As human beings we can get so busy in life that we forget to slow down and enjoy it.  We also have the tendency to get bogged down in the negative circumstances and emotions that go along with all of that.  If you can follow the simple rule that “laughter is the best medicine” and make sure to get a dose every day, your life will change.  And change for the better. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress, raise serotonin levels in the brain, and improve our blood pressure.  Not to mention the benefits on our heart.

What better way to get a little laughter in your life than being entertained by a magician.  Some magicians add such humor into their routines that it’s like a dose of therapy watching them.  A talented magician takes us out of our lives for a few hours.  This allows our minds to unwind and not have to think about something we may be worrying about. And a comedy magician not only does that, but they also pack their routines with a ton of laughs.

Any gifted magician has the power to transform lives.  And the great thing about them is that they are entertainment for the young and old.  A magician has the power to rejuvenate any age soul.  Even a depressed person can be uplifted with the art of magic.

If you are looking to host a party, or wedding, or corporate event, why not incorporate a magician into your entertainment.  Your family and friends will rave and have the time of their life.  You won’t regret it.

As human beings we can get so busy in life that we forget to slow down and enjoy it.  We also have the tendency to get bogged down in the negative circumstances and emotions that go along with all of that.  If you can follow the simple rule that “laughter is the best medicine” and make sure to get a dose every day, your life will change.  And change for the better. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress, raise serotonin levels in the brain, and improve our blood pressure.  Not to mention the benefits on our heart.

What better way to get a little laughter in your life than being entertained by a magician.  Some magicians add such humor into their routines that it’s like a dose of therapy watching them.  A talented magician takes us out of our lives for a few hours.  This allows our minds to unwind and not have to think about something we may be worrying about. And a comedy magician not only does that, but they also pack their routines with a ton of laughs.

Any gifted magician has the power to transform lives.  And the great thing about them is that they are entertainment for the young and old.  A magician has the power to rejuvenate any age soul.  Even a depressed person can be uplifted with the art of magic.

If you are looking to host a party, or wedding, or corporate event, why not incorporate a magician into your entertainment.  Your family and friends will rave and have the time of their life.  You won’t regret it.

Have you ever been to a magic show, sitting there mesmerized as you asked yourself, “How did they do that?” As you know, magic is more an illusion, creating the vision that something is happening although it is not. While magicians use many different tools of the trade, one of the most popular is the invisible thread. Trying to get magicians to divulge their secrets associated with the invisible thread is near impossible.

However, we do want to provide you with some highlights and tips about the top seven magic trick tips performed using invisible thread.

What is “Invisible Thread”?

The first of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread is to understand what it is. This type of thread is actually a very fine stand of nylon used primarily for getting small objects to levitate. For years, magicians worked with invisible thread and their hands only, meaning they had to be very precise in their movements for the magic tricks to appear flawless. Today, magicians can use an invisible thread reel, which not only dispenses the thread but it is also designed to retract it.

Because of this, the magician is able to maintain a constant tension on the line so there are no mishaps in the performance.

Invisible Thread Reel Size

The second tip when using a thread reel is to use the appropriate size. Since different objects need different types of control, thread reels are made in a number of different sizes. Typically, the longer the tube the more distance you will get from the reel while the more tension the less distance.

For magicians, the idea is to use the smaller size invisible thread reels for close-up work opposed to a larger reel for distance. As far as size, a stage reel is capable of extending 35 feet, which means a magician could easily perform a “floating bill” trick in the center of a room with no nearby walls. However, if you want to really impress a crowd, you could perform the same floating bill trick outdoors simply by anchoring the reel to the ground. With this, it would appear the trick was impossible and the crown cheers.

What about Tension?

Third on the list of seven trick tips using invisible thread is using the right tension. As you pull the invisible thread out of the reel, there will be an increase in tension. What happens at some point is that the pull will become too much for the thread, causing it to break. If you want to put more tension on the thread reel, wind more of the invisible thread into a wax ball. What you do not want to do is add additional winds on the elastic, which would only make it cumbersome.

Floating Objects

Next on the list is insight into working with floating objects. When using invisible thread for a magic trick, keep in mind that you want something that is light enough not to sag by putting too much weight on the thread. The key is to choose objects that you can easily move and maintain in a position in space, which is why the floating bill is such a popular choice. Other choices to use an invisible thread magic trick include ring fingers, an empty soda can, etc. The greatest benefit of using a thread reel is that when you walk away from your floating object, you are actually transferring energy to the reel, which can then be used to make the bill float from the floor to your hand – magically.

