Hot Hands

We recently received a new effect from Alex Lourido, along with the coolest demo video I have ever seen. Silver Impression allows you to melt, stretch, and imprint your thumb on a coin with your bare hands.

It sounds cool, it looks cool, and comes with everything you need. Two gimmicks are supplied along with the instructional DVD. In real life, Alex is a professional video editor, so you know right away that the look of this video will be exquisite.

Speaking of other heated topics, I'm going to lay a little teaser on you right now: yesterday we wrapped up filming a new DVD on a classic effect with a well-known author and magic creator. I don't want to say any more than that, because I like building suspense (I'm a magician, remember?).

I can say that I learned a lot about putting together a DVD, and I want to reassure everyone that my personal standards are very high, as well as my expectations. What's coming up will not only look great - it will be great.

Packet Tricks Galore!

I had a surprising number of magic gigs last week, mostly strolling stuff. It felt good to be back in the saddle, performing for an appreciative audience. It also gave me a chance to have a closer look at the material I was using.

I never thought of myself as a heavy card guy, but I did take note of how many packet tricks I used, and what they had in common. They were all clear and direct effects that had automatic reset, or nearly-auto reset.

That in mind, we've got a new packet trick from Gordon Bean: Bikers. Both Gabe and I appreciated how clear and clean the effect is, and how well thought out the method is. Once you've finished performing, the effect goes back in your pocket, immediately reset.

Plus, there's a bonus handling of the trick that's just as amazing.

Here's a few other suggestions for bulletproof packet tricks:

The Royal Scam: Perhaps not on the market all that long, the accolades keep rolling in. Paul Green, this year's Close-Up Magician of the Year, recently said "I love John Bannon's thinking. Royal Scam is another fine example of his brilliance."

Color Monte: A classic of close-up: easy to do, entertaining to watch, with a twist at the end. 'Nuff said.

Danny Archer's Eye Exam: When I first saw Danny lecture on this trick at my local Ring, it quickly found a spot in my working restaurant repertoire. I love the fact that you've got two tricks in one - not only an entertaining story with the eye charts, but also a fascinating card revelation.

Fancy-ness

A DVD on card flourishes crossed my desk this week and got me thinking.

Many "old school" magicians (for lack of a better term), pooh-pooh the current wave of Cardistry pioneered by the Buck Twins, De'vo, Brian Tudor and others. "It's not magic, it's juggling," is the oft-heard refrain.

I suppose that makes me an old-schooler, too, since I think that most of the overly flourishy card stuntery is, essentially made up of complicated overt displays of skill. "Look at me, man. I can really flip these things around, can't I?"

What got me thinking is the fact that to a layman, even a simple pressure fan or ribbon spread and turn-over can be considered knuckle-busting card jugglery. For the uninitiated, springing the cards, the Long-Distance Spinner and other (to magicians) commonplace show-offy moves look incredibly difficult.

So, where does the line lie? What is Cardistry, per se, and what is not? Does anyone care?

Coming soon: Shellraiser!

Available to dealers on May 12, Fun Incorporated presents SHELLRAISER.

Learn the basic techniques needed to master the most deceptive gimmick in coin magic: the Expanded Shell.

Underground legend Troy Hooser (author of DesTroyers) demonstrates over 10 routines with the shell, along with all the moves, sleights, and insider tips.

The best part is: a precision-made Expanded Half Dollar Shell is included with each DVD absolutely free!

The FUN part of my job at FUN

Selling magic at a store is fun. I worked at a shop for years, and always looked forward to demonstrating behind the counter. There is PLENTY of customer service at just about every magic store. The clerk has to not only master the product, but also have the ability to judge whether or not the trick best suits the customer.

Now at FUN Incorporated, I have to suggest magic tricks...but to store owners! Many of whom have been in business longer than i have been alive. Also, I'm sure they've seen it all. It's a little more of a challenge. After all, magic occasionally sounds better than the actual trick itself. Also, I don't want to seem like a slick car salesman over the phone.

Every once in a while there are some VERY strong tricks that don't sell too well over the phone.
For example, I just had a customer call FUN and take the time to thank me for a suggestion. It's called NAILS THRU BALLOON. The description sounds pretty bland. Basically, the magician inflates a balloon in a metal tube and then shoves nails through the tube, thru the balloon, and ultimately NOT popping the balloon. Think you've seen it? Nope. The method is uber deviant and will fool the pants off of magicians. It's so cool, the hardest part is keeping the trick a secret.

