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Nancy Colwell LIVE (Penguin LIVE)


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"Nancy Colwell is an excellent creator, performer and technician. But above all, Nancy is a thinker – a deep thinker. She's also relentless in her pursuit of perfect solutions. When you put these qualities together in a lecture, it'll be one that you will regret missing." -Mike Powers

"In the world of card magic, we feel like we seen it all. Nancy is one of the best guarded secrets in card magic. Her solutions and approaches to card magic are elegant and sophisticated. Any student of magic should pay attention to her work. I know Marlo would." -Luis Carreon

"I've seen Nancy perform magic tableside at a restaurant, stand up at a lounge, behind the counter of a magic shop, on the floor of a magic convention lobby, and on the floor of a subway. She delights me with her precise and natural sleight of hand, her depth of knowledge, her sense of humor, and her eagerness to share all this with her audiences. I know you will also be delighted with her magic and gain a lot from the experience. Highly recommended." -Steve Reynolds

What will she teach?

11 magic packed card routines that range from nearly self working to knuckle busting monsters. There is something for everyone, along with full credit to all of the sources that I referenced while developing these routines. You're bound to discover some new tricks you'll love.

Flash Cyclic Location- A number of cards are randomly chosen from the deck and their values fed into a calculator, and that number is then multiplied by a number taken from a die mentally rolled by your spectator. The sum total is then located by the magician.

Nice Tri Sweetie Pie- Two spectators sign two different cards, and a third spectator writes the date on yet another card. In one magical moment all three cards fuse into a single card which can be given away. This is a great alternative to the anniversary waltz for when you have no gaffs but still want to leave the audience with a real miracle.

Redivivus Revisited- A novel take on a classic packet effect- Twisting the Aces. Using any four of a kind and a genuinely surprising ending where the fourth card vanishes from the packet and reappears in the middle of the deck.

Direct Ace Cutting- Three different spectators cut three different packets, and everyone has cut to an ace. It's fast, powerful, and easy to do. A great effect as an opener whenever approaching a table of three people to get everyone involved in the magic.

Rise-Rise-Rise Coda- The classic Marlo effect of Rise rise rise is a beautiful and methodically ambitious card effect. I've experimented with it for years. I'll be sharing with you my thoughts on this effect and how I have turned it into a multiphase face up ambitious card that is as rewarding to learn as it is to perform.

21st Nervous Breakdown and 2112- The 21 card trick is my favorite card trick. What other magicians view as a children's trick for lay people to perform, I view as one of the most beautiful effects in all of magic. I'll teach you two variations of this trick that not only deconstruct and shuffle up this classic effect, but will get you as excited about it as I am.

Hofzinser's Suit Selection- The spectator cuts off a small packet of cards and selects a card from that packet. They memorize the suit of that card. Magically the packet of cards the spectator cut off transforms from random cards into all 13 of the suit they chose.

Henweigh- A selected card appears between to jacks. As I put away the selected card it reappears between the two jacks. A second and then third card appears between the jacks and are placed on the table. The jacks are placed back in the deck and when the tabled cards are turned over the cards removed from between the jacks were the jacks themselves. This trick catches you audience completely off guard with it's surprising finale.

Snowflake Assembly- Four kings gradually travel from packet to packet and assemble into a final packet. This challenging effect will teach you some new and exciting moves that you'll add to many of your own packet effects. This one is a lot of work, but I think you will have a lot of fun learning it.

Untitled 3 of Clubs Trick Variation- The magician openly places a card on the table and has a spectator name their favorite card, the card is turned over matches the card they named. A second prediction is placed on the table and the second spectator names their favorite card. The prediction transforms into the first spectator's selection, and the first selection is revealed to have transformed into the second spectator's selection. A third card, chosen by the spectators then magically appears between the original two selections. Based on the 3 Clubs Trick by RW Hull, this is an opener I have used for years to hit my audience with a lot of magic and also get huge reactions.

