|
|
canaday Special user Florida 738 Posts |
Wandcraft - Judge Gary Brown
$30.00 https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=68032 The Hype: Although the magic wand is a primary symbol of magic, many magicians today disregard it as an affectation, anachronism, or empty contrivance. And so, they lose sight of its power and promise as an instrument of magic. In this groundbreaking book, Judge Gary Brown reawakens us to the potential of magic's most ancient tool. Growing out of his own dawning realization and impassioned play, Wandcraft includes: - Six fully-scripted routines that integrate a magic wand into their performance. - Complete instructions on how to build five types of relatively simple, yet attractive wands. - Practical theory about the history and functions of a magic wand to help this powerful tool come alive in your heart and hands. My Take: How many of you have never used a wand with your magic? (Guilty!) It always seemed old fashioned and a little too theatrical for me. Of course that was before I read Judge Brown's book. (and, unlike Harry Anderson, he is a real United States District Judge in New York. Well, Judge, the verdict is in. What a nice little book you have written for us. If you don't already own a wand, Judge Brown teaches you how to make five different ones. He rates the difficulty of making each one on a scale up to 5. The most difficult is rated 3 and the easiest rated 0. The materials used include dowels (of course), bullet casings, paint, etc. The quickest one can be done in seconds using a Pex tube. The judge will give these to children for a giveaway at a show. Cheap and if the child gets the actual wand used in the program, it is a big thrill for him or her. He gives you ten powers that the wand possesses (none of which are real magic, but all are important), He goes into the history of the wand and techniques. Dai Vernon's wand spin is a well loved move. I have seen drummers from rock bands make a similar move with their drumsticks (both hands here), as a big part of their show. It looks really neat and, if you can master it, makes quite an unforgettable impression. In addition to all this information (and a pile of black and white photos), you are taught five performances, each using a wand, the reasons behind the moves and some nice little extras to magify the routine. Performance 1 - The Twenty-First Century Anti Gravity Wand where a new touch makes a trick everyone already knows a real fooler. Performance 2 - The Heartbroken Wand. Based on the work of Robert F. Neale, this is basically a broken and restored wand routine Performance 3 - The Basic Wand Routine - This is used to teach a lot of the basic functions of the wand. Performance 4 - Touchless Okito - A coin routine where the box is moved using a wand instread of your hands. Performance 5 - The spectator separates the deck into piles. Each time the wand is used something different happens. Performance 6 - Photo Finish. Not a trick. The Judge shows you how you can add a "flash" to a photo. All in all, a handsome little volume that deserves a place in your bookcase. If (like me), wands have not been a part of your magic, this just may change the way you think about them. Well written and very informative. I even learned about something called Chinese Hell Notes that could be valuable in any routine featuring bills. |
Wravyn Inner circle 3480 Posts |
It has been over a half year since you shared your review. Just wondering if you find yourself using a wand more often or if you have set it to the side.
I have books on my shelf that I go back and reference periodically, does Wandcraft have the voice to call back for reference? |
Magical Moments Veteran user 338 Posts |
I find it very interesting that a wand is such an important prop related to magicians used to make the magic happen. In essence, practically everyone recognizes a magic wand!
That being said, I suspect that many of us do not incorporate a wand in our performances. Thoughts? |
Wravyn Inner circle 3480 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 8, 2021, Magical Moments wrote: I agree. Though being a hobbiest, carrying an actual wand around does not seem like an EDC item. I have noticed in a formal shows, wands are used inconsistently, they are not used as a flowing aspect throughout the show. |
Magical Moments Veteran user 338 Posts |
I am a hobbyist as well although I used to do kids shows a long time ago. In those days, I do not remember ever using a wand. Instead, I had the kids say some magic words.
By the way, I do like the magic wand and own a few but do not use them. I am currently working on getting competent with a worthwhile cups and balls routine and plan to incorporate a wand for that. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Books, Pamphlets & Lecture Notes » » Wandcraft (Making and Using a Magic Wand) -- Judge Gary Brown (a Magic Portal review) (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |