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haha i know right?!

I just never got into using them. A simple sponge ball trick is all i have ever performed (classic doubling up / moving around/ splitting etv - but with learning new magic, i found i could get the reactions without them, and because they didnt suit my style i never went back to them.

i went through a huge 'common item only' phase which is when they vanish from my sets!

Lady of Mystery wrote:

shuffleshuffle wrote:I HATE SPONGE BALLS. im sorry, I just do. I feel like a clown, and they are always annoying to carry. they either puff out loose pockets and look dumb, or pur pressure on your body when tight and walking a lot.. I know im literally the only one who thinks this, and yea, i get insane reactions.. but its not for me! so these are being left!

Pah, and you call yourself a magician?!

He'll learn

V.E. Day wrote:Take some cups and balls (maybe sponge balls like suggested above). Cups and balls is a very simple visual plot that can be understood anywhere in the world regardless of what tongue you are speaking in, and can be done close-up, on stage if you use big sponge balls, and also in the street. It can also be a very short or longer routine. A very versatile trick.

You can always find three cups and perform a basic routine. Coffee mugs work so that could be more impromptu don't need to lug around your own.

bmat wrote:

V.E. Day wrote:Take some cups and balls (maybe sponge balls like suggested above). Cups and balls is a very simple visual plot that can be understood anywhere in the world regardless of what tongue you are speaking in, and can be done close-up, on stage if you use big sponge balls, and also in the street. It can also be a very short or longer routine. A very versatile trick.

You can always find three cups and perform a basic routine. Coffee mugs work so that could be more impromptu don't need to lug around your own.

Yes this is what i figured.

Mine is nice and easy.. Coins!! No need to take or pack, as you can pick them up anywhere in the world.

Right it's always hard to advice on what to bring in these situations as we don't know what you want to perform or what you can perform so I'm going to make a list of all the magic items I can think of that can fit in a single pocket.

Cards / tarot/ zenner, TT / swami / de-light, sponge balls, a pencil, a pen, a packet of post it notes, silks / hankies / napkins, zip ties, thumb cuffs, all the coin gimmicks, coins, matches, lighters, cigarettes, a phone, small ropes / ribbons, finger rings / p.k rings, a small ball, paper clips, elastic bands, small envelopes, a nail / fork / spoon / knife, dot paddles, dice, a pack of needles / razor blades, IT / loops, balloons, tea candles, a pack of polos, a pack of gum, packets of sugar, a necklace, a pendulum, all the wallets, flash paper, poker chips, a small bell, salt / pepper shakers, small magnets, a change bag, an egg bag, a squeaker, a glorpy, a small torch, a bill tube, cotton balls, disappearing / appearing cane, that new 'smoke' gimmick, that 'coin through rubber sheet' thing, a pull, a toppit, a watch, and hundreds of other miscellaneous gimmicks you can buy at any magic shop, although you'll have to ask them what they've got.

Then there's the stuff you don't need to bring any gimmicks or props for.
The arm twister, the finger snapper, balducci levitation, p.k touches, psychological forces, mathematical forces, progressive anagrams, hypnotism, pseudo or near hypnotism, instant stooging, duel reality, pre-show, pre-show stooging, magicians choice, certain switches and vanishes and I'm sure plenty of other things I can't think of right now.

Also if you're traveling it might be worth bringing a book or two along with you, may I recommend:

101-Tricks-With-A-Thumb-Tip

202 methods of forcing

magic with everyday objects


Finally if you're going to be busking it's worth checking out the local laws of any place you're going to, I know quite a few buskers who were performing in the wrong place at the wrong time and got either fined or had their stuff confiscated. Check out performers.net an online busking community, they'll have the best advice on where to perform and what the rules are.

Remember you won't need more than five tricks as long as they're good and you make the most of them.

Wonderful stuff Jean.

Brilliant post. Really appreciate this it must have taken a long time to do!

Noted, and printed off this list.

Thanks