“Blocking techniques” refer to the deliberate positioning and movement of the magician, props, and assistants to control the audience’s focus and sightlines during a magic act. These theatrical principles called blocking are used to obscure critical sleights or methods from view while enhancing the clarity and theatricality of the performance.
Effective blocking ensures the audience perceives only what the magician intends, leveraging spatial awareness to maintain the illusion. Unlike misdirection, which manipulates attention through psychological or perceptual cues, blocking techniques rely on physical staging. A magician might turn his body slightly or use a prop as a visual barrier to conceal a secret move. Proper blocking helps manage angle sensitivity, ensuring vulnerable maneuvers remain hidden from view. Blocking also aids in creating a natural flow to the performance, aligning movements with the narrative or rhythm of the magic act.