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I have spent this last year trying to decide which way to take my magic, i currently do alot of close up effects. My first idea was to go for the big stage stuff, mainly because all i see at the moment are close up magicians, but having looked at the general costs, and the practicality of that, i quickly changed my mind, (think many more years of hard graft and a huge bank balance are in order for that) so i am leaning towards small stage magic, i.e appearing canes, vanishes, airbornes etc.

What books/dvd's are there that cover this sort of area?

I am thinking this will take up more than next year, but i need a helping hand to get going in the right direction.

Which props/effects would be the best to start with?

i thank you in advance for your assistance.

Not sure about books/dvds but...

I would suggest as a start, The Chinese Linking Rings. It's a classic and there are loads of routines to choose from.
How about the Multiplying Billiard Balls?
And you mentioned appearing canes, I prefer the candles myself. They are very magical, especially the lit ones.
Anyone else have any ideas?

sliding die box another classic.
mirror box for productions.
colour changing kings to aces jumbo version.
appearing cane metal .
same disapearing.
missmade flag / parasol.
change bag .
colouring / stamp book.
sucker colour changing silks.
dove / chick pans.
ghost tube.
profesers ropes.
rope effects in general.
zombie and cloth.
astrospere.
to name a few.

ok am going to add another question, should i stick to one area, ie appearances and vanishes and base an act around that or have a varied performance with different styles and effects?

I have many appearing 8 foot poles which in my opinion are the best props i have

sld die. vanish
mlk die. appear
cane. appear
kings. col change / vanish
stamp. col change
rope. trans.
col silk. col change
scarf. trans.
chg bg. trans.
sp balls. trans.
ghost tube. appear / trans.

2x vanishes.
3x appearences.
5x transposistion.
3x colour changes.

in sumary then i use four basic concepts listed above, this is the criteria i use for my shows and would appear that transposition were objects change places or properties come out on top with a sprinkling of apperances disapearences and colour changes thrown in for good measure.

i use the same method for closeup and tablehopping shows, hope this helps