Those Darn Lights

Next, to use invisible thread, you have to know how to use correct lighting. If you are a magician or just practicing to be one and you want to perform tricks with the invisible thread, remember that lighting is crucial. The two main factors to consider when using the thread reel are light source and clothing. Typically, the best conditions for a magic trick with invisible thread are cloudy days and the worst, direct lighting that comes from behind you. With this, the light will only reflect off the thread, thus being seen by the audience. For clothing, anything dark will serve as a backdrop for the thread, thus making it easier to see. For this reason, you should go with lighter, non-reflective type clothing. Magic is always fun and with some practice, you will soon learn a number of magic tricks with invisible thread, perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Methodology

The sixth of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread has to do with methods of performing the tricks, such as the Hoop Pass. This is actually considered one of the greatest tricks you can do with the invisible thread reel, which involves passing a solid hoop over a bill. The key is to use a ring with a relatively thick stock, which will put less strain on the thread as it goes over the metal hoop. Lay the hoop on the thread so it is between you and the floating bill. Then, with your hand, scoop the ring through so the thread is now on the back of the left hand. Next, use the right hand to pass the hoop over the bill. To complete the trick, all you do is let the thread slide off from the back of your hand. Remember, this is just one of many methods used with the invisible thread, so have fun practicing them all.

Finishing the Show

The final tip is that whatever trick being performed using invisible thread and/or a reel, it should never kill the effect.

In other words, you want to keep your audience wanting more. If you carry a trick on too far, you will lose the interest of the audience so it would be far better to keep the tricks short and sweet. In addition, put some meaning and emphasis in your performances to leave your audience with a memory of your magic ability. We recommend you use the invisible thread late in your show, which will end the performance on a fun note.

You probably already realize that there are a host of benefits that come along with learning magic tricks. Of course, you know that magic is fun both for the performer as well as the audience. But it goes deeper than that. Performing magic can also serve to stimulate the imagination.

Magic Can Help Stimulate Your Creativity

When magic is done well, it is an art. When you learn a magic trick and learn to perform it correctly, you will captivate people and, in the process, stimulate their imaginations. Magicians play with people’s perceptions of what is and is not possible. In a very real sense, magicians can open up people’s minds to what is and is not real. And here you thought you were simply performing magic tricks!

Yet it is also true that when you learn magic tricks, you will reap the exact same benefits as well. Learning magic will stimulate your own imagination as you too learn what is and is not possible. If you are new to magic, you can start with tricks like magnetic rings, and card tricks. As you learn and master how to perform tricks, your imagination will be stimulated. In the process, you are likely to see yourself becoming more creative as well.

Children Love Magic

There is no doubt that children love magic. This is, in part, because children live in a world where almost anything is possible. Thus, magic is a simply fantastic way for parents to help their children explore their creativity. Children naturally love magic and encouraging them to learn how tricks are done will make them keener observers. This will help stimulate critical thinking as well.

Thus, investing in magic for your children isn’t just for fun and games. Instead encouraging your children to learn magic is a way for you to help foster their mental development. Best of all, they will simply think they are playing, which means that they will learn for hours and hours!

Magic Tricks are Creative at Heart

At the core of magic is creativity. Every magician who developed a new trick was an artistic creator who wanted to wow the world, just as any painter or other artists would. When you learn magic tricks, it will no doubt stimulate your creativity as well. If you have never tried magic before, you will likely be quite amazed by how stimulating you will find it to be. This is a great way to tap into your creativity.

Here in the summer time is a huge time of years for birthday party magicians.  It seems that summer brings out the outdoor parties and for some reason the idea of a magician with bunnies, balloons and more comes to mind for all those moms of young kinds.  So those of you who do birthdays probably find yourself booked up this time of year.  That’s a great thing for you.

And if you are a seasoned birthday performer you have probably gotten very good at handling all types of kids.  And you’ve probably learned by trial and error.  There is no greater teacher than experience, and if you have been at this long enough that you probably have implemented the techniques I am going to talk about here.  But for those of you who are newer to the birthday circuit will probably find this extremely helpful.  And that is how to handle that troublesome child at your show.

You may know who I am talking about.  That child that just can’t control him or herself at your show.  The one that steals all the focus and causes an uncomfortable situation.  The first step to realize why the child is acting out.  It especially happens during shows for younger children like 5-6 year olds, and there happens to be an older child in the group, say around 8 or 9.  The older child tends to want to have control over the event and so they will blurt out any number of comments during your show.  Comments about what’s really happening in the trick, or things like “I know what’s going to happen”, or “That’s stupid”.  All of these comments are in an attempt to take the attention off of you, and on to him or her, therefore having control.

