Conjuring may be the oldest form of theatrical arts. This weekly series explores the history of magic, from ancient Egypt to modern-day Las Vegas and profiles some of the world's greatest illusionists. The selling of magic by the entrepreneurs and impressarios who have put magicians and magic on the world's stages. We examine everything from the master of self-promotion Harry Houdini to the daily grind of corporate magicians to agents. The techniques used in con games and close-up magic are often the same.
Magicians learn from gambling sleights and gamblers usually have a trick or two up their sleeves.
The techniques are often the same in con games and close-up magic. Traditionally, magic has been a male-dominated art form with women relegated to the roles of assistant or backstage aide. We look at why there are so few women in magic and consider the role of women conjurors today. Traditionally, magic has been a male-dominated art form with women relegated to either the role of assistant or backstage aide. There is a great tradition of comedy in magic, from the vaudeville houses of the turn of the century to hip comedy clubs of today.