In some cases cardboard boxes are better suited but not most. I'm building an illusion with a cardboard box right now so I won't argue with you there. The cardboard is part of the story in my illusion.

These props do look much better on stage than a cardboard box. Unless the cardboard fits the theme of your act its going to look " amateur".

Yes carboard is free but the prom tux from the goodwill down the street is a lot cheaper than a custom taylored tux but I wouldn't want to use the prom tux on stage.

Best,

Tim

I odn't think Cris Angel's act looks "amateur" because he uses seemingly innocent props ... today's audinences accept it as ordinary ... a plain item. I think the magician is the important factor, not the props he uses. To compare it to an article of clothing it ridiculous ...

When Criss takes the stage and quits doing cgi/staged/edited street magic I don't think you'll see him using Cardboard boxes on the Luxor's stage.

The clothing reference was to make the point that "free" isn't always a better way to go.

Best,

Tim

I agree with Tim--

The only reason cardboard boxes work with Criss Angel now, is specifically because he uses them in a "street magic" context....I'd be willing to bet that you won't see them on stage at the Luxor.

Try using cardboard boxes at your next formal theater/corporate show, and see if adds to your perceived value...(unless it's part of a motivated presentation, like Tim seems to be working on)

I'd take Creative Magic's cube-squared over cardboard any day.

Keith Jozsef

Keith,

Take a Victory Carton illusion, using a large sheet between the boxes, toss in large picture of your assistant or a CEO, then have the sheet rise and the Assistant or CEO appear.

I still think it's powerful!!!!

But I still like the Creative Magic illusions as well. (just showing that any prop can be an effective prop)

I think we're all in agreement that any prop can be an effective prop...

However, I firmly believe that context plays a major role in the stagecraft we employ. When I work 4 New Year's Eve shows for Harrah's Casino in a couple of months, do think cardboard boxes and the like, are the type of image they want to put forth to their customers?...That their paying me good money to present? Clearly not...If this were a backyard birthday extavaganza or block-party, or anything much more casual--then certainly, all of the above cardboard/easy-build effects more than fit the bill--but in other environments they can be hazardous to your career.

Keith Jozsef