Platform magic (also known as "parlor magic," "club magic" or "cabaret magic") is that aspect of magic that fits conveniently between stage illusions and close-up magic. It is more intimate than stage magic because it doesn't require expensive, large-scale stage equipment and can thus be performed closer to one's audience and while standing on the same level as them. In addition, parlor magicians usually perform for largish crowds without the benefit of a full-scale theatrical stage. On the other hand, many of the tricks performed by parlor magicians are sufficiently angle-sensitive as to make them impossible to perform as close as micromagicians.

Though it's true T.A. Waters in his Encyclopedia of Magic and Magicians referred to "parlor magic" as a pejorative that implied "an effect under discussion is not suitable for professional performance," most magicians do not have such a poor opinion of this branch of magic. In fact, most working magicians are parlor/platform magicians.

Most magicians generally prefer the term "platform magic" rather than "parlor magic." Their presentation style is usually comical.

Platform Magicians

• David Abbott
• Black Herman
• Darryl Hutton
• Finn Jon
• Fred Kaps
• Peter Marucci
• Jeff McBride
• Hank Moorehouse
• John Mulholland
• Robert Murray
• Penn & Teller
• Channing Pollock
• Terry Seabrooke
• Alan Shaxon
• Larry White

See also

• List of magicians
• Illusionist
• List of magic tricks
• Card marking
• Sleight of hand
• Trick deck
• Flourish
• Tarbell Course
• Card throwing
• Si Stebbins
• Cardistry
• American Museum of Magic
• The Magic Circle
• Magic Castle
• Timeline
• Terms
• Manufacturers
• Assistants
• Exposure
• Card magic
• Gospel Magic
• Torah Magic
• Micromagic
• Parlor magic
• Children's magic
• Street magic
• Theatrical Séances
• Escape magic
• Coin magic
• Mental magic
• Bizarre magic
• Stage illusions