Earth, Sky, Stars- Out Of This World is arguably one of the most popular card plots in magic. I'll be sharing with you my approach to out of this world which starts with just a couple of cards, then a small packet, and then the entire deck. The audience is able to correctly divine the color of every single card in the deck, making no mistakes, building to an astonishing climax. This routine mixes multiple methods with psychology that gives the audience no way to back track to the secret.

Who is she?

Nancy Colwell is a card magician based in Chicago, IL. She is known in the magic community for her work as a researcher, writer, and creator. She has performed magic since 2004 and done hundreds of performances both throughout the US and internationally.

 

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Not good magic, in my opinion Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on July 11th, 2021
Although there are many rooms in the house of magic, Mr. Colewll's room is one that I don't want to go in. And I am a card guy. This is not to say that Mr. Colwell is not knowledgeable, or that Mr. Colwell has not put a lot of time and effort into his tricks and methods. He clearly has.

However, Mr. Colwell's trick selection is simply not good magic, as far as I am concerned. His tricks are permutation upon permutation upon technical variation. Or, they are technical variation for its own sake. While Mr. Colwell's work might be technical solutions to technical problems, the methods don't strengthen the effects. Moreover, the effects selected simply aren't strong to begin with.

To cite one example, Mr. Colwell declares his favorite card trick to be the 21 card trick, and offers solutions that will fool people that know the 21 card trick. The fact of the matter is that any variation of the 21 card trick will fool anyone else that knows the 21 card trick, because even the people that perform the 21 card trick don't know how it works.

So no, we don't need multiple solutions. It doesn't change the effect: that a confusing and obviously mathematical procedure is followed to find a playing card. In other words, there is nothing about Mr. Colwell's approach that changes the effect in any meaningful way, or makes the trick better. Admittedly, someone that knows the 21 card trick would have to admit: that is not how I do it. But "confusion is not magic."

This is just one example. If your favorite card trick is the 21 card trick, and you think that all that is lacking is more variations of it, then this lecture might be for you. If you think that the 21 card trick is what it is, and we don't need any lessons on it, then you should perhaps avoid it.

I do not write this review lightly. And, in fact, I feel quite bad about it, because Mr. Colwell has done his research and can do things that I cannot, including finding technical solutions to card problems.

But, to me, the goal is to do better magic, not so-so magic differently for its own sake. Mr. Colwell does not perform better magic, but merely provides his technical takes on not-that-good tricks.

Mr. Colwell has a place in magic, and I appreciate people like him. At the same time, I feel the need to be honest in my reviews. Why? I try to be honest because I spent $40 on a lecture that I wish I still had in my pocket. I don't want others to suffer the same fate.
11 of 15 magicians found this helpful.
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Great! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 23rd, 2021
This is a great lecture, and it is clear Nathan has put a lot of thought into his work. His knowledge really shows, and it's clear he actually cares about what he is doing.

There is "easy" stuff here as well as some knuckle-busting stuff. It's all cards, and not ideal for the beginner, because not all sleights are explained in depth.

Highly recommended.
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
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I will come back to this, many many times Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 21st, 2021
This is a really good lecture filled with only card tricks, really ranging from very easy to very very not. Nathan's teaching is thorough and he really puts a lot of effort into creating everything he does.

Also, any card guy can find at least 2 or 3 if not most of the routines suitable - some of them are really hard and not for the faint of heart (the assembly), but some of them are really clever and simple (now, ace cutting and 3 of clubs). I also really liked the presentation for the first version of the 21 card trick. It handles really well the emotions I had towards this kind of trick, and Nathan and Dan's talk around it is very very interesting.

Overall I was enjoying this lecture very much and really wanted to finish it in 1 watch (almost 3 hours! so really couldn't). I think this is a really great lecture and you should definitely get it.
4 of 5 magicians found this helpful.
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Pay Attention and You Will Learn A Lot Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on September 22nd, 2021
I had a lot of fun watching this lecture. The material is fun and exciting, challenging at times, thought-provoking at times. But more importantly, Nathan's attention to all the details is very inspiring. Every movement is well-thought and justified, nothing detracts or distracts from the effect. Even the audience's feelings are taken into account (ex: Nathan's reason to only have two spectators sign cards in a trick where three cards are signed).