Now, how do we get around this as magicians?  Well, the first step is to actually include him or her in the show.  I know what you are thinking…..how do we get rid of this kid, right?  Well, unfortunately there is no way to politely do this, so if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em…so the saying goes.   So the first thing I would recommend is when you arrive at the show, look around for any older kids, ones that you think may cause a problem.  Approach that child and talk to them.  Show them a few tricks up close that “the younger kids wouldn’t understand”.  Then invite that child to sit up front during the show since you might need his or her help.  This instantly gives that child a feeling of being superior, and gives the child the attention they are craving.  Problem solved!

Now during the show pretend like something goes wrong with the effect.  Turn to that child in a playful way and say something like “did you do that?”  The kid will most likely giggle and love the attention.  Keep doing this throughout the show as long as the child is behaving.  If the child starts to heckle, then stop giving him or her attention until they settle.  You are basically rewarding good behavior.  Try this strategy and see how it works for you.

This is a follow up article from the last one about creating summer parties for kids to perform magic tricks.  Here are some more examples of some magic tricks that will be great for kids to learn and perform for their friends and families….

The arm spin 360- this one is fun and very creepy!!  Right up the alley of any average 10 year old boy. The magician for this trick should wear a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt.  Then he or she places their palms on a table or floor, with their arms straight, and fingertips facing each other.  Then the magician turns their left hand in one full circle, counterclockwise, till the fingers are facing the right hand again.  This may seem difficult, but it can be done. Everyone will gawk and scream in amazement that you can do this.

Find The Card- to start this trick, the magician needs an ordinary deck of 52 cards.  First, find out what card is at the top of the deck. Next the card at the bottom of the deck is shown to the audience, and they are asked to memorize it.  The magician then shuffles all of the cards, except the card at the bottom.  Then as the last step, the card at the bottom is shuffled into the deck, cutting the deck at the same spot as this last card.  Hold up the half of the deck where it was cut and show this card to the audience, and listen to them gasp in amazement.

Just For Fun- this trick is cute and will produce a lot of giggles instead of awe struck wonder!  But it is fun, and is perfect for kids to perform, especially kids who are entertaining already.  First off take a deck of cards and shuffle them really well.  The magician can even shuffle them by throwing them all over the room, this produces lots of laughs.  Then ask the spectator to choose a card.  Tell that person that “your card will appear on my arm if you jump up and down 10 times screaming I AM A MONKEY”. (Actually you can tell them to do anything of your choice).  Once they have done this, pull up your sleeve and reveal the words YOUR CARD written on your arm.  This produces lots of laughs.  The magician must remember to have those words written on their arm before the trick.

During this time of year, winter that is, it can be difficult to plan and execute a fabulous birthday party for your child.  Having it at some other venue other than your home can be very costly.  But how do you have fun in your own home without breaking the bank, and still thrilling your child and their friends?

The best answer is to hire the entertainment.  And there is no better entertainment for a child’s birthday party than a magician.  A magician brings fun, excitement, and something different that the usual day to day entertainment.  And the beautiful thing about hiring an entertainer is that it takes the burden off of you to entertain everyone and you get to just sit back and enjoy watching your child have fun and enjoy their special day.

Hiring a magician who loves kids is a must!  And there are actually magicians out there that thrive on the chaos of a large group of kids. They know how to handle it and they love that energy.  Getting a referral from another parent is the best way to go when choosing your party magician.  And here are some other tips that will help make your magic party memorable…

Kids remember what they did at a party, not necessarily what they ate or what the plates and napkins looked like, and if the house was spotless or not.  So keep things in perspective and focus and what is important to a child, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

When deciding who to invite, the rule of thumb is this….take your child’s age and add 7 to it.  That’s how many kids should come to the party and it not be too overwhelming for them and you.

The best times of day to have a child’s birthday party is 10:30, 12:30, and 2:30.  Fingers foods are definitely sufficient.  Most of the time the kids are too excited playing and running around to focus on a big meal of any kind.

Finally, choose games that are win/win for all.  This keeps it fun and no one get’s their feelings hurt or feels left out.  A magician can help you coordinate this.  A good child’s magician will come with treats or gifts for all kids.  They usually will single out the birthday child for a special magic trick or two but they will usually pass out something special to everyone!

Have fun and remember the purpose of your child’s party is honoring him or her and to create memories that will last a lifetime for you and your child.

