Types of Magical Performances
Magic performances fall into three broad genres:
- Close-up magic, which is performed with the audience close to the magician, possibly in physical contact. It usually makes use of everyday items as props, such as cards and coins. Exponents of close-up magic include Michael Ammar, Jay Sankey and Ricky Jay.
- Parlor magic, which is performed for small groups of people in the same room as the magician. This type of magic often makes use of portable props specially designed for performing magic.
- Stage magic, which is performed for large audiences, typically within an auditorium. This type of magic is distinguished by elaborate, large-scale props. The most famous magicians in the world, such as David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, and Penn and Teller, are best known for their ability in stage-magic
Other specialties or niches have been created:
- Bizarre magic, which uses metaphysical, horror, fantasy and other similar themes in performance. Bizarre magic is typically performed in a close-up venue, although some performers such as Docc Hilford have effectively presented it in a stage setting. Charles Cameron has generally been credited as the "godfather of bizarre magic." Others such as Tony Andruzzi, Carl Herron, and Tony Raven contributed heavily to its early development.
- Mentalism, which creates the impression in the minds of the audience that the performer possesses special powers to read thoughts, predict events, control other minds, and other similar feats. Some of the more famous magicians in this field include Max Maven and Derren Brown.
- Shock Magic is a genre of magic that shocks the audience, hence the name. Sometimes referred to as "geek magic", it takes its roots from circus sideshows, in which "freakish" performances were shown to audiences. Common shock magic or geek magic effects include Needle Thru Arm (sic) and Pen Thru Tongue (sic). Shock magicians include Vincenzo Ravina and Andrew Mayne.
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