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Magic Keynote: DreamsDave Arch These are portions from Dave Arch's magic keynote where he uses several of the effects taught in his "Tricks for Trainers" series:
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Scientific Cold Reading IntroDave Arch Why would anyone purchase another eBook or watch another video on the subject of cold reading? What could possibly be new that hasn't already been said? I too would be skeptical. After you've read Webster, Dewey, Scryer and others, what else could there be? Drawing on my ten years as a Pastor and fourteen years as an Executive Coach (and zero years as a psychic), please, if you're at all curious, take a few moments and watch as I share my perspective on cold reading, how that perspective evolved, and then a quick overview of the model I'm recommending in my series of five eBooks soon to be released... | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listMP4 (video) |
Squeaky MonteDave Arch After being inspired by the YouTube videos where a chimpanzee or dog shows amazement at the performance of a magic trick, the magician tells the story of a magic trick he created for his dog. The audience plays the role of the dog as the magician shows that one of the dog toys squeaks while two do not. He then mixes the three and although the audience is sure they followed the squeaking toy, they are fooled multiple times even when the magician takes pity and reduces the number of toys down to only two. Once you've purchased three rubber squeaky dog toys it'll take you less than a minute to... | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listMP4 (video) |
Dave Arch InterviewDave Arch & Scott Wells  Listen in as Scott Wells, host of The Magic Word Podcast interviews Lybrary author, Dave Arch, on a wide range of topics including his school show business model, his work in teaching magic to corporate trainers, the systematic growing of a local magic club, and Dave's series of ebooks and videos on Scientific Cold Reading released through Lybrary.com.
1st edition 2018, length 1 h 4 min | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listMP3 |
Number NonsenseDave Arch In decades of reading and performing magic, only four number-based brainteasers made my short list for consistent use with my audiences. I share them with you as a thank you for the support you've shown my work on Lybrary.com.
The four number-based puzzlers in this package made the cut based on the following criteria:
- Each had to be obscure enough that my audiences would not have seen or heard of them before;
- Although based on numbers, the process in the presentation needed to be direct and simple; and
- Most importantly . . . each needed to illustrate a proven principle essential for...
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OverheadDave Arch No doubt you've seen "two person telepathy" party stunts where one person leaves the room while the other remains. After coming back into the room, the person is able to discern an object selected by those in the room to the puzzlement of those watching.
This obscure version has one of the partners leave the room and stay in the other room while the remaining partner holds his/her hand above the heads of several people in the room. Each time s/he holds his/her hand above a head s/he repeats the single word "Overhead." Then finally the partner remaining in the room holds his/her hand over... | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listPDF |
Alphabet SoupDave Arch Many have seen this classic observation test. The rules are simple. Read through the paragraph in the logo only once - counting the number of F's in the paragraph.
Most will find three F's. Some might even find six. Few will find all of them. And there are some very good reasons for that explained in this release. When understood, you'll be able to create your own paragraph to market your show in a manner that others just might keep to show others.
1st edition 2019, 1 page. | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listPDF |
Suzy the Psychic FishDave Arch If you ever have the occasion to perform by a lake, ocean or river and would like to present a memorable performance piece, you might be happy you've downloaded and read this. The last time the author performed it he was on a pontoon boat in the middle of a lake.
The magician introduces his mind reading fish - swimming unconcerned in a small plastic bag. The fish is released into the water and then performs an extraordinary feat of dramatic mind reading prowess.
1st edition 2019, 2 pages. | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listPDF |
Psychic SantaDave Arch Has it ever seemed strange to anyone but me that the Santa at the mall has to ask the child his/her name and what s/he wants him to bring them? He's suppose to know all about whether you've been bad or good, but he can't call you by name? This coming Holiday Season why not offer to a mall in your area a Santa that tells the child his/her name and what he thinks s/he wants for Christmas? A two person telepathy act wrapped up in the context of a Santa with no complicated code or memorization required. Here it is.
