How to Perform Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine like a Pro with this PDF Tutorial
Don Allen Chop Cup Routine PDF Creator
If you are a fan of close-up magic, you might have heard of the Chop Cup Routine, a classic effect that involves a single cup and a ball that appears and disappears under the cup in surprising ways. And if you are a fan of the Chop Cup Routine, you might have heard of Don Allen, one of the most influential magicians who popularized this effect with his fast-paced and entertaining presentation. In this article, we will explore what the Chop Cup Routine is, who Don Allen was, and how you can create a PDF of his famous routine.
Don Allen Chop Cup Routine Pdf Creator
What is the Chop Cup Routine?
The Chop Cup Routine is a variation of the Cups and Balls, one of the oldest and most popular tricks in magic history. The Cups and Balls involves three cups and three balls that are manipulated by the magician to produce various effects, such as making the balls travel from one cup to another, or making them vanish and reappear under different cups. The Chop Cup Routine simplifies this effect by using only one cup and one ball, but adds a twist: the cup is gimmicked with a magnet that allows the ball to stick to it or drop from it at the magician's command.
The history and origin of the Chop Cup Routine
The exact origin of the Chop Cup Routine is unclear, but some sources suggest that it was invented by Al Wheatley, an American magician who performed under the name Chop Chop. Wheatley reportedly developed the idea in 1954, when he was working as a demonstrator for a magic shop in Chicago. He used a paper cup with a magnet inside and a cork ball with a metal washer attached to it. He sold his routine to other magicians, including Don Alan, who made it famous with his TV appearances.
The basic principle and props of the Chop Cup Routine
The basic principle of the Chop Cup Routine is simple: the magician uses a special cup that has a magnet hidden in its bottom. The magnet can attract or repel a ball that has a metal piece inside or attached to it. By controlling the position and angle of the cup, the magician can make the ball stick to the cup or drop from it at will. This creates the illusion that the ball appears and disappears under the cup in impossible ways.
The props for the Chop Cup Routine are usually a metal cup that looks like an ordinary drinking cup, and two balls: one that is magnetic and one that is not. The magnetic ball is used for most of the routine, while the non-magnetic ball is used for the final load, when the magician reveals that there are two balls under the cup instead of one. Some magicians also use other objects for the final load, such as fruit, eggs, or even live animals.
The benefits and challenges of the Chop Cup Routine
The Chop Cup Routine has many benefits for both magicians and audiences. Some of them are:
It is easy to carry and set up. The props are small and can fit in a pocket or a bag.
It is versatile and adaptable. The routine can be performed in different settings, such as close-up, parlor, or stage. It can also be customized with different patter, jokes, or themes.
It is engaging and entertaining. The routine involves a lot of interaction and participation from the audience, who can examine the cup and the ball, and try to guess where the ball is. The routine also has a lot of surprises and climaxes, such as the final load, that keep the audience amazed and amused.
However, the Chop Cup Routine also has some challenges that require skill and practice from the magician. Some of them are:
It is difficult to master. The routine requires precise timing, misdirection, sleight of hand, and audience management. The magician has to be aware of the position and movement of the cup and the ball at all times, and avoid any suspicious or unnatural actions.
It is risky to perform. The routine relies on a gimmick that can malfunction or be exposed. The magnet can lose its strength, the ball can fall off or get stuck, or the audience can discover the secret by touching or looking at the cup or the ball.
It is challenging to present. The routine has to be performed with confidence, humor, and personality. The magician has to keep the audience interested and involved, and avoid being boring or repetitive.
Who is Don Allen?
Don Allen was an American magician and author who was well known for his technical excellence and relaxed attitude in performing close-up magic. He was one of the most influential magicians of his time, and his Chop Cup Routine was considered one of the best ever.
Don Allen's biography and achievements
Don Allen was born in 1926 in Illinois. He became interested in magic at an early age, and started performing professionally when he was 16. He served in the Navy during World War II, and then moved to Chicago, where he worked as a demonstrator for a magic shop. He also performed at nightclubs, hotels, and private parties.
In the 1950s, he moved to Los Angeles, where he became a regular performer at the Magic Castle, a famous club for magicians and magic enthusiasts. He also appeared on several TV shows, such as "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson", "The Mike Douglas Show", and "The Dick Cavett Show". He also hosted his own TV show in the 1960s, called "Don Alan's Magic Ranch".
