Magic is a performing art that uses illusions or tricks to entertain audiences. Conjuring in particular refers to illusions or tricks that make things appear and/or that use sleight of hand. These practices are distinct from supernatural magic. In the mid-19th century, magic and conjuring shifted from being entertainment offered at fairs or festivals to performances given in theaters. The late 19th and early 20th century was known as “The Golden Age of Magic,” during which magic and magicians gained widespread popularity. Magic continued to be popular and develop as a performing art into the late 20th century.

Horror is a genre of literature, motion pictures, and television that is meant to scare or disturb audiences. The genre stems from ancient stories and folklore. More modern styles of horror entertainment originated in the 19th century with the development of Gothic literature. Horror motion pictures started to be produced in the early 20th century. As of 2025, the genre continues to be popular and evolve.

As of 2025, Beth Kattelman is Professor of University Libraries and Curator of the Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute. She is a performance scholar and director whose research interests center on popular entertainments and the history of magic and conjuring, with a particular focus on horror entertainments.