In 101+ Tips and Tricks Every Prop Maker Should Know, Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Properties Director Ben Hohman explains tricks of the trade generally not taught in schools, but essential for prop makers working on the job. With tips and tricks divided into subject categories like carpentry, prop math, soft goods, upholstery, finishing, crafts and effects, and tools, the book breaks this knowledge down so that makers and prop managers can easily access the information, learn the skills, and be better prepared and more useful to any shop they work in. Each tip or trick is clearly introduced, features a relevant example of how it is useful, and includes step-by-step instructions. The book also features interviews and tips from prop makers across the creative industries, showcasing different techniques and need-to-know skills, and a glossary of prop terms that will help readers navigate the day-to-day of the prop shop. This book is written for theatrical prop artisans, prop managers, technical theatre students, and anyone who has an interest in prop building or backstage theatrical knowledge. Whether they are novice prop builders or seasoned professionals with decades of experience, this book will provide readers with a wealth of practical information that will serve them in their craft for many years to come.

Simple step-by-step instructions and photos show readers how to do fun magic tricks with props such as pencils, coins, and even a banana. Readers will love learning tips for performing magic and information about famous magicians.

In The Prop Building Guidebook, author Eric Hart demonstrated how to cut, glue, sculpt, and bend raw materials to build props. Now in The Prop Effects Guidebook, he shows us how to connect and assemble components and parts to make those props light up, explode, make noise, and bleed. It delves into the world of electricity, pneumatics, liquids, and mechanical effects to teach you how to make your props perform magic in front of a live audience. The book is complemented by a companion website featuring videos of how to create individual prop special effects: www.propeffectsguidebook.com.

KEEP YOUR PARROT STIMULATED AND ACTIVE, AND HE WILL KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED! By nature, parrots are inquisitive, intelligent, and social animals. You can capitalize on these characteristics and obedience train your bird, teaching him behaviors that will make your life and his more enjoyable--behaviors such as stepping on your hand or wrist on command, and going to a designated perch. Then you can progress to teach him all kinds of tricks. He'll love the attention, communication, and socialization. From the essential basics of obedience training to awesome tricks that will amuse and amaze your friends, Parrot Tricks covers: * Techniques to use during the "get acquainted" period * Setting up a training area and using food as a training tool * Training basics such as targeting, luring, and using cues * Necessary obedience skills such as step up, come, perch, and stay * The basic retrieve command, the foundation of many tricks * Simple tricks such as shake hands, high five, kiss, and take a bow * Tricks based on the retrieve command, including basketball, ring on the peg, and stacking cups * Advanced tricks such as pulling a wagon, pushing a grocery cart, raising a flag, and riding a skateboard * Innovative tricks that showcase your bird's natural abilities * Chaining tricks, such as recycling and going to the mailbox * Verbalizations and talking using the Rival/Model Method or the Positive Reward Method * Directions for making simple props With this book, patience, and practice, you'll build your understanding of and relationship with your bird as you build a repertoire of tricks. You can get your parrot to jump through hoops for you--literally!

Presents eighty-eight tricks which can be worked with different groupings of playing cards from the traditional deck.

Master the art of illusion with this collection of 183 easy-to-learn card tricks, accompanied by 197 illustrations. Drawn from two popular books by the bestselling magician, it's perfect for amateurs — and professionals who want to increase their repertoire. Mystify friends with everything from shuffle setups to card telepathy, using coins, telephones, and other props.