Grandpa's Magic?

[Jolly Well]

I see many posts on Change Bags, Thumb Tips, etc... I admit these props have their place (I'm rarely without a thumbtip or three - and I'm leaning towards buying a change cap for day-to-day magic), but I never see mention of Topits.

Has everyone move on and tossed the topit away? Assuming that I'm either set in my ways or that I missed the release of the newest replacement. Either way, I still find the topit to be nearly invalueable... but I do tend to get behind the times occassionally!

[Shadpoke]

Now you have peeked my interest. I just saw a video of a guy under topic of topit. I would like to learn this. Do you have any other info on it?

SHadpoke

[Wowza]

Okay, I think I saw the same video that Shadpoke saw, and I'm interested as well. Any other info you can provide?

[Jolly Well]

Sure thing... What are you wanting exactly?

You can buy a pattern for the topit, as well as an instructional dvd from Michael Ammar. I imagine most major magic suppliers would have it. Penguin definitely has them in their database, but I've not looked to see if they have it in stock.

Carl Cloutier has a different design and some videos to go along with it...

Chase Curtis has a "delux version" as well...

Great for vanishes and productions...

I have a "starter routine" I'm willing to share if interested.

[Shadpoke]

That would be cool. I would love to hear it.


Thanks
Shadpoke

[Jolly Well]

Quick intro routine below...

What you will need:

Bounce Ball
Magician's Wax
Flash Paper
Confetti
Lighter
Topit/Poacher's Pouch

Begin with confetti finger palmed

attach flash paper to ball with magician's wax

Routine is pretty basic but produces a nice effect that looks great to your audience.

Light the flash paper and give the ball a bounce. Try yo be discreet with the lighter and palm it once the paper is lit. The audience will see a bouncing flame.

Catch the ball and bring your hands together around your midsection.

"Flick" the lighter into your poacher's pouch (topit). It's a good idea to present the ball once again in a casual manner, just so it can be seen again.

Get rid of the ball at some point in your topit. Use whatever misdirection you need to be discreet once again. Get into whatever patter you use about your bouncing ball and work your way into another bounce (your ball is in the topit by now, so you need some acting).

To finish, "bounce the ball" one last time, but release the confetti in place of the ball. It will leave you with the vanished ball and a bit of confetti - the audience will respond well if you do this with practice.

It is a simple routine, but looks fantastic. A very good starter to get you comfortable with your topit and the result is a great vanish without over-using your poacher's pouch.

It's difficult to explain the topit fully, and the only real way to become intimate with it, is to buy one and practice it. Once you've worked with one for a while, your act will expand.

I'll try to find some videos to post here or in the youtube discovery thread.