1st edition 2019, 1 page. | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listPDF |
Liar/Truth Teller Carnival SignDave Arch Whichever technique you use from sophisticated electronics to that of a logic puzzle foundation, this free antique sign graphic might help you set the stage for your "which hand" routine as you show the picture and talk about the system you recently learned as used by carnival hustlers working the midway many years ago. In my case, I also find that having the participant hold a small charm pig in one hand (if they choose to be a liar) or a little charm angel in their hand (if they choose to be a truth teller) helps to keep them more consistent in their answers. I carry the little charms in a... | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listJPEG (digital image) |
A Proven Junior Magician's CurriculumDave Arch
As Executive Director of The Omaha Magical Society and author of a magic club leaders resource blog, Dave Arch saw the need for a low-cost junior magician's curriculum that could be taught by someone with even an entry-level knowledge of magic as long as they had a passion for growing kids in their personal confidence and social skills.
What you now have is the result of a two-year effort to build the curriculum, create the videos, and field test the project - fine-tuning it based on what was discovered out in the field.
Our hope is that you find it a resource that will be of use to... | ★★★★★ $0 to wish listPDF |
Sensational SonjaDave Arch Imagine a routine of musical mind reading with less than 30 seconds of time spent coaching the band, pianist, DJ, or even a Kazoo player. That's what you get with this proven routine. The audience makes the requests, and your musician plays the songs. Includes a bonus idea for using a phone app to even add to the fun! Many magicians work events where a DJ is also present. This is perfect for that venue (with no rehearsal necessary).
1st edition 2015, 3 pages. | ★★★★★ $5 to wish listPDF |
The Oracle BoardDave Arch As a cousin of the Ouija Board, this little known tool will randomly and mystically deliver one of five different messages to your spectator. The best part is that once you understand the formula for laying out the board (through the accompanying instructions), you'll be able to customize the five phrases on the reproducible board you receive in this package in any language you choose. Designed by a professional graphic artist The Oracle Board you receive to print out certainly looks the part of an ancient divining tool.
1st edition 2018, 2 pages. | ★★★★★ $5 to wish listPDF |
Under the SpellDave Arch Many magicians are familiar with Jim Steinmeyer's most excellent Nine Card Trick. However, not as many are aware of the precursor that used an entire (or nearly full) deck to have various audience members spell personal information and still find the selected card!
My favorite place to use this routine is when sitting at a table when the deck can be passed around the table with up to six different people participating in the process of selecting, losing and then finding the card. Follow the instructions, and the magic works itself.
1st edition 2018, 2 pages. | $5 to wish listPDF |
Tic Tac Toe Top SecretDave Arch Imagine challenging an entire room of people to simultaneous games of Tic Tac Toe (aka. Noughts and Crosses). Everyone plays against you at the same time, and you boldly state that you will not lose one game in the room. You could even be blindfolded. True to your word you don't lose one of the games.
Although you won't always win (some will be a draw), you won't ever lose when you apply this fool-proof system known to very few.
This is not a gag but rather a proven system for pulling off a demonstration of just what's possible when you commit yourself to consistently work a proven plan.
... | ★★★★★ $5 to wish listPDF |
Capture the CoinDave Arch You can almost smell the popcorn and hear the screams from the roller coaster as the magician unfolds the game board to demonstrate this seldom seen scam entitled Capture The Coin. With two coins placed on a checkerboard-like mat, the mark attempts to beat the game operator by moving in turn their coins one square at a time. If the mark successfully eludes the operator's coin from catching (moving into the same intersection of the lines as his), the mark wins. If the operator corners the mark's coin and then moves his coin into the same intersection of lines as the mark's coin, the operator... | ★★★★★ $5 to wish listPDF |
The Scissors RaceDave Arch A little friendly competition between audience members might be just what's needed to add a piece of variety to your show. As two contestants compete in a paper cutting race, the magic starts to happen. Both the contestants and the audience are surprised by the unexpected outcome. Ultimately it ends in a tie. Truly there must be magic in the air.
In addition . . . Dave has added as a bonus another non-magical competition that he used for over a decade to decide who would be given his Giant Balloon Reindeer.