Another hidden gem is Vernet's forcing pad. Honestly, it's somewhat of a stage item and a can make a difficult store demo. Also, it's somewhat pricey. Still, I'm sure most magic nerds ( especially mentalists ) will enjoy this product. It's a very clever method for secretly switching numbers. It's made of leather and more importantly, doesn't look like a magic prop.

I really do enjoy giving my opinions on products we wholesale. We at FUN try to carry only the finest magic products available on the market today. After all, just because it's new, doesn't mean it's good.

See you next week!

Impromptu magic

My trip over the weekend to Michigan Magic Day was fun - I got to see a lot of old friends, make some new ones, and talk about FUN Incorporated to some of the folks who may not be familiar with us.

Imagine my shock when I registered at the door, and was promptly cornered by some of the convention staff. I wasn't in trouble - actually, they wanted me to do some performances on stage that morning, just to fill out the stage competition (which only had one competitor). Reluctantly, I agreed.

The experience made me think about impromptu magic - I had 30 minutes notice before I went on stage, in front of all magicians no less! Fortunately, I had some rope and my trusty Egg Bag, then proceeded to slay them with some solid classic magic, old school (which is how I roll). But, had I not been at a magic convention where those items would be rather easily borrowed, what would I have done?

Here are a few resources we carry for those impromptu performances:

Amazing Magic with Everyday Objects DVD: This DVD will teach you how to predict the rolls of a set of dice, tear a paper napkin to shreds and make it whole again, and cause your personal information to materialize on blank business cards. Plus a lot more!

Instant Miracles: With the techniques and methods explained on Instant Miracles, you will learn classic, stunning magic tricks - easily. This broadcast quality DVD teaches you how to conjure with items found around the house, at a restaurant or even in your pocket. No special props are required.

(Almost) Impromptu Rising Card: One of my personal favorites. A chosen (and signed!) card rises from a deck the spectators have previously examined! You can even do it with a borrowed deck!

Martin Gardner's Table Magic: From the author of "The Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic" comes a very useful book on spur-of-the-moment conjuring. Highly recommended!

FUN Inc. on TV

We just wrapped up filming for our spot on 190 North, a Chicago-focused program from our local ABC affiliate. They spent most of the day filming around the factory - but Tomas and I are both on camera performing some magic. The target air date is May 25, so keep your TiVos ready. For those of you outside of the Chicago area, fear not: 190 North is also available as a video podcast! Hooray for technology!

The trick that I performed is FUN Inc's upcoming release from Boris Wild, WPT: Wild Poker Trick. Since teasing the release, I noticed some discussion of the trick on some of the internet chat boards. I was ecstatic - not because people are eagerly awaiting the release of WPT, but because people are reading the blog!

Speaking of WPT - they are in and will be ready to ship on Monday. The DVD looks very good, and so do the cards!

I'm headed this weekend to visit some old friends at Michigan Magic Day. I'll let you know how it goes. Happy weekend!

Don't Get Me Started

What was it that initially piqued your interest in magic?

Many magicians get their start by seeing other magicians: on TV, at a party, wherever. I stumbled into a magic shop by accident (Abbott's, in Colon, Michigan). There are other ways it happens, too.

For generations, Mysto Magic sets were a common starting point. Made in New Haven, Conn. by the A.C. Gilbert company, these magic sets were widely available in the first half of the 20th century (in America, anyway). They were sold in department stores, toy stores and other large retail outlets. Mysto sets, however, were a small part of the line of toys made by Gilbert (which had its biggest successes with the famous Erector sets), and contributed minimally to the company's bottom line. So, when Mysto sets were phased out of the Gilbert catalog, other companies stepped in to the market. Two of these firms are still around; S.S. Adams of Asbury Park, NJ, and Fun Inc. (under its Royal Magic banner) of Chicago seized the opportunity to supply kids across America with boxes of tricks on a grand scale. The Royal Treasure Chest of Magic was a staple of the Fun Inc. line for years.

Then came Marshall Brodien and his TV Magic Cards and TV Magic Sets, which was sold through the world's greatest advertising medium: TV. Interestingly enough, Fun Inc. had a hand in these magic sets, too. Beginning in the 1970s, Fun was contracted to produce the component parts that would make up the famous (and popular) Marshall Brodien line.

In whatever era you consider, very often magic sets have had a hand in taking a youngster along the path to professional magician. Boxes of tricks have been making life-long magicians out of kids for well over 100 years, and continue to do so today.

