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Magic and Illusion/Questions Answered by Expert John Gordon - Master Magician
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Creating a big magic vanishing box. | 1/16/2012 |
| Q: Hey! I have a talent show coming up really soon. And i been practicing magic tricks with cards and I ... A: Firstly, I disagree that card effects are not big enough for large audiences! It DOES depend though ... | |
| Escape Artist | 10/24/2011 |
| Q: I once came across a bald-headed, middle-aged guy(looking like a circus strongman re physique and ... A: You mean the great Hans Moretti! Google his name and you'll find lots on Wiki, You Tube and other ... | |
| The Ultimate Mind Reading Trick | 10/7/2011 |
| Q: Hope you've been doing well. I'm looking for this Ultimate Mind Reading Trick on DVD to learn ... A: The site you quote is selling the effect you mention ..... (well, a version of it!) ... so simply ... | |
| Half disappearing? | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: I really want to recreate this video onstage with the mirror/disappearing effect, but I have no idea ... A: Are you learning the entire dance and want to recreate it live, or doing something else? Are you a ... | |
| product called "Miracle Marker" | 8/26/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Gorden, I am an amateur magician trying to create a "Torn and Restored Card" effect but with a ... A: Always good to hear from magicians, whether pro or amateur. As you probably know .... there are ... | |
| disappearing act | 8/5/2011 |
| Q: I am doing a dance performance with a circus theme for high school student. I would like to end the ... A: Of COURSE I Know many many ways to achieve this! So I can ask more relevant questions and learn ... | |
| Make cast members disappear | 8/2/2011 |
| Q: Hope All Is Well! We put on a huge production at our church every year. Involving pyro, flying ... A: Sounds like you are well experienced in magic production .... and using flash and audience blinders ... | |
| Magic Box | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: her talent is magic, We would like to make some kinda box that her lil sister ( her assistant) can ... A: I hold workshops for people of all ages and some are for the 6 - 8 year group. Children of that age ... | |
| Dissapearing act | 6/24/2011 |
| Q: My band director wants to make a girl in our halftime marching band show disappear. Is there any way ... A: OK..... seems a good theme and several methods come to mind. However ... as far as I can see ... ... | |
| Dissapearing act | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: My band director wants to make a girl in our halftime marching band show disappear. Is there any way ... A: As you may know .... I have advised on several versions of this illusion right here on allexperts ... | |
| How can I make an object simply appear? | 5/12/2011 |
| Q: We just returned from a trip to Las Vegas, and when watching magic shows, we were most impressed by ... A: It's wonderful that you have seen and liked the Vegas shos and are now inspired to try some magic ... | |
| quick change glove magic trick | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: Was hoping you ould please help myself and my daughter out? My daughter is into compition dance and ... A: Please send me a link to the video you mention so I can see exactly what you want. I doubt if it IS ... | |
| Magician accidentally killed his wife | 3/25/2011 |
| Q: I have watched a video, about a 37 year-old, long haired magician who accidentally beheaded his wife ... A: I've never seen that video nor heard of any real wife beheading! Send me a link to the video (if ... | |
| illusion | 3/5/2011 |
| Q: I am trying to start a small business going to various elementary and middle schools and putting of ... A: Sounds like a great idea ..... ! What you are ater is simply a 'person production' illusion and ... | |
| Disappearing box | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: A highschool group of kids are trying to make a object (like a stuffed animal) disappear, then ... A: Firstly, thanks for asking the AllExperts your question. There are several ways to achieve what you ... | |
| Quick Change question | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: I need to make a quick change dress for Cinderella that will do this: ... A: Just looking at the videos you can see exactly how these are done. It's the same methods quick ... | |
| disappearing act | 1/21/2011 |
| Q: My 10 year old son is very interested in magic and has been doing small slight of hand and coin and ... A: It's great that your son likes magic and wants to perform a larger illusion for his school. The ... | |
| street escape | 1/9/2011 |
| Q: In awww with something different if you could give me ideas and online places to go that would be ... A: What kind of Street Performing are you creating? Is this a busking act or a promotion act or what? ... | |
| Stage Hypnosis | 1/7/2011 |
| Q: Gordon, Thank you in advance for helping me and my students.We have all seen stage hypnosis when a ... A: ..... Thanks for the reply. Did I offer you a book and newsletter? Where and when? No ... | |
| Stage Hypnosis | 1/7/2011 |
| Q: Gordon, Thank you in advance for helping me and my students.We have all seen stage hypnosis when a ... A: I can only give you an answer based on my own knowledge and experiences. I will, however, support ... | |
| Quick change magic act | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: PLEASE can you tell me how they go from wearing a tight, short garment to wearing a big bulky outfit ... A: Yes I can! The art of Quick Change is very old but regained popularity in recent years. Now there ... | |
| Harry Houdini | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: What is your personal opinion on Harry Houdini? Do you believe Harry Houdini to be the greatest ... A: My answers will be given bearing in mind they will be open to be viewed by everyone: >> Do you ... | |
| another student in a box disappearing act | 10/23/2010 |
| Q: I am directing a show for our elementary school and would like to do a section where we put a child ... A: I have a method (ideal for the effect you want) that has helped many many people on here to make and ... | |
| Magic tea tettle | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: How do you do the magic tea kettle trick where many types of drink comes out of a container without ... A: The Magic Kettle is a very very old effect and a closely guarded secret. It IS sold ...in fact I ... | |
| magic | 10/14/2010 |
| Q: I am 12 years old and i want to start doing magic. Do you know any magic tricks that i should start ... A: I coach groups of 11 - 15 year olds all the time (as well as adults and professional magicians. I ... | |
| Vanishes | 10/14/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know if you could talk to me in private on vanishing people. I am working on getting ... A: I CAN talk to in private about the vanishes...but you sent this in PUBLIC mode! I can ALSO help you ... | |
| School disappearing act magic trick | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: How does a student magician make another student disappear at a school Vaudeville production? The ... A: I am attaching with this a document I drew up for another question about a year ago...but the method ... | |
| vanishing act | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: Our elementary school children are putting on a Vaudeville act for our "Fall Follies" this year. We ... A: I can certainly help you find suitable method for the vanish but DO need to ask some more questions ... | |
| high school stage play | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: I'm in grade 12 and our school has been doing really great plays for a few years now, and this year ... A: A Christmas Carol is a great story and should be a wonderful play. It sounds awesome that the ... | |
| disappear/appear | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: I need some help with a magic trick, I am a teacher, and me and my class are having a magic show, ... A: YES I CAN help ....it's a question I get a LOT and have several different solutions .... all ... | |
| Marching Band Disappearing | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: and at the end we would like to make the entire marching band disappear! So i was wondering if you ... A: Wow...ANOTHER marching band illusion! I get one of these every few weeks! Yes, I CAN help you .... ... | |
| Self Vanish | 7/31/2010 |
| Q: hey, i would really be glad if you can help. i am an actor in a charity play, in the play there is ... A: Yes, of course I can help with this...I've helped dozens of others with the exact same scanario on ... | |
| vanish | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: Gordon, I am directing a production of Willy Wonka in the style of a three ring circus. The students ... A: No problem helping you achieve the vanish....except with the mode of the question. Please resend ... | |
| False cuts | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: I really need to learn how to do the false cuts that bill malone does during his Sam the bellhop ... A: You haven't said why you "need" to learn those false cuts! What is SO important? There are many ... | |
| Levitating object. | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: I am making a piece of art that I would like to appear to be hovering above the ground; is there a ... A: There are many many ways to make an object (as you describe) levitate or even appear to levitate. ... | |
| illusionist's terminology | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: Do illusionists share a specific terminology for the different parts of a trick? For example, in the ... A: Firstly I notice that your question is in Public mode...so I can only answer at a level suitable for ... | |
| Stripper Deck | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: I have recently brought a Stripper Deck or Wizard Deck, and I have some problem with it. I have ... A: Glad to help you.... but several things: 1) I cannot talk magic detail / secrets in a Non-Private ... | |
| Disappearing | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: I am a high school magician and have recently been named the valedictorian of my class. I have to ... A: I have no idea what being a valedictorian means .... but am sure it must be good! Doing a vanish at ... | |
| magic box | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: i am looking for information on how to easily build a disappearing person box for a childs talent ... A: I can show you exactly how to build such a box...but unable to do that here in public mode. Email ... | |
| Camaraderie in the Magician Community | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: I am writing a paper for a college English course and am having some difficulty finding articles or ... A: I answered this a while ago but it seems to still be here as unanswered. It sometimes seems to ... | |
| dissapearing box | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: My two boys are in a school talent show , the older one wants to make the little one disappear. I ... A: I have a lot of experience in such illusions as well as coaching others to create and perform their ... | |
| making people appear on stage | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: I need your help. I am a dance teacher and I have dance routine that I need to have several people ... A: There are MANY ways to do this .... and I'll run through possibilities with you. BUT.... you've ... | |
| how to become a pro | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: im just starting and would like to know some tricks that could get me noticed among the magic ... A: As someone starting out I'd like to welcome you to the wonderful world of magic and to your life ... | |
| magic | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: Do you ever deny people when they ask you how magic is done? I know that you've denied me about ... A: In DO remember the first question..... long time now. That was sent on my birthday last year ... and ... | |
| Quick Change | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I'm a professional circus performer. I was interested to read your response about quick change ... A: Heather Thanks for the question. Aologies for the slight delay ..... I've just had a 'break-up' and ... | |
| Income of a Magician | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I was curious to know that how much a Magician an earn in a year. I'm into Cardistry, Card Magic and ... A: I notice that this question is asked in open forum so I will certainly not reveal the exact earnings ... | |
| bill in a lemon | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: Can you explain, in general, how 'bill in a lemon' tricks are done? Here is one I saw on the ... A: Glad it helped shed some light on the various points that 'trickery' could be managed. If you come ... | |
| FAST CHANGES OF CLOTHES | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: COULD YOU TELL ME THE NAME OF THE COUPLE THAT WERE GUEST ON OPRAH'S 12-31-2009 SHOW, "MOST JAW ... A: I am in the UK and we didn't gte that show. There are many International acts like that around ... ... | |
| Appearing Act | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: This is nair from India. We are planning an event where I have to introduce a personality on stage ... A: Oh..... Questioner given as Sabari but you say it's nair. I AM confused. Please clarify. Is this a ... | |