In addition to performing, Don Allen also wrote several books and articles on magic, such as "In a Class by Himself: The Legacy of Don Alan", "Pretty Sneaky", and "Close-Up Time with Don Alan". He also lectured and taught magic to other magicians around the world. He received many awards and honors for his contributions to magic, such as the Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year Award in 1974, and the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame Award in 1999.
Don Allen died in 1999 at the age of 73.
Don Allen's style and influence
Don Allen's style was characterized by his casual and friendly demeanor, his witty and humorous patter, his smooth and natural handling of props, and his clever and original routines. He was able to perform magic with everyday objects, such as coins, cards, cigarettes, matches, rubber bands, etc., and make them seem magical and entertaining.
Don Allen's influence can be seen in many magicians who admired and learned from him, such as David Copperfield, Michael Ammar, Paul Gertner, Ricky Jay, etc. His routines have been copied, adapted, and improved by many magicians over the years.
Don Allen's famous Chop Cup Routine
Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine was one of his signature effects that he performed for decades. It was based on Al Wheatley's original routine, but Don Allen added his own touches and twists that made it unique and memorable. His routine consisted of several phases:
The introduction: Don Allen would introduce the cup and the ball to the audience, and let them examine them. He would then place the ball under the cup, lift it up to show that it was still there, then place it back down.
The first vanish: Don Allen would lift up the cup again to show that the ball had vanished. He would then pretend to find it in his pocket or behind his ear.
The first appearance: Don Allen would place the ball under the cup again, then lift it up to show that it had reappeared.
the second vanish: Don Allen would repeat the same actions as before, but this time he would show that the ball had vanished from his pocket or behind his ear as well.
The second appearance: Don Allen would place the cup on the table, then tap it with his wand or finger. He would then lift up the cup to show that the ball had reappeared.
The third vanish: Don Allen would place the ball under the cup again, then ask a spectator to hold the cup. He would then take the ball from under the cup and place it in his pocket or behind his ear.
The third appearance: Don Allen would ask the spectator to lift up the cup to show that the ball had reappeared again.
The final load: Don Allen would place the ball under the cup one last time, then ask another spectator to hold the cup. He would then take out a lemon or an orange from his pocket or bag, and show it to the audience. He would then ask the first spectator to lift up the cup to show that there were two balls under it instead of one. He would then ask the second spectator to lift up the cup to show that there was a lemon or an orange under it instead of a ball.
Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine was a masterpiece of close-up magic that combined skill, humor, and surprise. It was a routine that never failed to impress and delight audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
How to create a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine?
If you are interested in learning and performing Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine, you might want to create a PDF of his routine for your reference and study. A PDF is a portable document format that can be viewed and printed on any device. Creating a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine can be useful for several reasons:
It can help you remember and review the steps and details of the routine.
It can help you practice and rehearse the routine with your props and script.
It can help you share and teach the routine to other magicians or students.
It can help you preserve and honor the legacy of Don Allen and his magic.
Why you might want to create a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine
As we have seen, Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine is a classic effect that has been performed and enjoyed by many magicians and audiences for decades. It is a routine that showcases Don Allen's talent and personality, as well as his contribution to magic history and culture. Creating a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine can be a way of expressing your appreciation and admiration for Don Allen and his magic. It can also be a way of learning and improving your own magic skills and style, by studying and emulating one of the best magicians of all time.
What you need to create a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine
To create a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine, you will need the following things:
A video or a book of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine. You can find many videos of Don Allen performing his routine on YouTube or other online platforms. You can also find his routine written in some books, such as "In a Class by Himself: The Legacy of Don Alan" by Jon Racherbaumer, or "Pretty Sneaky" by Don Alan himself.
A word processor or a text editor. You will need a software that allows you to type and format text, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Notepad, etc.
A PDF converter or a printer. You will need a software that allows you to convert your text document into a PDF file, such as Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, etc. Alternatively, you can also print your text document as a PDF file using your printer settings.
A chop cup and two balls. You will need these props to practice and perform the routine. You can buy them from any magic shop or online store, or you can make them yourself using some DIY materials.
Step-by-step guide to create a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine
Here are the steps to create a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine:
Watch or read Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine several times until you understand and remember the sequence and the details of the routine.
Open your word processor or text editor, and create a new document.
Type the title of the document, such as "Don Allen Chop Cup Routine PDF".
Type the outline of the routine, using headings and subheadings to organize the different phases and actions of the routine. You can use the outline that we provided earlier in this article, or you can create your own outline based on your preference and style.
