What Happens in the Shadows by Benjamin Francis and Louis Le Val

Effect

"What Happens in the Shadows" is a masterclass focused on creating immersive, thematic magic or mentalism shows. The effect for the audience is a cohesive, professionally produced performance that feels more like an artistic experience than a series of disconnected tricks. The show is designed to engage spectators deeply, using storytelling, atmosphere, and carefully chosen effects to support a central theme.

Full Details

The masterclass is a 5-hour video download featuring Benjamin Francis and Louis Le Val. It covers every aspect of show creation, from initial concept to final performance. Key topics include:

• Theme Development – How to choose a unifying theme that gives the show purpose and artistic depth.
• Visualization – Planning effects that align with the theme rather than just selecting tricks.
• Scripting – Writing tight, effective scripts to guide performance and audience interaction.
• Props and Presentation – Selecting props that enhance believability and fit the show’s aesthetic.
• Lighting and Sound – Using technical elements to shape mood and emphasize key moments.
• Business Considerations – Practical advice on venues, licensing, ticketing, and promotion.

The class uses Louis Le Val’s shows, The Parlor Room Seance and The Witch of the Woods, as real-world examples.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This masterclass is ideal for magicians or mentalists who want to:

• Move beyond commercial gigs and create ticketed theater-style shows.
• Develop a performance with a strong narrative or thematic structure.
• Improve their scripting, staging, and technical production skills.

It is less relevant for performers who primarily do close-up magic or casual family performances.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The material is not about learning individual tricks but about show design and production. The difficulty depends on the performer’s experience with:

• Writing and structuring a full-length show.
• Sourcing or creating props, lighting, and sound elements.
• Handling business logistics like venue booking and promotion.

The masterclass provides detailed guidance, but applying it requires time and effort.

What Magicians Say

Nique Tan highlights the value of real-world examples:
"What I like about this video project is that they take these two shows and talk about them to teach the concepts. There is a live example of what they are talking about."

David from Magic Orthodoxy emphasizes proactive creativity:
"Benjamin Francis encourages magicians to become sources of inspiration for others, rather than waiting for established figures to spark their creativity."

Both reviewers agree that the masterclass is comprehensive, covering both artistic and business aspects of show production. Nique Tan adds:
"It’s a valuable resource for those serious about producing their own ticketed shows."

The consensus is that "What Happens in the Shadows" is a deep, practical guide for performers ready to elevate their craft beyond standard routines.