Draft:Virtual magic

Virtual magic (also known as online magic or digital magic) refers to a genre of magic performances and illusions delivered through digital media and experienced by viewers online. Rather than taking place in-person in the same physical space as the audience, virtual magic leverages web-based platforms and digital tools to bring magical effects directly to individual audience members screens at home.

History
Interest in online magic performances began growing in the early 2000s as internet speeds improved and video chat technologies emerged. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and shift to remote work starting in 2020 led to an explosion of virtual magic. With in-person performances canceled for public safety, magicians moved their acts online to connect with audiences virtually.

Notable Magicians

 * Kostya Kimlat was one of the first virtual magicians to perform virtual magic shows at scale for corporate audiences beginning in March 2020 and has since performed for thousands of professionals globally.
 * Jeff McBride's Magic Mystery School began presenting virtual magic in the early 2010s and became a resource during the pandemic for new virtual magicians.
 * Hélder Guimarães's The Present was one of the first, live virtual theatrical experiences, produced by the Geffen Playhouse in May 2020.
 * David Blaine's "Ascension" broadcast brought virtual magic to millions of socially-distanced YouTube viewers, as he ascended 25,000 feet using just helium balloons.
 * Justin Willman adapted his Magic for Humans Netflix show into an interactive virtual magic show with tickets available to the general public.
 * Dan White adapted his in-person magic show at The NoMad in New York into a virtual show that became popular amongst celebrities.

Technology
The technology ecosystem enabling virtual magic includes platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Google Meet.