Most magicians learn a few tricks; very few figure out how to craft a proper act—one with rhythm, flow, and a distinct personality.
An act that feels like a performance... not just a technical showcase. That’s precisely what Robin Deville has nailed down.
A winner of The One at Blackpool 2025, French Champion of Magic, FFAP Close-Up Champion (2019), and FISM Europe 2024 laureate, Robin has cemented his status as one of the most thrilling creators of his generation.
But let’s dig deeper: how on Earth does one create a genuine magic act? This book holds the answers.
Behind the scenes of a real act
In Creation of a Magic Act, Robin invites you into the nitty-gritty of building a performance. You’ll learn to think from the audience’s perspective, structure magical journeys, and transform raw ideas into unforgettable experiences.
He also highlights the most common blunders magicians make—and how to dodge them. More crucially, he’ll help you discover your own unique style.
A laboratory of creativity
The book includes the intriguing COPYCAT series.
During lockdown, Robin set himself the challenge of creating mini-acts inspired by legends like Yann Frisch, Boris Wild, Juan Tamariz, Pierric, and Dani DaOrtiz—not to copy, but to grasp how genuine creativity ticks.
A powerful method to unearth your own voice.
A real-world case study
Robin meticulously breaks down his award-winning act Dr Blue & Mr Red.
From initial concepts to dead ends, artistic choices, structure, and fine details—you get a rare, candid glimpse into how a competition-winning act comes together.
Complete routines included
To bring his insights to life, Robin shares several of his working routines:
- Coins Through the Table - three coins penetrate the table, no gimmicks
- Sandwich Chercheur - a direct, clever sandwich routine
- Instant Sandwich - a quick, visual twist on the classic
- Investigator Sticker - an original concept built around a sticker
- Gambler vs Magician - a dynamic, multi-phase showdown
Each effect is explained not just technically—but as part of a larger act.
More than a magic book
This isn’t just a random collection of tricks.
It’s an in-depth exploration of the creative journey of a modern magician who has spent years turning ideas into captivating performances.
If you’re keen to go beyond mere tricks...
If you want to create something that genuinely embodies your magic...
This book might just flip your perception of performance on its head.
And honestly—we can’t wait to see what you whip up after diving into it.
Table of Contents
Forewords - 6
Introduction - 8
I. The Magic Act
Beginning - 12
Stage Close-Up Act and Its Particularities - 14
Methodology (and Mistakes to Avoid) - 20
Making Your Act Memorable - 28
Summary - 31
II. Copycat: Style Exercise
Problematic - 35
"A la Frisch" - 36
"A la Wild" - 38
"A la Lavand" - 42
"A la Mancha" - 48
"A la Pierric" - 51
"A la Gomez" - 54
Review - 55
III. Practical Case: Dr Blue & Mr Red
Blank Page? - 58
Guideline - 60
Let's Start Over! - 62
Fake Good Ideas - 66
Final Choices - 70
Props - 75
The One - 78
IV. Tricks
Coins Through the Table - 96
Sandwich Chercheur - 102
Instant Sandwich - 110
Investigator Sticker - 114
Gambler vs Magician - 118
Conclusion & Thanks - 124
Sources - 126
Highlights
- By a multi-award-winning magician
- A clear method to build a complete magic act
- Full routines to understand the creative process
- A rare insight into modern magical creativity
Quotes: "If you apply what Robin shares in this book, you'll be able to take your performances to the next level and create even stronger magic. Enjoy!"-
Boris Wild"Read the following pages carefully. They will help you appreciate and understand all facets of Robin, as well as the evolution of our art—with its strengths and its flaws."-
Bernard Bilis"I consider Robin Deville to be an important voice in contemporary French magic and, without a doubt, a figure who will continue to shape its future. These pages bring together not only valuable ideas, but also the way of thinking of a magician who has chosen to take magic seriously."-
Luis Olmedo
