When you are considering the process of hiring a magician, you may want to think twice. Unlike magicians, illusionists are scientists of magic. They are able to perform magic on a much larger scale – such as making tigers and lions disappear. Vitelli is an example of an illusionist; he is able to perform large stunts, tricks, and performances while maintaining professional and proper. Magicians on the other hand might be found on the street or at carnivals. Other illusionists include Kris Angel and David Blaine.

View illusionists like doctors of magic. They have the necessary experience and training to execute these larger than life events. Magicians may be used as assistants, but they could never execute these types of events. For example, Siegfried and Roy were illusionists because of their brave and dangerous large-scale events. Most magicians would be scared out of their minds when stuck in a cage with lions, tigers, and bears! An illusionist combines the art of magic with the science and psychology of illusion.

They are able to perform the illusion because of their scientific and technical background. An illusionist must time everything perfectly, making note of the various calculations and times. One second too late could jeopardize their own life, thus they know what they are doing. An illusionist distracts the audience and controls their minds via misguidance and sleight of hand. Illusionists have the ability to see through people’s minds and manipulate them in order for the stunt or event to go as planned. The audience sees what the illusionist wants them to see; whether it is real or not is up for debate.

Vitelli is an illusionist because of the large-scale Las Vegas type shows and his background. He is one of the few illusionists who have a deep understanding of the human psyche – for better or for worse. While he cannot read our mind, he uses the way our brains work to perform his illusions and events. While not taking advantage of his audience, he uses their innocence to his advantage.