After a brief breakfast survey with the audience, the magician brings out a box of a 'new' cereal called Halfsies. Excitedly pointing out the "Free Inside! Magic Card Trick" ad on the box front, a jumbo deck is pulled out. Well, actually, it's just half a deck, like everything in Halfsies land. A half a card trick follows, leading to a half round of applause and a second try. The Split Deck finds its best and most natural use in this funny stand-up routine that features clever wordplay and a surprising and satisfying ending.
Halfsies is one of my favorite routines because of its simplicity and play on words. The breakfast cereal theme is a natural way to connect with virtually everyone and the familiar pick a card scenario is easy to follow even as the oddball elements of the routine are introduced. The visuals are striking and fun, and the physical engagements cover both sides of an audience. The routine has all the required elements of good storytelling and playfulness. Suitable even for non-magicians in a comedy club or an informal corporate or club setting.
Daryl Hurst's Hometown Magic routines are laser-focused on practical entertainment that can be performed in a variety of formal and informal venues without significant restrictions, giving professional results with simple props and minimal staging. Going beyond the traditional instruction sheets that take a minimalist approach to effect and method, each of Daryl's in-depth guides focuses on storytelling, playfulness, artistry, and education, the fundamentals of creating wonder that elevate magic as a performing art. Sections for each guide include Description, Evaluation, Background, Props, Storyline, Fundamentals, annotated Script, and Keys to Success. These guides can be a valuable resource for researching props and their potential before making a purchase.
1st edition 2026, PDF 11 pages.
word count: 4105 which is equivalent to 16 standard pages of text
