Random thoughts from "Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out."

Updated August 16 to add:

• Michael Weber has been announced as an additional special guest for the October workshop with Jason England.
• Michael posted his thoughts about his lecture.

You may remember that I had the good fortune of spending time with Michael Close at Sorcerers Safari.  (I even snagged a mini-interview with him.)  I was always thoroughly impressed with the wisdom he shared with his advanced card classes. 

When I heard Michael was lecturing locally, I knew I had to make it if I could.


From the Canada's Magic Twitter feed:

Guess where I was last night?@theBrowsersDen pic.twitter.com/q6R8EZYofZ

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) August 14, 2017

Sunday night, the stars aligned and I was able to attend "Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out."


Also from the Canada's Magic Twitter feed:

It was standing room only for the @MikeCloseMagic lecture @theBrowsersDen pic.twitter.com/ADymaPhGnC

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) August 14, 2017

Among other things, during the lecture Michael discussed:

• theory's place in performance arts (with wonderful music analogies)
• his wonderfully complete definition of magic
• how to find (and cure) trouble spots in performance
• the importance of emotion and intellect
• the importance scripting
• assumptions that laymen make
• control, repose, and chaos
• "The Big Lie"

We got to see some magic too!  Of note, he performed "Red Blue Mama Fooler" and then pointed out The Big Problem and how he fixed it.  I was also delighted with a yet to be published routine from his upcoming eBook "Paradigm Shift."

Attendees were provided a discount code for MichaelClose.com which includes The Workers series, and Closely Guarded Secrets.  We were also tipped to the great sale price of Magic in the Real World.  (And if you didn't already know, there's this little thing called "Magic In Mind" that you can get for free at Vanishing Inc, which includes an essay from Michael as well as 32 other highly regarded professionals.)

If you haven't seen the announcement, Michael is hosting a workshop with Jason England and Michael Weber (and perhaps an additional mystery guest) in October.  Only eight spots remain.

Bottom line, as with Phil Matlin's report from a 2014 lecture by Michael, I was very impressed!

Far out Magic Dude.

Read Michael's thoughts about his lecture.

The last Tweet from Canada's Magic Twitter feed:

"Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out."

-- @MikeCloseMagic @theBrowsersDen pic.twitter.com/TXs6r6q4lr

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) August 14, 2017