Magic Trick The New Spirit Post. The New Spirit Post is a captivating magic trick that creates the illusion of a performer being securely bound while they perform various feats and ultimately escape from their restraints. This trick combines clever mechanics with audience participation to create an unforgettable experience.
Magic Trick The New Spirit Post
Effect of the Trick
- Secure Binding: The performer appears to be tied up with ropes, with knots sealed and secured to a wooden post (scantling) nailed to the floor.
- Interactive Performance: While seemingly unable to escape, the performer engages the audience by ringing bells and sending messages.
- Unexpected Escape: Despite being bound, the performer suddenly declares their freedom, shocking the audience with the reveal that the ropes have been cut.
Props Needed
- Scantling: A piece of two-by-four wood approximately four feet high, secured to the floor.
- Rope: Two lengths of rope for binding the performer.
- Court Plaster: Strips of court plaster for sealing the knots and creating the illusion of security.
- Spike: A heavy railroad spike to secure the scantling.
- Guy Ropes: Two additional ropes to brace the scantling.
- Sheet: A sheet to cover the performer and conceal their hands.
- Box: A large dry goods box to enhance the effect of the trick.
Preparation and Setup
- Prepare the Scantling:
- Bore a hole through the scantling at a specific location, ensuring it aligns with a hidden mechanism (the blade of a carpenter’s plane).
- Cut a small section out of the scantling near the top to accommodate the plane blade. Replace the cut-out section to disguise the mechanism.
- Set Up the Stage:
- Secure the scantling to the floor using nails.
- Ensure that the stage area is clear and that the audience has a good view.
- Instruct the Committee:
- Select a committee member to bore the hole and another to assist with the tying of the ropes.
Steps to Perform the Trick
- Introduction:
- Bring the scantling onto the stage and allow the committee member to bore a hole through it while the audience observes.
- Tying the Performer:
- Sit with your back against the scantling and place your hands behind you.
- Instruct the two committee members to tie the ropes around each wrist securely. As they tie, ensure that all knots are visible to the audience.
- Sealing the Knots:
- Once tied, apply strips of court plaster around the knots, demonstrating their security.
- Pass the ropes through the hole in the scantling and tie a large knot at the back, sealing it with additional court plaster to enhance the illusion of being tightly bound.
- Securing the Setup:
- Drive the railroad spike into the scantling to further secure it.
- Tie the guy ropes around the spike to brace the scantling, ensuring it is stable.
- Engaging the Audience:
- Cover yourself with a sheet, allowing your hands to appear through openings.
- Perform various feats, such as ringing bells or writing messages to audience members, maintaining the illusion that you are still tied up.
- Dramatic Reveal:
- After performing, suddenly shout, “Take it off!” and “Take it off!” as if you are desperate to be freed.
- The committee removes the box, revealing that you are now free, despite the apparent impossibility of escaping the bindings.
Explanation of the Mechanism
The key to the New Spirit Post trick lies in the clever use of the scantling and the hidden mechanism:
- Mechanism: A carpenter’s plane blade is inserted into the scantling at the top, with a hole bored for the rope just below the blade.
- Execution: When the railroad spike is driven into the scantling, it forces the blade downward, effectively cutting the rope and freeing the performer’s hands.
- Concealment: The removed plug is disguised to appear as part of the scantling, ensuring the audience remains unaware of the hidden mechanism.
Tips for Success
- Practice the Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with the setup and the timing of the trick to ensure a smooth performance.
- Audience Engagement: Maintain a lively interaction with the audience to distract them from any potential hints of the mechanics at play.
- Dramatic Timing: Build suspense leading up to the reveal to enhance the impact of your escape.
- Stay Composed: If something goes awry, remain calm and confident to maintain the illusion.
Conclusion
The New Spirit Post is a masterful illusion that combines audience participation with clever mechanics to create a stunning escape act. With the right preparation and execution, you can leave your audience in awe, wondering how you managed to break free from such seemingly secure bindings.
