Jim Steinmeyer

Jim Steinmeyer is celebrated for inventing 'Origami,' an iconic stage illusion where a female assistant is folded up inside a massive, brightly colored cardboard box. The box is pierced with swords and compressed into a tiny package, only to be instantly expanded to reveal the assistant unharmed. This breathtaking routine became a staple in the shows of legendary illusionists like Doug Henning and David Copperfield.

Yes, Steinmeyer is a highly respected author who has written several definitive books on the history of stage magic. His book *The Last Greatest Magician in the World* chronicles the life of Howard Thurston, while *Hiding the Elephant* details the fascinating history of stage illusions. These works are considered essential reading for anyone interested in the mechanics and history of theatrical deception.

Yes, Jim Steinmeyer has worked extensively as a consultant for Walt Disney Imagineering. He has helped design special effects, haunted attractions, and theatrical illusions for various Disney theme parks around the world. His ability to seamlessly blend mechanical engineering with theatrical storytelling makes him highly sought after in the themed entertainment industry.

In addition to working with Doug Henning and David Copperfield, Steinmeyer has designed illusions for prominent performers like Siegfried & Roy. He has also served as a key creative consultant for massive theatrical productions, including Broadway musicals like *Beauty and the Beast*. His architectural approach to illusion design has heavily influenced the visual language of modern magic shows.