And now to bring the story full-circle, from an introduction to magic to becoming a full-time magic person (I'm not a performer, and thus not really a "magician," per se).

My first magic set was, believe it or not, made by Fun Inc., and was still in production when I started working here in the fall of 2001. A couple of years later, I had a hand in redesigning the set (and the others in the Royal line) into our current sets.

Magic with Numbers

As a liberal arts major, mathematics has long been the bane of my existence. I'm a word guy, not a numbers guy, so I thought that mathematical tricks were lame - nothing more than puzzles, not magic.

That is, until I met a fellow at a recent Abbott's convention - a retired math teacher named Jim Snapp. Jim has channeled his passion for math into the conjuring realm, and presented several fascinating effects based on numbers.

If he ever decides to write a magic/math book (he's written math textbooks), I'll be the first one to snap up a copy - but until that day, we've got several mathemagic tricks for you.

Number Mystery Outdone by Royal Magic: An improved version of a classic trick. The spectator is shown six cards. Unlike older versions of this trick, BOTH SIDES of the cards are freely displayed. Using the cards and a the magician's superior mental ability, it is a simple matter to tell the spectator their age, how much change they have in their pocket, or what number they're thinking of. This trick is also customizable with your logo!

Self Working Number Magic by Karl Fulves: Clear instructions for 101 tricks and problems, many based on important math principles. Calculations have been concealed; tricks are carefully streamlined for quick understanding and flawless performance. Master such number phenomena as Lightning Calculations, Giant Memory, Magic Squares, nearly 100 more.

Mathemagic by Royal Vale Heath: More than 60 new puzzles and stunts based on the properties of numbers. Easy techniques for multiplying large numbers mentally, identifying unknown numbers, determining the date of any day in any year, interest rates worked in one’s head; such entertainments as The Lost Digit, and Psychic Bridge; over 30 pages of magic squares, triangles, cubes, much more.

Forcing Pad by Vernet: Perhaps not exactly math-based, this is a cool item to force a number for an impossible prediction routine. You receive a hand made black leather note pad with brass corner pieces, embossed, containing a pad of plain papers. A pencil is attached and also fits inside.

With this innocent-looking pad, you can perform different and amazing effects, for example: You show an envelope and say that inside is a prediction. You ask different spectators to write numbers on the pad, one under the other. You don't even have to see the numbers; someone else totals them together and you ask a member of the audience to open the envelope to show that it matches the total! Designed to fit easily in your jacket pocket.

Are some tricks just too good?

My favorite card trick is the ambitious card. I love that trick; It's fun, visual, and can go on forever. You can do it sitting down or standing up.

I almost always start my routine by asking the spectator to hold out their hand. I then openly place a face down card in the palm of their hand. I ask for them to name ANY playing card. Whatever card they name, I quickly scan through the deck and secretly cull their selection to the top . I now say,"would that be the best trick if the card I placed in your hand is the card you JUST NAMED?!" I then turn the spectator's card over (which 99% of the time is incorrect), and mutter,"you're right, that would be the best trick!"

This normally gets a laugh, and on the offbeat I perform a top change. I now switched the card in their hand for the card they just named. I make a magical gesture and reveal their selection. It's a pretty strong trick. It totally catches them off guard.

An even better trick is when the spectator just happens to name the indifferent card I placed in their hand.

This just happened to me this past weekend. I had the spectator name a card and I KNEW the card in their hand was the exact match. I made a huge build up and then revealed their selection. Normally when this occurs I bow to my no doubt, thunderous applause. I mean, I OPENLY PLACE A CARD IN THEIR HAND AND ASK THEM TO NAME ANY CARD. That card winds up being the card they named! That trick's impossible......

For some reason my spectators were not impressed. Sure, they fabricated some enthusiasm, but this trick should have made their jaws drop. What happened? Why didn't they care?
After all, it's as close to real mind reading as one could get. Has this situation happened to anyone else? Are some magic tricks just too perfect?

Upcoming Releases from FUN Inc

On this fine Monday morning, I'm pleased to announce a schedule of upcoming releases from FUN.

Boris Wild's Wild Poker Trick: Five cards are shown to your audience. They represent your poker hand - and a poor one, at that. With a deft turn of the wrist and a snap of the fingers, the mis-matched cards instantly and visibly change into the winning hand - a Royal Flush in spades!

Easy to do, no sleights required. A very clean, direct effect from FISM card champion Boris Wild. Included is a DVD with step-by-step instructions from Boris himself, and all the necessary cards printed on Bicycle stock from the U.S. Playing Card Company. Available Monday, April 21.



