Sleightful logoSleightful

The Chop Cup

The Chop Cup is a classic stage magic trick where a magician makes a ball appear, disappear, and reappear in a seemingly ordinary cup. The routine often involves audience participation and theatrical storytelling, making it a versatile and engaging piece for performances. This trick is ideal for stage magicians looking to add a timeless and visually stunning effect to their repertoire. It requires minimal props and can be adapted for various skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

Key features

  • Classic stage magic trick with a long history

  • Involves audience participation and theatrical storytelling

  • Minimal props required, making it easy to transport and set up

  • Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals

  • Versatile and can be adapted for different performance settings

Pros

  • Timeless and visually stunning effect

  • Engages the audience with participation and storytelling

  • Easy to transport and set up with minimal props

  • Versatile and adaptable for various performance settings

  • Suitable for all skill levels

Cons

-

Effect

The Chop Cup is a classic magic trick that involves a cup and a ball. The magician places a ball into the cup, but when the cup is turned over, the ball disappears. The magician then makes the ball reappear in unexpected ways, often culminating in a final, surprising reveal. The trick is known for its visual appeal and the sense of wonder it creates.

Full details

The Chop Cup is a versatile prop used in stage magic. It typically consists of a cup and one or more balls. The magician uses sleight of hand and misdirection to make the balls appear, disappear, and reappear in various locations. The trick can be performed with minimal setup and is often used as an opening effect in a magic show. The Chop Cup is known for its ability to engage the audience and create a sense of anticipation.

Who should consider the trick

The Chop Cup is suitable for magicians of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. It is particularly well-suited for stage performers who want to add a classic, visually engaging trick to their repertoire. The trick is also a good choice for magicians who perform for mixed audiences, as it appeals to both children and adults.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Chop Cup is considered to be of moderate difficulty. While the basic moves are straightforward, mastering the trick requires practice to ensure smooth execution and effective misdirection. The trick involves a combination of sleight of hand and audience management, making it a good learning tool for developing these skills.

What magicians say

Mark James, a seasoned magician, describes The Chop Cup as his long-time go-to opening effect. He highlights its ability to create a sense of wonder and engage the audience from the start of a performance. The trick's simplicity and visual impact make it a favorite among stage magicians. Craig Petty, another magician, emphasizes the importance of visual and quick tricks for engaging audiences, particularly children. While he does not specifically mention The Chop Cup, the principles he discusses align well with the trick's strengths.

What people are saying about The Chop Cup

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Chop Cup is Mark James' long-time go-to opening effect, blending theatrical storytelling with audience participation to create a grand stage performance.

Promotional videos

Tutorial videos