Captivate by Christian Grace
Available in two versions: Backer and Facer
You pick up a baseball cap. Show it completely empty on every side. Turn it over. And a signed card appears inside it instantly.
No folds. No boxes. No awkward props. Just one of the cleanest, most visual card-to-impossible-location moments you can perform, built around an object that every single person in your audience already trusts completely.
Captivate is Christian Grace's modern reinvention of the classic card-to-hat plot, and it has been engineered from the ground up for the way performers actually work today: live audiences, phone cameras, borrowed props, and no time to waste between tables. The gimmick is precision-handmade by designer WangZhe to be reliable, deceptive, and remarkably forgiving to handle. If you can gently tilt a cap from side to side, you can perform this. That is the entire physical demand of the effect.
What makes Captivate genuinely practical for working performers is the borrowed hat handling. You do not need to carry a dedicated prop cap. Borrow one from a spectator, load on the spot, and you are ready to perform in seconds. The cap is shown completely empty on all sides before the reveal, the load is clean, and the reset is fast. Whether you are working close-up, stage, parlour, or shooting social media content, Captivate hits hard in every context.
Which version is right for you?
Backer is built for the signed card version of the routine. The spectator signs their card before it appears inside the cap, making the reveal completely personal and impossible to dismiss. This is the version for performers who want the strongest possible finish.
Facer is built for performing with a non-signed card or signed on the back. A freely chosen card appears inside the cap without any writing or marking involved, keeping the routine clean and completely angle-proof for any situation where having the spectator sign is not practical.
Both versions are available individually, or pick up both to give yourself the flexibility to perform whichever version suits the moment best.
Difficulty: Beginner
Best for: Close-up, stage, parlour, walk-around, social media content
Can it be examined?
The card can be examined at the end.
Is it durable?
Yes. It will last for a long time even with regular use.
Does it require sleight of hand?
It requires some sleight of hand to perform.
Is everything ready to use out of the box?
Yes. Everything is ready for you to perform the effect out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
