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The way I'm designing it, I couldn't fill the holes in, but I could move them around my body. Also, I like the fact that the magician is able to have a completely "whole" look to him before and after the trick even though it has been demonstrated that he has gone to pieces.

I've just been doing some research on the gimmick I need. I'm gonna have a hard time trying to find exactly what I'm looking for.

Are you at all interested in my "visual bit" method? I can explain it if you would like.

Michael Kras

I'm not interested in utilizing mirrors and a fake body. It will make the trick too complicated.

I think the idea with the shadows would work really well, I've already though of a nice use for it. I'm thinking of it an an interesting opener. I come running onto the stage, obviously in a rush and running late for my performance with no time to get changed. So I jump into the booth and get changed into my performing clothes.

I like the shadow version as it's more of a comedy roiutine than with mirrors and false body parts.

I too agree that the shadow version is very unique and interesting. No need to complicate it at all.

And the idea of showing a 'disjointed' fake magician would prove immediately that it's all just a big con, rather than leaving a lot to the imagination of the mystical shadow-only version, where the 'what's going on behind the screen' is left in the mind of the beholder--much more exciting in my opinion.

I detest the type of stage illusion which relies purely on 'big hits'. I much prefer to have a little left to my own imagination.

I remember a long time ago seeing a 'black art' show on TV where the magician dismembered himself. i.e. his head was raised, his torso and legs became separated. I knew it was simply black art, but it looked great, and it was the showmanship which made the magic. Especially when for the finale, the magician's legs walked in FRONT of a white crate by themselves—fascinating.

Any effect of this type is going back to basics—the stage shows of an era forgotten, where pure inventiveness ruled over special effects and glamour.

A sheer joy to see that someone is thinking outside the box of big, elaborate lights and glamour.

I think Lady of Mystery and seige have hit upon what I'm trying to create. Showing a body in pieces in the middle of the effect leaves no room to the imagination as siege said. If the audience seems a real image, they think its real: I want them to think about it for the rest of their lives .

Did some more research for the gimmick today, think I found a new material I could use .