Experience by Jon Allen

Created by: Jon Allen

Experience is a magic trick that embodies Jon Allen's philosophy of simplicity, practicality, and presentation. It is a close-up magic trick that focuses on creating a lasting mystery for the audience, such as a card-to-envelope effect where spectators are instructed not to open the envelope, enhancing the magical experience. This trick is part of Allen's reissued book, 'Experience: The Magic of Jon Allen', which includes his best material with no filler, offering both routines and presentational insights.

Key features

Rooted in simplicity and practicality
Emphasizes presentation-first thinking
Includes a card-to-envelope effect with a lasting mystery
Part of a reissued book with improved production quality

Pros

Fooling and commercial magic
Thoughtful approach to performance
Creates lasting mystery for audiences

Cons

Some effects remain unpublished as they are considered the creator's 'holy grail'

Effect

The trick Experience by Jon Allen is a collection of magic routines and essays designed to enhance a magician's performance. The effects vary, but they share a focus on simplicity, practicality, and strong presentation. One highlighted routine involves a card-to-envelope effect where the spectator is instructed not to open the envelope, creating a lasting mystery. Other effects include refined versions of classic tricks, such as an improved handling of Wayne Dobson’s 360, which evolved into Allen’s Paragon 3D.

Full Details

Experience is a book by Jon Allen, reissued in hardback with improved production quality. It contains no filler material—only routines Allen still performs today. The book includes essays on presentation, psychology, and problem-solving in magic. Some effects, like his AAN routine, remain unpublished elsewhere because they are Allen’s most fooling material. The book also features practical tools for performers, such as the clicker, a tally counter used to handle hecklers with humor and efficiency.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This book is ideal for magicians who value strong presentation, practical methods, and refined routines. It suits performers who want to improve their existing material rather than learn entirely new tricks. Those who appreciate theory, psychology, and community insights will find the essays valuable. The book is especially useful for working magicians who face real-world challenges like hecklers or repetitive performances.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies by routine. Some effects, like the card-to-envelope, rely more on presentation than complex sleight of hand. Others, such as Paragon 3D, may require more technical skill. Allen emphasizes simplicity, so most routines are designed to be practical for working performers. The book includes handling tips and refinements to make the material accessible.

What Magicians Say

Jon Allen’s approach is praised for its practicality and thoughtfulness. Eric Tate of the Penguin Magic Podcast highlights Allen’s focus on problem-solving and presentation-first thinking. The book is described as having no filler, containing only material Allen still uses in performances.

One reviewer mentions the clicker as a standout tool for handling hecklers, calling it a non-verbal mic drop. Another notes Allen’s generosity in magic, sharing principles rather than just methods.

A famous story involving David Williamson is recounted, where Williamson fooled Allen and others with a trick that turned out to be pure luck. This anecdote underscores the playful and deceptive nature of magic that Allen embraces.

For magicians looking to refine their craft, Experience offers clear, practical advice and routines that prioritize audience impact over complexity.

What people are saying about Experience

Jon Allen says...

Many of his creations (like *Paragon 3D* and *Palisad Wallet*) stem from refining existing tricks to suit his style. For example, *Paragon 3D* evolved from **Wayne Dobson’s 360**, with a handling so deceptive it even fooled Dobson himself.