Magic 365

You ever have a conversation with another magician where in just a few minutes they tell you something that dramatically improves everything in a trick, your show, or your business?

For those who want trick, tips, and hacks to make magic smoother and hassle-free, Magic 365 is the answer. For those who appreciate insights into the "real work" of presenting stand-up comedy magic, or want to look like a total pro when the unexpected comes up, this is the resource to own.

The writing style places the reader at a diner table at 3:00 AM, cutting up jackpots over coffee. It’s the conversation on a shuttle to the airport about what worked well and what didn’t. The tips, advice, and smarts come in powerful, bite-sized chunks—and sometimes in big meals. The book is that experience in printed form, featuring 365 of those professional conversations.

The source of the knowledge goes way back. It draws on the smarts of the late great Denny Haney, who learned from Johnny Aladdin, who in turn learned from John Calvert. As the legend goes, Mr. Calvert learned them from Jannes & Jambres.

It goes "way back," but also goes wide.

Venues explored include: Theaters, amusement parks, TV, festivals, schools, corporate, ships, and more.

You'll learn about writing, packing small & playing big, back of the room sales, comedy strategies, road stories, marketing, travel tips, sleight techniques, Santa, livestock, illusions for the non-illusionist, mostly stage, a dash of close-up, emergencies, making close-up play on stage, the worst thing, cussing, the greatest kid show trick, the joke not to do, bad room conditions, recommended books, introductions that crush, packing tips, strolling set structure, dork vs. creep, tech challenges, getting older, getting better by getting worse, cups & balls, when to lie, standing ovation show structure, and more.

Over a dozen routines for stage/platform are included, such as:

• Double Dog Dare: Two spectators look at pictures of several dozen animals. Without a word or any forces, the performer identifies the animal they are thinking of. No sleight of hand is needed; the success of this stage piece relies on expert routining that moves from comedy to a baffling climax.
• Niagara Selection: A selected card is lost and a glass is inverted without the water spilling. With the performer’s back turned, the water spills at the exact moment the volunteer reaches their selection. It is a significant step forward for the hydrostatic glass.
• The World's Easiest $1 Santa Production: An easy, inexpensive, and theatrically satisfying way to make Santa magically appear without requiring him to hide for 30 minutes.
• Torn & Restored Newspaper Card Trick: A routine shared from the perspective of a child obsessed with magic, performing card tricks with a newspaper after their cards were taken away.
• Tooth Fairy: A signed bill to impossible location (and transposition) centered around the relatable theme of being a parent.
• TP: A hilarious audience participation torn and restored toilet paper routine using a roll and a small extra something that fits flat in a wallet.
• Pre-Show Prediction Enhancer: An easy, 100% foolproof way to give real-time predictions a huge applause pop.

"Let me add my wholehearted endorsement of Magic 365 to the list. I have personally called several magicians and told them to buy it. After 56 years in this business, I still found lots of gems and nuggets of wisdom in the book. And some of the "war stories" that do not even have a lesson to them are still gems worth reading. This is one of the few books that I will go back to and reference again and again. Great job." Jim Kleefeld

"Thank you so very much! I am loving your 365 book. I've been performing for 40 years and, yet, there are so many things I've learned. Many thanks!" Jim Barron

"Hey Doc! Been reading 365 and absolutely loving it all! It's one of those rare, flip to any page and retrieve your FIVE nuggets of gold. And as I'm reading it, it's totally in your voice. Now pardon me while I look up "Godwin's Law." You and your footnotes man... Congratulations on this release. It was well worth the wait." Daniel Quintana

"Your 365 book is like reading a religious devotional-I can only read so much at a time because you're forced to think about the wisdom that was just shared, which, in turn, gets the creative juices flowing. I like that feeling; thank you. Just wanted to pass along that I'm enjoying it very much. Nice job!" Al Hastings

366 entries (one for each day of the year).
402 pages.
Hardbound.