Effect The magician holds or picks up a silk banner from the working table. Boldly printed on the banner are six numbers (1 to 6) in a jumbled order. The magician asks the children if the numbers are arranged correctly, and they excitedly reply, "No!" With a sharp shake of the banner, the numbers instantly rearrange themselves into the correct order (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), creating a magical and surprising moment.
Materials Supplied
- Specially prepared silk banner:
- Made from two layers of black silk cloth with white numbers (1 to 6) printed on both layers.
- A half banner "sleeve" is stitched at the center.
- When the sleeve covers the top half, the numbers appear jumbled.
- When the sleeve drops to cover the bottom half, the numbers appear in the correct order.
Set-Up Prepare the Banner:
- Set the sleeve to cover the top half of the banner so the numbers appear jumbled.
- Ensure the middle layer (showing the correct order) is tucked securely under the sleeve.
Practice the Grip:
- Hold the banner in your right hand.
- Place your thumb against number 4 (or a similar central number) on the jumbled side, gripping a part of the middle layer.
- Use the other fingers to support the thumb from the opposite side of the banner.
Performance
- Display the Jumbled Numbers:
- Hold the banner high and display the jumbled numbers to the audience.
- Ask the children if the numbers are in the correct order. They will eagerly shout, "No!"
Create the Illusion:
- Turn the banner around to show the other side, where the numbers appear the same but laterally inverted.
- This creates the illusion that the numbers are the same on both sides of the banner.
Magical Transformation:
- Announce that you will magically "fix" the numbers.
- Hold the banner firmly in your right hand, thumb gripping the middle layer while the other fingers support the sleeve.
- Give the banner a sharp downward shake while simultaneously releasing the outer sleeve.
- Allow the sleeve to fall and cover the bottom half of the banner.
Reveal the Correct Numbers:
- The middle layer is now exposed, showing the numbers in the correct order (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6).
- Dramatically display the "fixed" banner to the audience.
Tips for a Smooth Performance
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Practice the motion: Rehearse the downward shake and release to ensure a smooth transformation.
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Maintain the illusion: Be careful not to reveal the mechanics of the sleeve during the performance.
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Engage the audience: Build suspense by asking the children to predict if you can fix the numbers, enhancing their excitement.
Care and Maintenance
- Store the banner folded neatly to avoid wrinkles or damage.
- Periodically check the stitching and ensure the sleeve moves freely for a seamless performance.
With the "Magical Number Banner," you're guaranteed to captivate your audience with a visual and interactive magical transformation!
