Most magicians learn tricks. Very few learn how to build a real act-one with rhythm, progression, and identity.
An act that feels like a performance... not just a technical demonstration. That's exactly what Robin Deville has achieved.
Winner of The One at Blackpool 2025, French Champion of Magic, FFAP Close-Up Champion (2019), and FISM Europe 2024 laureate, Robin has established himself as one of the most exciting creators of his generation.
But beyond the titles lies a deeper question: how is a true magic act created? This book is the answer.
Behind the scenes of a real act
In Creation of a Magic Act, Robin takes you inside the process of building a performance. You'll learn how to think from the spectator's perspective, structure magical progression, and turn raw ideas into unforgettable moments.
He also reveals the most common mistakes magicians make-and how to avoid them. More importantly, he shows you how to find your own style.
A laboratory of creativity
The book features the fascinating COPYCAT series.
During lockdown, Robin challenged himself to create mini-acts inspired by masters like Yann Frisch, Boris Wild, Juan Tamariz, Pierric, and Dani DaOrtiz-not to copy them, but to understand how great creativity works.
A powerful method to develop your own voice.
A real-world case study
Robin fully breaks down his award-winning act Dr Blue & Mr Red.
From first ideas to dead ends, artistic decisions, structure, and fine details-you get a rare, honest look at how a competition-winning act is built.
Complete routines included
To bring his thinking to life, Robin teaches several of his working routines:
- Coins Through the Table - three coins penetrate the table, no gimmicks
- Sandwich Chercheur - a direct, intelligent sandwich routine
- Instant Sandwich - a fast, visual take on the classic
- Investigator Sticker - an original concept built around a sticker
- Gambler vs Magician - a dynamic, multi-phase duel
Each effect is explained not just technically-but as part of a larger act.
More than a magic book
This isn't just a collection of tricks.
It's a deep dive into the creative process of a modern magician who has spent years turning ideas into powerful performances.
If you want to go beyond tricks...
If you want to build something that truly feels like your magic...
This book might completely change the way you think about performance.
And honestly-we can't wait to see what you create after reading it.
Table of ContentsForewords - 6
Introduction - 8
I. The Magic Act
Beginning - 12
Stage Close-Up Act and Its Particularities - 14
Methodology (and Mistakes to Avoid) - 20
Making Your Act Memorable - 28
Summary - 31
II. Copycat: Style Exercise
Problematic - 35
"A la Frisch" - 36
"A la Wild" - 38
"A la Lavand" - 42
"A la Mancha" - 48
"A la Pierric" - 51
"A la Gomez" - 54
Review - 55
III. Practical Case: Dr Blue & Mr Red
Blank Page? - 58
Guideline - 60
Let's Start Over! - 62
Fake Good Ideas - 66
Final Choices - 70
Props - 75
The One - 78
IV. Tricks
Coins Through the Table - 96
Sandwich Chercheur - 102
Instant Sandwich - 110
Investigator Sticker - 114
Gambler vs Magician - 118
Conclusion & Thanks - 124
Sources - 126
Highlights
- By a multi-award-winning magician
- A clear method to build a complete magic act
- Full routines to understand the creative process
- A rare insight into modern magical creativity
Quotes:
"If you apply what Robin shares in this book, you'll be able to take your performances to the next level and create even stronger magic. Enjoy!"
- Boris Wild
"Read the following pages carefully. They will help you appreciate and understand all facets of Robin, as well as the evolution of our art-with its strengths and its flaws."
- Bernard Bilis
"I consider Robin Deville to be an important voice in contemporary French magic and, without a doubt, a figure who will continue to shape its future. These pages bring together not only valuable ideas, but also the way of thinking of a magician who has chosen to take magic seriously."
- Luis Olmedo
