The Practical Magic of Ron Fredrick – Lecture Notes by Ron Zollweg
Subtitled: “The Practical Magic of Ron Fredrick” — this rare booklet compiles the professional working material of Ron Zollweg, known on stage as Ron Fredrick. Used as his personal lecture notes for many years, every routine in this collection was performed and explained by Fredrick himself during his live lectures.
Overview
Two of the routines (Bottoms Out and A Routine for Royden’s Fantastic) were originally released as standalone effects before being incorporated into this booklet. Each routine demonstrates Fredrick’s unique blend of practicality, creativity, and showmanship — designed for real-world performance, not just theory.
Highlights
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3 Card Cut-Out – A stage-sized card revelation performed by cutting through a sheet of newspaper! Perfect for emcees or large venues. No gimmicks or preparation required — just a deck of cards and a sheet of paper.
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Cigarette from Nowhere – A clean and startling production of a lit cigarette from empty hands.
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The Burned Bill – A clever approach to the classic bill restoration effect.
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Bottoms Out – One of Fredrick’s signature sleights for producing strong reactions in close-up magic.
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The Ron Fredrick Wine Glass Production – A smooth and visual production piece for parlor or cabaret shows.
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The Transylvania Vampire – A theatrical, humorous piece perfect for themed performances.
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The Broken and Restored Ring – A practical approach to a powerful classic.
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The Coins Across – Fredrick’s handling of a timeless favorite.
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A Routine for Royden’s Fantastic – A polished professional sequence built on classic principles.
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Cards to Cigarette – A visually striking finale that transforms selected cards into a cigarette right before your audience’s eyes.
Publication Details
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Title: The Practical Magic of Ron Fredrick
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Author: Ron Fredrick (Ron Zollweg)
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Publisher: Unikorn Magik
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Edition: First Edition (1986)
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Format: Saddle-stitched softcover
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Pages: 40, with illustrations
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Size: 8.5" x 5.5"
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Condition: Minor page yellowing from age; otherwise very good
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Availability: Limited quantity – collectible vintage magic booklet
A rare and insightful glimpse into the working repertoire of a seasoned performer. Whether you’re a collector, performer, or student of classic stage and close-up magic, The Practical Magic of Ron Fredrick offers timeless routines that still play beautifully today.