This lecture has something for everyone; serious card workers, beginners, math-lovers, and even those interested in gaffed card work.

Also, it's the best Out of this World I've ever seen. I once had the pleasure of seeing Nathan do it in person, and was completely dumbfounded. I'm very happy to now know the secret!
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
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A collection of thoughtful routines with something for everyone Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on September 1st, 2021
I’ll start with some general notes then jump into some quick thoughts on the effects.

Nathan’s lecture is great, imho. He’s both a worker and a thinker, and you can really see both offerings here. There are some quick, impactful table hopping routines that have elegant and simple methods, but also pay attention to how the presentation/structure is always thoughtful of involving interaction with the spectators(see his reason for only using two spectators instead of three in the fusion effect). Then both the moveless and moveful routines where he has clearly put a lot of thought into how he constructs his sequences, and studying how he did so can teach you a lot. There are many pieces here that I’ll be trying out, and I think you’ll do the same. Onto the effects:

Flash Cyclic Location - Very cool principle for a great impossible location of sorts. Simple to do and can hit hard and fast, by having you find a whole group of cards instead of just one. You can also produce the cards one by one in a flashier manner if that’s your style.

Nice Tri Sweetie Pie - A quick but impactful version of anniversary waltz that has a really elegant construction with well-known moves and uses no gaffs. I was previously using Tyler Wilson’s Running Man for a gaffless Waltz, but I might be switching over to this! Notice the way he justifies the placement of the signatures but also why he uses two spectators instead of three.

Redivivus Revisited- Biddle trick combined with twisting the aces with a fun back and forth presentation with the spectator that I love. Nathan really thought about the moments here, the biddle steal and the vanish we’re used to, and put nice touches on them.

Direct Ace Cutting- Great variation of a great Bannon effect, not much to say here except you should do it. He made the method even cleaner and simpler.

Rise-Rise-Rise Coda- This one is for the people out there that love sleights haha. It’s a great little study in both sleight of hand and construction, really paying attention to how and when you move your hands combined with method cancelling.

21st Nervous Breakdown and 2112:
There are a couple reviews here that didn’t like this section on the 21 card trick. It’s not meant to be the most practical, hard-hitting magic, and Nathan is clear about that. He says he only views the first one as performable, and only in the specific conditions he mentions. It’s a study/thought experiment/expansion, and there is definitely value here. Pay attention to how, in the first version, he lampshades the procedure to take heat off it, cancel the method, and have a conversation about magic with the spectator. All at the same time. I think there’s a lot to be gained when applying what he discusses to other largely self-working or semi-automatic effects.

Hofzinser's Suit Selection- This is a wonderful effect that catches you by surprise simply because of how clean the magical moment is. Nathan makes efficient use of his technology, and I think this stands on its own but could also be a great finale to a suit production a la Pepe Carroll.

Henweigh- I personally love how quirky this plot is. There are a lot of solutions to it. What I really like about the one presented here is how it requires the minimum number of readjustments of the sandwich cards, allowing it to be fast and furious magic.

Snowflake Assembly- I’m biased because I love packet tricks, and this thing is a tour de force of problem solving in packet tricks. It’s definitely challenging and a lot of work, but I think there are a lot of interesting moves here to learn and apply elsewhere, and a fun effect to perform in its own right!

3 of Clubs Trick Variation- This is a great little effect that you can use to engage two spectators and get them not only to interact with you, but with each other. What I enjoy, in particular, is Nathan’s discussion of how he handles the various different paths the effect can go down, and how he adjusts to deal with what the audience might suspect in terms of method.

