Hey Guys,

Alright, I am no stranger to Topit stuff. I did a lot of research on Topit patterns and whatnot before deciding on taking the Ammar approach. I played with it for a little while, then forgot about it and went back to the pasteboards.

Then, earlier this week, I took out my coat, as the weather was getting chilly, and there it was. So just for kicks, I put it on and played around. Now it seems, this time, I cannot get enough! I've been going Topit crazy, trying to incorporate its use into everything! Without making it a routine in itself, of course!

I seriously think anyone who doesn't topit is truly missing out. Even if you only use it sparingly, it's use can greatly strengthen your magic!

Sorry, I just had to tell you guys about this recent love affair!

Josh

Hey, Josh, I had an Ammar installed many years ago, and I loved it, though I had to be weary of becoming "Topit Happy!"

Some of the nicest uses for it are the subtle ones...

Bri

Lewis Davenport used to vanish a cat with his topit.

Hmmmmm... if the cat has claws, you could train it to hang on and wouldn't need the topit.

Pete, is that a big or small cat?

Haha! I do not have a cat...and my dog is quite big!

However, I did entertain the idea of topiting a gerbil and other assorted rodents...

I got it! Start of my stage act, my topiting a rabbit from the local pet store!! I think that's when you know you've lost it.

If you are going to use a topit, check out Pat Page's video on its use.

My favorite set of instructional videos on the Topit was done by Bob Fitch. I really think that Fitch is the modern master of this device.
http://www.fitchmagic.com/Storefront.htm


Michael Ammar's Topit book got me started. The Ammar VHS tapes that supported The Topit Book are also on DVD, too.
http://store.ammarmagic.com/topit-dvd.html

Carl Cloutier has his work on DVD, as well. I've done enough damage here.

Jay Scott Berry has some good work, as well.

The problem is there are so many sources!

I never looked too hard at Carl's work on the topit because his work seems to rely on high energy, which is drastically different from my performing style. It's great stuff, it just didn't seem like my style, so I passed it up.

I seriously considered Bob Fitch's DVD, but initially it was a little out of my price range. I heard that his motions utilized his knowledge of choreography and dance...true?

I was just looking to buy Pat Pages DVD on Topit work.

I never looked too much at Jay Scott Berry's, but I did hear it was very practical.

Without going into detail, Jay's topit has a lot going for it. You can't "overthrow" it, for one thing.

As Ken Brooke used to preach, "Don't get greedy with the principle." Use it once.

Sterling advice. The best use of this I have seen has been to ditch gimmicks and generally make magic a lot cleaner...

As I said, I use Ammar's Topit now, and I have never overthrown it. I've under-thrown it a lot!

I think more than patterns, I'm looking for different ways to throw into it that are really natural. I don't wanna have that infamous, "Oh, here he comes, he's gonna topit!" body posture/motion. That's what I've been really focusing on during my practice.

Pete, I couldn't agree more!

Mindyourmagic, I've been thinking a lot about that, too. I've begun looking to see what effects I didn't want to do -because of the gimmick- that might be resolved though topiting.

When I first got into it, I abused it; vanished anything I could hold in my hand... It's highly addictive, and I still have to fight the urge.
Topits Anonymous, anyone?

SOS,

The Topit can be used for more than a resting place for gimmicks, much more. The few that have truly explored Mr. Page's simple little device have been amply rewarded.

If you're looking for well-thought-out vanishes, I mentioned several sources of good information. You should find Carl Cloutier's DVDs, as well. He will fool the snot out of you. You'll be watching him do a trick and, all of a sudden, your nose will start to bleed. Yup, he fooled the snot out of you!

KG

Never used a Topit cause of my big belly. Any advice?

Ian,

The belly, this really isn't a problem. It may hinder some movements, but you can still benefit from the Topit itself. As Ammar says in his DVDs, it's really a matter of knowing where your Topit is and knowing where to throw.

Sylvester the Jester has a killer way without a jacket. Built in to suspenders. Check it out.

Any thought on the David Penn topit? It is cheap and has a DVD - seems you can pin it into your jackets.

is it worthwhile, or should I just Ammar it?

If you're a professional, once you install the topit, you can deduct your suit as a business expense.