| Mrs. Piper's hearing hand? | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: "This is a good one. Love Leonora Piper. It was claimed the most "scientifically" investigated ... A: I'd like to see his 'Canasta' book test. I met Chan a few years back ... he came out of isolation ... | |
| Mrs. Piper's hearing hand? | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: "This is a good one. Love Leonora Piper. It was claimed the most "scientifically" investigated ... A: I have NO idea! In fact. I had never heard of this woman until your post. I have looked her up and ... | |
| trick | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: Your 'disappearing nightly' motto made me think that you were still performing on a regular basis. ... A: I am still performing ...... but work has dropped because of the recession, my moving and an illness ... | |
| CINDY'S TRANSFORMATION | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I am directing a Jamaican Pantomime version of "Cinderella" for my high school to be mounted in the ... A: I've been away so sorry for the delay in response. I'd like to give this more thought and ask some ... | |
| vanishing | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: i amd doing a competition play and in the play my character is a memeory that comes in and out of ... A: There are many ways you could vanish without walking off. The best method choice will be dependent ... | |
| The secret of his power | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: How does Criss Angel perform his miracles? I've read his book Revelation and it's still a mystery to ... A: It's great that you find magic and magicians you admire and love their work enough to want to follow ... | |
| Classic Disapear | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: John. I am an intermediate magician and there's one act I haven't found a good technique for: ... A: There are many many ways to disappear ... and the method you choose will be determined by many ... | |
| trying to get started | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: I'm new to the performing art and I'm trying hard to find resources for knowledge. I've found a ... A: The ninternet is FULL of information Ron .... problem is that some is poor, wrong and badly ... | |
| buildinig illusions | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: I know that most stage illusions, those using specially designed boxes or things were developed by ... A: Good question, and great that you are consiodering and being concerned about this. There are many ... | |
| How to become proficient in magic | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in learning the art of magic. Is magic something that can be taught or is it ... A: I'm not sure I understand what you are wantin to know here. Degrees of empowerment? This is not ... | |
| person vanish | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: I would also like to know how to make someone vanish so I am going to give you an event. I am doing ... A: How do you mean I "asked for an event"? Tel me what you know about magic already. I am unable to ... | |
| quick cloth change | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: This is sandip from Calcutta, India, am a professional magician and i have been performing in ... A: Quick Change acts are very popular now. They've been around for many many years but I think because ... | |
| wrong email | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: ilve just sent you an email about where to buy the david blaine magnet, i think i spelt my email ... A: Stuart You said: "hi, ilve just sent you an email about where to buy the david blaine magnet, i ... | |
| Building disappearing box | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I've seen magicians do this time and time again! I've even seen how the illusion is done! I want ... A: The illusion you describe was invented by HArry Houdini as is called The Sub Trunk (Substitution ... | |
| Dress transformation magic | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: I saw in one of a television programs that a magician may transform from clothes to other clothes in ... A: Yes Quick Change has become very popular over the past couple of years and is now seen on Britain's ... | |
| Quick change clothing | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: I am a sideshow performer and am writing a show where I change characters several times throughout ... A: Preacher Muad'dib The sideshow sounds interesting ... and I fully understand the context of the ... | |
| magic/illusion | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: i am 15 and i really want to learn magic. i live in north queensland in australia and i dont know ... A: It's great that you like magic and want to learn it. What Magic Clubs HAVE you discovered in ... | |
| Marching band Show | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: I am the band director at a school in Florida. Next year I would like to use Magic and Illusions ... A: As you may know, I've been helping people with Arena Illusions on here for some time and have just ... | |
| magic | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: Have Penn Jilette and David Copperfield done sleight-of-hand with cards, balls, candles, etc.? I ... A: Don't be sorry for the questions ... that's what this site is for. If I ever delaty a response it's ... | |
| comedy math | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I am putting together a science magic show and want to include math tricks, I have some, but was ... A: OK.... First the 1089 trick. (You say 1098...are you sure?) I don't like the predicting 1089 ... | |
| Stage Illusions | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I read a post from last year (~4/27/2008) in which you responded to a young man about building his ... A: >> Thanks for your reply! It's great that you guys offer this free service for magicians and laymen ... | |
| Stage Illusions | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: I read a post from last year (~4/27/2008) in which you responded to a young man about building his ... A: It's possible that conversations continued in Private mode... and that's a problem here. You have ... | |
| magic | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: What is the Silver Wand, and who are the other 4 magicians who have been awarded it? Which group ... A: The Silver Wand is a special award given by The Magic Circle for recognising outstanding ... | |
| Topas | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: I'm not asking for secrets for the whole thing, but my question in general is, do you know how this ... A: Yes, I can follow the entire routine! I am not sure what you mean by "in his jacket pocket". This ... | |
