passed away in 2010, but his legacy in New York lives on as one of the greats.
Chis Capehart is another one of those east coast grandfathers of magic. He paved the way for so many magicians, including anyone performing the linking rings today. Capehart is the real lord of the rings, and was one of the first magic DVD's I watched when learning the classics. He is one of the top family entertainers on the east coast, also being one of the magicians to popularize the ubiquitous Miser’s Dream [trick]. He’s one of the few American magicians that have been asked to perform at the Magic Circle in England and of the even fewer to get a standing ovation after his performance. After over 40 years Capehart has become the inspiration for numerous magicians to come after him, and he has earned the respect and admiration of any big name magician you can think of, from Lance Burton to Jeff McBride.
Michael Vincent: The Champion
A British magician and former student of the great Slydini, Michael Vincent is a magician still in his prime and killing it. As good of a creator as he is a performer, Vincent has written numerous works as well as created various props/ routines that magicians still use to this day. Vincent not only uses magic to perform, but also as a tool in public speaking, workshops and lectures. His video lectures sell out, not only because of the quality of his magic, but due to the fact that he is a 3 times winner of the Magic Circle’s “Close Up Magician of the Year”. A vital creator, an award winning magician and an “exquisite performer” (According to Harry Lorayne). Magic wouldn’t be the same without Michael Vincent’s contributions.
Eric Jones: Man of Steel
I wasn't originally going to put Eric on this list because I'm planning another blog about "black magicians you should know", and Eric is very young by comparison to a lot of these magicians. However, his age does not affect his impact and Eric has more than put in the work and deserves a spot on this list. He is one of the most well known and well respected creators and performers in the game. His early DVDs on coin magic (like the metal series) are a huge reason why we see so many young coin guys popping up in the magic scene. Eric Jones also made it normal to see a black magician on TV, being a semi-finalist on America's got talent, a regular on Masters of Illusion, and one of the few magicians to successfully fool Penn and Teller on "Fool Us". If that isn't enough, the rarely sighted coin master David Roth even listed Jones as one of his personal favorites and sat up close at a recent show of his at the Houdini Museum.
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There are so many magicians that could be on this list. This list however is comprised of 8 people who are responsible for the careers of magicians like me. They are trailblazers that just by being present were an influence on my life but the lives of thousands of magicians globally; not just black magicians. There are even more names I could put on this list, which is amazing considering 50 years ago this list might not have been possible. Thank you for reading this article and helping shine more light on the lives of these incredible entertainers, and keep your eyes peeled for more Black History Month Blogs, coming soon! You can catch a special "Night Magic at the Houdini Museum" magic show February 28th 2020 featuring living legend Ran'D Shine, and Hosted by RJ THE Magician. Tickets are on sale HERE !
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I would be HIGHLY surprised if the show explained how these fictional magic tricks in The Messiah could be accomplished how they are shown, mainly because the fictional budget and level secrecy required to do something like walking across the Capitol Reflecting Pool is impossible to attain...at least with technology we know about. But hey- Season 1 ended with an “I take it all back” cliffhanger which again implies that Al-Masih probably does have some sort of “gift”, which conveniently wraps up all inexplicable and loose ends.
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Netflix’s The Messiah is the breakout extremely controversial series where one may may or may not be the Messiah; a god-sent savior for the human race. The show, regardless of your belief systems raises an interesting and thought provoking question. If there was a divine being on earth, would people believe it or would we just think that they are a magician?
What is the show about?
Al-Masih is the main character of the series, a middle eastern man who seems to have inexplicable abilities which he chooses to use at strategic press worthy moments. These “powers” include taming the weather, healing and even walking on water. Magicians have a long history with religion, especially in the bible (whether you believe the bible is fact or fiction, it is still a text which contains references to magic):
Exodus 7:11: Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts.
Daniel 2:2-13:Then the king gave orders to call in the magicians, the conjurers, the sorcerers and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king. The king said to them, "I had a dream and my spirit is anxious to understand the dream." Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic: "O king, live forever! Tell the dream to your servants, and we will declare the interpretation."
