Magicians and I.B.M. Podcasters Jason Michaels, Scott Cantrell, and Ben Young welcome Michael Close, the magic producer for Penn & Teller: Fool Us, creator of the Workers series of magic instructional books/ebooks, and incredible teacher to the show. They discuss his approach to teaching magic, the inspiration for several of his most iconic tricks - including The Pothole Trick, Frog Prince, and Big Surprise, and his belief of the number one job of a magician.
I
just spent a pleasant hour or so talking to Jason Michaels, Ben Young,
and Scott Cantrell on their I.B.M. podcast. For those of you who might
be interested in my Explorer 1 classes (the next session begins on July
11), there's a pretty thorough discussion of why I developed it and
what I'm trying to accomplish with it.
“Explorer 2 continues the structured training from Explorer 1, focusing on rarely-mastered sleights and advanced routining. You'll refine your technique, learn Michael's deceptive new handling of a popular stand-up effect, and develop the skills that separate hobbyists from performers.”
Michael Close has decades of experience performing and has authored fifteen books of original material for magicians, including the highly regarded “Workers” series. He is a sought-after magic consultant, notably consulting for “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”
Last Fall, I had an overwhelmingly positive experience auditing Michael’s six week online course, Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic. In level one, Michael introduces a dozen foundational sleights (with cards and coins), more than a half-dozen tricks that incorporate the sleights, theory, critique, and insights on practise, finding your style, construction, routining, and presentation.
It goes without saying that I was eager to discover what Michael had in store for the next series of classes in Explorer 2.
The classes build directly on the material presented in Explorer 1. Michael methodically expands our knowledge base on foundational sleights with both cards and coins. In these classes there is a focus on some card and coin techniques that are often poorly executed by magicians in general. Guided by Michael’s extensive real-world experience observing what can go wrong in their execution, he teaches the skills in easy to digest layers (including the assignment of preparatory exercises), as well as alerting the students how to both mitigate and circumnavigate potential issues.
The format for Explorer 2 is similar to level 1 of the course. The online classes are about an hour in length, delivered weekly, and run for 6 weeks. The class size is capped at twelve students, which allows students to participate in discussions, ask questions, and receive personal attention. The classes are recorded, which means if you are absent for a class, you can watch the recording on your own time before the next class. (It’s a tremendous gift if you’re having difficulty mastering a move because you can slow down the video!)
Michael provides many opportunities to ask questions both during and between classes. While there is no requirement for students to perform during classes, he encourages them to submit videos of their progress for him to provide feedback. He is also available by email to answer questions between classes.
One huge advantage to learning this material from Michael is his ability to draw on his considerable knowledge and experience to suggest alternative handlings if one’s skill set or dexterity aren’t quite up to the material as initially presented. He can tell you the “why, when, and how” of the technique creation and point you to suitable workarounds if required.
In contrast to Explorer 1, where it was recommended to practise fifteen minutes a day to achieve mastery by the next class, many of the techniques presented in Explorer 2 require greater daily effort and may take longer than a week to truly master. It is recommended that you set aside at least thirty to forty-five minutes a day for practise.
With respect to teaching effects and routines, Michael provides insights into an effect’s construction. Theory is interspersed with the card and coin technique. He shares his thoughts about the routining and what can be done to elevate the experience of the spectator. Michael offers constructive criticisms and encourages his students to do the same. Thought is given to the optimal way to present the effect and reading material is assigned to provide context regarding an effect’s creation and subsequent evolution.
Similar to Explorer 1, Michael has both assigned and supplemental reading, sharing wisdom from magicians such as Stewart James, Roberto Giobbi, Arturo De Ascanio, Jon Racherbaumer, Frank Garcia, Johnny Thompson, Martin Gardner, and John Carney. (We also received the notes to Michael’s fantastic 2017 lecture "Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out.") The reading material serves to frame the lessons by reinforcing critical thinking skills, walking through the history and refinement of effects, and expanding on the opinions and observations of notable figures in magic.
As with Explorer 1, most of the class materials for Explorer 2 continue to be available to the students beyond the six week course enrolment.
I had a fantastic time and learned an incredible amount participating in Explorers 1 and 2! If you’re looking for a way to refine your technique and elevate the impact of your performances, the Explorer series is for you!
For more information about the Explorer series of classes, visit MichaelClose.com.
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Disclosure: I audited the classes as a guest.
The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive
compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.
Michael Close's Explorer 1 Teaching the magic beyond the tricks
Has your magic has plateaued in spite of owning shelves of magic books, a hard
drive full of instructional downloads, and drawers full of magic
effects? Enter Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic a 6 week online course
offered by Michael Close.
As you are likely aware, Michael is well known in the magic community for his
excellence as an author, a creator, a performer, and a consultant. For
those unfamiliar with Michael’s work, I encourage you to read Jamy Ian Swiss’
2018 article “The Paradigm Shift – Volume One & Volume Two by Michael
Close” at Magicana.