| illusion | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: Can you please tell me how the following illusion is done: ... A: John This has not been asked in Private mode so unable to answer specifics. Maybe magicians DO ... | |
| Marketing your own stage illusions | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: Gordon, my name is Ross Kennedy and I am not a professional magician, but I have extensive knowledge ... A: Ross I must start by noting that my answer is restrained as you have posted this in Public ... | |
| Optical Illusions | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: I hope you can help me or maybe know someone that can. I chose you because of your comprehensive ... A: Firstly, I am unable to reveal 'secrets' when the question and therefore response) are in public ... | |
| Topas | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: I watched a magic act with Topas where he pulled 7 or 8 speakers out of a small box. Before he ... A: There are 2 switches ....he is covered first time.... another person takes his place ... and then a ... | |
| Quick Change Act | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: for a college performance I really want to try a quick change act, where the person changes clothes ... A: Quick Change is great but very difficult to do ... I CAN help, but would need to know the context ... | |
| Leavation | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: I want to learn how to Leavate I'd seen some many people do it an I wanna do it to I know it takes a ... A: I am not sure I can help you for several reasons: 1) You question is in public (not private) mode ... | |
| disappearing act help | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: i am a performing arts student, and for my final exam i am creating a weird circus piece and within ... A: I am unable to give any methods when the question is asked in public mode. Please write a) in ... | |
| Person production from thin air | 12/22/2008 |
| Q: Mentalism is my area of expertise,not illusions. However I'm teaming up with some people to create a ... A: The Time Travel show sounds like a great idea..... I used that theme myself for some corporate ... | |
| Bigger illusions | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering what are some bigger illusions i can learn? I am 13 A: Illusions can be as big as your imagination! There are only a small number of effects in magic ie ... | |
| Bigger illusions | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering what are some bigger illusions i can learn? A: Illusions can be as big as your imagination! There are only a small number of effects in magic ie ... | |
| illusions | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: I live in Greeley Colorado and I am very interested in illusions and magic tricks. I am not sure ... A: I can help....... but only able to do so when it's a private discussion (which this isn't). There ... | |
| Making People Select the Same Card Over and Over | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if you know how to do the card trick where you make the person select the same card ... A: "Fellow expert?" What are you expert in? Making a person take a card you want is not a trick! It's ... | |
| Magic Tricks | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: I have been involve in magic trick for about 2 years, and I usually do tricks to entertaint kids and ... A: I'd love to send you some more card magic and coin magic tricks you can do. Tell me (in a private ... | |
| Learning Magic/Illusionist | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I am one who desires to incorporate magic to inspire and create wonder. ALL magic interests me, ... A: It is now easy to learn magic as the internet has made it possible wherever in the world you are. ... | |
| Levitation | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: I bet you're tired of getting these huh? Lol Hey, I read a couple of messages that you answered ... A: Not SICK of any serious questions that people really want to know and who would value the answers ... | |
| 20th Century Vanishing/Appearing Cane-Silk Mess | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: I've had a silk routine in my head for quite some time and I'd love to perform it before I die ... A: Joe >> I hope I was obscure enough to use the public area, but clear enough for you to understand my ... | |
| Illusion Help Please! | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to create an addition to my existing illusion im working on however I need to be able to ... A: Justin I also love the Spirits Illusion David did. This is a BIG production, though ... do you have ... | |
| stage magic | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: I really appreciate it! First off let me say I have no experience in magic what so ever... I'm a ... A: Anna I CAN help you! Let me take your points one by one an then make you an offer. First, though, ... | |
| Hey gotta question | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: hey it's Cody (my friends call me Kakashi though)! anyway for the show in Nov. do you know how any ... A: Cody I have no idea what I've done to upset you. This is a FREE service and worth every penny! I ... | |
| card in another deck | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: I saw a magic show where the magician just opened a pack of cards, and showed a spectator the cards ... A: I just send you a pretty detailed set of thoughts on possibilities on this. You posted twice and I ... | |
| appearing illusion | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: I am a stage hypnotist, and would like an illusion for me to "magically" appear on stage "out of ... A: Absolutely NO problem. There are dozens of ways to achieve this but only one will be right for you ... | |
| Self Vanish | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: Ok, so I've seen Criss Angel, and many videos on YouTube do a person vanish where a person is ... A: You've asked me this in the public area so there is NO WAY to give you any secrets! The answer is ... | |
| How do you disappear using a towel and throwing it over yourself | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: How can you disappear using a towel and throwing it over yourself A: My guess, by the way you've worded your question is that you are not a serious student of magic. ... | |
| About cyril takayama | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: Firstly, i'm yusri 22 years old from malaysia and I'm beginner Magician but I do lots of magic in ... A: Yusri Most of the apparent levitations you may have seen on stage or television and that have been ... | |
