What is an Escape Artist?

Webster's New World Dictionary defines an escape artist as: "An entertainer, as in vaudeville, who is SKILLED at escaping from shackles or other confinement."

Anthony Martin qualifies the above definition by stating that the "shackles or other confinement" be legitimate and devoid of trickery.  The use of "trick" devices negates the need for skill, and therefore fails to meet the Webster's definition.

Performers who use locking devices that have been secretly altered to facilitate escape would best be defined under the term "Magician" or "Illusionist."  The emphasis of their skill being on the presentation rather than the actual manipulation of lock mechanisms under controlled conditions.

**See Verification and Documentation Sampler section