What is Close-up Magic?

This article explains what close-up magic is, what anthe top position in a deck of cards without any
expert close-up magician can do and what greatshuffling or cutting, or the ‘Sponge Balls’
entertainment close-up magic can be for almost anywhere the balls move invisibly between the
event. Close-up magic is magical entertainment thatmagician’s hands and those of the
happens right in front of you, magic you can not onlyspectator’s. In fact, these routines are freely
see but feel and touch. This intimacy is what makes itavailable if you care to look. Anyone can search the
so different from other types of magic. An expertinternet and buy books and DVDs on close-up magic,
close-up magician will involve and interact with theor even the props and standard routines. What really
audience far more than a stage magician (or any othersets one close-up magician apart from another is how
form of entertainer for that matter).they present their magic. In fact, presentation is the key
Most close-up magicians use common props such as- it is what makes close-up magic entertaining. A really
playing cards, coins, sponge balls and rope. And allgood, professional magician will be creative and
magicians perform the same basic magical effectspresent their magic in an original and entertaining way.
with these props, making them appear, disappear,Sometimes humorous, sometimes mysterious,
change, levitate, break and restore, and penetratesometimes just plain weird and freaky. The magic
other objects. What is amazing about close-up magicbecomes a vehicle for the personality and ideas of the
is that it happens so close to you, sometimes whileperformer.
you are holding the props!There are many standardThis is what makes close-up magic great
close-up magic effects and standard routines used toentertainment. An interesting, strange and funny person
present them. For example, the ‘Ambitiousdemonstrates the impossible, weird and wonderful, right
Card’ where a chosen card repeatedly rises tounder your nose!