Magic Tricks

Firstly, my primary focus in this world of magical arts is mentalism. Mike Caveney is not a mentalist so, obviously, none of what Mike offers up in this lecture falls under the mind reading ilk. And yet - I found this lecture to be absolutely fascinating.

Rather than packing in a dozen routines with an all-too-brief explanation for each one, Mike delivers three really terrific routines and then digs down deep to provide you with not just the how-to but, more importantly, the why this thing works. He provides the history behind each routine (Mike is a brilliant historian) and applies those origins by telling you how he created the effect and how he solved various problems during the evolution of the effect. He teaches you to never stop thinking about the effect and to continue to refine and polish, making the method and/or the audience experience better and better over time. You get to see the results of his refusal to label an effect "Done" as he dissects every bit of each routine and prop. It is seriously, inspiring.

I've always loved the plot of the Ten Dollar Bill trick. Mike has taken this effect and not only streamlined the handling, but actually gave it a practical narrative that takes it from puzzle or confusion to a hilarious presentation with minimal moves and every move is justified! Unlike so many performers, Mike has thought about this over and over again so that it truly appears that he is doing...nothing.

Mike's Bill in Cigar explanation is the best video I have seen to illustrate why you should never stop thinking about your work. Even if you never attempt this effect, you will get a rare peek inside Mike's brain and see how this concept led to that concept, how this solution led to that solution, making it better for Mike and better for his audience. And if you do decide to perform this routine, you will have a beautifully detailed, step-by-step video tutorial on how to make this yourself. Yes, Mike actually pulls out the rubber cement and razor blade and makes this gimmick up, while you watch, in realtime. Mike may joke about "watching glue dry" but I was totally engaged while watching this complete process. It is simply inspiring.

It doesn't matter who you are or what you do when you hit the stage, even if you never attempt any of these offerings from Mike Caveney, you will very much be inspired to think more and have a better understanding of how a working-pro makes it all come together by watching this lecture. But please don't listen to me - go listen to Mike.