(Sterling Dietz • March/April • Practice, Rehearsal, and Performance) First of all let me say thank you and congratulations to Ryan Salwak for being willing to take on the task of re-launching the Top Hat Magazine. Read more youth articles by clicking here. I think that it is important to state right up front that there have been many articles on magic by magicians more qualified, with many more years of experience and knowledge than I. But, since Top Hat Online is to consist of articles written for young magicians, by young magicians, I will refer to the old axiom "that even a blind squirrel finds an acorn sometimes" and encourage each of you to join in and take advantage of this opportunity. I have chosen to explore and share what has worked for me in the area of Practice, Rehearsal, and Performance. (read more ...)

(Chad Juros • March/April) The power of the media is indeed a magical tool.  I was approached to be part of Criss Angel's Mindfreak television show on A&E.  Criss wanted to show the world how when everything in life is so chaotic he always felt it was magic that calmed him down and brought him peace.  While expressing his  desire to have a show about this subject matter Johnny Thompson and Lance Burton shared with Criss that they knew someone whose true life story depicted that  exact scenario, me.  When I was three I was diagnosed with cancer… (read more)  

(The World's Best Magic - Solyl Kundu, Kolkata, India)  This is the very first effect submitted to Top Hat Topics. Youth Magic Shows like all magic entertainment depend on the presentation by the magician.  Like other entertainers for children, I use lots of gags, both verbal and visual in my shows. Here is one I have used extensively and successfully for over 20 years. I hope you find it to be as useful...

The Benefits of  Going to Magic Camp

The following are two articles written by campers who attended The Sorcerer’s Summer Camp in Canada. Here in their own words are the wonderful benefits, the fun and lessons learned from going to camp. The first is from Kelvin Kwong and the second is from Aidan

(By Josh Routh, St. Louis MO.)
In Saint Louis Missouri there is a movement of young people away from traditional after school activities. Many kids who only had sports as an after school option are now finding the variety arts are being taught in their school. Instead of soccer, football and basketball many kids are making their way to a classroom to learn magic, circus and comedy. This is exciting because now it has moved beyond the classroom and into the world of magic societies.