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Can anyone recommend some tricks/books/DVDs resources for geek/sideshow magic? I have Thomas Medina's "Geek Magic" DVD, which is great, but I'm having a hard time finding anything else.

Or am I trying too hard?

Depends what you are looking for. Will Houston has a DVD/download called Freak, and Master of Illusions have one called Thumb Twister.

I have a couple of downloads on my site, on Blockhead and the Razor Blades. There's a lot out there, if you look.

Ian

Andrew Mayne has the book 'Shock Magic' and the DVD 'Shock FX' http://andrewmayne.com/shop/products-page/dvd/shock-fx/ though they are closer to magic tricks than the real geek stuff.

If you want the genuine style geek magic, I would recommend the book 'Swami-Mantra' by Sam Dalal which features Indian Fakir type stunts, eating light bulbs, hat pins through the flesh, needles travelling from eye to eye, etc.

If you are interested in a cheaper booklet you could try L.H. Miller's 'Thrilling Magic' or Derek Lever's 'Stranger Than Fiction' which feature banging nails into the nose, fire walking, sword swallowing and Chinese fire breathing, amongst others.These stunts are dangerous though, pouring molten lead over your tongue or rubbing your face into broken glass are not to be taken lightly!

What I are referring to as "Geek" magic?

I'll assume you are referring to side-show stunts for which there are some specialty books if you look into that niche; one of the classics is Swami Mantra which has some excellent material on most of the classics and then some. Here's an interesting web site that offers an insight to such work http://www.goodmagic.com/websales/brill_sideshowstunts/index.htm you may likewise look up material from Todd Robbins who worked the Jersey Boardwalk for years and side by side with one of the Midway legends, Bobby Reynolds. Another guy that might be able to steer you in the right direction would be Canadian mage of mayhem Scott McClellan. He's a third or fourth generation carney and one heck of a great guy that runs his own series of touring side-shows.

On The Other Hand. . . if you are referring to Bizarre Magick, which is a bit different from the Geek & Freak avenue, I'd strongly encourage you to start with the Arcana of Bizarre Magick by Jim Magus {http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/arcana-of-bizarre-magick/4379157}, aside from some wonderful routines the book is filled with the factual history of Bizarre Magick and discussion about it's various styles and divisions INCLUDING the side show element. You may likewise enjoy the Larry Baukin Anthology {http://mevproshop.com/baukin-anthology.html} which is simply brilliant when it comes to routines, themes and concepts.

In prelude to these things you may wish to look over my FREE PDF on Bizarre Magick {http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/about-bizarre-magick/17796655?productTrackingContext=author_spotlight_767346_} where you will find other source materials listed. Last but not least, spend a few days looking over this site -- http://www.dragonskull.co.uk/main_map.htm where you will get a great education and more links to resources.

Hope that helps.

Jim Rose's Angles is good. Todd Robbins had a great video a number of years ago. If you can get anything by him, do.

Craig Browning wrote: In prelude to these things you may wish to look over my FREE PDF on Bizarre Magick {http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/about-bizarre-magick/17796655?productTrackingContext=author_spotlight_767346_} where you will find other source materials listed.
Hope that helps.

I have just downloaded this Craig. Excellent stuff.
I have been practising to be sword swallower myself, but I'm still on the modelling balloon stage But on a serious note. I can see my daughter who is doing a magic show at her Scout Groups Christmas meal & entertainment evening for the local pensioners tomorrow & who has also done a magic act at her school talent contest loving this.

What I are referring to as "Geek" magic?

I guess I'm looking to perform half-geek, half-Bizarre...something I've been referring to as "horror" or "psychobilly" magic. I can't believe the two styles are totally incompatible.

BradH wrote:What I are referring to as "Geek" magic?

I guess I'm looking to perform half-geek, half-Bizarre...something I've been referring to as "horror" or "psychobilly" magic. I can't believe the two styles are totally incompatible.

You must learn to define what you want to do or you won't be able to do it justice; it will look like a haphazard menagerie some amateur pulled off the wall. There are ways to deliver variety such as how side-shows are divided by segment. This can seem choppy by today's standards but it still works. Since you have that child who loves magick why not allow her to become your "psychic" such as was done by Williard the Wizard; his daughters served as sensitives and mediums. . . one of whom later teamed up with Glen Falkenstein and still does the Willard Spirit Cabinet (it's one of the best). You could likewise do a two-way Telepathy routine akin to the Evansans (the only Mentalism act I know of to win top awards in magic competitions).

This would allow you do to the more unusual "Demonstrations" such as weird science experiments or presentations as they were done in the Victorian era, of Occult Mysteries which opens the door to all kinds of Ritual styled magick and dark humor. The end result is a "Demented Circus" (and yes, you can use that as the title of your act should you wish). Think about it.