How do magicians go about it when they desire to cause something to appear mysteriously? The most common solution of the problem is a laborious and tedious search. Catalogues are thoroughly shifted. Textbooks on magic are thumbed from cover to cover. The performances of other magicians are eagerly scouted. And the magic shops are visited again and again.

Of course, the deliberate decision to add an effect of a definite nature is not the usualway the average magician adds to his routine or repertoire. The usual trick is added by the run-of-the-mill magical enthusiast simply because something in the number appeals to him. It might be the appearance of the apparatus. Or the apparent profundity of the method, the deceptive feature. Or the comedy potentialities. Or any of a number of other factors. I’m convinced this is not the correct way to add program material. It seems far better to me to add material from the viewpoint of its importance in adding entertainment value to the performer’s routine.

However, should a magician decide to add a production or appearance number to his program, usually through search he finds some type of trick that supplies the desired general effect. The specific trick selected usually determines the object with which the effect is accomplished. Then, the object to be used established, if he desires to tie it into a unified routine, he shapes and warps and changes matters until he meets his requirements as nearly as possible.

The somewhat more exacting magician will usually adopt the second method. Here, he will decide to add some type of production or mysterious appearance. Before embarking upon his search, he will determine the object or objects with which he wishes to accomplish the effect. Then, as before, he will make the search. But this investigation is not so general. Specifically, he knows what he wants to cause to appear. His hunt is limited to tricks in which the desired object is used. If he fails in his search, or if the tricks he finds do not seem satisfactory to him, usually he will decide upon a second object to take the place of the first choice

Magic props come in all shapes and sizes. You can build your routine around simple things like a deck of cards, small animals or balloons. You can find a few common items in the grocery such as knives, paper or sugar cubes. But eventually you’ll want to search out and find a good magic shop.

Not only will you be able to get all the props and equipment you need for your performance, the magic shop is great resource for new ideas and even places to perform.

If you require custom equipment you can go also about making it yourself. In centuries past, most magicians had to build their own props and equipment. Some tricks don’t require anything more than some plywood and a few tools. Also, if your props are home made you can be sure that no one else will have a trick exactly like yours.

The first piece you may want to create is your magician’s table. You can custom build it with hidden compartments to assist you with tricks where objects need to disappear.

Another important, although sometimes overlooked, piece of magician’s equipment is the outfit. What the magician wears can be a critical part of the performance and set the tone for the audience. Many magicians also like to have customized outfits with hidden pockets or panels to assist with tricks. Unless you have a talent for sewing you may want to consult with a local tailor to get your outfit created.

Perhaps the most common prop in magic is the deck of cards. This may seem simple but there are many different types. There are different colors, sizes, marked cards, double faced and double backed cards just to name a few. Most magic stores will have a type of deck to accommodate any tricks you might be working on but some magicians have their cards customized as well. If you do go with customized cards remember that you want them to look as much like an “ordinary” deck of cards as possible. You want the audience to believe that the magic is coming from you, not the props.

If your audience consists of a large group of children then the use of animals in your tricks is a must. Usually a white rabbit or white doves work the best. Doves are the easiest to train and rabbits don’t make noise or bite. Some magic stores will carry them but you can also get them at a local pet store.

If your trick calls for you to cover something with a handkerchief, you should opt for silk rather than a cotton handkerchief. Silk adds a touch of class and they are usually larger and come in a large variety of colors.

Complex magic tricks will almost always require some equipment or props so be prepared to go shopping or head out to the garage to make them yourself. Just remember that you make the magic happen, not the props. Also remember that fancy props are no substitute for honing your skills through practice and repetition. Master your craft and the right equipment will just add the finishing touch to your professional level performance.