Magic terms
Magic is a domain encompassing the art of illusions that defy logical explanation, performed by skilled practitioners known as magicians. Magic, magicians, and magic shows combine sleight of hand, misdirection, psychological manipulation, and theatrical storytelling to produce experiences that challenge perceptions of reality. Magic, magicians, and magic shows range from intimate close-up performances to grand stage spectacles, often featuring illusions, escapes, mentalism, and comedic elements.
Magicians have evolved from ancient street performances and court entertainments to sophisticated productions on global stages and television. Contemporary magic shows, such as those by David Copperfield in Las Vegas or the touring Champions of Magic, blend traditional techniques with modern technology and interactive elements to engage diverse audiences. Magicians like Penn & Teller, Shin Lim, and Young & Strange have achieved international acclaim for innovative approaches and viral performances, while venues such as The Magic Castle and Marvyn’s Magic Theater serve as hubs for both established and emerging talent. Magic shows are accessible through live theater, television specials, and digital platforms, ensuring the enduring appeal and continual reinvention of this performance art.
Mentalist and magician Jon Finch has helped thousands of clients put on fun, interactive, magical events.
Theatre Set Design
Theatre set design is the process of designing and creating physical environments for use in...
Optical Illusion Devices | Optical
Optical illusion devices are tools or equipment designed to create visual phenomena that deceive the...
Disappearing Trick
“Vanishing Act” is an idiomatic expression in the English language used to refer to a...
Trap Doors
Trap Door Systems are mechanical configurations designed to allow a surface section to swing or...
Smoke Screen Effects
“Smoke Screen Effects” refers to the strategic phenomenon employed primarily in military and naval settings,...
Linking Rings
Linking Rings is an iconic trick in the performance art of magic, specifically stage magic....
Thread Dispensing Mechanism
Thread reel mechanisms are intricate devices employed in textile industries to wind and unwind threads,...
Cups and Balls Routine
Cups and Balls Routine is a classic magic performance involving the manipulation of balls and...
Final Load Reveal
“Final Load Reveal” is a term used in the entertainment industry, particularly in magic and...
Nesting Cups | Nested Cup
Nested Cup Tricks is a form of sleight of hand magic that involves the skillful...
Switch Techniques
Switch Techniques are a set of strategies used in the field of networking and telecommunications...
Penetration illusions
Penetration illusions are optical phenomena where an object appears to pass through another solid object,...
Zig-Zag Girl Illusion
Zig-Zag Girl Illusion is a classic magic trick that mesmerizes audiences with its baffling optical...
Floating Table Trick
The Floating Table Trick is a mesmerizing illusion that creates the appearance of a table...
Quick Change Act
Quick Change Act is a performance art form characterized by rapid costume changes executed seamlessly...
Multiplying Balls Effect
The Multiplying Balls Effect is a classic magic trick that involves the appearance of multiple...
Vanishing Bird Cage Illusion
The Vanishing Bird Cage Illusion is a classic magic trick that involves making a bird...
Parlor Magic
Parlor Magic is a form of magic performance that takes place in an intimate setting,...
Street Magic
Street Magic is a form of magic performance that takes place in public locations, typically...
Gimmick
“Gimmick” is a term used to describe a unique or unconventional feature, often employed for...
Patter | Scripting magic
Patter is a term used to describe the rapid, continuous sound of footsteps or light...
Magic wand
A magic wand is a slender rod wielded by magicians to perform supernatural feats. The...
Prestidigitation
Prestidigitation is the art of performing magic tricks with skillful sleight of hand. It involves...
Transformation
Transformation is the profound process of altering, reshaping, or changing the form, appearance, or nature...
Transposition
Transposition is a linguistic phenomenon characterized by the rearrangement of elements within a sentence or...
Restoration
Restoration is a category of magical effect in which an object is deliberately destroyed—such as...
Production
Production is a principal category of magical effect in which the magician causes an object,...
Miser's Dream
“Miser’s Dream” is a classic magic trick that involves producing coins from thin air. Originally...
Conjuring
Conjuring refers to the act of summoning something supernatural through a ritual or spell. Conjuring...
The Houdini Museum of New York, located at Fantasma Magic, houses over 1,500 pieces of...
Visual deception
Visual deception is a technique employed to manipulate or alter one’s perception through optical illusions,...
Cognitive distraction
Cognitive distraction is a form of attention diversion characterized by the diversion of mental resources...
