VANISH
MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER
Paul Romhany & Joomag
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & DESIGN LAYOUT
Paul Romhany
COVER PHOTO
J.W. Entertainment
THANK YOU TO
O
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D
D
R
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F ROM
THE
EDITOR
THE VIRTUAL MAGICIAN
What a whirlwind month. With the world on lockdown life has taken a very different
turn and the term 'live' entertainment has grasped a new meaning. What has been
exciting to see are the performers who have embraced the internet and been able
to continue their occupation presenting paid LIVE STREAMING shows. I have termed
this The Birth of the Virtual Magician. This is different from YouTube and Social Media
quick trick performances because the Live Stream performer is presenting a “LIVE”
show, structured to engage an audience, interact with every single person and make
them feel like they are part of the experience. I for one am excited about the potential
of this new performance platform and have often said THIS is the new approach some
magicians have been looking for, you might say it’s streaming hot!
Chipper Lowell
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Hal Meyers
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nick Lewin
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Ben Robinson
STAFF WRITERS
Jeff Christensen, Louie Fox, Nick Lewin,
Paul Romhany, Hal Meyers, David J.
Atwood, Felicity Fields, Lori Martin, Peter
Mennie, Jason Andrews, Joshua Seth, Colin
Underwood, Thomas L. Swieciak, Felice
Ling, Jeff Christensen
EDITORIAL SUPPORT EXECUTIVE
Hal Meyers, Ben Robinson
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Paul Romhany & Sydnie Anderson
CREATIVE DESIGNER & LAYOUT
Paul Romhany
VANISH CONVENTION DIRECTOR
Steve Hocevar
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION
Harry Morgan
ADDRESS
1183 Blind Bogey Drive
Qualicum Beach, BC.
V9K1E6
CANADA
Yes, there are always those who will knock live streaming, probably because they
don't fully understand it and/or are not ready or capable of adapting. Hopefully,
sooner than later, there will be live performances again for audiences in theaters or
on cruise ships, however, it might never be the same, and those who were working
constantly in those venues may need to look at other performing options as it takes
time to get back to the way it once was. The world has changed, possibly forever, and
you either evolve with it or get left behind.
VANISH always embraces and seeks to change, I feel the world of magic has been
suddenly catapulted to the next phase. This edition looks at ways to help you move in
to this field and offers some tips from those performers who have had a slight head
start and are able to continue performing and make a living. Once this pandemic
subsides we will have a brand new medium fully embraced by todays audiences, and
yes, there will be a time when people join you on stage, however, that may be further
in the future.
This month it is an honor to have Craig Diamond on our cover. For many readers this
will be the first time hearing his name. There is no one I know in the industry who has
done and who does more work as a performer than Craig. He has travelled more than
any other person in this industry. His influence is wide and far. It is true, if Craig see's
you work and likes what you do, one phone call from him could lead to you working
some incredibly well paid prestigious gigs. Those of us who know Craig and his work
have the upmost respect for him. His longevity in this business proves how wonderful
a person and how fine a performer he is.
I chose to do another double cover this month
paying tribute to Norm Nielsen. Like everybody in
the realm of prestidigitation I was deeply affected
by his passing. I met Norm 30 years ago and was
fortunate to see him work when he travelled through
New Zealand. He was kind enough to visit me and
watch one of my early Chaplin performances. His
advice changed my thinking entirely and gave me
the focus I needed to take the act to a professional
level. I visited Norm and Lupe at their home and
marveled at their poster collection and I was thrilled
and vividly remember seeing the 'floating' grand
piano as I entered their house. I believe Norm had one
of the finest magic acts in the world, he was certainly
one of the nicest gentleman who has ever graced our
profession. He is missed by everyone who knew him
… our love goes out to Lupe.
Paul Romhany
MAY | 2020
7