Sleight of sound

Magicians have been taking part in a competition to create tricks using only sound, as part of a research project. The winner will be announced in November at the Science of Magic Association Conference in Las Vegas.

Dr Gustav Kuhn, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Plymouth and a member of the Magic Circle and the Science of Magic Association, has coordinated the competition as part of research aiming to make magic more inclusive. He said studying sound-based magic tricks could reveal insights into human perception.

'Individuals who live with blindness and visual impairments often face significant barriers to accessing, and participating in, artistic expression like magic,' he added. 'Recognising the importance of creating magic for these individuals is a profound act of inclusivity and compassion that can have a transformative impact on our society. By focusing on auditory perception alone, this challenge provides a unique opportunity for this audience to experience magic performances in a meaningful way.'

The deadline for submissions was in early October and tricks were required to include minimal verbal cues or instructions, no visual cues, and no sensations of touch, pressure, pain, smell, taste or movement of the body.

See more information about the competition.