Shellraiser: Underground legend Troy Hooser presents all the basic techniques needed to master the most deceptive gimmick in coin magic: the Expanded Shell. This secret weapon makes visual eye-popping magic possible - and easy to do. Troy teaches 10 routines, along with all the necessary moves, tips and sleights.

Plus, included in every copy of Shellraiser is a precision-made Expanded Half Dollar Shell - a $25 value - absolutely free! Available Monday, May 14.

Duplicity: The second installment of John Bannon's acclaimed Fractal Card Magic trilogy. Duplicity is John’s classic mental card transposition — not unplugged or on steroids, but reloaded!

A red-backed Ace from one packet changes places with a blue-backed Ace in another packet. The selected Aces appear face-up in each respective packet, then their backs prove to be different. As a final climax, all of the other cards in each packet are blank. Everything is examinable. Available to dealers starting Monday, May 28.

FUN to hit the airwaves

We just got word today that ABC 7 here in Chicago wants to film a profile of FUN Inc.! Naturally we're tickled pink - TV publicity is good.

But then the realization struck me: we will need to demonstrate some of our products for the camera. But what would work best for TV? The effect will need to be short and to the point, and most importantly, visual.

The first thing that came to my mind was The Floating Bill. Michael Ammar performed the Floating Bill on Johnny Carson's show back in the day and was a big hit.There are few effects more magical looking than animation/levitation effects. Imagine: Borrowing a dollar bill, crumpling it into a loose ball, you set it on your open palm. Slowly, eerily and mysteriously, the bill rises off of your hand!

However, animation work can be iffy sometimes. The camera might pick up something it's not supposed to - and that would be bad.

What about cards? The Rising Card Deck and Mental Photography Deck would play well. Blaine used the Rising Cards to great success on his first TV special (also on ABC. Coincidence?)

If you have any suggestions for a FUN Inc. product we should demonstrate, leave a comment. The guys will be in to film next Friday, so I've got a week to practice!

New MENTALISM at FUN

I know what you're thinking. Don't worry, I won't tell anybody.

The mentalism bug seems to be all the rage lately, and as usual, FUN Inc. has you covered. After being long unavailable, we are proud to re-introduce Diamond Jim Tyler's mental gem: SentiMental Postcards.

Talk about packs flat and plays big! You introduce several postcards from previous trips around the world. You lay the postcards out to conduct an experiment in mind-reading. Blindfolded or while your back is turned, a spectator to touches the cards at random. Incredibly, you predict the spectator’s every move and ultimately divine their final selection. The final selection is also revealed to be the magician’s last romantic get-away.

Diamond Jim performs this at all his lectures, and it's always a sure-fire hit!

We also have a first in the magic world: Jumbo ESP cards with Bicycle backs. In addition to the traditional symbols, each card is printed with a subtly marked back, allowing for demonstrations of super-human, extra-sensory power demonstrations. The deck includes instructions for several mind-blowing routines that are worth the price of the deck alone! These are available in blue Bicycle-back only.

Personally, I enjoy using ESP cards - they're a nice change of pace from the traditional face cards. I also have a favorite symbol: the wavy lines.

Mentioning this to Tomas, funny man that he is, he struck me with this realization: they're not waves or wavy lines. Take this well-known illustration, for example:

Press button. Receive bacon. Consume.

Artist Spotlight: Rene Lavand

Today I wanted to spotlight a magician that deserves recognition, but isn't too well known around the magic community.

René Lavand is a magician from Argentina specialising in close-up performance. He has appeared in Ed Sullivan's and Johnny Carson's television shows as well as shows at the Magic Castle.

After losing a hand at the age of 9 in a car crash, Lavand endured a gradual entry into the magic world, self-taught because, in his own words, all books and techniques are for two-handed magicians. After working as a cashier in a bank, at the age of 32 he appeared in Buenos Aires' Tabarís Theater, following which his career took off, leading to world tours. The catchphrase he uses to close several of his tricks is "No se puede hacer más lento" (Spanish for "it can't be done any slower"), referencing the intentional slow pace at which he performs. In between international tours, he resides in Tandil, Buenos Aires and has adapted a train wagon which he turned into a magic saloon where he teaches illusion. He also co-wrote ( with Richard Kaufman ) the book "Mysteries of my Life". The book is an autobiography as well as an instructional book on Rene's magic.