Space misdirection
“Space misdirection” in magic performance refers to the technique of diverting the audience’s attention to...
Verbal misdirection | Misdirection techniques
Verbal misdirection is a tool employed within the realm of communication, specifically in rhetoric and...
Time misdirection
Time Misdirection is a cognitive phenomenon involving the manipulation of perceived time to the point...
Dexterity
Dexterity is the physical skill and ease in using one’s hands or body, often paired...
Card Flourish
Card flourishing is a performance art that uses a regular deck of playing cards to...
Palm transfer
“Palm transfer” in the context of sleight of hand magic refers to the act of...
Finger control
Finger control is the capacity to manipulate and coordinate the movements of fingers, primarily through...
Grip change
“Grip change” in the context of sleight of hand magic refers to the deliberate and...
Illusionary Perspective
Illusionary Perspective is a concept in visual perception that exploits the brain’s tendency to interpret...
Forced perspective
Forced perspective is an optical illusion employed in visual arts, particularly in filmmaking and photography,...
Coin Roll flourish
The “Coin roll” in the context of coin magic is a flourish where a coin...
Depth illusion
Depth illusion is a visual phenomenon where objects appear to have more or less depth...
Close-up magic
Close-Up Magic is a sub-category of the broad field of illusionary arts, distinguished by its...
Table Magic is a subgenre of close-up magic that primarily involves tricks performed in an...
Intimate Performance
“Intimate Performance” is a concept deeply rooted in the discipline of performing arts, specifically referring...
Pocket tricks
Pocket Tricks are miniature illusions or magic acts designed to be performed discreetly from one’s...
Angle Sensitivity
“Angle sensitivity” in the context of a close-up magic trick refers to the degree to...
Micro-Magic
Micro-Magic is an intricate form of close-up sleight of hand that focuses on the performance...
Stagecraft
Stagecraft is an encompassing term for the technical aspects of theatrical, film, and video production....
Theatrical Design
Theatrical design is the umbrella term for the various visual and aural elements that coalesce...
Lighting Cues
“Lighting Cues” are instructions provided to the lighting technicians in theatrical and performance settings, guiding...
Prop management
“Prop management,” often referred to as “Pocket management” by walk-around magicians, is the strategic organization...
Blocking Techniques
“Blocking techniques” in the context of magic performance refer to the deliberate positioning and movement...
Theatre Set Design
Set construction is the process of designing and creating physical environments for use in visual...
Escape Artist
Escapology is the science and art of escaping from restraints or other forms of confinement....
Locksmithing
Lock picking is an art involving the manipulation of locking device components to open a...
Houdini's Milk Can Escape
The Milkcan Escape is a famous illusion and escape act popularized by the legendary magician,...
Transformation
Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an organism physically develops after birth or hatching,...
Underwater Escape
Underwater Escape is a specialized survival technique employed primarily in the aviation and diving industries....
Houdini Straitjacket Escape
Straitjacket escape is a performance art, primarily associated with escapology and magic shows, where the...
False Deals
“False Deals” is a term commonly used in the field of card games, particularly within...
Deck Cooling
Card fans are a visual display created by spreading playing cards in an arc. Originating...
One-Handed Cuts | Cardistry One-Handed
“One-Handed Cuts” is a specialized category of card manipulation techniques, utilized predominantly in the domain...
Card Coil Springs
Card Springs is a mechanical component designed primarily to provide resistance to applied compression forces...
Color Change
The Color Change is a sleight-of-hand technique in card magic where one card visually transforms...
Card Magic Trick
Double Lift is a conjuring sleight employed in the field of card magic. Predominantly used...
Textures
“Rough and Smooth” is a designation that primarily refers to the tactile properties of an...
Card Control
Card Control is the practice of manipulating the position of a selected card within a...
False Shuffle
False Shuffle is a deceptive card handling technique often employed in the realm of magic...
Mentalism
Mentalism is a performing art in which its practitioners, known as mentalists, use mental acuity,...
Cold Reading
Cold Reading is a deceptive psychological strategy utilized predominantly by individuals purporting to have psychic...
Mind Reading
Telepathy is a form of extrasensory perception that allows the transfer of information between individuals...
Forecasting
Prediction is the act of forecasting future events or results based on current data, historical...
Proposal
“Suggestion” is the psychological process by which one person guides the thoughts, feelings, or behaviour...
