At The Circus Gag Bag by Lee Alex

Effect

The At The Circus Gag Bag is a visually engaging prop designed for children's magic. A brightly colored bag transforms when pulled inside out, revealing different circus characters such as a ringmaster, aerialist, juggler, balancer, and fire eater. The routine culminates with the disappearance of a clown from the bag, only for it to reappear as a cutout on the magician’s back. The effect relies on surprise and audience interaction, making it ideal for playful performances.

Full Details

The prop consists of a double-sided fabric bag with printed circus characters. The clown cutout attaches to the performer using 3M double-stick tape. The bag is durable and built for repeated use. Printed instructions are included, but the trick’s success depends on the performer’s acting and engagement with the audience. The routine can fill five to seven minutes of performance time.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is best suited for magicians who perform for children. Its bright colors, simple mechanics, and interactive nature make it a strong choice for family shows, birthday parties, or school performances. Performers who enjoy comedic or character-driven magic will find it especially useful.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The mechanics of the trick are straightforward, requiring no advanced sleight of hand. The challenge lies in the performance itself. As David from Magic Orthodoxy notes, "the key to a successful performance is enthusiastic acting." The magician must sell the surprise and humor to maximize the effect.

What Magicians Say

• Magic Orthodoxy (David): Calls it a "worthwhile investment" for children’s performers, praising its durability and potential for repeated use. He emphasizes that the trick’s success depends on the magician’s ability to engage the audience.
• Murphy’s Magic (Bo Kmer): Describes it as a "playful, audience-participation piece" with bright colors and interactive appeal.
• Saturn Magic: Suggests it fits well for performers who incorporate humor or nostalgia into their acts, though notes that further research may be needed due to the lack of a demo in their promotion.

The At The Circus Gag Bag is a fun, durable prop that excels in children’s entertainment, provided the performer delivers an energetic and engaging presentation.