Close up Magic, what is close up magic?
What is close-up magic? What is a close-up magician?
Close-up magic is the intimate art of producing astounding illusions by sleight of hand performed within close proximity to the audience.
The magical objects or props need to fit in the close-up magician’s hands. The traditional props are playing cards, coins, cups & balls, and even dice. However, anything that fits into the magician’s hands is fair game for his miracles: a cell phone, a pen, paper napkins, a saltshaker, a coffee cup, or a dollar bill.
Unlike the stage performer, the close-up artist brings his magic right into the audience space. There’s no stage or curtains, no boxes or mirrors, simply an object in the magician’s hands held inches away from the spectator’s eyes. The magic often happens right in the spectator’s hand!
Under these strict, close-up, and challenging conditions, deception seems utterly impossible. Yet, miraculously, the totally impossible still occurs! Close-up magic is by far the most demanding form of the magical arts, and when done perfectly, it is the most astounding!
Close-up magic is best performed for an audience of 30 or fewer and can be performed sitting at a table or standing. With the arrival of LSV (large-screen video) technology, larger groups can be accommodated.
Another form of close-up magic is strolling magic. This style has become popular for social and cocktail hours, where guests stand and mingle in small groups. The close-up magician moves around the room entertaining these smaller groups of guests. Street magic is also a form of close-up magic.
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Photo & art credits:
Photo art manipulation by Steven Paul Carlson, portrait photo by Nick Olson
art & magic 