There are various verses in the bible which one could interpret as magicians performing pseudo miracles such as dream interpretation by sorcerers (which could be a reference to cold/warm reading), or the production of animals. The bible also references ancient Egyptian sorcerers, which is notable. Mainly due to the favorite fact of many magicians; the classic trick “The Cups and Balls” can be found in ancient Egyptian artwork.
The connection to magic isn’t an arbitrary connection made by me however. The show explicitly states that Eva Geller, skeptical CIA investigator believes that Al-Masih is a conman. Not just a con-man but a magician. The writers wanted the viewers to debate whether [in the context of the show], whether this Messiah is a magician or a divine being, and to decide for themselves. They drive the nail in the coffin with this point when the CIA interviews the mysterious man’s family and they reveal that they were raised by a magician uncle who taught Al-Masih and his brother the art of magic (tricks, not sorcery) from a young age, Implying that the large following that he has amassed has been “misdirected” by Al-Masih’s illusion. An arbitrary and frankly lazy way to explain the plot which is reminiscent of Now You See Me’s motivation which reads something like: “All of the things in the movie are definitely impossible but they’re magicians so that explains everything!”...But that’s a blog for another day.
What you need to understand about The Messiah
Whether you liked the show or not one point it makes is something the writers probably felt had to be addressed. If there was a divine being on earth from any denomination, we most likely would think he was a magician. The main reason is because magic has evolved to the point where genuine miracles seem possible, or at least it looks like that on TV. There is a scene where Al-Masih walks on water at the U.S. Capital in Washington. Quite beautifully shot, however the funds most likely were not there for the actual stunt (watch episode 6, you’ll understand). Watched by millions on the news, the first thing mentioned by these fictional newscasters is the fact that Dynamo accomplished a similar feat walking over water across the River Thames is 2011.
Derren Brown, another British Illusionist has a whole special on Netflix “Miracle”, where he demonstrates faith healing. He appears to guess ailments and heal them with a flash of divine power. These performers are just that, performers. And I use the word “appears” loosely as it is all on video and not many people have SEEN them do this themselves under test conditions. However the point remains. In an age of incredible video recorded magic, would we believe in “real miracles” if we saw it on TV? Would we if we saw it in person?
Remember Folks:
The point of this blog is not to highlight one particular religion. But this blog is a historical analysis of a show with biblical tie-ins that forms an argument. Magic has an old “comedy” line that goes something like “You could start a religion in some countries with this trick”. In The Messiah that country is the USA. And the argument, or rather the question the show begs: What would it take for you to believe? One important thing to note is that the “magic” in the show, aside from 1 small effect performed by Al-Masih’s brother is for the most part impossible...The way they show it on TV. For David Copperfield to walk through the great wall of China, he needed to be covered and he needed assistants. Dynamo also used assistants for his illusions… I would be HIGHLY surprised if the show explained how these fictional magic tricks in The Messiah could be accomplished in the manner in which they are shown, mainly because the fictional budget and level secrecy required to do something like walking across the Capitol Reflecting Pool is impossible to attain...at least with technology we know about. But hey- Season 1 ended with an “I take it all back” cliffhanger which again implies that Al-Masih probably does have some sort of “gift”, which conveniently wraps up all inexplicable and loose ends.
Start your Journey into learning magic by checking out Fantasma's Hottest tricks here!
Written by:
Rajon Lynch Aka RJ The Magican- Director of Fantasma Magic & The Houdini Museum
RJ Lynch is a 23 year old magician and communication graduate. As the director of Fantasma magic and Houdini Museum he has been featured in Fox Ny, NBC New York, AM New York, The New York Times as well as TED. RJ Taught magic at the famous French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts Camp for 3 years before starting the first summer magic program in Shanghai, China in 2018. Rj is from Wsiconsin, home of Houdini, but has since relocated (September 2019) to NYC.