Summer is finally here, and as a magician you know what a busy time this can be.  Maybe you are too busy to even read this article.  If so, Yeah! For you!!!  There is just something about an outdoor birthday party for a child and hiring a magician to be the entertainment.  The possibilities are endless.  If you haven’t marketed yourself as a child’s magician, now is the time.  Parents are booking this entertainment now, so make sure you put yourself out there into the pool of other magicians and you may find that you have more gigs than you know what to do with.

As you are working your summer parties, keep a few things in mind to make it enjoyable for you and for them!  First, ask the parent to schedule you at a place in the party where the kids are able to sit and enjoy.  At the end of the party is not good…there is too much excitement about the new gifts, too much high sugar cake and soda in their bellies, and also some kids might leave early and this creates a distraction.  At the very beginning is a little early, as some kids come late, and everyone is just getting adjusted.  After food, and before cake and ice cream and presents is a great time for your show.  Suggesting this to the parents will be extremely helpful, as they have no idea, unless they have done this before.

If you can bring an assistant, do so.  Your assistant can help control kids, pass out coloring sheets, and a good assistant can also face paint at the end!  Kids love this and it’s a good way to earn a few extra bucks for your show.  Also balloon animals are a huge hit.  If you don’t know how to do them yet, learn.  This will help create a memorable and fun experience for everyone.

The most important thing at your kids shows is your attitude.  Great customer service goes a long way, and remember the kids and their parents are your customers.  It doesn’t matter if you are an incredible magician.  It does matter that you are courteous, prompt, and fun.  Parents will refer you too all their friends not because you were an outstanding magician, but because they like you.

Why is it that the first image that comes into someone’s mind when they think of a magician is pulling a rabbit out of a hat?  This image is used consistently when advertising for magicians.  Pulling a rabbit out of a hat has got to be the most famous magic trick of all time, yet no one really does it anymore. Where did this come from?  And why does it persist as the most used visual image for magicians?

Many magicians of yesteryear pulled many a rabbit out of a hat.  One of the main reasons was that the tall silk top hat was a main staple in any gentleman’s wardrobe in the Victorian Era.  It was very easy for a magician to borrow a gentleman’s hat and perform a magic trick.  Nowadays most men, if they wear a hat, it’s usually a baseball cap and there isn’t much that a magician can easily do with one of those, especially with a live bunny!

Why the bunny you might ask.  Well, in general rabbits are very calm and quiet.  This makes then very easy to hide, move, and produce.  And their small, soft bodies make them easy to hide in a magician’s coat.  Think of how difficult it would be to conceal a larger, squawking animal.  Bunnies were also very easy to get back in the 1800’s.  Quite often they were used for food, and so they were quite plentiful.

The image of a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat has stayed popular mainly because it’s easy to display.  In one image the trick can be captured.  Unlike other magic tricks that would require at least two images to convey.  Such as restoring a cut rope, would require an image of the rope cut, and then one of the restored rope being produced.  If you think about, this would be the case in most effects.

Pulling a rabbit out of a hat really isn’t done anymore simply because it is too famous.  This minute a magician produces a top hat, the audience suspects this timeless trick.  And one big reason that magic works is the element of surprise that is involved.  If we know what the magician is about to do, it is less amazing.  And much more difficult to perform.

Of course, using a bunny during this time of year, around Easter, could be a creative addition to your routine, especially for a kid’s show.  Finding creative, non-traditional ways to produce your furry friend is the key.

Most children love magic.  They seem to buy into magic tricks so much easier than most adults.  They haven’t yet been tricked or taken in their lives and so they aren’t as guarded as most adults when it comes to the unseen!

Then there are children with disabilities.  Most of them don’t enjoy their physical therapy routines as much as would be beneficial.  So there have been many studies done on the impact of teaching children with disabilities magic tricks as a form of physical and mental therapy.  And what has been found is a winning combination.

The studies have been amazing.  One doctor at the Tel Aviv University, Dr. Dido Greene, PhD, and occupational therapist and PhD of psychomotor development in children, worked with professional magicians to develop some simple yet effective magic tricks that would double as therapeutic exercises for children and young adults with motor disorders that effect one or both sides of the body.

Tricks using sponge balls, rubber bands, and paperclips were taught to these patients, where they could practice slight of hand movements.  Ten minutes of practice a day showed significant improvement in their motor skills enough to warrant further testing and treatment.

Another benefit of teaching magic to these patients is the benefit of laughter.  The magic is fun and entertaining allowing these patients to laugh and have fun.  There are many studies showing the benefits of laughter.

Although most of these diseases can’t be cured, the fact that magic can enhance their quality of life is a huge benefit.  Never underestimate the power of magic!