Johnny Thompson, Rick Maue & Paul Vigil LIVE

This special Penguin Live lecture features three fascinating talents talking about mentalism and illustrating their unique perspectives with solid routines.
Of course, in addition to the top-quality routines taught, you’ll also be treated to the thoughts, philosophies, and stories shared by these three gentlemen.This is an event you don’t want to miss!

Johnny Thompson:
Within the magician community, Johnn Thompson is considered a virtuoso, widely known as a mentor and teacher of magic, and a creator of tricks, as opposed to simply a performer.

As a magical consultant and illusion designer he has written, developed and provided material for magicians Siegfried and Roy, Penn and Teller, Doug Henning, Lance Burton, Criss Angel and David Blaine. As theatrical special effects designer and consultant he has invented and presented a variety of unique optical illusions for trade shows, industrial shows, theme parks, musicals and plays. Bush Garden’s Williamsburg production of “The Ghost of the Globe,” a Shakespearean fantasy with over thirty-five unique special effects, was Thompson’s initial venture into theme park attractions. Many of his original optical illusions and special effects techniques have been featured in theme parks, The Smithsonian Institute, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry and hundreds of trade shows, including the White House Conference on “The Industrial World Ahead Congress.”

In 1999, he was awarded one of the highest honors in the magician community, a Masters Fellowship with the Academy of Magical Arts.

Paul Vigil:
Paul is known as one of the most discriminating magicians / mentalist in the world.
He has been practicing the art of magic since the age of 5, and 10 years later Paul under took the challenge of becoming a professional performer. Within a further year Paul had become one of the most in demand performers in his native Salt Lake City.
The center of magic, Las Vegas, soon called for Paul to join the ranks of the industries leaders and in 2002 Paul moved to Las Vegas, soon to establish himself as one of the finest performers the city has to offer.

Rick Maue:
Rick’s interest in magic started when he was five years old.
He began working on Séances in early 1976, in preparation for a two hour Houdini Séance on the 50th anniversary of his death. Since then, has created/performed in well over a thousand séances.

Following a few decades of creating and performing a combination of magic, mentalism, and Haunted Magick, Rick began releasing material such as “Haunted Magick” and “Deceptions” to the magic community through Deceptions Unlimited, which he owns along with his wife Tammy. Rick released his first full-size book in 2000 entitled “The Book Of Haunted Magick”, which has sold in over 30 countries.

Continue reading Johnny Thompson, Rick Maue & Paul Vigil LIVE

Drew Backenstoss LIVE ACT (Penguin LIVE)

“Drew is a consummate pro in all respects – meticulous about every aspect of his show, careful to establish and nurture the who, the why, and the how in a way that doesn’t simply deliver entertaining mentalism only, but allows you to experience true theater.” – Atlas Brookings

“I’ve only recently made the acquaintance of Drew, but I would already rate him as one of my favourite mentalism thinkers and creators. We share so much in common about our views of what performance mentalism should be that it’s almost as if our minds are really linked! I love ALL of his ideas and routines. Every single effect is a worker, he absolutely understands how to get the most entertainment and audience interaction out of every routine.” – Marc Paul

“Drew has definitely been the best kept secret in mentalism so far but this is about to change. In a time when everyone is looking for the next best thing and ‘cutting edge’ methods that sometimes have questionable results, Drew offers a combination of classic methods that have stood the test of time combined with clever subtleties to produce stunning and entertaining routines. Great material from a creator who is not only a brilliant thinker but an amazing performer as well.” – Manos

“I have shared ideas back and forth with Drew over the last few years and he really is a very clever thinker. Drew has a wonderful economy in his creation style and is able to squeeze a lot of bang out of very little effort from the performer. This is material designed for a working performer and so does not require mental gymnastics while under pressure.” – Mark Chandaue

Continue reading Drew Backenstoss LIVE ACT (Penguin LIVE)

Brandon Gerald (Presto) LIVE (Penguin LIVE)

“Brandon Gerald’s magical swagger is refreshing. He is definitely someone who is advancing the Art of Magic to the next level. Brandon’s talent is “Simply Magical” -Ice McDonald, Master Magician

“Brandon is a Rising star in magic. It’s easy to admire his effortless ability to entertain.” -Nicholas Lawrence

“People love when their favorite artist gets discovered. I’m excited for people to discover one of MY favorite artists, Brandon Gerald!” -Marcus Eddie

“Not only his perfomances are fun and highly entertaining, his magic is awesome and his methods combines different principles in such a unique, practical and logical way that you will start using his material instantly! You do not want to miss this!”-Ricardo Berdini

Continue reading Brandon Gerald (Presto) LIVE (Penguin LIVE)