Designer: Jim Steinmeyer
Shadow Theatre is described and detailed in Steinmeyer's booklet Modern Art and other Mysteries. Owners of this book are authorized to build and perform this illusion. You may also contact Jim Steinmeyer directly to find a recommended builder. Jim Steinmeyer says that he often calls this piece "Folding Shadows."
The magician shows an empty box. He lights a bulb in the top and closes the front, allowing the front panel to be shown fully lit. He stands at the back with a folded piece of paper and unfolds the paper, creating a shadow in the box. When the paper is unfolded, it resembles a vase. The light is extinguished and the magician opens the front of the cabinet revealing a large, solid, vase. The vase is placed aside and his assistant enters the cabinet. The front is closed and the assistant's moving shadow is clearly seen on the front. The magician reaches in and "folds" her shadow just as if it were a two-dimensional shape. He continues this action until he has folded the shadow into a small square of paper. He opens the front cover and reveals a piece of paper the same color as the assistant's clothing.
Photo Credit: Magic Makers (Canada) (man in red shirt, assistant in red inside box), Edama Magic
