PDF, #13 to #25

The Ron Bauer Private Studies Series is a series of 24 "annotated performance scripts" written by Ron Bauer and illustrated by Sandra Kort. The first 12 were originally published by John Luka's Magic by Mail in 1998-99. In late 1999, the series was rebooted by E-GADS (Electronic Graphic Art Design Studio). They released expanded and revised second editions of the first 12, and have since released 9 of the 12 remaining scripts. There have also been several Ron Bauer Private Studies Special Editions.

Introduction

An early advertisement for the series in the September 1998 issue of MAGIC Magazine contained this "Message from John Luka":

If you're like me, and the other NINETY PLUS PERCENT OF THE MAGICIANS IN THE WORLD, magic is a HOBBY. Performing magic is an AVOCATION. We don't do many shows, and when we do, we're often groping for the "right words." When we realize we're not directing our audiences, let alone misdirecting them, we feel the "flop sweat."

The answer to these problems, though, isn't MORE TRICKS! There are plenty of tricks and videos and books available. To triumph as magicians, we need, in a word, PRESENTATION!

PRESENTATION makes DIRECTION work to get and hold their ATTENTION. PRESENTATION makes MISDIRECTION work to FOOL 'EM. And, most important, PRESENTATION brings out our PERSONALITIES so we can ENTERTAIN 'EM.

After years of pushing and prodding, I persuaded Ron Bauer, THE Underground Legend (because his magical and theatrical knowledge and skills are renowned), into writing a series of monographs that teaches PRESENTATION from a theatrical point of view. Each contains a TESTED EXAMPLE "magical exercise" to help you learn and understand the PRINCIPLES of: DIRECTION, the NARRATIVE thread of UNITY that holds the PRESENTATION together. MISDIRECTION, the tactics for HIDING SECRETS OUT IN THE OPEN. And, the TAG LINE, the key to knowing WHAT TO SAY AND WHEN TO SAY IT.

Each monograph includes insights you can apply to your magic whether you're a pro or just enjoy entertaining friends and associates.

Annotated Performance Script

In 2005, Bauer added:

...each of the items in my series is an "annotated performance script." They're intended to help out those with aspirations to perform in front of the public and (now get this part) have something to say that is at least somewhat as clever and amusing as the trick. Sometimes, performing a trick for friends or doing a little show is a person's only chance to be clever in public. Having the words and some help on the technical details can (almost assuredly) make the difference between having some fun and volunteering for humiliation.^[1]

Video Annotations

Each of the scripts in the series is accompanied by several short video clips, available at the Private Studies Series website, Think Like a Conjurer. The clips are designed to help interpret certain handling and provide clarity, not teach moves. According to Bauer, "The idea is to have a reference more dynamic that just words and line art to supplement the books. These clips are short, and can be looped so the student can see the actions repeated whatever number of times needed."^[2]

As of February 2017, videos for the first 12 books are available. According to Bauer, his plan is to release the remaining videos upon completion of the final three books in the series.

24-part Series

As of February 2017, 21 of the 24 scripts in the series have been published. Still upcoming are #20 Ron Bauer's "That's the Spirit!", #23 Bob Longe's "Worn Out Deck", and #24 Don Alan's Sneaky Nudist Rides Again.

#1 "Gadabout Coins Revisited"

Written by Ron Bauer. Illustrated by Sandra Kort. Second edition, revised and expanded, published by E-GADS in 2000, 16 pages.

Originally published by John Luka's Magic by Mail in 1998, 8 pages.

Description: This is a simple trick with three "lucky coins" that becomes gradually more puzzling until the surprise, stunning finish.

Contents include:

• "Anti-Talking Technique"
• "In the Well Vanish"
• "Repetition (as Preparation and Misdirection)"

Category:Close Up Magic, Category:Stand Up Magic. Category:Coins. Two in the Hand, One in the Pocket.

#2 "Sudden Death Gypsy Curse"

Written by Ron Bauer. Illustrated by Sandra Kort. Second edition, revised and expanded, published by E-GADS in 2000, 16 pages.

Originally published by John Luka's Magic by Mail in 1998, 12 pages.

Description: This is a packet trick that makes sense. It uses Tarot cards and offers a prize to any winner. You show how one of your relatives' game of Seven Card Monte backfired because he tried to cheat a Gypsy!

Contents include:

• "Segue with #8 'The Cursed Ring'"
• "Repairing and Aging Gypsy Curse Cards"

Category:Close Up Magic. Category:Cards. Gypsy Curse.

#3 Tony Chaudhuri's "Feminine Side"

Written by Ron Bauer. Illustrated by Sandra Kort. Second edition, revised and expanded, published by E-GADS in 2000, 20 pages.

Originally published by John Luka's Magic by Mail in 1998, as #3 Tony Chaudhuri's Cross to the Feminine Side. 8 pages.

Description: From a regular deck of cards, you help a male spectator show everyone that he is VERY SENSITIVE because he can somehow(?) separate eight red from eight black cards.

Contents include:

• "Tag Lines and Punch Lines"
• "The Sham Psychology Theme"
• "A Real Man's Trick"
• "Some Relevant Background"

Category:Close Up Magic. Category:Cards. Out of This World.

#4 "Butch, Ringo, & the Sheep"

Written by Ron Bauer. Illustrated by Sandra Kort. Second edition, revised and expanded, published by E-GADS in 2002, 32 pages.

Originally published by John Luka's Magic by Mail in 1998, 12 pages.

Description: You act out your favorite Urban Legend with seven quarters and a ring that never stay where you put them, especially the third time.

Contents include:

• "Plot Construction"
• "Borrowing Can Stop the Show"
• "Han Ping Chien Move"

Category:Close Up Magic. Category:Coins. Thieves and Sheep.

#5 "Hornswoggled Again!"

Written by Ron Bauer. Illustrated by Sandra Kort. Second edition, revised and expanded, published by E-GADS in 2001, 20 pages.

Originally published by John Luka's Magic by Mail in 1998, 12 pages.

Description: You SHORT CHANGE a spectator out of a dollar, but when you show him your "sure-fire" defense, he has his revenge!

Contents include:

• "Casual Handling"
• "Fanning Powder Notes"
• "From the Left"

Category:Close Up Magic, Category:Platform Magic. Category:Paper Money. Shortchange Trick.

#6 "Owed to Poker Dan"

Written by Ron Bauer. Illustrated by Sandra Kort. Second edition, revised and expanded, published by E-GADS in 2001, 16 pages.

Originally published by John Luka's Magic by Mail in 1998, as #6 Ron Bauer's Ode to Poker Dan. 12 pages.

Description: This is a packet trick that makes hilarious and mystifying sense. With the actual hand of cards played by an unfortunate gambler named Poker Dan, you illustrate how he used uncanny skill to win his last Poker game.

Contents include:

• "Story Telling"
• "Packet Trick Discrepancy"
• "Rhyming Patter"

Category:Close Up Magic. Category:Cards. Packet Trick, All Backs.

#7 "Dixie"