Tutor Spotlight: Abby Segal

Welcome to our latest Tutor Spotlight! Today, we are thrilled to introduce Abby Segal, a Chicago-based professional magician, creator, and one of the most innovative instructors here at Sleight School. Known for her thoughtful approach to close-up magic and her keen artistic eye, Abby isn’t just a performer—she is a dedicated teacher, an illustrator, and a creative thinker. Whether she’s dazzling audiences at world-renowned magic venues or helping a beginner confidently hold a deck of cards for the first time, Abby brings a refreshing blend of patience, artistic vision, and real-world expertise to every lesson.

Background

Abby’s journey into magic began at the age of 11, and she hasn't put her props down since. While many magicians keep their magic strictly separated from their everyday lives, Abby has made it a point to weave her craft into everything she does. During her time at Bates College, where she studied psychology and visual arts, she integrated magic into her academic coursework—even exploring how the psychology of expectations and cognition elevates surprise in audiences.

In 2021, Abby made her national television debut on the hit CW series Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Showcasing her immense creativity, she performed a completely original, highly visual routine using a classic Etch A Sketch toy—a trick she painstakingly developed over the course of several years,. Her performance earned high praise from the legendary duo, with Penn Jillette commending her "humble and sweet, and still confident" style, and Teller passing along a hand-drawn sketch calling her a "wonder-worker".

Today, Abby is a regular cast member at the prestigious Chicago Magic Lounge, performing for live audiences week after week. Her magic has also taken her across the globe, with featured performances at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, Keys and Heels in New York City, and international stages like The Helsinki Magic Show and The Amsterdam Magic Show. Beyond performing, she is highly respected in the broader magic community—she has lectured at Magifest, published creative routines in Genii magazine, and even authored and illustrated a hit children’s book sold at The Magic Castle.

What Abby Teaches

At Sleight School, Abby specializes in close-up magic, card magic, general magic, show structure, and scripting. She teaches students at the newbie, beginner, and intermediate levels, making her an incredible resource for anyone looking to build a rock-solid foundation in the art of sleight of hand.

As an instructor, Abby is known for being patient, encouraging, and highly detail-oriented. She understands that magic can be intimidating for beginners, so she focuses heavily on building her students' confidence through clear instruction and honest, constructive feedback. When you book a lesson with Abby, you aren't just learning how a trick works; you are learning how to make it memorable. Her lessons frequently cover:

• Creative Thinking: How to brainstorm and develop new ideas for magic, turning everyday objects into moments of wonder.
• Routine Building & Scripting: Workshopping your acts to ensure they flow logically and powerfully while injecting your own unique personality.
• Real-World Performance Skills: Practical advice for performing close-up shows for live audiences, drawn directly from her weekly gigs.
• Visual Presentation: Leveraging her background as a visual artist (specializing in collage, watercolor, and sketching) to improve the staging, artistic detail, and cleanliness of your effects.

Whether you want to learn the mechanics of a classic card sleight or need a fresh set of eyes on a routine you’ve been developing, Abby helps you master the fine details that make tricks stronger, cleaner, and more deceptive.

Why Book a Lesson

If you are a beginner looking for a supportive guide, or an intermediate magician eager to refine your scripts and workshop your routines, Abby Segal is the perfect tutor for you. Her unique background blending psychology, visual arts, and professional performance gives her an unparalleled perspective on what makes magic impactful. By booking a one-on-one session with Abby, you are gaining access to a working professional who is genuinely invested in your growth. Don't miss the chance to learn from a creator who has charmed audiences worldwide—book a lesson with Abby today and start taking your magic to the next level!

Sleight School is an online community for magicians at every level. Browse free tutorials, connect with instructors, and start learning at sleightschool.com.