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hi every one i am looking to builds some stage illusions any hint tips comments or suggestions?
i plan to start with a shadow box as the construction is reasnobly simple

thanks mrfye

Do you have instructions on building it or are you just going to go for it?

There are some nice stage illusion plans available at Davenports and I have seen some on-line sites that sell them. Mark Wilson also has plans in his books.

The plans for purchase are pretty cheap (i.e. less than 10 GBP) and then you just need the supplies, etc.

The key thing is to have the right tools....which are very pricey (table saw, jig saw, radial arm saw, power sander, etc.).

I made a nice vanishing box years ago and the squared cirle is pretty easy to make.

i have plans for the shadow box and i have acsses to lots of tool.
i would like to make so classic illusions e.g. zig zag lady, dissembodyed princess. this is going to sound realy stupid as i have been doing magic for long enought but...

what is the illusion caaled where you are placed on a t shaped frame and someone is passed throught a hole in the center of your body. sigfeild and roy did it with there lions....

i am also looking for a good vanishing of a spectator effect any suggestions..


thanks guys

mrfye

That illusion is called many things. The original is called Interlude, the copies are know as A -Frame or Thru and Thru.
If you are looking for inspiration then why not check out one of the designer's website
e.g. http://www.dream-concepts.com/commerce/index.php

Ye gods and little fishes! That site takes C.U.P.S. to a whole new level !

Mandrake wrote:Ye gods and little fishes! That site takes C.U.P.S. to a whole new level !

Oh no my friend! if you want serious CUPS then there is only one place to visit. The site is a bit big so allow some time

http://www.tilfordillusions.com/ for real CUPS

can any one tell me where i could buy Interlude plans its one of my favs and would love to make it

thanks

mrfye

Here is a directory of Designers and plans. You should find it there.

http://allmagic3.com/listings/directory/builders1.html

http://www.magiclegends.com/paulosborne ... usion.html

stephenmagic wrote:if you want serious CUPS then there is only one place to visit. The site is a bit big so allow some time

Oh boy, I think I just died and went to Heaven ! Thanks for the link Stephen, the only thing stopping my CUPS going into overdrive is the lack of sufficient cash !

thanks but it still have no plans

stephenmagic wrote:

Mandrake wrote:Ye gods and little fishes! That site takes C.U.P.S. to a whole new level !

Oh no my friend! if you want serious CUPS then there is only one place to visit. The site is a bit big so allow some time

http://www.tilfordillusions.com/ for real CUPS

Do bear in mind that Doug Tilford is known throughout the industry as one of the biggest THIEVES out there. He markets a wide range of "cutting edge" illusions that he does not have the rights to. Including INTERLUDE and a version of the ORIGAMI BOX amongst others.

If you want to buy an illusion you owe it to yourself to go to the reputable dealers/builders like Bill Smith, John Gaughan, Owens, etc. You may pay more up-front but you will have a quality prop that is safe, that's going to last, and holds its resale value.

INTERLUDE is a pain to build and a bit more of a pain to stage properly, I do not recommend it as a "first" illusion to anyone. Even the Disembodied has drawbacks when it comes to this role. You are better off looking at a Sawing or Zig Zag or even a Mismade.

Another thing to consider is to buy your illusions used. Right now there is a serious buyer's market on such things in that big Illusions have kind of fallen out of favor e.g. they are going for far lower prices than they've seen in a very long time (especially "used"). You can find decent quality props of this type at MagicAuction.com

As one that's done the building and design thing, I'll tell you up front that you need to start small and simple before jumping in one something with lots of moving pieces like a Zig Zag. One Harbin bit that's similar (huge) but easily made and loads of fun to present, is known as LITTLE BY LITTLE.

You want to get your hands all all the illusion buidler books you can get your hands on, the Osborne books being some of the best for a beginner but the Rand Woodbury and Stinemeyer books are also solid resources.

Once you get your prop built you are faced with the issue of finishes. It's not just a matter of slapping paint on the thing. The kind of materials you use on a prop can add to or take away from its deceptive design. Certain finishes are used to help exploit stage shadow so that the "base" (typically) looks much smaller than it really is. The size of the base also adds to deception, along with your sets and lighting.

Big illusions require a plethora of education many fail to consider. It is a very technical field for those that are serious about moving in this direction.

Best of luck in your adventure

thank you very much thats a big hand