Psychokinesis
Telekinesis is the alleged ability to move or manipulate objects with the mind. Often a...
Book Test
A Book Test is a routine employed in mentalism acts, displaying an illusion of mind-reading....
Islamic Medallion
The Koran Medallion is an ornamental piece, often made from precious metals, that embodies Islamic...
Off by One
“Off by One” in the context of mentalism refers to a strategic “out” or contingency...
Center Tear Magic Trick
“Center Tear” is a technique widely used in mentalism, characterized by its stealth and subtlety....
Confabulation
“Confabulation” in the context of mentalism is a class of prediction effects where the performer...
Swami writer
A swami writer is a small, covert writing device used in magic and mentalism to...
Spirit Slates
Spirit Slates are historical artefacts used in parapsychology, spiritualism, and mentalism, particularly during séances in...
Mental Epic
Mental Epic is a classic effect in the realm of mentalism, combining elements of prediction...
Pencil Mind Reading
Pencil Reading is a psychological technique often employed in the field of mentalism, where a...
Headline Prediction | News Headline
Headline Prediction is a sophisticated function of Natural Language Processing (NLP) that anticipates the most...
Promotional Events
Publicity stunts are strategic, often dramatic, actions orchestrated to attract media attention and create public...
Questions and Answers Act
The “Q&A Act” is a hypothetical legislative framework designed to regulate the process of Questions...
Two Person Telepathy
“Two Person Telepathy,” also known as the “Second Sight” act, is a classic mentalism performance...
Mathematical Magic Square
Magic Square is a grid of numbers, typically an integer matrix, arranged such that the...
Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is a trance-like state of heightened concentration and suggestibility, often compared to daydreaming or...
Levitation
Levitation is a phenomenon in which an object is suspended against gravity, without physical contact,...
Fortune Telling
Divination is an age-old practice rooted in the belief of gaining insight into a question...
Palming
Palming is a tactile manipulation technique employed in magic tricks and sleight of hand performances...
Palm Trees
The Classic Palm is a foundational sleight-of-hand technique in magic, used to secretly conceal objects...
Indoor Palm Plants
“Finger Palm” is a technique in sleight of hand magic, primarily used to secretly hold...
Card Magic Trick
“Back Palm” is a sleight of hand technique, highly revered in the realm of card...
Palm Top
“Top Palm” is a fundamental technique in card magic, leveraging the art of sleight-of-hand to...
Card Trick Techniques
The “Bottom Palm” is a sleight-of-hand technique used in the art of card magic, attributed...
Sleight of Hand
The Tenkai Palm Technique is a sleight of hand maneuver predominantly used in coin and...
Thumb Palm
“Thumb Palm” is a specific anatomical region of the human hand, crucially involved in providing...
Riffle Force
The riffle force is a classic card forcing technique in which a magician appears to...
Classic Force
The “Classic Force” is a sleight-of-hand technique employed in the realm of magic and illusion,...
Cross-Cut Force
Cross-Cut Force is a mechanical concept in physics, concerning the interaction of forces applied in...
Slip Cut
“Slip Cut” is a sleight-of-hand technique used predominantly in card magic, renowned for its deceptive...
Psychological Force
Psychological Force is a type of mentalism force that involves the use of psychological techniques...
Absence Processes
“Disappearance mechanisms” are processes that result in the vanishing of an object or person. The...
Dove Production
Dove Production is a specialized discipline within the realm of stage magic, involving the conjuring...
Load Chambers
“Load chambers” are concealed compartments within props, such as cages, boxes, or tables, used to...
Bird Harness
“Bird Harness” is a specialized type of pet equipment designed specifically for avian species. It...
Flash appearance
“Flash appearance” in the context of dove magic refers to a theatrical illusion in which...
Concealment Techniques
“Concealment Techniques” refer to the methods and strategies used to secretly hide doves or props...
Mechanical Release Systems
“Release Mechanisms” refer to the specialized devices or systems designed to discreetly and safely release...
Flash Paper
Flash paper is a type of specially prepared tissue paper, saturated with a mixture of...
Invisible Thread
“Invisible Thread” refers to a type of thread which is either clear or matches so...
Thumb Tip
The Thumb Tip is a specialized magician’s prop that fits over the performer’s thumb, typically...
Sleight Coordination
Sleight Coordination is the intricate skill of executing precise and seamless movements with dexterity and...
