Every now and then, someone comes along with a new concept for performing magic. Not simply a new effect or method, or even a new act. Rather, they show us a fresh theatrical approach to presenting magic.

It might be magic experienced totally in the dark, only through the senses of hearing and touch (Juan Varellaʼs From the Dark); or a show the audience watches both onstage and backstage (Simon Coronel and Shoot Ogawaʼs Very Strange Monday Night Show); or a two-man show performed by now “ex-friends,” each on either side of a wall dividing the stage (Jonathan Levit and Mad Tad); or even a presentation with lots of audience participation, but no magician (Richard Wisemanʼs Experimental).

Each of these is a high concept, a different “frame” for our art.

What is the difference between Concept and Content?

While waiting in line to see a show we called From the Dark, ticket holders were asked to put on a souvenir sleep mask. They were then individually escorted into a different performing space. They were seated and a small box was strapped to their leg. Inside the box was a handful of props — a coin, cylinder, finger ring, etc. For the next twenty minutes, everyone experienced a magic show in the dark, using only hearing and touch.

In this example, the tricks, the script, and even the personality of the performer — they’re all Content.

The Concept is simply: Experience a magic show in the dark, using only hearing and touch.

Now, MAGIC Live and the Academy of Magical Arts are joining forces to search the worldwide magic community to not only find magicians with new theatrical approaches but to help them get these ideas out of their heads and onto a stage.

At Live this summer, we’ll be featuring four of these new concepts, with each performer(s) showcasing a sample of their works in progress. This parlor show is called ETC, which is short for Experimental Theater Concepts. Also, it’s a nod to et cetera – that these pieces will continue to develop, with the next step possibly The Peller Theatre at the Magic Castle.

And you can be part of it. Here’s how:

  • Write up your concept and submit it below.
  • You need only send us a paragraph or two, and you don’t have to have all of the performance details figured out. Basically, it’s your elevator pitch.
  • Keep in mind that, eventually, your concept will need to be developed into a performance for a parlor venue without video screens and without fire or smoke effects of any kind.
  • If you’re not a performer or don’t have the time to develop it into an act, still send in your idea. We’ll try to find the right person to get your idea to the stage.
  • The deadline for pitches is March 7th.
  • All pitches will be kept confidential.
  • If two ideas are similar, the first one we receive will be the one considered. So, please don’t delay.
  • On March 10th, we will select eight semi-finalists. Each will receive $1,000 in development money to help move their concepts forward.
  • A script or outline is due by April 7th.
  • A rehearsal video is due by May 7th.
  • On May 8th, we will select the final four, who will each receive a contract to appear at MAGIC Live, including travel, hotel, registration, and a performance fee.
  • Each finalist will perform a 10- to 15-minute segment on our ETC show, with three performances on August 4th and three on August 5th. You will need to arrive in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 2nd, for rehearsals.
  • The ETC show is not a contest. The finalists will not be judged and there will be no prizes. 

We can’t wait to hear from you.  Good luck!

Submit Your Experimental Theater Concept

This form uses Google reCAPTCHA v3 to prevent spam.