| need a closer for a magic show | 8/4/2008 |
| Q: My buddy and I are doing an elementary magic show. I am the principal of the building so I have to ... A: I'll need to know more than that! => Big ending? Tell me what comes before. => Tell me area of ... | |
| Best way to learn magic | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: I am a college student from India, interested to learn magic. Learning magic is very difficult as ... A: Sudarshan I wasn't suggesting that you apply ... just that there will be a massive growth of ... | |
| Best way to learn magic | 7/19/2008 |
| Q: I am a college student from India, interested to learn magic. Learning magic is very difficult as ... A: There you were telling me that you cannot learn magic in India ... and here;'s a story I heard today ... | |
| Creating Magic | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: Technology for performing magic is always improving. Aside from creating my own gimmicks from ... A: RYAN Great that you've been looking and studying. Richiardi Jr is a superb performer ... does the ... | |
| illusions | 6/27/2008 |
| Q: My names is victor and I'm 13 years old and i can very much magic but i want to learn to do ... A: Professor's Nightmare is an OK routine. Somewhat dated (but that's OK) but problem as a cabaret ... | |
| routining and adding variety to my performance | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: I'm 15 and I have been performing close-up magic for three years now. I love magic.But I tend to ... A: AH yes, I know that trick (but forget the name) using the Biddle Steal. I don't know the content ... | |
| illusions | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: My names is victor and I'm 13 years old and i can very much magic but i want to learn to do ... A: If you don't have transport and want to learn something a little larger fro now ... here's what I'd ... | |
| illusions | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: My names is victor and I'm 13 years old and i can very much magic but i want to learn to do ... A: Your enthusiasm for magic and illusions is great. I will help you where possible. You say you want ... | |
| routining and adding variety to my performance | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: I'm 15 and I have been performing close-up magic for three years now. I love magic.But I tend to ... A: David Good question! Really .... most questions on a forum like this are about methods from people ... | |
| How to Build your own Stage illusions | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: I'm a 19 year old, who used to be a past member during my younger day's at the Sri Lankan Magic ... A: Varanga It's great you want to perform on stage .... small magic has become so popular that stage ... | |
| keen to know how to bend a spoon | 4/19/2008 |
| Q: i am fresher in learning magic , it would be my second trick that i will bend a spoon , yesterday my ... A: Welcome to the wonderful world of magic! One of the wonders of magic is seeing something semingly ... | |
| Ring disappear and reappear inside a ring box | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: What is your email address? ANSWER: Hi I am happy to give direct access to me to people with whom ... A: Huy This is still NOT a Private Question. I'd love to help you on this as I love ring routines (my ... | |
| What is your email address? | 4/4/2008 |
| Q: What is your email address? A: I am happy to give direct access to me to people with whom I am giving advice, and I can see they ... | |
| Magic summer school | 3/30/2008 |
| Q: Is it possible to sign up for Magic Circle summer school? How do I find the courses? (it is quite ... A: Aase I am not sure what you are asking so let me answer three questions: 1) If you mean 'The Magic ... | |
| Magic for Theater - Flying Prop | 3/24/2008 |
| Q: Since you seem to have special experience in providing magic for venues that may not be strictly ... A: Amanda I DO have a lot of experience in the areas you mention. I have also coached many many ... | |
| Make a ring disappear & reappear inside a ring box | 3/24/2008 |
| Q: I've been trying to think up of how this could be possible, maybe with some kind of contraptions but ... A: There are many many ways to do this but I am unable to give secrets when you ask on the public area ... | |
| fire magic | 3/16/2008 |
| Q: ok so heres the details: im 14, i love magic with coins, but i really wanted to impress my friends ... A: As you love coins.... and want fire .. I'd recommend some fire with coins! However, before saying ... | |
| A Mystery in Magic | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: How does David Copperfield separates his body with his hands standing up? I heard the inventor was ... A: Sterling Thanks for your questions. Important point you should know: Your question is not private ... | |
| Disappearing | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: We are performing a theatre presentation in which the fairy godmother is supposed to be talking to ... A: Teri I CAN help but not while you ask in Public mode. Write again but with the Private or personal ... | |
| magic ;) | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: How do you perform the milk glass illusion? A: Nicole Three parts to this reply: 1) I don't perform the milk glass illusion! 2) Which milk glass ... | |
| Dove act | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: I am 43 yrs. young & have been performing since the age of 7. My question to you is this. I am in ... A: Was wondering if you still needed help getting a good home fro your dove act? John MagicWorks | |
| how can i contact you privatly? | 2/4/2008 |
| Q: how can i contact John Gordon (you) privately? i sent you and e-mail with a question and you asked ... A: I don't mean off-list ... but I believe that when you click to start a new question you are given ... | |
| palming cards | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: I would first like to thankyou for reading my message, and I would like to say that I appreciate any ... A: Victoria You are very polite and that goes a long long way when asking for advice! Thanks. This ... | |
| plz answer ;;;;; | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: i want to ask if u knw .... today my frnd performed a magic ... he said me to arrange 9 smaal ... A: Sourav Isn't it wonderful when you see some real magic performed?! I don't know that I should ... | |
| quick change | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: i am a female beginner magician and do minor magic tricks as a filler while my husband does juggling ... A: Whilst you CAN buy standard magic tricks the great ones are NOT available to everybody and are ... | |
