Each year, Broadway audiences experience the enchantment of theater. Much of this magic is crafted by skilled magicians who work behind the scenes. One production that encapsulates this is Paranormal Activity, which premiered on Broadway on August 25. The play brings a haunting to life for theatergoers.
Magician Chris Fisher, a member of the esteemed Magic Circle society, is key to creating the illusions in Paranormal Activity. He collaborates with teams handling costumes, props, and lighting to astonish the audience. Based in the U.K., Fisher’s portfolio includes making a life-sized battleship appear in Stranger Things: The First Shadow and creating magical duels in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
In a conversation with NPR, Fisher shared insights on designing illusions and coaching actors to execute them. Below are excerpts from their discussion.
Creating Effective Jump Scares
Crafting scares on stage presents challenges. Fisher explains a strategy of engaging the audience and then having nothing occur. He repeats this tension, then suddenly introduces a scare during an unexpected moment. This technique, known as “catching you on the offbeat,” is common in magic.
Fisher notes that American audiences react more intensely compared to U.K. audiences. A single person’s reaction can trigger a chain reaction of jumps, amplifying the effect.
Balancing Fear and Humor
A performance can either shock or appear silly. Fisher highlights Blithe Spirit as an example where objects flying across a room add an over-the-top comedic element. In contrast, suggesting fear, like the fin in Jaws with its iconic music, can be more effective than overt depictions.
Actors Learning Magic
Magic requires precision, which can be challenging for actors focusing on delivering natural performances. Fisher explains that asking actors to perform contrived magic can disrupt their naturalism, leading to potential fluster.
In rehearsals for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Fisher teaches actors to maintain natural movements to avoid revealing any hidden items or moments prematurely.
The Art of Misdirection
Misdirection is a fundamental part of magic. Fisher emphasizes keeping unnecessary focus away from trick components. If an actor’s hand remains too stiff while holding something secret, it looks abnormal. Hence, actors learn to keep relaxed postures and divert audience attention elsewhere, ensuring the magic remains concealed.
Fisher underscores the importance of persistent practice in mastering these techniques.