Building a Card Act by Daniel Chard and Alakazam Magic

Created by: Daniel Chard, Alakazam Magic

Daniel Chard's course on Building a Card Act is a comprehensive guide designed for magicians looking to develop a structured and impactful 15-minute card performance. This course delves into the creative process behind selecting and arranging tricks, focusing on why certain tricks are chosen, how they are structured for maximum effect, and where each routine fits within the overall act. It's an invaluable resource for magicians aiming to move beyond individual tricks to create a cohesive and polished card act. This is a close-up magic course that blends technical instruction with artistic decision-making.

Key features

  • Focuses on building a structured 15-minute card act

  • Covers the creative process behind selecting and arranging tricks

  • Blends technical instruction with artistic decision-making

  • Aimed at magicians looking to refine their craft and expand their performance opportunities

  • Part of Alakazam Unlimited’s bi-weekly courses from top-tier performers

Pros

  • Offers a rare look into how a professional magician builds a compelling set

  • Helps magicians develop their own cohesive acts rather than just learning isolated moves

  • Affordable subscription price at £4.99 per month

  • Includes insights into act construction and artistic decision-making

Cons

  • Requires a subscription to Alakazam Unlimited to access

  • May be more suited to intermediate or advanced magicians ready to craft a polished act

Effect

The trick "Building a Card Act" is not a single trick but a structured course that teaches magicians how to create a professional 15-minute card magic performance. The audience sees a seamless, engaging act where card tricks flow naturally from one to the next, creating a cohesive and entertaining experience.

Full details

The course is taught by Daniel Chard and is part of Alakazam Unlimited’s subscription service. It focuses on the creative process behind constructing a card act rather than just teaching individual tricks. Chard explains why he selects certain tricks, how he structures them for maximum impact, and where each routine fits within the performance. The goal is to help magicians develop a polished, intentional act rather than a collection of disconnected moves.

Who should consider the trick

This course is ideal for magicians who already know card tricks but want to improve their performance structure. It is especially useful for those looking to perform longer sets at events, gigs, or competitions. Beginners may find it challenging if they lack foundational card skills, but intermediate and advanced performers will benefit from Chard’s insights on pacing, audience engagement, and act construction.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty depends on the magician’s existing skill level. Since the course focuses on structuring an act rather than teaching sleight-of-hand techniques, the challenge lies in performance theory rather than technical execution. Magicians must understand basic card magic to apply Chard’s methods effectively.

What magicians say

AlakazamMagicUK highlights that this course is part of a broader effort to help magicians refine their craft and expand business opportunities. The platform offers courses from top-tier performers, including Daniel Chard’s breakdown of his 15-minute card act. The summary notes that Chard’s approach blends technical instruction with artistic decision-making, making it valuable for performers looking to move beyond individual tricks.

The course is positioned as an affordable resource at £4.99 per month, making it accessible for magicians who want to improve their performance skills. The emphasis on act construction rather than just tricks sets it apart from standard magic tutorials.

What people are saying about Building a Card Act

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Daniel Chard’s upcoming course, where he’ll break down his 15-minute card act—not just teaching the routines but explaining his creative process. [...] This approach aims to help magicians develop their own cohesive acts rather than just learning isolated moves.

Promotional videos