1st edition 2019, 2 pages. | $5 to wish listPDF |
Generic Four Card MonteDave Arch Now you can use these instructions to make your own customized four card monte routine for any themed event. It doesn't involve a "flap card," and the full faces of all four cards are shown during this multi-phase routine. Visit your local office supply store and have them make up these cards in a moment's time using even the pictures of people's faces from your audience. Ideal for trade show work too when using product features and/or benefits. Comes complete with a practice set of graphics for making a kid's story routine about three mice and an elephant as well as a video to explain the simple... | $6 to wish listPDF & MP4 |
JoJo the Mindreading DogDave Arch Add a live animal to your act at no cost!
Imagine being able to announce that you have a live dog as part of your show - performing a card trick. Now imagine that you didn't need to own or transport a dog for this hilarious routine to work.
This manuscript gift from Dave Arch gives you a routine he has used for years - making his show look bigger without any fuss or muss.
Comes complete with a commissioned poster Dave had created for his own use. You're free now to use it in your own shows.
"I consider it one of the best gimmicked decks there is ..." - Andy Jerxmann in the book ... | ★★★★★ $7 to wish listPDF |
Man Becomes His Own GrandpaDave Arch "I pause my magic show to bring you a special public service announcement. It has come to my attention that someone has regretfully become his own grandpa. Needless to say he has become the laughing stock of all far and wide. This should never happen to anyone. Consequently, through the help of this diagram, I am going to explain how it happened so you may not ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation."
For forty years this interlude has proven itself an enjoyable diversion for the middle of my magic show - demonstrating the versatility of the performer. No singing ability is required... | ★★★★★ $7 to wish listPDF & MP3 |
Gypsy Eradication RitualDave Arch Just in time for your Halloween shows. While the rest of the group stands in a circle reading in unison the ritual instructions printed on what appears to be an aged piece of parchment paper, the person who'll be receiving the benefits of the ritual sits at a small table in the center of the circle with a piece of paper, matches, pen, candle, and plate. As that person follows the instructions being read by the group, the ritual unfolds - working itself. The only suggestion is to collect the ritual instruction sheets at the end of the ceremony to keep the mystery in the experience - preventing... | ★★★★★ $7 to wish listPDF |
Interactive Matrix FormulaDave Arch No doubt you've seen this formula applied to magic tricks on television specials or internet websites where you've been encouraged to put your finger on any card showing on the screen. Then as you follow the magician's series of instructions - moving your finger from card to adjacent card (with a sense of free choice), the magician begins to inexplicably remove cards on which your finger isn't resting until only one clearly predetermined card remains.
Although the formula has been used for decades as the basis for creating variously themed magic tricks (from comedy to the bizarre), the sharing... | ★★★★★ $7 to wish listPDF & MP4 |
Giant Balloon ReindeerDave Arch Ready to up your game beyond a pencil balloon animal . . . but don't have time to learn a complicated series of sculptures large enough for the platform or stage? Want a multi-phased balloon sculpture that plays well on stage and also serves equally well as a back-of-the-room sales piece? In spite of the fact that you only create one balloon reindeer as part of your show, no one in your audience needs be disappointed since they can purchase a kit (thoughtfully provided by you) with the necessary balloons and an instruction sheet that explains how to make one of the reindeers at home.
This... | ★★★★★ $7 to wish listPDF & MP4 |
Paper ParadoxDave Arch Have you ever seen the paper puzzle where you try and find a hidden message or picture without tearing or ripping the folded paper? If not, you can see it here:
You'll be taken step-by-step in this instructional video as you learn to make The Paper Paradox (without any complicated origami folds) for your own fun (and/or marketing). You'll also receive an MSWord template for customizing to your own message (download from the digital shelf). Prospects sure keep this puzzle longer and show it to more people than any business card.
1st edition 2018, length 6 min 30 s. | ★★★★★ $7 to wish listMP4 (video) |
Volunteer GameDave Arch The next time you select a volunteer for one of your magic routines, why not play a quick game of chance to decide who the volunteer's going to be? Yet . . . do so with total confidence that the person you want to use in your show is always the one who wins the game.