| Advice and maybe a few tricks please...? | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: Ok,well, I'm just starting out with magic, and only know a few card tricks and the "invisible 'ant' ... A: Meilssa Tell me more so I can help you specifically. BUT, next time, write a private question so I ... | |
| magic books | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: Where i can get free magic books in the internet?I want you to tell me some websites to get free ... A: I cannot do that for several reasons: 1) This is NOT a private post and I cannot share that info ... | |
| First Gig | 12/25/2007 |
| Q: How old should you be around to have your first magic gig? is there a legal age? what type of ... A: MAGYK => How old should you be around to have your first magic gig? You can perfrom as early an ... | |
| My First Gig | 12/15/2007 |
| Q: Gordon, I haven't been hired yet to do any magic gigs, but I was going to start to prepare a gig, ... A: Working different situations requires different knowledge, experience and routines to make that ... | |
| My First Gig | 12/15/2007 |
| Q: Gordon, I haven't been hired yet to do any magic gigs, but I was going to start to prepare a gig, ... A: Call me John The difference between performing magic for friends and doing a paid gig is a whole ... | |
| Street self vanish | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: I'm doing closeup magic for many years but I wish to do some larger and more serious stuff like ... A: ALl of the 'modern street magic' effects are based on the established principles designed by the ... | |
| Street self vanish | 12/6/2007 |
| Q: I'm doing closeup magic for many years but I wish to do some larger and more serious stuff like ... A: The leap from close-up to "more serious stuff" is pretty big. I don't think there are and 'grand ... | |
| Three people hiding in a small cabinet | 11/29/2007 |
| Q: I have recently been asked to direct a short play, a Victorian-era farce comedy, in which characters ... A: Sounds like a great idea. I can't get into multiple discussions about methods as you have requested ... | |
| magic | 11/23/2007 |
| Q: i am about to do a show and want to make someone disappear. how?i promise i wont tell anyone A: Here's how. Look below..... > > > > > > Just be yourself ...... !!!!!!! OK ... no more ... | |
| Quick Change | 11/20/2007 |
| Q: I read the forums answer to another person's question about quick change magic. So, to begin with: ... A: Barry I am unable to give any detailed advice in a Public Question. Write again in private and ... | |
| card tricks? | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: What do you think are the top ten card tricks (done with normal cards) till date? No gimmicks no ... A: Normal cards? Are there such things as abnormal?!!! :o) I am not a big fan of gimmicks, much ... | |
| appearing rose illusion | 11/7/2007 |
| Q: Hey, so I just bought the appearing rose trick on penguin magic where a rose folds up into four ... A: Ian I will answer your question BUT FIRST ..... IF you (or anyone reading this) are going to ask ... | |
| Why do you not respond to my e-mails - is it because you owe me money? | 10/29/2007 |
| Q: ... I think not> Amazing where I pop up. Dear John, Without Prejudice ... A: Without Prejudice Firstly, I am astonished to receive and read this on here. I have nor had any ... | |
| disappearing box | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: I am looking to duplicate a youtube video I saw of some 2nd graders putting a fiend into a trunk box ... A: Teresa YES I can help you do this! Several comments: a) Send me the YouTube link so I can see ... | |
| making a card appear in a bottle | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering how to make a card appear in a glass and I heard this was the place to go. I've ... A: You (and they) are right .... this IS the place to go! A couple of comments for this post then I'm ... | |
| Self-lighting cigarette methods... | 10/2/2007 |
| Q: I've been pouring over my books primarily magicians arsenal, The Tarbell books (volumes 1-5), and ... A: Justin Firstly .... you've asked this question in the Non-Private area so it can be viewed by ... | |
| card sleight - Elias Shift | 9/25/2007 |
| Q: I am looking for the name of a reference book and/or a link describing the card sleight called the ... A: I'm no expert on ||Shifts (or PAsses) but recall that Neil Elias is responsible fro a Multiple Shift ... | |
| Making me disappear | 9/25/2007 |
| Q: I enter into pageants and part of the competition is talent. Well i have an awsome talent, but i ... A: It's very diffcult to explain something when you have zero knowledge as it would take many hundreds ... | |
| special fire suits | 9/24/2007 |
| Q: ok wat i am after is not the kind of suits where u can light ur whole body on fire but how im ... A: Tom There are many ways to achieve what you want ..... BUT ...... there is now way I can tell you ... | |
| Schooling | 8/29/2007 |
| Q: Hey, people have constantly asked this question, but you (or some other volunteer) always ask where ... A: I don't know! I doubt if there is a formal course or Uni, but people learn by mixing with others at ... | |
| De Kolta chair | 8/3/2007 |
| Q: Gordon, I've always been intrigued with the art of magic since I was a kid, and recently in my ... A: I hadn't seen that but it's NOT a de Kolta chair and too clean looking ... as some comments under it ... | |
| Full body person vanish | 7/22/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to put together a top notch street magic routine and would love to include a vanish of ... A: I cannot elaborate on the DeKolta vanish on a question that's in the public view. I CAN discuss it ... | |
| Full body person vanish | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to put together a top notch street magic routine and would love to include a vanish of ... A: This is a Public response ....so am unable to say too much! The Goodbye Vanish is a cute idea but ... | |
| floating card | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: i have seen the videos and all the pictures. Everything! But i cant figure out how to do it. how do ... A: There are so many versions I still don't know which one you mean. All the methods are different. Can ... | |
| Levitation | 7/4/2007 |
| Q: My name is Adam, i am an up and coming magician. for the past 2 years-ish, I've been doing close up ... A: Adam I cannot discuss details in the publuic area of this site. Write again with it set to private ... | |
| vanishing? | 7/4/2007 |
| Q: hey john not to be conceited, i consider myself a very well-established magician and illusionist. ... A: Hey Matt If you really "excel in cards and impromptu magic", you'll already know that things are not ... | |
| magic schools? | 6/28/2007 |