Earth, Sky, Stars- This is a really nice version of Out of this World. I think Nathan is correct in that dealing out a whole deck can seem daunting to the spectators, so he opts for a foot in the door approach that gets them there over time with multiple phases. But this also allows him to do some very interesting things with the construction to get way ahead of his audience, using the leftovers from previous phases to help the later ones. Really great stuff here.
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
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FOR THE TRUE CARDICIANS!! Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on August 27th, 2021

Let's be honest if you are looking for the New Hot Gimmick that will make your magic work with out practice, this is not for you! you should stick to your Svengali deck and when you mastered it upgrade to the Stripper deck!

Nathan clearly understands the concept of raising card magic to the next level! With sophisticated approaches and interesting themes.

There's plenty of material in this lecture, that will inspired you to push your card magic. Sure! some of it is scary and some of it bold! But if you really want to challenge your self and explore your skills, this material is it!

This are pieces that you can try and put in your sets and see if they work for you and if you they don't at least I am sure you will find a new sleight or subtleties that you can add to your repertoire!

I highly recommend this lecture and if you are deep student of card magic and like deep thinking CHECK THIS LECTURE OUT!!

And if you are not! Keep playing with your Double crossed and D Lights! The world doesn't need lazy magicians but True Artist that want to make a Difference!
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
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Can‘t watch it till the end overmoved Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 23rd, 2021
So this lecture was very hyped but I don‘t understand why.
This tricks are roughly explained also the moves I ve someone doesn’t have a good foundation of cards he can‘t understand what he is talking about. No details I’m moves he flys over the routines spending more time crediting the moves than explaining them good enough. The tricks are so hard and full of moves that it isn’t natural. You can feel I’m every single routine that he is doing something unnatural and also he flashes more often so you could also tell that there was something. Also it doesn‘t seem that he have really fun doing this lecture.
9 of 17 magicians found this helpful.
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A wealth of information Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 23rd, 2021
Nathan is one of those rare magicians who fully understands who he is as a performer, what he is trying to convey, and then using that to question every aspect of what he does in a routine to achieve his goals.

I absolutely love everything about this lecture, from the variety of the routines, the range in difficulty, the intricate thought and decision-making process, and the explanation behind every move and nuance. You can tell a ton of thought and care went into every bit of this.

Nathan can take classic effects and breaks them down to their core and builds them back up again. He can also take a premise/concept and analyze it down to its root. He also shares his own personal moves he created to solve certain situations. This is true in all of his work (ex. ("Theseus") and is no exception here.

I would not say that this is beginner's material here. While some routines are simpler than others I would say you should come in knowing a basic understanding of card technique and theory.

This is not a lecture, it is a masterclass. This is a mature look at the craft and art of magic.

Side note: Nathan credits EVERYTHING, so if you ever thought "hey what book should I get next?" Nathan will undoubtedly drop a reference that you will want to pick up.

My absolute favorite section is on the 21 card trick. Nathan was able to completely change my mind about approaching this routine through a meta-conversation you can have with your audience because of the knowledge that is already out there on the subject. Fun fact: I performed it for my wife after watching it and she was completely dumbfounded. It's so good.

Other tricks I will immediately be playing around with (or already started):
- Flash Cyclic Location
- Nice Tri Sweetie Pie
- Rise-Rise-Rise Coda
- Untitled 3 of Clubs Trick Variation

Overall, I will keep coming back to this lecture for a myriad of reasons.

If you want to challenge yourself and the way you approach card magic technically, thematically, this is for you.

Highly recommend.
2 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
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great card lecture Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on January 20th, 2022
I really enjoyed Nathan Colwell's live lecture. it had a mixer of easy and hard material, which I taught was great. I think this is a great Lecture for beginners and seasoned professionals. I gave it a 4 because some of his material was a little too much in technique for me, but I found a lot of card effects I can do which were less challenging.
0 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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great card lecture Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on January 20th, 2022
I really enjoyed Nathan Colwell's live lecture. it had a mixer of easy and hard material, which I taught was great. I think this is a great Lecture for beginners and seasoned professionals. I gave it a 4 because some of his material was a little too much in technique for me, but I found a lot of card effects I can do which were less challenging.
0 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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