Bizarre Magicians often use authentic antique or simulated artifacts to enhance their presentations. Storytelling is also employed for a greater sense of theatrical authenticity. Techniques such as these distinguish Bizarre from other types of magic performance. Max Maven has said of Bizarre Magic that it "references a larger magical world beyond the boundaries of the performance." Bizarre magick often uses horror and supernatural imagery in addition to the standard commercial magic approaches of comedy and wonder. Bizarre magic deliberately utilizes discomfort for theatrical effect. Another methodology employed in performance is the integration of storytelling enhanced by magic. Bizarre Magick is often performed as close-up magic, for a few people at a time, but it can also be performed as a club show or even as a stage act, depending on the routine, the props, and the performer.
History
The movement of the art of Bizarre Magick began in the late 1960s with Charles Cameron and Tony "Doc" Shiels. Some of the significant artists since that time have been Tony Andruzzi, Eugene Burger, Christian Chelman, Robert Neale, Tony Raven and Jeff McBride. Most of the material on the subject is published privately within the Bizarre Magick community and is not readily available through normal distribution. And many of the important works were either hand-made or published on a very limited basis. So despite being relatively recent publications, many have significant collectible value. Contemporary British practitioners include Todd Landman, Iain Jay, Careena Fenton, Nick Brunger, Ashton Carter, Nik Taylor, Paul Voodini, Tracy Wise and Steve Drury. Contemporary American practitioners include Mary Tomich, Jim Magus, Paul Prater, David Parr, Vince Wilson, Prof. BC, Joe Lantiere and Vlad. The Sacred Riana is an Indonesian bizarre illusionist who won the second season of Asia's Got Talent in 2017 and reached the quarterfinals of season 13 of America's Got Talent in 2018.
Annual events
There are a few annual events focused on Bizarre Magick. The first event was the now defunct "Invocational" which started a tradition of annual gatherings in honor of the Bizarre. In Edinburgh, Scotland the annual Charles Cameron Gathering is held in October. Also in October is the Magic and Meaning Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. England's most popular convention for bizarre magicians is "Doomsday" - originally held in Dracula's favourite seaside town, Whitby, it moved to Derby in 2019. Since 2015, The East CoastSpirit Sessions is held in January in Myrtle Beach, SC. In 2018, the first annual Mid-Atlantic Bizarre Hauntings Conference was held.
