![]() Ī notable feature of the glamorous female assistant iconography is the frequency with which assistants play the role of "victim" in illusions where they are tied up, apparently cut with blades, penetrated with spikes or swords or otherwise tortured or imperilled. The glamorous female assistant has become an iconic image that continues in modern media and literature. Although there have been plenty of instances of male assistants throughout the history of magic, the glamorous female stereotype has made a particular impact because female assistants were a prominent feature of illusion shows during the 20th century, when magic began to reach huge new audiences, first through the burgeoning of live vaudeville and variety shows and then through television. This is associated with the perception that assistants are usually female and often dressed in revealing costumes. The assistant's role has often been stereotyped as consisting of menial tasks and having the primary purpose of adding a visually aesthetic element to an act. Despite their often crucial role in magic acts they, and the work they do, have suffered from negative public perceptions. Sabrina and Vanessa with illusionist Christian FarlaĪssistants have been part of magic shows for most of the recorded history of magic as a performance art. ![]() In the words of Joanie Spina, who worked for 11 years as principal assistant, choreographer and artistic consultant to illusionist David Copperfield, "I did find fault with the term 'assistant' because it sounds like someone rolling props on and off stage when many of us were highly trained actors and dancers." History and critiques Īlthough magicians' assistants appear to play a supporting role and receive a lesser billing than the magician who appears to be the source of illusions, the assistant is often the one making the mechanics of the illusions work. The figure of the glamorous female assistant has become a stereotype or icon in art, popular media and fiction. ![]() Other aspects of the role can include dancing or acting as visual ornamentation, sometimes for simple aesthetic purposes and sometimes to misdirect audience attention. The role of an assistant can include holding the props that are used by a magician, shifting props onto and off the stage, and serving as a living prop in illusions that involve manipulation of the human body. For the song, see Three (Charlotte Church EP).Ī magician's assistant is a performer in a magic act who is not billed as the magician or principal name in the act. ![]() Wiggins’ additional skills include speaking in a wide range of accents – such as Spanish, Russian, Cockney, Irish, Calypso and New York, making various animal noises, juggling and singing.This article is about a person who aids an illusionist during magic shows. ![]() Penny Wiggins began her career as a professional clown at parties, where she developed her signature character, “Spunky The Clown.” She also performed many special engagements impersonating celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland and Monica Lewinski, in addition to original characters she devised such as Psychic Tanya, Lucky Lucy and Dionnay, the “Queen of Feng Shui.” She continues to perform stand-up in nightclubs including the Improv, Icehouse and Comedy Store in the Los Angeles area during her spare time, or when on hiatus from The Amazing Johnathan Show. Penny’s diverse experience in acting and comedy include her work in many theater productions including “One Flew Over the Cookoo’s Nest”, opening act for singer Dionne Warwick, stand-up comedy for Carnival Cruise Lines, voice-over work performing the voice of “Dorothy” from The Wizard of Oz on an Aerosmith album and several sketch comedy shows. A native of the Virgin Islands and a longtime resident of Los Angeles, her credits include appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” Showtime’s “Rude Awakening,” “The Jenny Jones Show” and “Evening at the Improv” on A&E. Show-stopping magic assistant and zany foil to The Amazing Johnathan for the past nine years, is in actuality, a skilled comedienne with extensive experience in the theatre arts. ![]()
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