Unlike other magicians, Yang is quick to share everything about his work with audiences. Not only does he do regular science events, he’s quite open about how he makes the bubbles work better than your average store-bought solutions.
“Distilled water is the key,” he says. “You don’t want fluoride or minerals in the solution. I also have to be aware of the moisture in the air because it changes the amount of glycerin needed to make the bubbles. People always say to me ‘wow, your bubbles don’t pop!’ I know. I’ve been perfecting this for years.”
The exacting formulas allow him to do things with bubbles that most people can’t even imagine. One of his signature tricks is blowing a giant bubble filled with white fog that he sends hurling over the audience’s head. As you might expect, Yang has some impressive lung power. Once the bubble is floating through the air, he then tries to pop it by blowing smoke rings at it from a pipe.But in the end, it’s the Gazillion Bubble Show, and Yang delivers that as well.
“I always say this is a great way to get kids introduced to theater,” says Yang. “A play can be two hours of talking, and a lot of kids will be bored. This is a spectacle, and we tell little stories. My favorite parts are when the kids come on stage. I am pretty good at picking the ones who want to be there. Some parents try to force it, and those are usually more nervous. The ones who stand up on their chairs and say 'pick me,' they’re ready to go.