On stage stands a large 3ft square mirror, elegantly framed and supported by its own trestle legs on a wheeled base.

The magician taps the mirror and spins it to reveal its back, confirming it is an ordinary mirror. He invites an audience member to inspect it, ensuring there are no hidden trapdoors or secret compartments. The audience member also examines two black Lycra panels intended for the illusion before returning to their seat.

Next, the magician explains that he will walk through the center of the mirror. To highlight the target area, he places a black Lycra target in the middle of the mirror, clearly showing the surrounding glass. He then spins the mirror again to display its solid wooden backing, emphasizing that he will need to penetrate both the mirror and the wood.

To safeguard the magician’s secrets in a cabaret setting, two roller blinds are lowered on either side of the frame.

Standing behind the mirror, the magician’s hand suddenly presses against the front Lycra target panel, with the mirror visible on either side. He thrusts his head and body through the mirror—an astonishing feat. After fully emerging, he reveals the mirror through the Lycra split in the target. The mirror is spun around to show its solid back after the target is removed, and once again turned to the front to display the intact mirror, free of holes or seams.

These easy step-by-step plans by Steve Kovarez are the ultimate shortcut for

teaching magicians how to create their own props and illusions.