We have a 5-DVD set of René Lavand's Close-Up Artistry. The magic Lavand performs on these DVDs is both beautiful and poetic. These are more than just tricks, they are multiphase routines accompanied by artistic presentations and wonderful stories. It is impossible to describe the beauty of his magic. These routines must be experienced. Each volume begins with a twenty-minute performance followed by a walk-through of how everything is accomplished.

Here's some video of the master at work.

Story time!

Years ago, probably in the "zero one", I remember performing regularly at a trendy Chicago nightclub. It was a challenging gig, but fun. Challenging because I had to deal with intoxicated 20-something's who were busy dancing. The music was loud, so all my tricks had to be extremely visual and talking had to be to a minimum. I did pretty well. One of my favorite effects was an item called Flash Point. It was a clever gizmo. Basically I wore a flash bulb under my shirt and would trigger the flash at appropriate "magical" moments. It was a nice little addition to my magic set.

The effect I'd do was from David Acer. I'd draw a picture of a light bulb and hold it in front of the spectator. The picture would then mysteriously flash. People went nuts! In fact, many would ask for the paper as a souvenir. The routine was fun and a bit of a reputation maker. Then one day tragedy struck...

A couple handed me their camera and wanted me to snap a photo of them. Feeling playful, I pointed the lens towards myself and pretended to accidentally trigger the flash. I hit my flash gimmick around 3 times. From the looks on their faces, they thought I was wasting their film.

I quickly reassured them it was a trick. I went to set off my gimmick a 4th time....and it BURNT OUT. How embarrassing! I thought they were going to strangle me! In Clark Kent to Superman fashion, I pulled open my shirt to reveal the contraption stuck on my t-shirt. PHEW! Talk about poor judgment.

I broke my trick, revealed a secret, and almost got pummeled by drunken spectators.

Even worse, I went to purchase another and found that the item was not manufactured anymore. Good news though, FUN INCORPORATED now distributes this quirky item! It's called Flash Point. They are redesigned and WAY more reliable. A huge improvement to a wonderful effect. Make sure to ask your local magic shop for the item!

Thoughts Across reviewed by Online-Visions

Online-Visions has just given a 10 out of 10 rating to Thoughts Across. As if we'd expect anything less from the mind of David Solomon?

Read the review here.

Here's my favorite excerpt from the review:


So is "Thoughts Across" worth the purchase for you? If you do card magic and like the "Cards Across" plot but don't do it, then this is likely a perfect fit for you. If you already do a version of the plot, it's still worth the money just to see Solomon's thinking in action and glom onto some of his ideas. Throw in the two excellent bonus effects and you'll be in heaven.

In the end, "Thoughts Across" gets the highest recommendation I can give it; it's an excellent take on the classic. Period.

Our Magic History

As I was perusing some of the magic discussions, I hit upon a thread talking about Harry Blackstone Jr. and his famous Floating Lightbulb. Having been born a little too late to sese Harry perform live, I managed to seek out a video. In Harry's hands it is absolutely beautiful - but it got me thinking about the "old-timers" we youngsters have heard about but haven't seen: names like Keller, Dante, and Herrmann.

Fortunately, we live in an age where the printed word is easy to come by. FUN Inc. carries a large line of books, many focusing on our mystical origins and the magicians who shaped our art. Here are just a few of my personal recommendations:

Blackstone: A Magician's Life. Harry Blackstone had one of the great magic shows of the 20th century. Born in Chicago in 1885, he worked steadily to build his show into the fabulous magic extravaganza that traveled the length and breadth of the North American continent. We also carry the Blackstone Book of Magic & Illusion, penned by Harry Blackstone Jr., a legendary conjuror in his own right.

Dai Vernon: A Biography: Dai Vernon turned the clandestine world of conjuring on its ear with virtuoso sleight-of-hand and a dogged pursuit for perfection. Miracles flowed from his fingertips - effortlessly. The source of his secrets? The underworld and the gamblers, hustlers and con-men that roamed back-room dens of iniquity, bunked in jail cells and walked the streets of America.

The Glorious Deception: In a biography woven from equal parts enchantment and mystery, Jim Steinmeyer unveils the secrets behind the most enigmatic performer in the history of stage magic, Chung Ling Soo, the "Marvelous Chinese Conjurer," a magician whose daring made his contemporary Houdini seem like the boy next door. Soo's infamous and suspicious onstage death in 1918 mystified his fellow magicians; he was shot while performing the famous Bullet Catch.