| Q: Where can I go for Magic/Illusionist Training or school to become a better performer or to learn ... A: Anthony I coach privately and am in a few weeks time runnintg 4 weeks of public classes in Chiswick ... | |
| schooling | 6/27/2007 |
| Q: i just finished grade 9 in high school and i've been doing card tricks for about 2 years and at ... A: Karl The first question I have to ask is: "What makes you think it's possible to be a professional ... | |
| Icarus Effect | 6/17/2007 |
| Q: I have been doing magic for 2 years as a beginner. Could you please tell me how I could make my own ... A: Obviously in the 2 short years you have been studying the basics you have not yet learned even the ... | |
| Vanishes with people | 6/12/2007 |
| Q: ...been doing street/close-up about 2 yrs. Now intrigued with vanishes/transpositions, I assume are ... A: Let me answer your questions BRIEFLY here and perhaps you'll write again: Like many arts and crafts ... | |
| disappear on center stage | 5/26/2007 |
| Q: Hey John, I need to find a way to make 12 people disappear on center stage. We are a performing ... A: Hey Ben I'm surprised about you reading the marching band solution ... I guess I didn't realize it ... | |
| Magic book | 5/22/2007 |
| Q: I have a friend who loves magick and has a lot of books and films about magick. i want to give him a ... A: I know Juan Tamariz very well and he has many DVDs and a few books of his own. I have a private ... | |
| Magic book | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: I have a friend who loves magick and has a lot of books and films about magick. i want to give him a ... A: There are many many books, videos and DVDs now about all types otf magic and range from performance ... | |
| I would love to know about quick change mgic act | 5/15/2007 |
| Q: My name is Sosina wogayehu. I live in Melbourne Australia. I am currently working with circus oz as ... A: Sounds great. What's a baucing jusggler? There are a couple of well known solo quick change acts ... | |
| vanish | 5/12/2007 |
| Q: I am an intermmidate magician. Now can you please tell me how to vanish myself completely in a ... A: I already sent an answer to this but haven't received any useful information from you. IF doing ... | |
| vanish | 5/12/2007 |
| Q: Can you please tell me how to vanish myself completely without a stage, in a room in front of an ... A: Ubless I know about the level of your magic skills and understanding of illusion principles I cannot ... | |
| disappear/re-appear | 5/4/2007 |
| Q: i'm looking for an inexpensive and fairly simple way to make someone disappear and re-appear. i'll ... A: Joe Hi No problem. Here's a GREAT method that also allows you to make it as big, simple or complex ... | |
| Fire Stuff | 5/4/2007 |
| Q: I'm doing a show in Branson(live show) Which is called Island and Fire. I need a few more fire gags ... A: My website shows? There is a photo of me with a fire rflash (appeared on the front cover of The ... | |
| Fire Stuff | 5/3/2007 |
| Q: I'm doing a show in Branson(live show) Which is called Island and Fire. I need a few more fire gags ... A: Have I misunderstood you? To me (I'm in the UK) a "gag" is a joke. I thought you wanted funny verbal ... | |
| Fire Stuff | 5/3/2007 |
| Q: I'm doing a show in Branson(live show) Which is called Island and Fire. I need a few more fire gags ... A: You say "a few more" but don't say what you already have. I logve gags and have a mind full from ... | |
| Quick change magic trick. | 4/30/2007 |
| Q: Could you tell me how to do a quick change(costume change) magic trick in detail? A: NO! a) You didn't EVEN say please! b) There are dozens of methods and techniques and you didn't ... | |
| quick change | 4/15/2007 |
| Q: ive been performing quick change with my partner for alomst 6 months only, i wanted to know if you ... A: However, you don't say what you mean by 'quick change' and it could be a number of things: Do you ... | |
| body raising | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: How you doing? Could you please analysis the situation..... A person is made layed on table and ... A: Sanju How's your thoughts and ideas going? I didn't hear yet and wanted to help you. Let's get you ... | |
| David Cooperfield wire | 4/7/2007 |
| Q: I was wonder where i could purchase the wire Copperfield use for i think you know so i wont say for ... A: I think you could any wire ..... there's nothing specfial about it, it's the distance, the ... | |
| floating card trick | 3/28/2007 |
| Q: what or how do you do the floating card trick? A: I hoped to hear as you seemed keen to know ..... I look forward to your reply.... John ... | |
| fire magic | 2/19/2007 |
| Q: See I already have hand gimmicks. They have a flint that you use to spark them and you use cotton ... A: I guess that's why it's difficult to help you as you didn't give me the whole story. There ARE ... | |
| fire magic | 2/18/2007 |
| Q: Please, if you can help me find a solution to this problem I would be so grateful. I am a magician ... A: James I am no expert on fire but it does seem to me that you are following the wrong path with ... | |
| Levitation | 1/7/2007 |
| Q: I want to learn how to levitate a lot. I love magic but I suck really bad at it....I watch Criss ... A: Paul If you spend 20 minutes surfing the Internet you'd probably find some of the sites where ... | |
| Magic | 1/6/2007 |
| Q: Ok....well most of the tricks I no are card tricks. But i no a few simple tricks like card vanish, ... A: Adam DON'T go out and buy Tarbell just yet. It's a great comprehensive set of books but it sounds ... | |
| Magic | 1/4/2007 |
| Q: Here and there i'v been doing a bit of magic but i really want to get into it and begin. How do you ... A: Adam OK .... good question and I'd like to help you properly. It may not be possible in just one ... | |
| sam the bellhop | 12/29/2006 |
| Q: I need to know the patter for Sam the bellhop A: That's easy. it's an OLD trick but Bill MAlone is the most recent magician to re-popularize it and ... | |
| sleights | 12/24/2006 |
| Q: Well i am learning from a DVD. The information is good, and yes the information is covered; but it ... A: Chris I'm replying here otherwise the team think I've ignored a question. See email at end for nest ... | |
| sleights | 12/24/2006 |
| Q: john, i have been working on my newest trick. Ripped and restored. However i am having trouble ... A: Chris Which version / handling of 'Ripped and Restored' are you doing? How are you learning it? ... | |
| street/person vanish and an ingrediant for combustion | 12/10/2006 |
| Q: I am an aspiring magician and I have realy ben working hard at learning as much as I can. I would ... A: There are hundreds of ways to make someone disappear ... the method used will entirely depend upon ... | |
