this is my favorite non magic teaching dvd on penguin. parents got me this for birthday and it has been very useful in turning a hobby into a career. invaluable advice concerning performance venues and what gear to chose. it is a great addition to my arsenal.

As what is arguably equally important to the study of magic to the sleights and effects, the magicians tables, cases and gear are really NEVER deeply explored within the realm of magic.

Well, that all just changed with a 2 volume DVD set that is worth its weight in GOLD to the true performer.

I know that I threw out my briefcase after watching this DVD; he gave so many tips and explained things that made my performances SO much better.

And this isn't just a guy who is guessing what he is talking about; he really has been doing this for years, and it is incredibly obvious in the way that he explains things (some you haven't even heard of) in COMPLETE detail.

This volume (volume 2) was better, in my opinion, than volume one (as it really dealt with the bussiness aspect of it). However, if you ONLY have the money to pick up ONE volume, it is highly recommended you pick up the first; it will really give you insight as to how Tom teaches and what kinda stuff he goes over.

...and come on, for 12 dollars? That is a REDICULOUS steal! Pick this up today!

This is my absolute favorite DVD set ever produced by Penguin Magic. It teaches you how to get off your butt and onto your feet and performing.

On volume 2, there wasn't as much "instruction" going on, as there was business management and other PROFESSIONAL advice. Tom has been doing this for years and it really shows.

If you want to really learn the secrets behind starting out professionally, this is the DVD to get. Not only did he teach us how to become a full time professional and transition right into it, but we learn a few tricks

Now, the tricks aren't the greatest and you can pick these up with little effort. Theres a mentalism effect, an ambitious card, and a few other cool things, including an AMAZING silk routine. I perform this professionally myself and LOVE it. It's so well laid out and presented to you that you can pick it up and start practicing and performing in almost no time. Everybody I have showed this to has loved it and you will too.

The performances are both "in studio" and on the street for a live crowd. Tom is pretty funny too. The performances are great and lets you see inside a real pro adapting to a different setting.

Finally, the real info is here. They bring Tom in for a really long interview that's split up. It's in studio and looks really nice. He talks from anywhere to 25-even 40 minutes in some places and it's split up with the performances.

I recommend this DVD, again to anyone wanting to pick up a professional attitude. I started performign after watching this, and you can too!