The word “magician” tends to conjure up images of rabbits being pulled out of hats at kids’ birthday parties, or bizarre men in black leather pants, such as David Copperfield or Criss Angel.

Magician Nate Staniforth intends to dispel these notions. He will perform a magic show at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25 in the Washburn Room at the Memorial Union.

Staniforth, who tours the country with his magic act, describes what he does on his Web site in a video that features him addressing a crowd of spectators.

“We’re not interested tonight in laser beams,” said Staniforth, “or smoke machines, or tight leather pants, or hats, or rabbits. I’m really here for one reason, and that’s to amaze the hell out of you.”

In another video posted on his Web site, he explains his own idea of what it means to be a magician.

“I think the first goal of a magician is to engage the imagination of the spectator,” said Staniforth, “because whatever happens inside someone’s mind is infinitely more amazing than anything I could show them.”

Billie Jean Bergmann, executive director of the Campus Activities Board, encourages Washburn students to attend the show.

“He does street magic,” said Bergmann. “It’s really cool. He’s not just some magician that pulls a rabbit out of a hat.”

Bergmann said Staniforth will spend the afternoon before the magic show walking around outside and performing street magic for people for free. His camera crew will record it and Staniforth will show the video that evening before his performance.

The show is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, visit natestaniforth.com.