Hiding the Elephant: Now in paperback comes Jim Steinmeyer's astonishing chronicle of half a century of illusionary innovation, backstage chicanery, and keen competition within the world of magicians. Lauded by today's finest magicians and critics, Hiding the Elephant is a cultural history of the efforts among legendary conjurers to make things materialize, levitate, and disappear.

The Reviews are In

This month's issue of MAGIC Magazine (April 2008) contains a review of John Bannon's Royal Scam. Written by Jason England, the review says, in part: "The multiple phases and double-whammy ending make for a visually interesting and magically potent combination. ...there's an excellent bonus routine included. ...this effect plays like it uses gaffed cards. But it doesn't. At the end of the routine, everything is examinable. The cards used certainly aren't part of any normal deck (a Bicycle Ace of Spades with a green Tally-Ho back?)... The price for the DVD and the special cards is a very reasonable $15."

The same issue of MAGIC contains the following about David Solomon's Knaves Gone Wild: "...Solomon has come up with convincing and interesting ways to display the cards both before and after each Jack vanishes."

And the hits just keep on coming. In the April, 2008 issue of MUM, Joshua Kane reviews Ross Johnson's Simply Psychic. He says: "...This is possibly the best one-disc DVD produced to date as an intro to mentalism...This one is a no-brainer: buy it today, before they wake up and raise the price."

There's lots more in the works from Fun Inc. along these lines. Look for two new Bannon effects in the coming months. If the above reviews are any indication, you should anticipate our new releases eagerly, or be the last one on your block to nod in assent when the critics finally pass judgment on them.

On a separate (but connected) note, I'm curious if anyone out there in cyberspace cares to share his comment on MAGIC's list of the ten funniest acts in magic today (again, see the April issue, or visit www.magicmagazine.com).

Magic Gone Wrong

Sure, even the most seasoned professional (myself included) flubs a trick here and there. Last week, Tomas showed me a new collectors routine he's been working on, so I decided to show him a Triumph routine that I read recently. Naturally, after his beautiful routine, I screwed my trick up at the end to reveal the wrong card.

Fortunately, I've been blessed with a quick wit, so any flubs in front of paying audiences have been covered sufficiently not to affect my paycheck at the end of the show. But there are some who are not so lucky.

The first thing that comes to mind are the horror stories associated with the Spiked-Under-the-Cup routine and its many variations. I'm sure you're familiar with the concept: a large sharp nail or spike is hidden under a paper cup, mixed around with three other cups, and the performer psychically eliminates the safe cups by smashing them with his hand, leaving only the dangerous object untouched.

It can be an amazing, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat routine. Or it can be tragic:


Of course, I prefer to stick with cards and coins. Usually there's a far lower risk of impaling myself. Here's another clip where we can all relate to our kindred performer's pain - but on a national-television type scale.


Here are some lessons we can learn from each of these clips.

1. Always be safe. If there's even a 1% risk you could seriously injure yourself on stage, that's still a little too risky. Penn & Teller's Bullet Catch routine has three independent safety systems, any two of which could fail - and they would still be completely safe.
2. Don't be afraid of failure. It's going to happen - you lose a break, or flash a palmed object. But if we let the fear of failure keep us from performing, nobody would ever get on stage. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

The audience loves it when the magician messes up (without bloody results), so why not play into their hopes? Invest in a sucker trick or two. My personal favorite is the McCombical Prediction. For the kids show entertainer, Hippity Hop Rabbits and Hocus Pocus Hare are good bets. Remember - give your audience what they want!

It's just like comedy!

There should be a book written about what's inside most magician's pockets.

At the time I have 4 half dollars, a thumb tip, and a thimble. My friends are always weirded out by what I set on the table every time I empty my pockets. Even my wallet is loaded with plenty of amusing tricks to perform at the spur of the moment.
I'm sure plenty of magicians have the pride and joy card living in their wallet. If anything, this little gag makes an excellent giveaway.
I know some entertainers who stamp their contact information on the back of these. These cards are great, even if it is a horrendous pun.


Another similar sight gag is the KID CARDS. Offer to show someone a picture of your kids. Open your wallet and yank out a picture - of two baby goats! Corny but still fun.

Sight gags and magic have always been a perfect match!
If you're interested in other zany antics to perform for friends, check out Pat Page's Book of Visual Comedy. You'll learn dozens of funny situations, stunts, and expressions that will have them rolling in the aisles. No special props or devices are required. For the most part, these gut-busters can be performed at the drop of a hat, on a moment's notice.

Have a fantastical April Fools Day!
Tomas