Vanish magazine #132 | 60

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JULY | 2025

Lightbox Appearance

IN EFFECT

The Magician removes the front panel of the cabinet , revealing its ’ empty interior ( image2 ).

On the stage , stands a small table . On this table , rests a cabinet approximately 20 " square by 30 " tall . Also seen on the table is a led lantern and an aluminum pole ( image 1 ).

Note: The Audience has a clear view above, below and around the cabinet at all times.

The Magician proves , in-part , the emptiness of the cabinet by pushing the aluminum pole through the centre of the box via holes in either side . The lantern is then hung on the centre of the pole , inside the cabinet ( image 3 ).

The Magician then turns the light on and replaces the front panel of the cabinet

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The front panel of the cabinet glows a soft white light . As the Audience watches , silhouetted shapes begin to appear on the front of the cabinet ( image 4 ). It becomes apparent that the shapes are those of a person ’ s hands .

The Magician approaches the cabinet and lifts the front panel to show , again , an empty interior ( other than the light and pole ) ( image 5 , above ). The front panel is once more replaced and , again , silhouetted images appear on the front of the cabinet .

As the silhouettes “ dance ” around the front panel , The interior light of the cabinet turns-off . This prompts the Magician to quickly remove the pole , sliding it through the cabinet . As the pole exits the side of the cabinet , the top lid pops open and the Magician ’ s Assistant stands from within , holding the lantern in her hand . The magician takes the lantern from his Assistant , places it on the table and helps her from the cabinet to stand with him center stage for applause ( image 6 , left ).

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Lightbox Appearance

BY DESIGN

The table , on which the cabinet rests , is hollow . This allows space for the Assistant ’ s legs when she is in the initial kneeling position inside the cabinet . The floor of the cabinet is also open . The cabinet is attached to the table via pin hinges at each side of the cabinet .

The interior of the cabinet has a false floor and rear wall , behind which your Assistant is hiding . The false panel is comprised of two sections , designed to allow for it to fold out and away from the Assistant . This allows space for her to stand and exit the cabinet . The entire interior of the cabinet and the panel are covered in black velvet . There is a 1 " hole , through the two sides of the cabinet , to allow for passage of the aluminum pole . The back and sides of the lantern are covered so as to minimize light shining on the interior of cabinet .

Assistant behind rear panel

Hollow space Fabric panel

The table and cabinet are constructed from 3 / 8 " birch plywood . The table legs are 1 1 / 2 " aluminum square tubing . The casters are 2 " diameter .

The table and corner supports of the cabinet are painted brown . The sides of the cabinet are white . The table top and belly are black velvet to match interior of the cabinet .

Wood panel

To create the shadow effects of the front of the cabinet , the Assistant lowers the fabric portion of the rear panel to allow her hands to move about in front of the light .

The front panel of the cabinet is white fabric , framed with wood or aluminum .

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Lightbox Appearance SPECS Open space, approx. 7 ½" deep, front to back Fabric panel attached to floor panel Fabric panel False floor, piano hinge runs along front edge, attached to cabinet

Interior of cabinet revealed: Black velvet throughout. False floor hinges out , away from rear of cabinet . Rear fabric panel is unhooked from top edges, falling onto false floor.

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