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This is an interview with a friend of Fantasma, Greg Kushnick. Dr. Kushnick is a clinical psychologist in Manhattan who (in very special cases) prescribes magic to his patients. But what does that mean, and how can that help? This blog is a question and answer with Dr. Kushnick and an exploration into how magic can help mental health. My post interview notes are in italics. You can see more about Dr.Kushnick at https://manhattanpsychologist.com -RJ (Director of Fantasma)
RJ: Ok, so what do you do exactly?
Dr. Kushnick: I’m a clinical psychologist in Manhattan. I have been in practice for 20 years. I’m trained in a variety of theoretical approaches, but I’m primarily a cognitive behavioral therapist.
Greg is being humble. He is a very successful doctor with multiple offices in Manhattan, he is one of the top psychologists in NYC and he has even been a contributor to Forbes & Huffington Post.
Dr. Kushnick: Part of my approach is giving people tools and options as opposed to a lot of therapists who really rely on insight. However, giving people insight doesn’t always lead to a behavior change. Realizing something doesn’t always lead to change, it needs to be practiced and reinforced...to change the behavior attached to it. It can make you feel better, make you feel enlightened but I haven’t found [an insight-based approach] to change behavior. A practical tool or technique, something they can do in a certain situation can help create a mental change.
RJ: So why would someone come to you?
Dr. Kushnick: Maybe they feel like they can’t handle their problems alone or maybe when their family member or partner demands they go to therapy, which unfortunately is relatively common. I work with people that have anxiety, panic attacks….I’m very adept in terms of helping people who suffer from problems like that, especially high achieving folk...which is common in New York. Depression, relationship issues, anger management, etc.
RJ: So I know you don’t “prescribe magic” to everyone, It’s in special cases. But what exactly does that mean? When and how?
Dr.Kushnick: The truth is...there's really only 3 situations where I may talk about magic with someone.
I don’t just offer magic everyday, I don’t want to impose my view on things or get people to like what I like, I’m very careful about that. It works much better when you are relatively impartial and you don’t try to Impose your beliefs on someone. But what I have found is:
Situation 1: Usually a man (Usually) who is looking for a hobby, a hobby that can have maximum impact. I may suggest magic, among a few other things. But that’s not necessarily what I do.
Situation 2: With people with social anxiety, magic can be extremely helpful with people who may have difficulty at a party for example, or just in a bar. Some people feel really protected when they have something to go to, in an unstructured social situations. They literally have a trick up their sleeves...that gets into why magic is so special. You are creating wonder, and you’re gaining skills, even with a small effect. It’s a great icebreaker and can be very effective.
RJ: Have you seen any research where something like magic or theater can help anything like this?
Dr. Kushnick: Oh yeah! Theater especially, I have a family member who is a prominent playwright. And she has a whole method of helping people in dramatic ways, through theater. She can really create massive change. I get inspired by seeing how people react to magic, even simple magic. A little bit of magic can really have maximum impact in important moments. I believe there's an endorphin rush, a curiosity that happens with a magic trick. It’s helpful with social anxiety, especially informal situations.
Situation 2: I will recommend it to a parent that comes in that just wants to be silly with their kids. Some parents don’t take the time to be silly with their kids.
Side Note: Greg practices what he preaches. Even having a busy practice in NYC Greg takes every Tuesday to spend time with his family. A true family man if I say so myself.
Typically it is a father who is a businessman who realizes that they aren't spending enough time with their kids. They feel they’ve been absent, it’s quite common with parents who are prone to overworking, depressed or both. So I will recommend [again among other things], that they buy a series of tricks or a magic kit. That way they can create a ritual with their children. There’s nothing that makes a kid stop everything they are doing and be full of wonder and awe, than when “Daddy” or “Mommy” is taking out a few tricks and plays with them. It’s an easy way to bond with the children. Everyone loves magic, and It’s cool to relate to people you love. It can be very effective.
