Celebracadabra sponsor Ellusionist is providing exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of the cast on set. Who will win the $100,000 grand prize? Tune in and see – coming April 27.

Magician/Coach Murray Sawchuck and Pussycat Doll Kim Wyatt

What do you get when you have an avid poker player, comedian, actor, and television host all rolled into one? You get ANT, one of the contestants on Celebracadabra. While often found in the position of judging on such shows as “Last Comic Standing”, the tables are now turned. He’s on the competitor’s end of things, and competition is fierce.

Magician / Coach David Regal and Comedian ANT – Doesn’t ANT know David Regal can’t be killed by conventional weapons?
Fear not. No black leather belts were harmed when this picture was taken.

Magician/Coach Rocco Silano and Comedian/Actor Hal Sparks

Among the list of celebrities vying to win VH1′s Celebracadabra is Carnie Wilson. Through these exclusive behind the scenes photos, you can get a sneak peek at this singer-gone-magician’s talent. Not new to VH1 after being on the fourth season of Celebrity Fit Club, she’s back on TV again to try to prove herself worthy of the title “Best Celebrity Magician”.

Magician/Coach Silly Billy and Singer/TV personality Carnie Wilson

Magician/Coach David Regal and film & tv actor C. Thomas Howell

While the Ellusionist Blog covers many important updates for magicians who hold a high profile (David Copperfield, Criss Angel, David Blaine, etc), I also think that it’s important to focus on improving ourselves as magicians. For those who don’t have the career (yet), it is especially important for all magicians to focus on themselves and find areas where we can improve. This way, everyone’s magic impoves and thus the art itself improves, too.

Something that I like to do is look at each piece I’m performing and find out which one I feel is the weakest. Using this technique allows me to judge my own act and discover which areas need to be improved the most. The weakest part of your show doesn’t always have to be a trick; it can sometimes be a transition between two tricks or the order of your tricks in the act itself.

Once we know which area needs improvement, then working on those improvements comes next. I like to bounce ideas off of magician friends of mine and also to try out some of the ideas in front of live audiences until I find out what improvement works best for me. I hope that this helps magicians reflect a bit on themselves and inspires them to improve their own magic.

The Shaman

Magic on UK TV seems to be taking an upturn as of lately with a number of specials and shows having aired. These shows have subsequently spread across the shores to the US; the trend seems to be continuing. We’ve heard of a new magic show will be shooting this summer at bars around the UK.

The show that has yet to be named is being produced for a new UK channel launching this year. The difference—they are working with a little known magician who’ll be performing his own material alongside the cream of effects from the magic community in a ‘new and unique way’.

Having spoken to the magician at the center of the show, we’re sure that UK viewers are in for a treat, and a refreshing change in magic shows. “Everything I’m performing in the show, from my own material to the already released material, will be very unique in its presentation.”

As to what the unique slant is and who the mystery newcomer is—stay tuned, and don’t touch that dial—we’ll be right back!

Just announced today, the celebrities on the VH1 Celebracadabra show, airing April 20th are C. Thomas Howell, comedian ANT, Hal Sparks, Chris Reid (Kid from Kid n’ Play), Lisa Ann Walter, Carnie Wilson, Kim Wyatt from The Pussycat Dolls.

Show sponsor, Ellusionist has provided EXCLUSIVE behind the scenes photos.

C. Thomas Howell & Chris Reid

Kim Wyatt & Hal Sparks

Jonathan Levit, C. Thomas Howell & Magic Coach David Regal

“I don’t care about what I look like at this point.”

“I didn’t get into this art form for money.”

“I don’t care whether I drive a Hyundai with 200,000 miles on it…”

These fascinating facts and more are revealed in a recent interview Criss Angel’s beard had with Robin Leach on his blog Vegas Luxe Life.