Ball Loading Techniques
“Ball Loading Techniques” refer to the sleight-of-hand methods and strategies magicians use to secretly load...
Black Art Principle
The “Black Art Principle” is a visual illusion technique that uses a uniform black background,...
Magic Apparatus
Magic apparatus refers to the tools, devices, and equipment utilized by magicians to create illusions...
Coin Magic
Coin magic is a form of prestidigitation that focuses on the manipulation and tricks involving...
Shim
A “Shim” refers to a small, thin piece of ferromagnetic material, often steel, embedded into...
Shell | Coin shell
A “Shell” is a specially-crafted magic gimmick resembling a hollowed-out coin that fits seamlessly over...
Scotch and Soda
“Scotch and Soda” is a classic coin trick that utilizes a specially gimmicked set of...
Coins Across
“Coins Across” is a classic magic trick where coins visibly travel from one hand or...
Change Bag
A change bag is a magical switching prop used in the art of illusion, sleight...
Dove Pan
Dove Pan is a specialized magic prop used by magicians for producing live birds during...
Anamorphic Art
Anamorphic art is a unique form of visual expression that employs distorted images or shapes,...
Afterimage
Afterimage is a visual illusion where an image continues to appear in one’s vision after...
Ames Room
An Ames Room is a specially designed distorted room that creates an optical illusion, making...
Moiré Pattern | Moiré Effect
Moiré pattern is an interference pattern created when two grids or patterns with slightly different...
Visual Persistence
Persistence of Vision is a phenomenon in visual perception where an image lingers in the...
Breakaway Wand
Breakaway Wand is a prop used in magic performances, designed to create an illusion of...
Svengali Deck
Svengali Deck is a specialized deck of playing cards used in magic tricks, consisting of...
Propless mentalism
Propless mentalism is the art of mentalism, mind reading, and psychological illusion without props. Propless...
Macro effect
A macro effect is a magic trick or mentalism effect in which everyone in the...
Billet reading
A billet is a small slip of paper commonly used in mentalism and spiritism performances...
Three-Card Monte
The Three-Card Monte is a classic sleight-of-hand trick and street con game in which a...
Equivoque | Magicians Choice
Equivoque, also known as the Magician’s Choice, is a psychological and verbal technique used in magic...
The Unholy Three
Magicians Rob Zabrecky, David Lovering, and Fitzgerald, a magic cabaret trio called The Unholy Three,...
Automatic writing
Automatic writing is a technique in which the mentalist performer or volunteer writes without conscious...
Umbrakinesis
Umbrakinesis is the ability to manipulate shadows, often presented as a form of psychic or...
Hydrokinesis
Hydrokinesis is the ability to manipulate water through supernatural or psychic means, often showcased in...
Inedia
Inedia is the ability to survive without food or water, often presented in mentalism and...
Invisibility
Invisibility is a concept often explored in magic, mentalism, and psychic entertainment; where performers create...
Levitation
Levitation is a magic illusion where an object or person appears to defy gravity by...
Materialization
Materialization is the act of creating an object or making an object appear from seemingly...
Mediumship
Mediumship is the practice of facilitating communication between the living and the spirits of the...
Prophecy
Prophecy refers to the act of predicting or revealing future events, often presented as a...
Psychic surgery
Psychic surgery is a performance art illusion where the magician, mentalist, or psychic entertainer creates...
Pyrokinesis
Pyrokinesis is the theatrical illusion of controlling or creating fire through the power of the...
Teleportation
Teleportation refers to the illusion of transporting a person or object from one location to...
Time travel
Time travel is the manipulation of time, convincing the audience an event defying explanation occurred...
Xenoglossy
Xenoglossy is the illusion of speaking or understanding a language unknown to the performer, presented...
Clairvoyance
Clairvoyance is the ability to perceive hidden or distant information beyond the range of human...
Dowsing
Dowsing is practice of seeking water or other substances with the aid of a forked...
Dream telepathy
Dream telepathy is the telepathic communication with another person during a dream state, often presented...
Precognition
Precognition is the foresight of future events, often presented as a demonstration of psychic or...
Psychometry
Psychometry is divination of information about an object or its owner through physical contact or...
One ahead principle
The one ahead principle is a foundational mentalism technique that allows the performer to stay...
Remote viewing
Remote viewing is the illusion of perceiving and describing distant or unseen locations, objects, or...
Retrocognition
Retrocognition is the perception of past events, often presented as an exhibition of psychic or...