I participated in the beta testing of these classes, in addition to
auditing the first run of the course. The classes methodically cover
foundational sleights with both cards and coins. One of the biggest
benefits to learning from Michael, a performer with decades of experience
under his belt, is that he teaches fundamental material with an
awareness as to how the skills will be applied as one advances their
ability. In other words, the foundational sleights are taught in a
versatile manner, ready for use in more sophisticated situations. This
approach results in accelerated learning – you only have to learn a skill
once!
Michael’s approach to teaching magic, mirrors in many respects, The Royal
Conservatory of Music's approach to the method and practise of teaching
music. (This comes as no surprise given Michael’s Masters Degree in
Music Theory and Composition.)
What do I mean by this? A music teacher will introduce their student
music theory concepts (such as a key signature, and rhythm), and provide them
with a piece of music to practise which incorporates these ideas. As
music students practise with the goal of performance in mind, the teacher will
discuss musical technique, as well as introduce critical analysis of their
student’s efforts.
On the surface, Micheal teaches foundational sleights, along with tricks which
incorporate these fundamental skills. While the tricks are logical a
vehicle to demonstrate the use of the newfound technical expertise, they more
importantly serve as case studies for broader theoretical concepts important
to maximizing the entertainment value of magic performance.
Simply put, the tricks are not the lesson. They are the
springboards that permit Michael to introduce theory that elevates the performance of magic.
Michael presents his well crafted lessons in a manner which is clear and
easy to follow. Nuggets of wisdom gleaned from years of performance and
consulting pepper every session. The classes are a safe and nurturing
environment that puts the students at ease. In these classes, questions
in search of understanding are always welcome.
Michael provides a manageable amount of assigned and supplemental reading,
invoking wisdom from magicians such as Jamy Ian Swiss, Juan Tamariz, Larry
Hass, Jon Racherbaumer, and of course Dai Vernon.
As an added bonus, course enrollment includes exclusive, limited-time access
to the Ask Alexander Digital Library, provided
by the Conjuring Arts Research Center.
In keeping with the music class analogy, during the course Michael said this
about foundational sleights:
“... one of the good things about developing a toolbox of techniques of
sleights that you are competent at, is it makes reading magic books a lot
easier. You're almost like musicians when they sight read a piece. If I
have all my scales and my arpeggios and all these things under my fingers to a
reasonable degree, then as I look at a new piece of music, I can get a sense
of what that piece of music is as I sight read.”
Similarly, if you embrace the theoretical concepts, while also developing your
analytical and critiquing muscles, you will be able to utilize this knowledge
to enhance any magic performance, from close-up to stage.
I
had an overwhelmingly positive experience participating in these
classes. If you’re looking for a way to shore up your sleights, and
elevate your presentation skills, this is the course for you!
To
register, or for more information, visit Micheal's website at MichaelClose.com.
Disclosure: I beta tested and audited the classes as a guest.
The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive
compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.
This isn’t a yard sale of worn-out props and library magic books. You’ll
find first editions, out-of-print gems, rare lecture notes, props, tricks,
and so much more.
Highlights include:
Books and manuscripts you simply won’t see again.
High-quality props.
Vintage magic ephemera and hard-to-find lecture material.
Come for the chance to own something that inspired me. Stay for the stories,
magic, and camaraderie. I hope these items bring you the same joy they
brought me.
On Sunday, July 20 at 1 PM, Michael Close is hosting a special auction at Browser’s Den of Magic—and you're invited! He’s clearing out parts of his personal collection, and it’s full of rare and unique magic treasures.
Expect laughs, stories, surprises, and the chance to score some amazing finds. Whether you're a collector or just curious, it’s going to be a fun and relaxed afternoon with a bit of magic in the air.
This Practice Drill Sheet is perfect for magicians working with the memorized deck, helping you improve memory retention, customize your training, and track your progress.
Sign up as a member, download your free PDF, and watch your memdeck skills flourish! www.MichaelClose.com
Join us on June 15 to celebrate the end of our season with an unforgettable evening of dining and entertainment at the Hat and Rabbit Club's Gala Dinner and Show! Indulge in a delicious roast beef dinner (vegetarian option available) and experience magical performances by @keithhbrown and @pickpocketjames. Featuring music by that amazing jazz pianist (and all-around great guy) @mikeclosemagic! Plus a few other surprises!
Tickets for dinner and the show are $40 each for both members and their guests, be they spouses, partners, friends and/or family!
Attention members. On Sun., Oct 30 at 2PM I'll be hosting our first member group get-together. I'll be discussing False Shuffles. This will be a fun, informal magic session and you can get all the details on your members page here: https://loom.ly/oedD0UA
Attention members. On Sun., Oct 30 at 2PM I'll be hosting our first member group get-together. I'll be discussing False Shuffles. This will be a fun, informal magic session and you can get all the details on your members page here: https://t.co/N8JlBmFEsQ#michaelclosemagicpic.twitter.com/EK12gc8hFE
Recently, I was interviewed by Germán Arciniegas, a magician from Colombia. Germán and I talked about my background in magic and music, my work on Fool Us, books, and much more.