RJ: Can you tell me an example of a time where you saw results? Obviously we can't discuss specifics, but give me a general idea?
Kushnick: I had a situation where a parent was looking to do better. I recommended a few very carefully selected tricks, they performed them for their children...And this person didn’t feel they had the best relationship with their kids. And before long, within a matter of a few weeks, the whole neighborhood was coming to watch this person perform. They were like a magnet, entertaining everyone in the neighborhood. It was a dramatic change, but sometimes people wake up and realize that they have been neglecting their children.
Fantasma Magic has a lot of awesome kits that parents can utilize in a lot of situations Dr.Kushnick describes. We also have a variety of "pocket tricks" which are great effects that adults can learn, all of which come with detailed instructions! Again, magic is not a be-all-end-all cure for all mental health issues. However Dr. Kushnick suggests that magic can be used in certain situations to help people who may feel paralyzed in group settings or for parents who are looking to connect with their children. Please note that Dr. Kusnick is not your psychologist, and if you are seeking assistance in your own life in terms of anxiety, depression or family issues you can find one in your area by clicking here.
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Difficulty: Intermediate
Sudden Deck is my favorite new trick. I use the term NEW loosely. David Regal has been doing this for decades, however Sudden Deck 3 has some awesome improvements on the design.
What is it?:
Sudden deck allows a magician to show a blank box of cards, unprinted and cut from a template. After a shake the flat template prints. The magician shows the front and the back of the card stock blank and empty. After folding the card stock into a box shape, it fills with a full deck of 52 cards that are completely usable for any trick.
Why is it useful?
There’s a thought in magic that a magician should find ways to “produce” and object they need, after all...they are magical. Pulling cards out of a pocket can be a pretty lackluster opening. By magically making cards, a magician establishes the quality of the trick from the start.
Difficulty: For the intermediate creative
What is it?:
A gaff is a prop that is not normal that is used for magic. A gaff deck, is a deck of cards that are made for magicians. Blank cards, double backed cards and other sneakier cards are included.
Why is it special:
This gaff deck is made with the magician in mind. It features unique optical illusion gaff cards that can’t be made by the average person. In reality a double backed or blank card is relatively easy to make. This deck features unique optical illusions that bend the limits of card magic. A card that makes the deck look hollow, or a back design that falls off of the deck are just a few of the awesome cards. If you have a creative magician in your life, these cards are something that they’ll be itching to experiment with.
Difficulty: Beginner
What is it:
There is no booze involved with this scotch and soda. This is a classic of magic and most likely one of the first tricks any magician saw at their first magic shop. This Scotch and Soda, is a modern take on a magician favorite. It is a special coin set that allows a magician to completely vanish a spectators chosen coin.
Why is it special:
My friend, magician Eric Brown says that a vanish is one of the strongest things a magician can do. Scotch and soda is typically done with “sketchy coins” in my opinion. Typically it is done with an American 50 cent piece and an English Penny (sometimes a Mexican centavo). Most magicians have little to no explanation as to why they can’t use “normal coins”. The limited Edition gold dollar version uses a quarter and a gold dollar coin. Not only are they common coins, but the gold dollar is also gorgeous and shiny, which is why it is collectable! These are almost impossible to find, but on fantasma.com we have them restocked from last time they sold out! This is my favorite coin trick in our catalog and it is also a great price $29.99
Difficulty: For the Pro
What is it:
The Late Eugene Burger was an incredible magician from the last generation of magic. He was a master of storytelling, magic philosophy and staging acts. Burger was also a Chicago Native, which is known as a mecca for it’s unique brand of magic. This book is a collection of material from Burger, that he kept closely guarded his entire life.
Why is it special?:
Burger passed away in 2017. Before his death he planned this book with Larry Hass, which is a collection of incredible magic to be released after his death. This book is literally a lifetime of secrets from one of the most talented, respected and (sorely) missed magicians of the last century. The Magic in the book is incredible, and the “cool factor” of having something Eugene Burger wanted us to have post mortem is what makes this the perfect gift.
