Unlock the Secrets of a Master Magician

Step into the extraordinary mind of James Went with 'Secret Plans and Clever Tricks,' a revealing digital download from Alakazam Academy. Acclaimed by industry legends like Andy Nyman, who was 'blown away by his thinking & creativity,' and Mark Elsdon, who praises his 'similarly rarefied level' of creative output, James Went is not just a performer; he's a true architect of illusion. With a decade of experience as a BAFTA award-winning TV and Theatre consultant, alongside his work at high-end corporate events globally, James brings a unique, professional perspective to the art of magic.

A Treasure Trove of Original Routines & Theory

This comprehensive academy offers more than just tricks; it's a deep dive into the practical and theoretical underpinnings of professional magic. Whether you're a beginner seeking self-working wonders or a seasoned pro looking for challenging sleight of hand, this collection has something for every skill level. James graciously shares previously unreleased material he's kept closely guarded for years, ensuring you'll learn effects fresh from his working repertoire.

Featuring Exceptional Effects:

Paradox: James' signature parlor routine, a showstopper from his acclaimed Magic Castle act.
The Burn: An impossible, location-based effect rooted in a classic Charles Jordan principle, guaranteed to 'fry' even your most discerning magic friends.
The Name: Witness a card found from a spectator's shuffled deck by simply spelling to a freely thought-of name, culminating in a jaw-dropping kicker.
St. Elmo's Opener: A brilliant blend of TV magic aesthetics and corporate performance practicality, leaving your audience with an impossible, unforgettable souvenir.

Beyond the Illusion: The Professional's Blueprint

Beyond these powerful routines, James shares invaluable professional insights, dissecting his approach to magic:

Professional Close-Up Magic: Learn his strategic thinking behind choosing material for specific events and how he expertly builds compelling sets.
The Art of Opening Lines: Discover the critical importance and function of strong opening lines that immediately captivate your audience.
TV vs. Live Performance: Gain unique perspectives on the differences between working in television and performing close-up magic at live events.
Act Structure: Understand his meticulous process for structuring a memorable act, drawing from his experience creating his iconic Magic Castle performance.

Join James Went on this enlightening journey and elevate your magic to a truly professional standard. This digital download is an essential resource for anyone serious about the art of illusion.

Original Specs

‘From the first moment I met James I was blown away by his thinking & creativity.' - Andy Nyman

‘James Went is smart. Very smart. He only works with the best and now it turns out that his creative output is on a similarly rarefied level.’ - Mark Elsdon

We’re proud to present to you James Went’s first Alakazam Academy, ‘Secret Plans and Clever Tricks’. James has spent the last decade working in Television (did we say BAFTA award winning?) and Theatre consultancy as well as working high end corporate events across the globe. In this academy, James is going to share with us some of the original material that he uses in both professional and casual situations. This lecture has something for all skills levels, from totally self-working to more challenging sleight of hand. Also included in the lecture is a host of previously unreleased material that James has kept to himself for years, and will be shared here for the first time. This collection of tricks will include

Paradox - James’ go to routine for parlour and a highlight of his Magic Castle act.

The Burn - An impossible location based on an old Charles Jordan principle to fry your magic buddies.

The Name - A card from a spectator shuffled deck is found by spelling to a freely thought of name and if that wasn’t enough, the kicker will knock them for six.

St. Elmo’s Opener - TV magic meets corporate performance, leaving the spectators with an impossible souvenir.

In addition to the tricks, James will also be discussing

His thoughts behind professional close up magic. This will highlight how he choses material for specific events and how he builds sets using these routines.

His theory on opening lines, their importance and more importantly function.

The experience on working in Television and how it differs to close up magic at events.

His thinking on act structure and how he created his Magic Castle act.

Join us on what is an excellent academy from the mind of a true professional.

#James Went

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