Magic and Mystery in New York with Rachel Wax

February 8th, 2025

character-driven magic, close up magic, creating a magic persona, gender and magic performance, immersive magic, inclusivity in magic, magic business strategies, magic clubs vs. informal groups, magic performance tips, magic scripting and comedy, mind mapping for magic, New York magic scene, New York magicians, overcoming industry biases, performing in competitive markets, private event magic, refining magic routines, Speakeasy Magic, stage magic, The Magnets magic group, trick development process, Women in magic

In this episode, Jonah sits down with Rachel Wax to discuss her journey from fashion to full-time magic, performing at Speakeasy Magick, and her creative process for developing new routines.

Getting Into Magic

Rachel’s introduction to magic came from her father, a surgeon with a passion for tricks. At 15, she learned a self-working card trick, sparking a lifelong fascination. Despite initially pursuing fashion design at FIT in New York, Rachel found herself drawn into the city’s magic scene, demoing magic kits at FAO Schwarz and Toys ‘R’ Us. This led her to The Magnets, a group of magicians who jammed and performed together, helping her refine her craft.

The New York Magic Scene

Rachel shares insights into what makes the New York magic scene unique, from its competitive nature to the high expectations of its audiences. She highlights how performing in such a dynamic city pushes magicians to be better and why close-up magic is having a moment right now.

Speakeasy Magic and Performing in Immersive Environments

As a regular performer at Speakeasy Magick Rachel describes the challenges and rewards of working in an immersive, up-close environment. She explains how the show is structured, what makes it special, and how it has shaped her as a performer.

Creative Process and Mind Mapping

Rachel breaks down her approach to creating new magic, including how she uses mind mapping to develop tricks that align with her character. She also walks through her process for refining routines, incorporating audience feedback, and continuously evolving her material.

Being a Woman in Magic

Rachel candidly discusses her experiences as a woman in the magic industry, from dealing with audience perceptions to navigating sexism at conventions. She shares how she turns low expectations into an advantage and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive magic community.

The Business of Magic in New York

Jonah and Rachel discuss the business side of magic, including how private gigs and ticketed shows shape a magician’s career in New York. Rachel also touches on why having multiple great magic shows in a city helps grow the industry rather than creating competition.

Mentions

Endless Chain

Rachel recommends checking out:

Eli Bosnick