Introducing Dynamite in a Small Package by Doc Dixon
"The other magicians had a right chuckle when I claimed I could entertain for over 25 minutes on stage with just a deck of cards and a marker, but their giggles turned to gasps when the audience ROARED for my performance!"
A Real-World Review from the Trenches:
Here’s an in-the-trenches review from cruise ship comedy magician, Michael Misko. I sent him an early copy for his thoughts. Recently, I got this text:
"Dynamite in a Small Package is going live tonight on the Crown Princess."
Was I shocked? Absolutely. Sure, he read the preview. We’ve chatted about it for yonks. But to slot it into his show that quickly after reading it??
The following morning, I received this gem: "Bro. It killed."
I asked him, "What can I share with my Dixon Magic audience about the book?"
Michael replied, "In 25 minutes, with just one deck of cards, this act zeroes in precisely on the bond between the audience and the magician."
"Doc's routine takes the hard work out of holding court with your crowd. It serves up powerful magical moments, culminating in what might just be the greatest card trick ever crafted for stand-up entertainers. You’ll want Dynamite in your back pocket... it’ll lighten your load and boost your earnings."
Dynamite in a Small Package is my latest 60+ page tome, teaching you a complete five-routine act for the stage. All you need is a deck of cards, a marker, two minutes of prep, and you’re off to the races!
More than just a trick manual, it reveals how and why a typical audience (think after-dinner events) can be thoroughly entertained for nearly 20 minutes with so little in the way of props.
"Dynamite comes in small packages." A saying that suggests extraordinary power can be found in the tiniest of sources.
So, how can a magic act resonate with large crowds using minimal props?
One, clever routine selection.
Two (or perhaps a subset of one?), performing routines that thrive on audience interaction for the entertainment factor.
Then the show isn’t about a 3-1/2-inch x 2-1/2-inch x 3/4-inch deck of cards. It’s about several feet and hundreds of pounds of PEOPLE. I’d say that’s even larger than a Zig Zag. And what are you packing? Just a deck of cards and a marker.
Think back to the most memorable moments from your shows over the years. I wager nearly all of them involved an audience member - not a prop - creating something extra entertaining.
Wouldn’t it be wise to craft an act from the ground up that generates those kinds of moments? And here’s the kicker: the props fit right in your hand!
If you enjoyed my book "The Show Is the Mother of Invention - Advice on Packing Small, Playing Big & Living Large", you’ll absolutely love Dynamite in a Small Package. It’s a deep dive into applying those principles across these five routines.
If you want to incorporate some or all of the Dynamite in a Small Package act...
If you're after an emergency stand-up set that’s ready to roll...
If you fancy having several stage routines that exude skill...
If you're keen to learn routines, techniques, and concepts that’ll enhance your entire act...
...You need this book.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Rules & Goals
The (Real) Methods
The Act & Routines
The Non-Pre-Show
Faster Than the World's Fastest Trick A quick, highly visible opener that lands a solid laugh.
Seeing Right Through You The lie detector premise with an over-the-top, yet logical, finish. Involves three spectators and pseudo-X-rays. Sets the stage for hilarious spectator comedy.
Trying Desperately Hard to Find a Four of a Kind Cut to four of a kind with handling that’s perfect for the back row, complete with built-in comedy from repeated failures. Learn the double lift that’s tailor-made for stage.
A Trip with a Signed Card A signed card flits about, culminating in multiple cards to mouth.
Cards Across with Selections Two spectators magically send three selected cards from one to the other. No duplicates needed. Learn the incredibly useful multiple card top change.
Extras - Tips to add a little extra oomph to make the routine play even bigger.
Bonus: Like my last two books, a password-protected link for a brilliant discussion and exploration of this book with the fantastic magician and even better mate, Michael Misko.
