Penn & Teller: Fool Us has become a destination of sorts for budding magicians; a place where performers looking to make a name for themselves by trying to pull the wool over the famous duo’s eyes in an attempt to win an opening slot at their show in Las Vegas. And whether you successfully fool them or not, you’ve got a killer demo reel for your portfolio to show off to potential clients.

If you’re at a point in your career where you’re trying to appear on Fool Us, you’ll want to listen to this week’s episode of the Discourse in Magic podcast, which features an interview with Michael Close. Close is one of two magic consultants for the show, and has recently released a series of instructional books called Paradigm Shift, and even hosts a free online course called Magician’s Masterclass – so he knows a thing or two about what makes a good trick for television. The hour-long podcast is a great listen, covering everything from his background in magic to the best way to hone your routine for a television audition.

You can listen to the episode directly on the Discourse in Magic website, or subscribe via iTunes, Android, or the RSS feed. 

Michael Close is one of the greats when it comes to magic education. He’s been in the business for decades, and a chance to take a peek inside his mind is useful for performers at any level of skill and experience. In other words, the news that he has new educational books available after more than a decade is very, very exciting.

Close is back with a two-volume set called The Paradigm Shift. Both volumes are available as ebooks for an instant download. They include essays, photos, and video. According to the listing, the books include “beautiful sleights that will deceive both laymen and magicians, and commercial, devious routines you will enjoy performing.” Volume One features ideas and routines from Ariel Frailich, John Carney, Simon Aronson, Bob Farmer, and Michael Weber. Mick Ayres, Roy Walton, Harry Riser, Norman Beck, Michael Weber, Jason England, Aaron Fisher, Joshua Jay, and Ton Onosaka are the featured inspirations for Volume Two.

Both ebooks are available from Close’s website for $69.95. If you want more of his magical insights, then check out the recently launched Magician’s Masterclass. The resource is still getting off the ground, but it promises in-depth education from Close and other best-in-the-business performers.

Hat tip to our friends at Canada’s Magic for getting this news on our radar!

Michael Close knows a thing or two about magic. He’s one of the two consultants on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, a respected author, and a 50-year veteran of conjuring performance. Now he’s creating a platform to share what he knows.

He’s launched a website dubbed Magician’s Masterclass. The website offers videos, podcasts, ideas, and other forms of mentorship for people who want to learn about magic. Promising a “front row seat into the minds of masters” and “a place where magicians help magicians,” the site is a new option for performers who want to up their game.

Access to Magician’s Masterclass requires a free membership. The first class is slated to start in December 2017, and the trailer above from Close gives a little more background about what to expect.