Magic, as a performing art, is the theatrical craft of creating illusions that defy natural laws, captivating audiences through mystery, misdirection, and wonder. Magic blends storytelling, psychology, and sleight of hand to evoke a sense of the impossible.
As a performing art, magic is not about wielding supernatural powers but about crafting experiences that astonish, delight, and challenge perception. Although the word "magic" can evoke images of wizards, witches, and spells, stage magic is rooted in skill, misdirection, and showmanship.
The earliest recorded magic tricks date back to ancient Egypt, where the conjurer Dedi (2700 BC) was said to perform feats that included decapitating and restoring birds. Ancient Greek and Roman entertainers also used mechanical devices and optical illusions in temples and theaters.
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, street performers and traveling conjurers entertained crowds with cups-and-balls routines, rope tricks, and sleight-of-hand coin manipulations. Magic was often intertwined with juggling, acrobatics, and storytelling.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, magic moved from marketplaces to theaters. Pioneers like Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin in France elevated magic into a refined stage art, using elegant presentation and mechanical ingenuity.
During the 20th century, magicians such as Harry Houdini brought daring escapes and large-scale illusions to the forefront, while others like Dai Vernon refined close-up sleight of hand.
Today, magic thrives in diverse forms, from intimate close-up performances to grand Las Vegas spectacles by artists like David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, and Bedros Akkelian (Spidey).
There are several types of magic performances, including close-up magic (performed within arm's reach, often using cards, coins, or everyday objects, and relying on sleight of hand and audience interaction), parlor magic (designed for small to medium audiences, blending intimacy with theatrical flair), stage magic (lage-scale illusions performed for big audiences, often involving elaborate props, assistants, and dramatic lighting), street magic (informal, often impromptu performances in public spaces, popularized in recent decades by magicians like David Blaine), mentalism (focused on mind-reading, predictions, and psychological illusions, creating the impression of extraordinary mental abilities), and escapology (the art of escaping from restraints, locks, or dangerous situations, famously mastered by Houdini).
Likewise, there are multiple categories of tricks used in magic performances, such as sleight of hand (manual dexterity to manipulate objects undetected), misdirection (controlling audience attention to conceal the method), mechanical or prop-based illusions (using hidden mechanisms or gimmicked objects), optical illusions (exploiting visual perception to create impossible images), levitation and suspension (creating the illusion of floating or defying gravity), transformation (changing one object into another), production and vanish (making objects appear or disappear seemingly at will), and restoration (destroying an object and then returning it to its original state).
Some performers prefer the term illusionist to magician because it emphasizes the artistry of the performance rather than implying supernatural powers. It distinguishes their craft from occult or mystical practices. They also believe the term conveys a sense of sophistication and large-scale spectacle, often associated with stage performances.
Stage magic is a performance art based on deception, psychology, and skill. The magician knows the method and the audience knows, at least intellectually, that it's a trick. Supernatural magic, on the other hand, is rooted in folklore, religion, or belief systems, involving the invocation of mystical forces or divine intervention. Stage magic is entertainment, while supernatural magic is a matter of belief. One is an art form, the other a cultural or spiritual concept.
This portion of our web guide focuses on magic as a performing art.
Recommended Resources
Dal Sanders is a professional magician and illusionist who has practiced his craft for over thirty years. His shows include Pure Magic (illusion show), Dal's Magical World (children's programs), Close-Up Magic (sleight-of-hand), Comedy and Stand-Up Magic (engaging stage routines), Corporate Magic (personalized presentations for business events), and Carnival of Magic (self-contained magic show with variety acts perfect for large gatherings), as well as Dal's Magic Academy.
https://www.stagemagic.com/
Known professionally as David Copperfield, David Seth Kotkin is an American stage magician and illusionist who has been nominated for 38 Emmy Awards, winning 21. At the age of eight, he performed as a ventriloquist and, by ten, he was billing himself as "David the Boy Magician." At twelve, he became the youngest person admitted to the Society of American Magicians. His signature illusions, achievements, honors, business ventures, legacy, and contacts are outlined.
https://www.davidcopperfield.com/
David Jaison's website presents his signature entertainment services, "Mentalism Beyond Belief," tailored for live and virtual events. It emphasizes a one-of-a-kind, interactive performance that seamlessly blends mind reading, predictions, and audience participation, all delivered in a family-friendly, customizable format. Included are in-person mentalism performances for corporate events, parties, and team-building sessions, virtual mentalist shows, and custom performances.
https://www.davidjaison.com/
Based in Midtown Manhattan, New York, Matthew Furman is a full-time professional magician and mentalist. He left medical school after two years to follow his passion for magic and has performed in front of audiences for more than 25 years. His signature style combines sleight-of-hand with sophisticated mentalism routines. His specialties include sleight-of-hand, card tricks, coin tricks, cups and balls, ring tricks, telekinesis, metal bending, and interactive close-up performances.
https://matthewfurman.com/
Paul Romhany, Professional Magician
For the past 25 years, Paul Romhany has toured over 120 countries as an international magician, comedian, and one of the world's top Charlie Chaplin impersonators. He has headlined luxury cruise liners, appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, performed for the Royal Family of Monaco and celebrities, and been seen on every continent. He also created and edits VANISH, the world's largest magazine for magicians. His signature shows, booking information, and contacts are set forth.
http://www.chaplinmagic.com/
Penn Jillette and Raymond Joseph Teller (Penn & 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. Besides magic, the pair has become associated with the advocacy of scientific skepticism and libertarianism. Tour dates, ticket sales, and contact information are posted on the site, along with bios, social media links, and a history of magic.
https://pennandteller.com/
"Spidey" is a corporate mentalist magician and behavioral analyst who fuses magic, mentalism, and behavioral science into immersive performances. He has performed for top celebrities, and joined the cast of CW's Masters of Illusion. His Netflix Original Series (Brainchild) streams in 170 countries. Information on booking him for corporate events, galas, conferences, or special occasions are featured in the "Start Here" section of his website, which includes social media and schedules.
https://spideymagic.com/
Located in St. Augustine, Florida, Theatre Magic is an immersive magic experience blending live performances with online education and community engagement, and featuring a rotating cast of talented artists. Ticket information is available on the website, which also includes the "School of Secrets," a comprehensive online curriculum with step-by-step digital tutorials and live weekly Zoom lessons, as well as the Conjurer Club, a free, members-only magic club held via Zoom.
https://www.theatremagic.com/
