Magician Josh Lozoff’s tricks of the trade are simple everyday objects, a spool of thread, a deck of cards or a quarter. There are no big props, no showgirls, no tigers, not even a rabbit or a top hat – just a little face time.

Performing magic in local venues for several years, Lozoff said, “My magic is not about me or my tricks, but rather the experience I create.”

From hospitals to weddings to birthday parties to maximum security prisons, Lozoff has shared the art of close-up magic just about everywhere. However, he said, hospitals are one of his favorite places to perform. "These people are the ones who need magic the most.”

Lozoff visits Duke University Hospital and UNC Hospitals frequently throughout the year, bringing the healing power of the arts. Joy Javits is the coordinator for both the Health Arts Network at Duke (HAND) and the UNC Door-to-Door Program. In addition to Lozoff, Javits hires poets, storytellers, dancers, musicians and singers to bring arts to the bedside or as she called it, “room service.”

The experience I give to these people is why I became an artist,” Lozoff commented.

Lozoff transforms people – sad faces become happy again and anger turns to laughter. In a waiting room at Duke Hospital, a man cried in his wife’s lap, but after seeing Lozoff’s magic the man was vibrant and laughing. “People can’t help but laugh when they see the impossible,” Lozoff said.

Lozoff spends long and careful hours learning his craft, a casual combination of cards, coins, balls and whatever else he can grab. “I tailor my magic to the mood of my audience,” Lozoff said. If they look like they need to laugh, I make them laugh…if they want to be mystified, I mystify them.”

EXPERIENCE THE MYSTERIOUS

Lozoff acquired a passion for magic years ago after seeing a television special on magic.This was not an ordinary TV special, Lozoff explained. The audience’s reaction was the most exciting part,” rather than the actual magic.

Previous to this awakening experience, Lozoff pursued acting in Los Angeles. He had roles in the 1995 hit Clueless and a recurring role on the TV hit Cheers, among other notable appearances. Nevertheless, Lozoff left Hollywood’s limelight for the quiet of Orange County, his family home. Lozoff said the skills he acquired as an actor, such as stage presence, helped him excel as a magician. He did leave behind one major tenant of acting—the stage.

“I’m a close-up magician, which means no stage, no fancy props, no separation between me and the people with whom I share my magic,” Lozoff said.

Close-up magic is also called strolling magic because it is done for multiple small groups of people where the magician moves from one small group to the next. It is also called street magic because it can be done anywhere. Lozoff often performs for people at very large venues, such as the Triangle’s “Alive After Five” summer music series.

Lozoff shares his magic Friday nights at the Mellow Mushroom in Chapel Hill.Although, he said, he primarily makes his living by sharing his magic at private parties and company events.

Lozoff prefers the personal aspect of his magic. “I create a single moment in time where the impossible has just happened in front of you – often in your own hands.”

“I want to change people’s perceptions of magic,” Lozoff said. “It can appeal to any group of people, not just children.”