Magician Michael Close goes into depth about his work helping magicians do their best on “Penn & Teller Fool Us” … and then we jump into a reading of Chapter Eight of “The Bullet Catch.”
Chapter Eight of “The Bullet Catch” starts at 00:39:33
During a recent press conference for the film, Strathairn revealed that del Toro went the extra mile to make sure cast members in the carnival portion of the film had everything they needed for their performances.
"We had a magician on set who would help us when we had sleight-of-hand things, card trick stuff," Strathairn said, though his own character "never employed any of those" kinds of illusions.
In this interview Michael looks back at his career. He talks about getting into magic, the purpose of writing The Workers series, working on Penn & Teller and more. Along the way he offers advice and guidance on subjects such as creativity, trick and routine selection, performing magic, creating a product, reviewing magic, Penn & Teller and more.
Well, here's some fun news for all of you from the executive producers of Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
We just finished shooting the second half of season 7 at the (empty) Rio in Las Vegas, for a total of twenty-six episodes this year, including our one-hundredth episode. Go Magic!
New episodes will begin to air on or about January 8, 2021.
Shooting with Covid protocols proved challenging but possible, and the show looks great – including our virtual audience.
International acts participated with pre-taped tricks and as "live remotes."
The CW just can't get enough Fool Us. We are CASTING SEASON 8 now! Tell your friends. Tell yourself. Tell anyone with cool magic even if they are not your friend! Please send submissions to fooluscasting@gmail.com.
All the best, Andrew Golder and Lincoln Hiatt, Executive Producers
This month Canada's Magic celebrates its 10th blogiversary!
Throwing an anniversary party is challenging at the best of times. Given the current situation, it's almost impossible.
So we're bringing the celebrations to you! Throughout the month we'll have special offers and giveaways from our sponsors to thank you for your readership and support!
Here's some fun news from Fool Us executive producers Andrew Golder and Lincoln Hiatt:
Penn & Teller: Fool Us has been rewarded with a pickup for a winter edition on the CW Network.
We encourage you to spread the good word. We are beginning to look at submissions for another taping this year as soon as conditions allow. Shoot dates are uncertain, of course, but think September/October-ish. We will do this, however we do it, in a safe and prudent way.
Remember, originality is important, being entertaining is everything, and fooling Penn & Teller is icing on the magic cake. Fool Us alumni are welcome to submit tricks, too.
Submissions/magicians should use our casting email address:
fooluscasting at gmail dot com
Thanks again and warm regards! Send us your friends! Send us your tricks!
We organized a three-day magicians convention, produced a four-day festival featuring five stage shows, two parlour shows, and first-ever Livestream Magic Special during the seven days.
The OWOW Festival scheduled magicians performing table-to-table at local restaurants, secret sessions for magicians, world-class gala magic shows at the Fergus Grand Theatre and exclusive private events around town.
This year we featured twelve internationally acclaimed magicians, Stephen Bargatze, Michael Close, Greg Frewin, Carisa Hendrix, Rick Merrill, Paul Romhany, Jay Sankey, Nicholas Wallace, Owen Anderson, Ryan Joyce, Cody Moynihan, Peter Mennie, Graemazing Reed and Ed Stone.
Matt's blog post (below) is also quoted in the Looper article "The untold truth of Penn & Teller: Fool Us" by David Lebovitz. (The article also has a nice shout out to Michael Close.)
Regarding the actual shoot. Look, I’ve been a full time act since I was 16. I’ve never had a day job. I’m a lifer and as a result, like many of you, the social aspect of being on a multi person show is huge. It IS the juice. I have better sets when I’m joking around with the other acts before I go on. It helps me get into the zone. This will NOT happen on Fool US. When you shoot you’ll be isolated from the other acts.
You can’t watch them do camera block, tech rehearsal or shoot the live show. You can’t be in the audience. You literally sit in a little room waiting to be called to go out and tape. After make up you’re kind of in a jail cell. If you’re hoping to hang with the acts backstage, forget it. Afterwards in the bar yes, but during the show, no. It’s hard to be alone and not get to chill with the acts especially on such a high pressure shoot. Be aware of that and get ready for it.
It is about to look real holiday like on The CW. The network announced for all their upcoming holiday specials, and it looks like Penn & Teller: Merry Fool Us will help kick things off. A new holiday special featuring the pair will air on November 29.
also ...
The CW will broadcast the holiday special MASTERS OF ILLUSION: CHRISTMAS MAGIC 2019 Wednesday, December 18 (9:00-10:00pm ET). This special from Associated Television International and hosted by Dean Cain features some of today’s hottest magicians. An encore presentation of MASTERS OF ILLUSION: CHRISTMAS MAGIC 2019 will air Tuesday, December 24 (8:00-9:00pm ET).
