Cases For Magic

by Johnny Ould

Need something to carry your show in once you have a few tricks in your collection?

Most beginning magicians start with something cheaper than the professional roll-on or suitcase tables.

A second-hand store offers many possibilities for unique cases that can suit you and your show...

Suitcases,

 

Boxes,

                              Bags

.

 

 

 

Keep an open mind for other props you could use

for your magic when browsing there as well!

Here are some more ideas...

Tackle/Tool Boxes with small compartments are perfect for storing cards, coins,      pens, rope and other props you might use in your close-up show.

    They come in a variety of styles and sizes. A small to medium     should do for most of us, but then, maybe you have a large     number of props to store and use.

Lunch Boxes/Bags also provide a nice space to store your props for a small     "Lunchtime" or "After Dinner" show. There are many choices to    consider, but I would opt for a bigger one, without the thermos.   

One could even get one of the older style ones with the

rounded lid and redecorate it as an old style trunk.

Discount and Dollar type Stores offer many ideas too. Here are a few...

Fancy Gift Bags othat are Large and Strong offer many themed ideas for...

~ Birthdays,

~ Christmas,

~ Easter,

~ Halloween, Etc.

Jewelry Boxes offer a variety of styles too, but stay away from the musical ones. Best use a large one with rising trays and drawers.

Trinket Boxes with removable lids come in many different shapes and sizes.

Shoe Boxes have always been around and can be decorated with fancy paper to suit you.

 

The idea is to have an attractive looking container that is big enough to organize and store your magic show props.

Now this will vary and depend upon the type of show you are performing. Smaller containers are more suited to the intimate closeup shows, while the larger type of container will be need if you are using bigger props for parlor and family room audiences, etc.

Dollar Stores offer a variety of decorated storage boxes and Office Supply outlets will no doubt provide many more options too! One of my earlier magic boxes was one that was made of heavy duty corrugated cardboard that had a lift off lid as was used to store archived file folders, so it had to be strong. I decorated it as a wooden box, with wood look vinyl.

It is amazing what one can find if you have an open mind toward... 'Could I use this item in my magic?' type of thinking. Afterall, using common looking items in the show certainly makes everything more acceptable and when the magic happens with the use of familiar objects, the magic becomes even more mystifying.

The ideal TABLE on which to place your Magic Case, is the seat of a stool or chair, a folding Snack Table or TV tray/table. Whatever height is comfortable is what you should strive to get. Some will find a table about 30" high best, while others will choose a lower location provided by a stool or chair.

Of course, if your show is a standup act, this will dictate.  However, if your show is a closeup act and you are seated to perform, then you may find your lap, or a small step stool on the floor (or the floor itself) best to hold your case for magic at an easy access level.