Hello everyone! I am new to this and have a couple good originals for my show and some classics to fill time but only my originals match my stage character and the atmosphere I want to create for my shows so I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction? I am looking for some stuff that would fit well with a dark horror/gothic type magic show. I don't really want to use material that I didn't create but right now I only have two tricks (& several ideas) and that isn't enough for an entire show. I'm not saying I want to rip off anyone's hard work but just asking for advice possibly on how I could turn some classics that everyone uses and put a dark twist on them.

Also I have a couple gags that require large props, could anyone give me some info on where I would look to find a really good and not too expensive prop builder?

Thanks

Check with Thommy Razor, myspace.com/razorinc

He's got just what you're looking for.

Jim

If you do a search on "Higley", you will find all kinds of threads from the spooky, mysterious, bizarre forum at the Café which discuss Mr. Higley's very creepy (and cool!) looking products. I think you'll find all kinds of interesting props / routines which could work for you. ... Eyeballs, Shrunken Heads, etc. Sorry, I don't know how to post a link to search results in my threads, or I would. ... Happy hunting,

Chris

How about the good old Needle Through Arm?

Yo,

Really good prop builder and inexpensive almost never go together. Depending on the prop and whether you can give exact directions for it's manufacture you might try a retired cabinet maker in your area that still likes to keep his or her hand in, etc. I know of any number of guys who used this route early on.

You need to look at what is out in book (especially) and on video (not that much) in the Bizzarest Magic camp. Christian Chelman's works are a great place to take a look. Although he is mostly a close-up guy I would think his material could generate a ton of ideas on your part, etc.

Here's the ad copy for his newest book. Price is listed at $79.95 retail, but probably available for less. Mr. Chelman has a truly eerie sensibility and is fabulously creative if you like your magic 'dark'. -

HAUNTIQUES!

Step right up, authentic haunted antiques for sale!

But what price are you willing to pay for a prestigious mythical relic, a "bottle imp", an odd Christmas gift, a bowl of dreams, a vampire hunter's kit circa 1899, an original letter from Jean Cocteau invoking his ghost, a haunted Russian doll, a Magic Mirror, Captain Vanderdecken's cursed tobacco pouch, a fairy's box of treasures, the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse or an extraordinary time-machine?

Your soul, perhaps?

For the past 35 years Christian Chelman has been studying magic as practiced by the magicians of antiquity, by secret societies and by what are often referred to as 'primitive' peoples.

From his many travels, extensive encounters and wide-ranging research, he has amassed a unique collection of magical artifacts, providing irrefutable proof of the presence of the supernatural and fantastic in today's world.

His private museum houses a mother lode of treasures, including prestigious mythical relics, an ancient demon bottle, a bewitched Corona typewriter (circa 1914), a complete Vampire hunter's kit (1899), the cursed tobacco pouch of Captain Vanderdeken, a vase of dreams, the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse, the pack of divination cards used by Cassandra Grosemans, a haunted Russian doll, an extraordinary time machine developed in 1910 by Nikola Tesla...and much, much more!

Every item is carefully studied and restored by a team of specialists. Only then is it 'reactivated' with all due diligence and care.

Page 192 - Hardbound

All best,

Wow that is some amazing stuff the collector has amassed. I would like to see it!