Difficulty: Easy, but 18+ recommended
What is it?:
Magicians love fire, FACT. Flash paper is a chemically treated sheet of paper that ignites on contact with flame. It is awesome to magically make something appear/vanish and it also looks great on camera.
What Makes it special?
This flash paper has a special powder coating that makes a sparkler effect with the paper. It ignites like a small firework, which is the perfect Christmas-y effect for magicians, or just pyro junkies. We have been playing with it at fantasma and it is ADDICTIVE. Almost every magician uses flash paper anyway, It should be sparkle flash paper...at least until after new years. It is also disposable, so magicians run out of it. That means it’s the perfect gift for the person who “has everything”
A Note From RJ:All the products listed have been tested by myself and my staff at Fantasma. We also see what sells, what magicians are asking for and what doesn’t work…(But that’s another blog”. Whether you buy these products from Fantasma or not we promise that these are awesome presents that would surprise even an experienced magician.
Use code: freefantasma when ordering any of these items for 10% off of your order. From the Fantasma Family to you, this week only! (Ending Thanksgiving Day)
Written By RJ Lynch
RJ AKA RJ THE Magician is a 23 year old Magician, Ted Speaker, Writer and Director of the Houdini Museum. RJ currently is based out of Manhattan.
5 Unbelievable Facts about Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin
1) He Wasn't Just A Magician
Robert-Houdin was the child of a watchmaker father who died when Houdin was very young. His father always dreamed that his son would be a lawyer, but Jean Robert decided to follow in the footsteps of his late father and be a watchmaker. His knowledge of complex watch mechanisms is what gave him the skills to build automatons, non-electric task completing machines. One of these machines which is also a famous magic trick, the Orange Tree, was featured in the Illusionist movie. The trick is too amazing to describe, so a video of Magician Paul Daniels doing a similar effect is below.2) His Work is RARE
The Mystery Clock is a trick invented by Houdin. If you can an ultra-rare mystery clock, you are looking at tens of thousands of dollars (according to the latest internet auctions). Each one is a slightly different, beautifully hand crafted clock with no visible workings. How the clock works is a mystery, and a closely guarded secret, even today. The clocks, typically made from brass and glass are rare, collectable and highly sought after.
3) Harry Houdini Borrowed His Name
Houdin was the inspiration for the man who would become the most famous magician in history Harry Houdini. From a young age Houdini considered Houdin a hero, ever since he read his biography in 1980, describing his mystical adventures. He named himself “Houdini” in homage to the magician, thinking of adding an “i” meant “like houdin”. Later in his life he wrote the book “The unmasking of Robert Houdin” which he notably regretted writing. In the book he accused Houdin of being a thief and a fraud stealing many of his magic illusions from other magicians.
4) He Knew the Greatest Showman
Houdin was a contemporary of the great P.T. Barnum aka the "Greatest Showman". Houdin even met Barnum at the world exhibition in Paris, where Houdin’s writing desk automaton was being featured. The wind up android would apparently write and draw different images based on the question being asked. Barnum took an interest in the desk on the spot and purchased it, where it sat on display in London. He later sent it to NYC where it was put on display, and later destroyed in the fire that destroyed Barnum’s museum in 1865.
5) The French Government DID Need His Help
Houdin didn't actually stop a war per se, however he was called upon by Napoleon Bonaparte to perform magic in what we would call a “wizard battle” today. The french government dispatched him to Algeria. The french were fighting Algerian warriors called the “Marabouts”, who believed that they were invincible due to the illusions that their chieftains would perform. Illusions like halting the fire from a french rifle. Houdin essentially challenged the Algerians by putting on a demonstration where he asked a strong Algerian man to lift a wooden chest. When they tried to lift it a second time, it was impossible. Apparently this was because Houdin “robbed them of their strength”. In reality it was electromagnetism and a newly invented magic illusion now referred to as the “light heavy chest”. The stage demonstration helped to lower the morale of the Marabouts and their presence gradually diminished in the area. Not exactly stopping a war, but very influential.
