Platform magic (also known as parlor magic, stand-up magic or cabaret magic) is magic that is done for larger audiences than close-up magic and for smaller audiences than

stage magic A stage illusion is a large-scale magic trick. As the name implies, stage illusions are distinct from other types of magic in that they are performed a considerable distance away from the audience, usually on a stage, in order to maintain the illu ...

. It is more intimate than stage magic because it does not require expensive, large-scale stage equipment and can thus be performed closer to the audience and without a stage. Many of the tricks performed by platform magicians are sufficiently angle-sensitive as to make them impossible to perform as micromagic. Most working magicians are parlor/platform magicians. Many magicians consider the term "parlor" to be old-fashioned and limiting, since this type of magic is often done in rooms much larger than the traditional parlor, or even outdoors. According to the ''Encyclopedia of Magic and Magicians'' by T.A. Waters, "The phrase arlor magicis often used as a pejorative to imply that an effect under discussion is not suitable for professional performance." Parlor, or stand-up, magicians generally work without assistants (unlike stage magicians, who may have several in their crew – both backstage and on stage – and may travel thousands of miles between jobs). Performances of this category of magic include civic and fraternal organizations, business groups, private parties, youth groups, church societies, public dinners, and similar venues.

Common types

Common platform magic tricks include: * The " Miser's Dream" – a seemingly endless supply of coins is produced from thin air * Sucker tricks, like the "die box", where a giant die is put in a two-compartment box. The magician makes it vanish but the audience believe he simply shifts it to the other compartment. Eventually the magician opens both sides of the box and the die is gone. It has appeared in a previously-empty hat. * Audience participation tricks, like the breakaway wand, where a wand remains rigid for the magician but falls apart every time the volunteer touches it * Production effects, like the square circle, in which a bottomless, topless box with a screened front encloses a bottomless, topless cylinder. Both are shown empty and put together again. The magician then produces large quantities of silk scarves, fruit, bottles, and so on from the "empty" cylinder, inside the square box Many other effects could be considered to fit into this classification.

Platform magicians

Platform magicians are not as well known to the general public as stage magicians such as

David Copperfield ''David Copperfield''Dickens invented over 14 variations of the title for this work; see is a novel by English author Charles Dickens, narrated by the eponymous David Copperfield, detailing his adventures in his journey from infancy to matur ...

and

Penn & Teller Penn & Teller, Penn Jillette and Teller, are American magicians, entertainers, and scientific skeptics who have performed together since 1975. They are noted for their ongoing act that combines elements of comedy with magic. The duo has bee ...

. Some better-known ones include: * David Abbott * Steve Cohen * Black Herman * Fred Kaps * Jeff McBride * John Mulholland * Channing Pollock * Alan Shaxon

References

External links

What is Parlor Magic?
{{Magic and Illusion Magic (illusion)

Common types

Platform magicians

See also

References

External links