| creating magic | 11/29/2006 |
| Q: Many magicians "float" their assistants on stage. Is this a trick that can be bought from a magic ... A: There are many ways of doing it. You CAN buy the equipment but I wouldn't. The exact method you may ... | |
| About magic terminology | 11/27/2006 |
| Q: You may find these questions silly but I'm a finnish magician and not quite familiar with the ... A: No questions are silly if you don't knopw the ansewers! Ask me anything any time. I can tell you ... | |
| Coin vanish | 10/28/2006 |
| Q: Again, thanks for the quick reply. I think the Raven will be something that I purchase now. I ... A: Brock The Raven is simple. You'll kick youyrself for not thinking of the met5hod and the gimmick. ... | |
| Coin vanish | 10/28/2006 |
| Q: I think i may end up purchasing the Raven. Looks very good. My problems could have come from a ... A: It's rarely possible to answer any problem simply stated in a single, brief response so I encourage ... | |
| Coin vanish | 10/26/2006 |
| Q: Gordon. Im not certain if you are familiar with the street magician David Blaine or not. I was ... A: Of course I know of David Blaine! There are several ways to achieve the effect you want and I think ... | |
| floating card & bending card tricks | 10/11/2006 |
| Q: some thing that takes not that much practice no attatchments I am at an intermidiate skill leel so ... A: HOW did you get on? I spent all that time for you for free and you didn't even give me any feedback ... | |
| floating card trick | 10/11/2006 |
| Q: I would like to know how to bend a card either way thank p.s. either one for the floating card is ... A: You still didn't answer about what you already know or do so I don't know at what level to help you. ... | |
| floating card trick | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: Either type either the one where it bends at the fingertips or where it's on the table and it bends ... A: You still didn't answer about what you already know or do so I don't know at what level to help you. ... | |
| floating card trick | 10/7/2006 |
| Q: how do you bend a card without any strings threads or magnetsPlease teach me how to make a card or ... A: Use part of another card! I am still waiting for a reply to the previous question to teach you ... | |
| floating card trick | 10/6/2006 |
| Q: Please teach me how to make a card or dollar bill float with out any strings threads or magnets A: Noah Threads? Magnets? As IF we would! Not sure what methods you are thinking of with a magnet. ... | |
| levetation | 9/30/2006 |
| Q: ive seen how people on tv and in stage showslevitate theselves and members of the audience and ive ... A: With a name like that you should be interested in Escapes! I CAN help but we don't just give away ... | |
| community opinion | 4/24/2004 |
| Q: Hey John. Thanks for being an Expert! You guys are wonderful! I've been wondering, what does the ... A: That's nice...sayinmg thanks. It's appreciated. Thank you! I doubt if there is an agreed opinion ... | |
| origami box | 3/20/2004 |
| Q: I have only one question do you have the pattern for the origami box, i really need that pattern ... A: Paul You may be asking me only ONE question but you should be asking YOURSELF many many more. The ... | |
| Magic tricks qusions | 3/8/2004 |
| Q: I play a game called Baloot this game plyed with 4 plyers each take turne to pass the card to other ... A: Abdul 1) to control cards in the way you ask requires much skill and practice. You'd need to learn ... | |
| Question about a Smoking Device | 3/7/2004 |
| Q: and thanks for taking a look at my question. I just purchased a device called a electric ... A: The pocket smoke attachment I am aware of is sold by prince Darius in Cambridge, UK. His is superb ... | |
| magic | 3/3/2004 |
| Q: I HAVE TWO QUESIONS. I HAVE THIS DECK OF CARD THAT I BOUGHT THAT IS PREPARED BUT I FORGOT HOW TO USE ... A: Ken Why are you shouting (all CAPS)? very hard to read and some people would take offence. The ... | |
| the perfect magician... | 1/21/2004 |
| Q: I'm writing a book. It's a work of fiction, but everything I don't make up myself needs to be based ... A: Michael Great question! >> I want to know if there are any magicians who have claimed to do real ... | |
| How to pass two objects through each other | 12/27/2003 |
| Q: Sorry for troubling you. For the past few days I have been watching magic tricks on TV, and have ... A: Muhammad What programmes have you watched? I am pleased you liked what you saw......magic is ... | |
| Who are the greats? | 11/20/2003 |
| Q: Ask a person off the street to name a famous magician, and not many names come to mind. Houdini, ... A: GOOD question Bob. Ask magicians and you'd get many many different answers. Some prefer madcap ... | |
| Zombie Vanish!! | 6/26/2003 |
| Q: Greetings John, Brief history of Performing- I specialised in Stage magic performing in numerous ... A: Brent Sounds like you are a seasoned performer and serious about your work. That's great and always ... | |
| Sympathetic Silks | 3/16/2003 |
| Q: I do platform comedy routines with magic. I perform in the Gettysburg, PA area. I like the ... A: I agree that the sympathetic silks routine can be good and that there are many possibilities for ... | |
Magic and Illusion
John Gordon - Master Magician
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I am a professional performer, and attained status of Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle and, over and above this highest degree, I am only one of 5 perfromers alive who has been awarded their coveted 'Silver Wand'. I perform at the highest level as well as train and coach both beginners and experts in learning a few tricks to creating a brand new award winning act. I ran The Summer School at The Magic Circle for many years as well as booked performers for the monthly public shows. I run a company called `MagicWorks` which provides magic for adult private and corporate events, television, film and theatre productions. I also hold training workshops and seminars, teleconferences and online training on using magic in business, performing at Trade Shows, Magic for Presenters etc and provide after dinner or conference talks and speeches all on the subject of business and personnel development. This includes creativity, presentation, online and offline marketing etc.
Experience
Whilst I have been a performer for many years I now spend an increasing amount of time as a personal and business coach, using magic as a metaphor in my teaching and training sessions. I have several Internet Businesses that include Coaching and Mentoring entertainers in the whole business of self Branding, Promotion, Marketing and filling their diaries with bookings.
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