The Father of modern magic, Robert-Houdin was an inventor, an artist, a magician and so much more. One of the greatest magicians of all time whose legacy is slightly shrouded in the modern age. In terms of legendary magicians, Houdin is on the top of our list. Houdini is often referred to as America’s First Superhero. If that is the case Houdin is like the First Avenger, who was so great, he was called to [help] end a war.
Sources:
http://www.themagicdetective.com/2018/01/pt-barnum-magician.html
http://www.themagicdetective.com/2018/01/pt-barnum-magician.html
https://www.jstor.org/stable/40603072?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/magic-magnets
Written By RJ Lynch:
RJ is the director of the Houdini Museum and fantasia magic. RJ is a magician, ted speaker and writer currently based in New York City.
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“Do it, edit it and share it with the world. Film everything, that’s honestly how they found me. Standing in line for 7 or 8 hours is a romantic idea, but you have to see it from the point of view of the producers. They are there working all day and they have seen thousands of people that day. They’re tired and in reality they don't want to be there all day either, so if they find you...it's even better. But I had a 5 year hypnosis career pre-AGT, so it didn’t make my career. But since then I’ve been able to meet some incredible magicians. But recording yourself helps your find your voice and your brand, which is important.
I was asked to try to fool Penn and Teller, so I flew out to vegas. I tried to hypnotize Teller into talking, he wouldn't fake that, so it would show that it's real. I didn’t end up hypnotizing Teller, but I tried...He told me that he was a huge skeptic so he wasn’t expecting it to work. Maybe if we were alone, it would have worked. They said something like, “We don’t know exactly what that was, but you didn’t fool us...but we still don’t know what that was.” Even if I didn’t fool them there was a ton of mutual respect being shown, and it was a cool experience. [Another thing that was important to Chris is making sure people believe the Hypnosis, because on TV anything can look like acting]. When AGT asked “How will we know if it’s real?” I said, “Because I’m going to get Howie to shake my hand”. I approach every performance with a different strategy, because there's always a possibility something wont work. [The point of fool us is to fool penn and teller. So how could you think you could trick them with hypnosis?] Well one way could be tricking Teller into thinking he is Hypnotized, but that’s just one way...
The great thing is that there’s credits. On every show there is a list of the producers. They are real people you can look up and contact. That’s the beauty of T.V.. When you figure out your idea it will be a lot easier. I literally had my friends who were actors pretend to be Mel B. and Howie on a video that I sent the producers. I actually did that, and that what was what convinced them to have me on.
[You’re a super humble guy, you don't seem like the type to care about publicity or being famous...you just seem to love performing.] The thing is a hypnotist once tod me (When I was starting out) was ‘if you are a magician and you don't like to advertise yourself, you're in the wrong business.’ You have to advertise so TV and media are important.
GET A TV AGENT! I have an agent and he only gets paid if I get booked. It is so important to get a (good) agent. I can definitely say that was the biggest influence on my TV career. Agents work for you and do the things you might not have the time or expertise to do yourself. Find a good agent!
[Is there 1 last thing you can tell me that can help someone who feels like they are close to their big break?]
Record ALL of your shows, even if only audio. It’s an old comedy trick. That way you can see what hits, what misses and what you can do better. It is important to listen to yourself so you can get better, make a stronger act and cut unnecessary words. I even listen to them on the plane or the airport in my freetime. I’d also suggest getting 13 Steps to Mentalism. Get a copy and them get another copy, in case someone steals it.
See Chris perform for 1 Night only at the Houdini Museum & Fantasma Magic located at 213 W. 35th St. (4th floor) at 7:30pm. Tickets are available HERE . This is a limited 40 seat Hypnosis show, get tickets now!
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Written By RJ LynchThanks for the great article, NY Daily News!
]]>Thanks for the great article, NY Daily News!
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