CHAIR SUSPENSION

This is the modern version of this very impressive trick which was first seen in circus sideshows. Magicians often did not perform it because the circus sideshows didn't employ magicians as a rule, sideshow roadies worked more cheaply. Today the illusion can be performed by even the youngest of performers. It can be performed under any type of condition, even in the round. Often, performers will use a member of the audience. No special setup is needed for this completely self-enclosed illusion.

On the stage with the performer are two folding chairs. These chairs might have been on stage all through the show. Perhaps they were used when the performer had members of the audience up on stage with him. Or the chairs can be brought onto the stage when the illusion is to take place.

The chairs are set up in the center of the stage, facing each other. They are about four feet apart. A heavy board is then placed across the back of the chairs. A person is requested to lie down on the board. This person can either be an assistant or someone from the audience. One of the chairs is then removed. The person and board appear to be suspended in mid-air. A hoop can then be passed over the person and down to the floor of the chair. The chair is replaced, the person is asked to step down and the board is then removed.

The secret:

As with other suspensions, there is a gimmick in use. In this case, one of the chairs is reinforced with a metal bracket. The bracket runs down the back of the chair, then down the adjoining legs to the floor. The board has a slot cut into one end of the board. This slot will be able to engage the chair's support bracket when placed across it. At most times, the support can hold up to one hundred twenty pounds.

The action of slipping the board into the metal is a sliding motion, a motion easily covered by setting the board on the chair.

It would be wise to have the chair's metal bracket installed by a welder. It is also a good idea to the welder reinforce the slot in the board with a metal retaining plate. Usually the boards need to be quite strong, because the weight of a person on the board could break a board which is too thin.

I suggest using wooden chairs rather than the aluminum type. Paint the chairs a bland color such as brown. Make sure that the metal is painted the same color. The board can be a brighter color. I used a board which had the color and logo of a sponsor. If you don't have a sponsor you can probably use a well-known company by simply asking permission. This way the board looks more like a billboard than a specially-prepared magic prop.

Always remember, it is better to use props that look like everyday items than it is to use shiny brightly colored props. Misdirection works with the props just as well as they work in the presentation of the props.

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