Parlor magic
Encyclopedia
Parlor magic is done for larger audiences than close-up magic (which is for a few people or even one person) and for smaller audiences than stage magic. In parlor magic, the performer is usually standing and on the same level as the audience, which may be seated on chairs or even on the floor. According to the Encyclopedia of Magic and Magicians by T.A. Waters
T.A. Waters
Thomas Alan Waters was an American magician, writer about magic, and science fiction author.-History:...

, "The phrase [parlor magic] is often used as a pejorative to imply that an effect under discussion is not suitable for professional performance." Also, many magicians consider the term "parlor" to be old fashioned and limiting, since this type of magic is often done in rooms much larger than the traditional parlor, or even outdoors. A better term for this branch of magic may be "platform," "club" or "cabaret."

Most so-called "birthday-party magicians" do magic that fits into this classification. These tricks include the "Miser's Dream" (where a seemingly endless supply of coins is produced from thin air), sucker tricks (like the "die box", where a giant die is put in a two-compartment box; the magician makes it vanish but the audience believe he simply shifts it to the other compartment; eventually the magician opens both sides of the box and the die is gone; it has appeared in a previously-empty hat); audience participation tricks (like the breakaway wand, where a wand remains rigid for the magician but falls apart every time the volunteer touches it); production effects (like the square circle, in which a bottomless, topless box with a screened front encloses a bottomless, topless cylinder. Both are shown empty and put together again; the magician then produces large quantities of silk scarves, fruit, bottles, and so on from the "empty" cylinder, inside the square box); and so on. There are countless effects that could be considered as fitting into this classification.

Parlor, or club, magicians generally work without assistants and within a few miles of their homes (unlike stage magicians, who may have several in their crew - both backstage and on stage - and may travel thousands of miles between jobs). This is because payment is less for parlor magicians (but still generally more than for close-up performers). Performances of this category of magic include civic and fraternal organizations, business groups, private parties, youth groups, church societies, public dinners, and similar venues.

Parlor magicians are not as well known to the general public (if at all) as stage magicians such as David Copperfield
David Copperfield (illusionist)
David Copperfield is an Emmy Award-winning American illusionist, and was described by Forbes as the most commercially successful magician in history. Copperfield's network specials have been nominated for 38 Emmy Awards and won a total of 21 Emmys...

 and Lance Burton
Lance Burton
Lance Burton is a stage illusionist. He has appeared on numerous television programs, and also performed for Queen Elizabeth and President Ronald Reagan...

. Parlor or platform magicians include people such as Americans
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 John Mulholland
John Mulholland
John Mulholland is the name of:*John Mulholland , president of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, 1910–1912*John Mulholland, 1st Baron Dunleath , Irish businessman and Conservative Member of Parliament*John F...

, Steve Cohen
Steve Cohen (magician)
Steve Cohen is an American magician who specializes in parlor magic. Sometimes called the millionaires' magician, he performs regularly in a suite at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York and at private parties in other places.,...

 and Larry White
Larry White
Larry David White was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched in 11 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1983 & 1984 seasons.-External links:...

, who is also the former magic editor of MUM magazine; Europeans
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...

 Fred Kaps
Fred Kaps
Fred Kaps , was a Dutch magician, famous for being the only magician to become FISM Grand Prix world champion three times. He was the creator of numerous original effects including his version of the color-changing silks. Another popular effect he often performed was the Long Pour Salt trick...

 and Alan Shaxon
Alan Shaxon
Alan Shaxon is a professional magician and a former president of The Magic Circle. He specialises in cabaret performances and is billed as one of England's foremost magicians....

.
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