May 25: Is Magic an art?
OK, let’s settle this once and for all.
May 2026
Vol. 89, No. 5
Almanac
May 20: James Stewart
He had a turn as a magic assistant but found his success in the movies.
Almanac
May 14: Stewart James
Creative genius gets inspiration from three friends.
Almanac
May 01: Chung Ling Soo’s Marketing Tactics
When believing your own press can get you into real trouble.
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.
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.