Type the description of each phase and action of the routine, using paragraphs and bullet points to explain the steps and details of the routine. You can use your own words to describe the routine, or you can copy and paste from the video or the book of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine. Make sure to use clear and concise language, and to include any tips or advice that Don Allen gave in his performance or his writing.
Format your document, using fonts, colors, sizes, alignments, etc. to make it look neat and professional. You can also add some images or diagrams to illustrate the routine, if you want.
Save your document, using a name and a location that you can easily find later.
Convert your document into a PDF file, using your PDF converter or your printer settings. You can also adjust some options, such as the quality, the size, the orientation, etc. of your PDF file.
Open your PDF file, and check if it looks good and accurate. You can also print it or share it with others, if you want.
Practice and perform Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine, using your PDF file as a reference and a guide. Have fun and enjoy!
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned what the Chop Cup Routine is, who Don Allen was, and how to create a PDF of his famous routine. We have seen that the Chop Cup Routine is a classic effect that involves a single cup and a ball that appears and disappears under the cup in surprising ways. We have also seen that Don Allen was one of the most influential magicians who popularized this effect with his fast-paced and entertaining presentation. Finally, we have seen that creating a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine can be useful for learning and performing this effect, as well as for appreciating and honoring Don Allen and his magic.
Summary of the main points
The Chop Cup Routine is a variation of the Cups and Balls that uses only one cup and one ball that are gimmicked with a magnet.
Don Allen was an American magician and author who was well known for his technical excellence and relaxed attitude in performing close-up magic.
Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine was one of his signature effects that he performed for decades. It was based on Al Wheatley's original routine, but Don Allen added his own touches and twists that made it unique and memorable.
Creating a PDF of Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine can be useful for remembering and reviewing the steps and details of the routine, practicing and rehearsing the routine with props and script, sharing and teaching the routine to other magicians or students, and preserving and honoring the legacy of Don Allen and his magic.
Call to action and resources
If you are interested in learning more about Don Allen and his magic, here are some resources that you can check out:
"In a Class by Himself: The Legacy of Don Alan" by Jon Racherbaumer. This is a comprehensive book that covers Don Allen's life and career, as well as his routines and techniques.
"Pretty Sneaky" by Don Alan. This is a book that contains some of Don Allen's original routines and ideas for close-up magic.
"Don Alan's Magic Ranch". This is a TV show that Don Allen hosted in the 1960s, where he performed his magic for various guests.
"Don Alan - The Chop Cup" on YouTube. This is a video clip of Don Allen performing his famous Chop Cup Routine on The Magic Palace TV show.
If you are interested in learning more about the Chop Cup Routine and other close-up magic effects, here are some resources that you can check out:
"The Complete Cups And Balls" by Michael Ammar. This is a book that covers everything you need to know about the Cups And Balls effect, including its history, theory, techniques, routines, variations, etc.
"World's Greatest Magic - The Chop Cup" on YouTube. This is a video series that features various magicians performing their versions of the Chop Cup Routine.
a video tutorial that explains how the Chop Cup Routine works and how to perform it.
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading and have a magical day!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine and how to create a PDF of it:
Q: Where can I buy a chop cup and balls?
A: You can buy a chop cup and balls from any magic shop or online store that sells magic props and supplies. You can also make your own chop cup and balls using some DIY materials, such as a paper cup, a magnet, a cork ball, and a metal washer.
Q: How long does it take to learn Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine?
A: It depends on your skill level and your practice time. Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine is not very difficult to learn, but it requires precise timing, misdirection, sleight of hand, and audience management. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to master the routine.
Q: Can I perform Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine without a script?
A: Yes, you can perform Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine without a script, but it is not recommended. A script helps you to structure your routine, to deliver your patter and jokes, and to engage your audience. It also helps you to avoid any mistakes or awkward moments during your performance.
Q: Can I modify or improve Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine?
A: Yes, you can modify or improve Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine, but you should do it with respect and credit. Don Allen's Chop Cup Routine is a classic effect that has been performed and enjoyed by many magicians and audiences for decades. It is a routine that showcases Don Allen's talent and personality, as well as his contribution to magic history and culture. You should not copy or plagiarize his routine, but you can add your own touches and twists that suit your style and preference.
Q: What are some other effects that I can perform with a chop cup?
A: There are many other effects that you can perform with a chop cup, such as making the ball change color, making the ball multiply or shrink, making the ball penetrate the cup or the table, making the ball travel from one cup to another, etc. You can also combine the chop cup with other props, such as coins, dice, rings, etc.
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