As one would expect, the world of magic has been forever changed by virtue of the global pandemic. While there is no experience in the entire pantheon of experiences that equals that of experiencing the impossible, live and in person, the past year has offered many opportunities to explore how to produce entertaining and artistically satisfying magical experiences for guests who may be thousands of miles away.

As some of you know, I am a firm believer that (except for certain types of purely visual magic moments) magic is best experienced live. Because of that I have always been reluctant to film my work, and even less interested in distributing it online. Nevertheless, I love sharing magic and did not want the “new reality” to prevent me from doing that to the best of my abilities.

I was fortunate that a professor at UT Austin asked that I give a presentation to his Plan II (Honor’s Program) philosophy class as both a year of end treat as well as to offer my perspectives on certain issues they had been discussing from the point of view of a magician. So, it was a part show, part pontification affair. I was curious how the experience would play, and I have to say we all had a really great time. I was eager to begin exploring the possibilities of online magic shows.

A great evening of magic among old friends!

So, after several months of analyzing, planning and writing I premiered my first Zoom show, and I have to say, it was far more successful and well received than I could have possibly imagined. I credit this to two observations made early on; first, from a “magician perspective” I needed to select material that lost no impact by virtue of it’s remote presentation. In fact, I went on a quest to find and create material that was enhanced by virtue of being presented remotely. Second, I realized that the ultimate challenge would be figuring out how to create a sense of immediacy and presence through the sterile media that was the Zoom screen. Not only is this key to the success of any entertainment venture, it’s exactly why corporate meeting planners would want to have a magician at their event – to provide a unique energy that breaks the monotony of just staring at a screen. Yes, I wanted to amaze; but equally if not more importantly, I want to engage!

To that end I decided to structure the show in a manner where we begin in the modality with which people are most comfortable participating in a theatrical experience – as a spectator. So after a brief housekeeping session into which I’ve integrated one of my absolute favorite illusions, the audience can sit back, relax and have their mind blown in a surprising performance based lesson that is both edifying as well as mystifying. This is one of my favorite pieces because it appeals to the intelligence of the audience and actually departs some deep insights into how magicians actually deceive their audiences! The show proceeds to expand in the nature and degree of interactivity, including a moment where everyone actually experiences the magic happening in their own hands, in their own homes – right through the screen.

Virtual magic – ideal for large and small corporate events

I have to admit, virtual shows allow one to present a wide variety of magic than cannot usually be experienced in a single live venue. My show starts with classic stage or stand up magic, the type of magic you might encounter after a corporate dinner or that I might present in a living room standing before a group of dear friends and family. I can then transition and share up close, sleight of hand magic where everyone truly has a front row seat. This is the kind of magic you would experience at an event cocktail hour, hospitality suite, or trade show setting. I really enjoy being able to share both of these kinds of magic, two areas in which I specialize.

I also knew I wanted to include some of the mind reading demonstrations (or “mentalism,” as it’s known in the trade) for which I am best known, but unfortunately most of the techniques which I employ suffer greatly by virtue of communication through the small screens. However I realized I could use many of these same techniques in reverse not to read minds, but to influence others in ways they couldn’t imagine possible. And we know this works over a small screen. A multi-billion dollar advertising industry attests to that.

The responses to adding this experience to the show were tremendous, however I still wanted to leave my audiences with something more. After about half a dozen shows, it hit me. I realized I could use these techniques – sometimes – in order to . . .

. . . well, I don’t want to give away any surprises. Let’s just say it’s something that has to be experienced to be believed.

A show for some of my biggest fans.

I’m happy to say the results have been overwhelming. Every presentation of the Zoom show has led to another performance either from recommendation or from someone who was in attendance. One company has had me present my show for 5 of their teams! I’ve had the fortune to perform for 30^th birthday parties, sales team meetings, industry conferences, Greek life organizations, summer camps, and random gatherings of friends and families.

So, what does the future hold?

Well, I will be performing my Zoom shows for the foreseeable future. I hope we will be back to live shows in the Summer, but I see these types of remote performances remaining a service I offer to groups of various types. As a hypnotist I’ve been exploring the possibilities of what can be done over Zoom for events and have an outline of an interesting experience I look forward to premiering soon.