Things to do · Arts and crafts
Learn close-up magic
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Close-up magic is part sleight of hand and part theatre, and beginners' classes teach misdirection, patter and performance as well as the moves. A pack of cards, a few coins and a length of rope are enough to start, and magic societies on both sides of the Atlantic welcome beginners.
GentleUnder £100 / $130MonthsIndoorsAlone or with othersUK and US
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How beginners learn
A good beginners' class covers more than the secret moves. City Lit's one-day workshop teaches card, coin, rope and ball techniques alongside misdirection, the psychology of an audience, patter and scripting, and students perform for the group and discuss each effect. No magic experience is needed, though City Lit says acting or clowning helps.
Magic societies are where many people keep going. The International Brotherhood of Magicians has local rings around the world with monthly meetings, workshops, lectures and performances, and says rings are for magicians at any level; its UK ring, the British Ring No.25, describes itself as a society for amateur and professional magicians. In the US, the Society of American Magicians has local assemblies too, and a public radio report from Salem, Massachusetts described one whose members range from hobbyists to professionals.
The Magic Circle in London admits members by examination. The usual route is a stage or close-up act of 8 to 12 minutes in front of three examiners, often on a Monday club night, and the fee for the first exam is included in the entrance fee.
Ways in
| Provider | Format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| City Lit, London | Magic workshop: one Sunday, 10:30 to 17:00; beginners; equipment provided | £89 (full, senior and concession) |
| International Magic, London (magic shop) | Beginners general close-up magic course, lessons 1 and 2 (format as listed), with props | £30, with UK VAT added at checkout where it applies |
| Chicago Magic Lounge, Illinois | Level One: six weekly sessions of 90 minutes, then a student spotlight show; ages 21 and up; materials included | $350 plus a $4.99 processing fee (Oct 11 to Nov 15 run; year not shown) |
| International Brotherhood of Magicians | Annual adult membership (18 and up), including The Linking Ring magazine; local rings meet monthly | Not shown on the joining page |
International Magic's beginners' course covers sponge balls, a cut and restored rope, a handkerchief vanish and a four ace production, among other effects.
How to start
- Book a beginners' workshop or course: City Lit in London runs a one-day magic workshop, and some magic shops and magic venues teach adult classes.
- Learn three or four tricks with cards, coins or rope, rehearse them until the moves are smooth, then try them on friends and family.
- Find your nearest magic society through the International Brotherhood of Magicians' ring locator, its UK branch the British Ring, or a local Society of American Magicians assembly.
Where to go
- City Lit: Magic workshop (London) UK
- IBM British Ring No.25: the UK ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians UK
- The Magic Circle: guide to the entrance examination UK
- International Brotherhood of Magicians: find a local ring
- Chicago Magic Lounge: Level One adult magic class US
We opened these links on 12 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
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Plan it with dates
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
How do you join The Magic Circle?
By examination, usually an 8 to 12 minute stage or close-up act in front of three examiners; a written thesis is the alternative. The Magic Circle says the fee for the first examination is included in the entrance fee.
Are there magic classes for adults?
Yes. City Lit in London runs a one-day beginners' workshop, and Chicago Magic Lounge runs a six-week Level One class for ages 21 and up that needs no performance experience.
How do I find a magic club near me?
The International Brotherhood of Magicians has a ring locator map and directory, and its UK ring is the British Ring No.25. In the US, the Society of American Magicians also has local assemblies.
Where this comes from: City Lit, Magic workshop; International Magic, Beginners General Close Up Magic Course - lessons 1 and 2; Chicago Magic Lounge, Adult Magic Classes (Level One); International Brotherhood of Magicians, Join the IBM; International Brotherhood of Magicians, Local Rings; IBM British Ring No.25, Home; The Magic Circle, Apply to Join The Magic Circle; WSHU, Old magic society reveals some magicians' secrets to conjure new recruits. Opened 12 November 2026.
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