talkmagic.co.uk

Hey, I have a lot of experience in stage magic, but not as much as in illusions.

I am though re-planning to perform a show with totally new props.
I dont have too much money, so i cant buy the greatest and best illusions out there. But i am looking for illusions that are in the max $5000 each.

It is pretty difficult to find illusions that are both amazing and cheap. Most illusions at that price range are mostly for new comers such as the; tip over trunk/subs trunk, modern art, mis made, zig zag, blammo, and cube illusion.
These are fairly good illusions, and cheap. But for me, they dont fir my style and seem more for new people. I need some help find some illusions that are in the similar price range.

I have spent many months searching for new ideas and illusions and through this whole search i only found a hand full.

I found:
Spike Penetration (Snap Illusions) - Buying this in a few weeks
http://snapillusions.com/SPIKE_PENETRATION.html
Crystal Casket (Rich Hills)
http://richhillsillusionshop.com/crystalcasket.htm
Backstage With The Magician [New Style] (Unknown)
Seeing Through A Woman (Magic Makers?)
Elastic Lady -- Dont know the price, could someone tell me how much it would cost?
http://owenmagic.com/Illusions/India_Ru ... ubber.html

These are the only things i could find.
Some i still think is a good idea to perform, but others are like, good but not the best.

Anyone else have any ideas?
*I have already searched Magic Auction, there is nothing that I am interested in at the moment. Or, its probably too expensive.

Firstly, I hope you're rich... the Super Spiker (though the one in the photo looks a bit crude) will sell used for around $4,000.00 + cases.

The Stretching you picked out can be found in the Paul Osborne Illusion plan books... I'd suggest you invest into these and all other plan books you can get your hands on... the Rand Woodbury and Jim Stinemeyer books of course are very important as is Gary Darwin's book INEXPENSIVE ILLUSIONS.


I've explained this time and again with young people wanting to move into this realm. The first rule of thumb being to know that you can get the kind of work, the amount of work and the rates required for supporting an illusion act. Your stretcher requires two girls, I'd also suggest two guys to help you out (minimum) and at least one additional backstage "Show & Unit Manager"... that is, if you aren't dealing with animals at all and your other four staffers are as gung-ho as you are and willing to do some actual work.

In order to support even a basic Illusion act that is on the road, you need to see no less than $10,000.00 a day coming in... that will just barely cover payroll, transportation, housing, up-keep, insurance, agent fees, advertising, etc. For most of us that level of income ($50,000.00 to $70,000.00 a week average) must be generated on the weekends e.g. you have 3-4 days each week to make your nut.

Too, you need to add to your investment list the cost of decent lighting, sound, set pieces and of course a truck for moving it all around and possibly a van for moving the crew around.


Yes, I'm being hard on you but it wouldn't be kind to be any other way. Grand Illusions are fun and wonderful but most end up in the same shoes worn by the typical farmer -- property rich and financially broke... everything will be tied up in "the show" and though the staff gets paid, you aren't... you're the last person to get paid for that matter, when it comes to any kind of business venture.

Now, if you want follow this notion you need to look at what's going to be practical to the kind of venues you know you can get booked in. The Spiker can work in the round but it's big... that particular stretching is also a bit huge and don't pack well and does have some sight line issues (you also need to start it either back stage or behind a front curtain so you can set things into place). If you are looking at levitations then you must deal with angles, lighting, and insuring that your lift unit can be secured properly to prevent tip over (and it happens)... the list goes on and on from there. That is why most start-up acts have the same basic collection of big effects; a Broom or Sword Suspension, Zig Zag or Mismade Lady, Sub Trunk, Hindu Sword Basket or Temple of Benares, Lakes styled Head Chopper or a Spectator Sawing.

Very few will travel with a floating ball or dancing hank unless they have one of the more rare self-contained units or zombie styled control.


I'm more than willing to help you figure things out for yourself, but I think you need to take a step or two back and look at the business side of this element before getting in too deep with things.

There is nothing in your profile to suggest who you are, what you do for a living, how old are you, what experience have you had?

Then through your 'great experience in Stage Magic' you tell us that Sub Trunk, Modern Art, Zig Zag, Mismade etc. are for newcomers.
Surely if you are looking to develop a new act in illusions work, you too are a newcomer?
What ever the magic effect from vanishing a cigarette in a TT through to The Water Torture Escape Cell ALL need to be adapted (and thoroughly routined & rehearsed) be you expert of newcomer. There really is no such thing as the magic effect to fit your style. It has to be worked on to make it fit. Otherwise you will either buy too many of the wrong effects or sit round waiting to spot that 'perfect fit my style' trick; possibly for ever and ever!
Craig has given you some good advice.There is so much to consider and plan as well as the actual props you are going to use. Now:
An Illusion Act is built up over many years. Usually the performer begins with one possibly, two illusions, interspersing them with standard, though, with hopefully, originally routined effects. This gives him time & space to work in this genre, without too much expense.
After that it is a gradual build, by trial, error, rehearsal, post mortem, chop, change, tighten up & lots of performance.

I am not happy to hear you say, 'they don't fit my style'.
Does any magic effect fit anyone's style right off? No! Again it takes planning, creativeness plus the other facets I've already mention to adapt the effect to one's style.

If you are serious about Illusion Work, pm me an e mail address and I'll send you my 14 articles on Stage Illusions, which will show you some of the background, the effects, the things to consider, as well as practical advice on routining & assistants etc.
Allen Tipton

After reading your post Allen I had to re-read what our young visionary posted one more time... I missed a few points and don't wish to be accused of not answering his question... so here it goes...

If you want to spend on $5,000.00 on each effect and you want those newer cutting edge bits then I hope you have the skills of a master carpenter, engineer and welder. Add to that, enough experience to look at the device you are constructing with a critical eye so as to insure deception for the audience vs. self-deception when it comes to the quality of your device. You also need to be exceptionally well studied when it comes to the mechanics and design of the more modern effects systems.


Allen has given you some wise words when it comes to moving into this field and hopefully, I've given you reason for a reality check.

May I quote the most important suggestion that Craig has made to you.
It should really be your first consideration.

[b]'[i]The first rule being to know that [b]you can get the kind of work, the amount of work and the rates required for supporting an illusion act'

You do not say if you are in the UK. If so, I have 4 friends (2 separate Acts) who find it difficult to secure work here, except with one agent in a's case and b. as a support act for other acts. Both Acts are long standing professionals.
The one duo finds it hard to earn enough to pay the mortgage.

Basically here in the UK the only continous work is in either:
1. Holiday Camps/Leisure Parks
2. Cruising.
In both cases, on average, you need to be young & versatile enough to join in other company activities; singing, dancing, games, competitions, children's work etc.

Sorry if you think this is putting you off! IT ISN'T meant to.
Craig & I just want you to look & go beyond the golden glow of show biz and look first at ...reality.

I am here to help.
Allen Tipton

The Golden glow of show biz

I must have missed that somewhere along the line Allen... it's all been tons of hard work and heavy lifting in my world

Ah Craig, but you never wore rose tinted spectacles.

If only THEY knew of the aches, the bumps, the injuries, the blood, sweat & tears...not to forget the language along the way!!!!!!!!!

Allen