“If you’re aware of Docc Hilford’s theatrical brilliance and cunning methods, you know his live lectures are unmissable. If you’re new to his work, prepare for delightful surprises.” -Michael Weber

“Docc Hilford stands out in the mentalism realm. A prolific creator and author, he skillfully merges traditional mentalism with bizarre magic and psychic presentations. His bold presence is both captivating and approachable. Plus, he’s a great friend with a unique perspective.” -Bob Cassidy

“Docc is a living legend, enriching the mentalism and magic community with originality, elegance, and brilliance. While you can’t replicate his unique essence, glimpsing his thought process can lead to miraculous outcomes. This lecture is worth far more than its price—it’s invaluable. Don’t miss it!” -Marc Salem

“He’s one of the kindest individuals I know; you’ll never meet a more charming man. He’s the Devil himself!” -Luke Jermay

“Don’t let Docc lecture! His material is too exceptional to be shared. His effects are not only practical but also professional, revealing the real work behind them. He must be stopped.” -Rich Marrotta

What Will He Teach?

Black Hole Sun: A deck of cards is shuffled by a spectator, who then makes a random cut and selects a card. Without touching the deck, the mentalist reveals the chosen card. An envelope, previously shown, contains an artist’s sketch of the mentalist revealing the same card—no crimps or forced cuts involved.

Picture Perfect: Docc’s favorite design duplication effect. A spectator goes to another room to draw a picture, sign it, and seal it in a borrowed envelope. The mentalist never touches the paper or envelopes and does not know the drawing until it’s unsealed and revealed!

Face Force: A hands-off card force using a shuffled borrowed deck. The deck is face-up, making trickery seem impossible. Any card can be forced, allowing the mentalist to create various effects, from book tests to magic squares.

Three Sided Circle: This hidden gem, once a secret of a renowned European mind reader, involves everyone at a gathering thinking of a single-digit number. Using random cards, the mentalist reveals three numbers without asking a single question. This effect once funded Docc’s summer on a Caribbean yacht.

Indispensable Sleights: Many mentalists lack sleight-of-hand skills. Here, Docc covers essential card sleights every mentalist should know and discusses the proper use of playing cards in mentalism, a valuable lesson for all performers.

Eyes of the God: A classic self-working card effect. Docc demonstrates how basic strategies can transform this into a convincing mentalism demonstration.

One to End: This effect uses just a few slips of paper—no sleight of hand, only sleight of mind. Banachek called it his favorite demonstration of genuine mind control.

Who Is He?

Docc Hilford is an intriguing figure with a rich background. He has been a pickpocket, hypnotist, mind reader, illusionist, and children’s performer. His experiences include working as a cowboy in Utah and living with a tribal medicine man on the Navajo reservation. Docc has served as stage manager for Alice Cooper and opened for Aerosmith and Black Sabbath with his Film Noir Magic Show. He even ran a palmistry office in Phoenix, specializing in exotic dancers, and earned a Doctorate of Divinity from the University of New Mexico. He also operated a small psychic church in Florida, offering authentic camp-style spiritual séances.

Docc has learned from a diverse array of influential mentors, including Dusty Cravens, Orville Meyer, Mike Skinner, Ormond McGill, Thessalonia DePrince (High Priest of Voodoo), and Tony Andruzzi. He has explored underwater escapology and fire-eating, among other sideshow acts. He edited The New Invocation, a magazine for magical Bizarre artists, and organized The Weerd! Weekend, an international convention dedicated to bizarre magic.

Over the years, Docc has been a guest of honor at various magic conventions, a featured speaker at The Smithsonian Institution, and was honored at Abra-Kid-Abra for his comedy kid show in 2001. He has produced numerous magic and mentalism videos and authored countless books and manuscripts for the mentalism community. Currently, he performs for celebrities, athletes, and political figures worldwide.

Where Can You See the Greatest Creators and Performers?

Experience the magic of Penguin LIVE: ACTS! Here, the world’s top magicians share their professional acts before a live audience, followed by teaching you the secrets behind their performances. Magic enthusiasts rarely get the chance to learn the intricacies that make top professionals shine—until now. Penguin Live Acts provides exclusive access to industry legends, showcasing their powerful material. You’ll witness the full performance, then go behind the scenes to uncover the routines and insights that take decades to master. Many of these secrets have been kept hidden for years, and you can only learn them at Penguin LIVE: ACTS!