Here are two different versions where numbered word cards are selected by various members of the audience and then read aloud in numerical order by the audience members. From experience, it is strongly suggested that you consider using both versions in the same show. Both times you use these cards the audience laughs louder... | $7 to wish listPDF |
Houdini Rubber BandDave Arch Most magicians are aware of the classic "Jumping Rubber Band Trick." However, here's a script and easy method for a full story routine about the exploits and escapades of that world famous escape artist Harry Houdini who in this case completely disappears from your fingers and reappears where least expected. Included with this routine is the more deceptive technique where the rubber band is "set" using only one hand rather than the customary two-handed "get ready."
1st edition 2018, length 5 min | ★★★★★ $7 to wish listMP4 (video) |
Paper Folding FormulaDave Arch Although this principle has been used to create multiple routines, the formula for creating those routines has not been widely revealed. In its generic form, a piece of paper with multiple pictures, letters, numbers, or words is folded in half multiple times widthwise or lengthwise as determined by the volunteer. After the spectator cuts around the perimeter of the folded packet to form a stack of individual squares, some will be face up in the stack and some face down. As unbelievable as it seems, due to the formula, the magician has complete control over which pieces end up in the face up... | $7 to wish listPDF |
Turning the TarotDave Arch Maybe a friend of yours needs a bit of encouragement in their life. Maybe you'd like to give them that encouragement in a mystical/magical way. Consider this handling of the Tarot cards. Using eleven cards from the Major Arcana and the first name of someone who has been particularly encouraging to your friend during his/her formative years, s/he'll be amazed as s/he inexplicably one-by-one eliminates all but the Sun card - arguably the most positive card in the Tarot deck.
1st edition 2019, 2 pages. | ★★★★★ $7 to wish listPDF |
Mind GameDave Arch Honed in 100's of performances, this routine brings together the excitement and suspense of a Game Show with questions, prizes and mystery. It packs a full ten minutes of fun with audience participation and customization possibilities once you know the principles and routining that make this an award winning routine for any family audience.
1st edition 1990, 1st digital edition 2012, 6 pages | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listPDF |
Flea CircusDave Arch Whether you choose to use this as another act in Dave Arch's One Man Circus Sideshow or as a stand-alone twenty-minute act or merely take some of its effects and insert them into a show you currently do; you'll be using a routined collection of flea circus acts with complete scripts refined over ten years of performance. No mechanical contrivances to go wrong. Minimalistic in props and yet believable in the effects it produces - causing an audience to enter that world of fun where reality blurs with fantasy. Comes complete with its own specially-commissioned poster for advertising your next appearance.... | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listPDF |
What's My SignDave Arch Dave Arch writes:
I loved Ray Grismer's "What's Your Sign?" However, I never performed it often enough to commit the process to memory and I didn't like the fact that I could only do it once in a group without the method becoming apparent. So I commissioned a graphic artist (with Ray Grismer's permission) to create a mystical looking chart that could be made as small (wallet-size) or as large (poster) as I want. Not only have I hidden the method in the poster but also hidden two methods in the poster so I can repeat it (such as in the case of a couple) without repeating the method and making... | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listPDF |
Murder Mystery PartyDave Arch carry it in your wallet ... fill a stage
The following effect by Jack Yates was originally published in 1980, by Supreme Magic under the title of "Accusation." The original version is still available from Magic Inc. Dave Arch has simplified the handling, strengthened the mnemonic aids, and consequently dispensed with an
additional key card originally needed to guide the mentalist.
EFFECT: After asking the group how many have ever attended a Mystery Party, the mentalist suggests, "For anyone who has never been to one, let's have one right here! You know how it is. When people come to the party,... | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listPDF |
Poor Man's EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon)Dave Arch Finally a cost-effective method for establishing ambiance in the candlelit seance room by recording the proceedings and having them unexpectedly interrupted by a series of unintelligible guttural sounds.
Finally a routine that doesn't break the flow of the seance routine while the medium and the sitters make sense of the fully customizable sounds.
Based on an idea from Bob Cassidy, this video tutorial finally visually demonstrates step-by-step how to leverage the power of a free user-friendly laptop app (Windows/Mac Os/Unix) to achieve the above and more.
1st edition 2018, length 11 min 39... | $10 to wish listMP4 (video) |
A Kid's Lie Detector RoutineDave Arch With only a wireless doorbell, a stenographer's pad, and the routine you'll find here, your audiences will now get to enjoy listening in on your conversation with a child as you ask them a series of questions while they're supposedly holding a lie detector between their hands.
