May 01: Chung Ling Soo’s Marketing Tactics
When believing your own press can get you into real trouble.
May 2026
Vol. 89, No. 5
Best In Show
Conjuring Lab
At the Blackpool Magic Convention we meet the trio behind this innovative company.
Features
An Oral History of the Manufactured Standing Ovation
20 magicians reflect on the long-established practice of getting an audience to their feet, why it works, and when it doesn’t.
Workshop
Too Many Cooks In The Kitchen
Advice for handling when an audience member (or birthday kid’s parent) tells you how to do your magic show.
Workshop
The Hardest Questions
Taking the tough questions to build the best possible structure for your act.
Workshop
Making Crowd Work Work: More Games to Find the Funny
Five more games that will help you find the funny.
Workshop
A Safe Space for Honest Feedback
Sometimes we get feedback whether we ask for it or not; receiving it and filtering out what will make your act better takes practice.
In Practice
Inventing Magic: With Tobias Dostal
Two wildly creative magicians invent a trick in just one hour.
Magicana
Give Dance a Chance
A stand-up card routine by Helge Thun—visual and funny!
Perspectives
The Chamber of Secrets: The Misunderstanding
The story of a Thayer-themed diorama.
Perspectives
Brendan Rodrigues: Magic With Flair
Meet a mysterious stranger on the other side of the dance floor
Perspectives
Stylish Characters in Conversation: Costume vs. Cosplay
Continuing their chat on style, Rachel and Prakash discuss the importance of making intentional choices with your costume.