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(Columbia, MD) Magician Peter Wood was presented with the trophy for originality by the Columbia chapter of the Society of American Magicians on April 16, winning a contest judged and attended by fellow magicians.
“It’s wonderful to perform for audiences and see their reactions” Peter said, “but to be given an award by a group of magicians is truly an honor.”
The Lindsay Crawford Originality Contest was started in 1980 by its namesake to entice fellow members to perform original magic effects. Every April, magicians within the Society of American Magicians' Columbia chapter present unique magic routines and are judged by their peers. In addition to originality, their performances are rated in other attributes, such as stage presence and technical skill.
This year’s winning illusion utilizes a clear locked box which holds a compact disc prediction throughout the performance. At the routine’s climax, the CD is played, and correctly reveals a randomly selected shape, number, and word from three audience volunteers. Video clips from the winning routine can be found at ShazamMagic.com.
“I introduced this routine about a year ago, and have been adjusting and polishing it ever since” Wood noted. “It’s made up of three mind-reading effects, so I’m three times more likely to mess it up. Audiences don’t actually want to see me fail, but they enjoy the suspense that I might.”
Peter contends that the illusion has never gone wrong, although it has come close a few times. Exactly how is he able to correctly predict the audience members’ choices time after time?
“It’s magic” is the magician’s simple answer.
The Society of American Magicians was founded in 1902, and features local chapters throughout the United States. Chapter #141 meets in Columbia each month, and is known as the “Columbia Conjurors.” More details can be found on their website: SAM141.org
Magician Peter Wood owns Shazam Magic, and he is often assisted by his brother Matt. Entertaining at corporate events, fairs, and birthday parties since 1994, the Wood brothers offer a unique blend of magic and comedy.
Originally published April 16, 2007