Please note that the way this is currently routined it is not a magic trick per se but rather an interlude that might be used to test your volunteer before using him/her in a magic trick.
And from a performer's point of view, here's what I believe to be the best part. This three to five minute routine requires NO... | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listPDF |
The Rare Square Spotted Wooden EggDave Arch Inspired by the name of a Dave Mayer routine entitled The Black Spotted Wooden Egg referenced by name only in a 1989 IBM Ring report, I constructed this five-minute routine for the venerable die box that has now entertained audiences for two decades.
Between two volunteers acting out their parts on stage, and the entire audience creating the sound effects necessary for the story, no one is left without a part to play in this routine.
It just might bring your die box out of the drawer.
1st edition 2018, length 7 min | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listMP4 (video) |
Puzzling PlacematsDave Arch The next time you perform at or host a dinner (Thanksgiving?) consider making copies of these three different placemats - setting them out on the tables for people to play with during the dinner or prior to your show. The magic works for them, and they won't even be sure how it worked! They'll take the placemats with them to show their friends. While you're at it, why not put your contact information on the back? Includes a Bermuda Triangle Mystery based on a Jim Steinmeyer idea and a Terri Rogers' concept of using patterned borders for a fun pencil race. Designed by a professional graphic artist, these... | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listPDF |
Magic Kits For EveryoneDave Arch Differentiating your show in the magic market on something other than price can be a constant challenge. Here's one strategy Dave Arch has used successfully throughout his career. Imagine being able to offer a free Magic Kit for everyone in your audience and then teaching them three magic tricks they can use to amaze and amuse their family and friends. In this fifteen minute video, Dave shares with you how he builds his kits for around fifteen cents apiece, the three tricks he teaches, as well as how he routines and presents those tricks in his show.
1st edition 2018, length 15 minutes 53... | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listMP4 (video) |
Electronic Buzz BoxDave Arch Although you can find versions of these Electronic Monte boxes for sale on magic websites, I could not find one large enough for my needs nor one that included a buzzer (not just a light). So I built my own. In spite of the fact that my electronic knowledge only involves the ability to insert a plug into an outlet, I built my own the first time in under an hour for around $20.
The premise is simple. From among multiple buttons, you win if you can find the button that lights the light and sets off the buzzer. With the diagram included in my instructions you aren't limited to only three buttons... | $10 to wish listPDF |
Let's Fake A DealDave Arch As you might be able to tell from my other writings, I thoroughly enjoy collecting and creating generic methods that are customizable to a wide variety of themes and audiences. Let's Fake A Deal has proven itself on many occasions to fit that description.
Although technically it's a minimal prep and 100% no-sleight method for the classic Bank Night premise, I've customized it through the prizes I give away (and don't give away) and by what I write on the outside of the large #10 business envelopes. I've had single words written on the envelopes, and I've had a phrase written on the envelopes... | $10 to wish listPDF |
Water WizardryDave Arch This offering represents a small part of my passionate journey to document just how much entertaining magic can be created with two paper sacks, a bottle of water, and a paper cup. I would feel badly having simple ideas like this one get lost over time under a growing pile of more expensive gimmicks, books, and DVD's. In furtherance of this quest of mine, please also visit my new monthly column Craft Store Magic in The Linking Ring magazine where I document ideas for turning your local craft store into your very own local brick and mortar magic store.
1st edition 2019, length 7 min | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listMP4 (video) |
The Bonnie and Clyde MelodramaDave Arch Transform the classic close-up version of The Thieves and Sheep to an audience-pleasing platform melodrama utilizing those notorious bank robbers of years gone by Bonnie and Clyde. While the audience supplies the sound effects, you can be the narrator (the author's choice) or another member of the audience could read the story as a volunteer from the audience stands behind the table and acts out the story with two paper sacks and some coins (up to silver dollar size for visibility).
The colorful placemats setting on the table in front of your volunteer gives him/her additional prompts - supplementing... | ★★★★★ $10 to wish listPDF & MP4 |
