Unveiling the Seance Craze of the 1920s: Illustrated Talk by Rob Zabrecky

We are thrilled to welcome Rob Zabrecky back to the Philosophical Research Society, this time for a presentation on the Seance Craze of the 1920s!

Step into the flickering candlelight of a bygone era as Rob Zabrecky—Magic Castle legend and theatrical medium—brings to life the strange and seductive world of early 20th-century séances. In this captivating illustrated talk, Zabrecky explores how séances, more than any other element of the Spiritualist movement, captured the public’s imagination and turned drawing rooms into stages for the dead.

Twice named Lecturer of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts, Zabrecky resurrects the atmosphere, characters, and cultural obsession that fueled the séance craze of the Jazz Age. With over 15 years of experience conducting performances in the legendary Houdini Séance Room at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, he offers a rare insider’s look at the art and theatrics of spirit communication.

Blending historical insight with haunting showmanship, Zabrecky guides audiences through the rise of Spiritualism, from its 19th-century origins with the Fox Sisters to its height in the 1920s—when séances became both a social ritual and a spectacle of wonder. He examines the philosophical roots laid by figures like Emanuel Swedenborg, while focusing on the séance as the movement’s most vivid and controversial expression.

Through evocative storytelling, archival images, and live demonstrations of vintage séance techniques, Zabrecky recreates the uncanny ambiance of the era, showing how mediums used illusion, psychology, and stagecraft to summon the “spirit world.” These were more than party tricks—they were emotionally charged performances born from grief, hope, and the universal yearning to pierce the veil.

A particular focus is given to the women who dominated the séance scene—mediums like Margery, the infamous “Witch of Lime Street,” whose feats captivated the public and challenged skeptics like Harry Houdini. At a time when women had few platforms for influence, the séance table became a rare space for power and performance.

While the fever pitch of séance culture began to wane by the late 1920s, its echoes can still be heard in today’s paranormal media, ghost tours, and Spiritualist practices. Zabrecky’s presentation isn’t about converting belief—it’s about conjuring a lost world where the dead were nightly headliners and the living gathered in darkness, waiting for a knock from the beyond.

Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or simply curious, this talk offers a mesmerizing journey into one of the most bizarre and beguiling chapters of cultural history—where grief met theater, and the séance reigned supreme.

Please email ZXZlbnRzIHwgcHJzICEgb3Jn or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to ZXZlbnRzIHwgcHJzICEgb3Jn before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and on Los Feliz Blvd after 7pm. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
• Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
• No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
• There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
• We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
• Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Also check out other Entertainment events in Los Angeles, Arts events in Los Angeles, Music events in Los Angeles.