This program is for individuals who have a physical, psychological, or social disability and are participating in rehabilitation therapy.

David Copperfield's Project Magic (Project Magic), a community-based program, is designed to teach participants magic tricks in an effort to enhance their motivation, confidence, and physical capabilities during rehabilitation therapy.

No peer-reviewed publications evaluating the effectiveness of this program were located.

This program involves a team of occupational therapists and local volunteer professional magicians who work together and teach magic tricks to participants in a series of steps.

• Magicians teach illusions to the therapists;
• Together the magician and therapist teach patients how to perform the illusions;
• Therapists work with patients to help them master techniques involved in the trick; and
• The magician returns after 1 week to give advice on how to refine the magic trick by using other techniques, such as misdirection and proper stage presence.

Specific tricks are developed for varying disabilities.  For example, mind reading tricks can be taught to quadriplegics.

Program goals for participants include increased dexterity and coordination, improved cognitive abilities and problem-solving, strengthened visual perception and spatial relationships, and enhanced confidence and self-esteem.  Program implementors also strive to help participants improve communication and socialization skills and reduce depressive symptoms.

Project Magic is a non-profit organization that was introduced in 1982 in the Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital in Inglewood, California.  The program is presently implemented in hospitals throughout most of the United States and in 30 countries around the world.

Project Magic provides information and written materials on magic and its therapeutic value for patients with disabilities to interested magicians and occupational therapists.  Please use details in the Contact section for more information on training.

Considerations for implementing this program include acquiring buy-in from rehabilitation center or hospital administration, occupational therapists, and patients; collaborating with local professional magicians; and obtaining any materials needed to perform magic tricks.

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing Project Magic, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Implementation time varies.

The Project Magic Handbook costs $37.99 and provides information on how to develop and implement the Project Magic program.

To move the Project Magic program to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

You may also contact Project Magic by visiting http://projectmagic.org/

http://projectmagic.org/