Mathieu Bich Masterclass: Build Gimmicked Cards at The House of Magic (Glenside, PA)

Mathieu Bich’s hands-on workshop at The House of Magic in Glenside, Pennsylvania, is a tight, practical masterclass in the hidden craft behind close-up card magic. Held at The House of Magic - 101 S. Easton Rd, Glenside Pa, 19038, this four-hour session (doors open 11:30am, 12pm–4pm) walks attendees step-by-step through making gimmicked and gaffed playing cards that performers spend years hunting for. You’ll work under Mathieu’s instruction to build blank cards, double backers, double facers, split-face cards, threaded-flap constructions, and latex-acrobatic cards. The workshop balances precise hand skills with immediate application: Mathieu not only teaches construction techniques but also shows practical sleights and routines so each new gadget can be used on the spot. Small class size—limited to 20—keeps the pace personal and the instructor accessible for troubleshooting that finicky split or seam. Materials and tools are provided; you won’t need to bring supplies unless you prefer specific decks. Expect a bench-style setup with cutting mats, solvents, adhesives, and custom templates; expect close attention to edges, grain, and card stock—elements that determine whether a gimmick survives real-world handling. The classroom sits within Glenside’s compact arts corridor, making arrival simple by car or regional rail for visitors based in Philadelphia or Montgomery County. What makes this event special for the region is its marriage of theater and craft. The House of Magic and Smoke & Mirrors Theater serve as local hubs for practiced illusion, and a masterclass like this turns audience members into makers. For visiting performers and hobbyists it’s a rare chance to reverse-engineer professional gaffs without buying dozens of factory specials. For locals it’s a hands-on cultural offering that complements performances staged nearby. Practical notes: the class runs four hours and requires steady hand-eye coordination more than athletic fitness. Bring reading glasses if you need them, and plan to take work home carefully wrapped. The fee of $75 covers instruction, tools, and materials; advance purchase is recommended at smokeandmirrorstheater.com since seats are intentionally capped. Whether you’re a working magician seeking custom solutions, a prop maker curious about small-scale fabrication, or a committed hobbyist aiming to learn the underlying geometry of card gaffs, this masterclass gives you durable skills. Expect to leave with several handcrafted gimmicks and a short suite of tricks that make those pieces useful immediately—an efficient, practical jump in your close-up toolkit. This session is marketed for 'MAGICIANS ONLY!!! Age 16+' and is ideal for those familiar with basic card handling. It’s also a good bridge for performers who prefer DIY solutions to off-the-shelf gaffs: mastering construction lets you tailor size, finish, and breakage points. Seats are limited to twenty; if you travel from Philadelphia or beyond, plan on reserving early and arriving when doors open at 11:30am.