magician

A magician is a performer who presents tricks and illusions that give the impression of supernatural feats. Modern magicians rely on a combination of misdirection, psychology, sleight of hand, and specially designed props or devices rather than real powers. The term encompasses a range of performers, including stage magicians, close-up workers, mentalists, escapologists, and illusionists who perform in theaters, on television, or in street settings. Although some acts are framed as entertainment, historical magic often intersected with occult beliefs; today most performers emphasize illusion and entertainment rather than claims of real magic.

Skills common to the craft include card and coin handling, misdirection, concealment, gimmicks, and secret setups. Close-up and street magicians favor intimate, rapid effects performed within a few feet of spectators, while stage magicians use larger props and longer sequences, often with assistants.

History of magic as a performance art dates to ancient times and evolved through medieval and early modern entertainments. The 18th and 19th centuries saw professional conjurers, culminating in figures such as Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, who helped establish magic as legitimate theatre. The 20th century brought continued innovation in stage, television, and film, with notable performers including Harry Houdini, who specialized in escape acts, and contemporary figures such as Penn & Teller and Derren Brown, who blend illusion with humor or psychological techniques.

Ethics and presentation: magicians typically maintain secrecy about methods to preserve the illusion, while ensuring audience safety and obtaining consent for more interactive or risky effects.