✨ With the support of @TheLosAngelesTribune this historic,
first-of-its-kind event brought together 25+ extraordinary women in magic from
around the world! The night was packed with talent, laughter, empowerment, and
pure magic as Connie and her guests celebrated women taking center stage and
stealing the spotlight in the magical arts. That's no illusion!
Micheal 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.
A quick reminder of our earlier Mail as Medicine request for Katie Hunt. If you have the time, Katie and Doug would both benefit from hearing from their friends!
It’s official! The next Magic Mania is November 29th featuring a new host.
And without promoting the show yet we have already sold tickets! Be sure to
secure your seat while you can.
✨🎩 Magic Mania Sparks the
Season 🎩✨
On November 29th, step into a world where wonder glimmers brighter than the
winter lights. Magic Mania Sparks the Season is an evening of breathtaking
illusions, dazzling sleight-of-hand, and theatrical surprises that ignite
the spirit of the holidays.
Featuring practicing members of the Edmonton Magic Club, this spectacular
show celebrates the joy of togetherness and the timeless power of
imagination. From laughter that warms the heart to mysteries that leave you
spellbound, every moment is designed to dazzle, delight, and inspire.
This edition of Magic Mania will feature:
Jason Wong - Using a simple deck this card carrier will unlock the
hidden power of the mind. Matter and free thought are blended seamlessly
to have you looking into the beyond.
Frank Mcallister - Breaking the bonds of our physical world, Frank
is a master in the art of Escapology. With television appearances and
years of experience under his belt, you can’t wait to see what he slips
out of next.
Von De Leon - Featured in luxury hotels and restaurants across the
globe, this resident magician joins us now to share his truly unique
sleights. His stories and magic will transport you as you are brought
along on a powerful adventure.
Enjoy a wonderful evening of Magic and Mysteries with Keith O'Brien and Corbin, the Charming Cheat. At Bass Notez bar in St. Thomas Ontario
Enjoy a wonderful evening of incredible magic and amazing cocktails at St. Thomas's Bass Notez Cocktail bar. The evening begins when the doors open at 7pm with a little music as you settle into the comforatble setting, relax in the velvet couches and order fancy magical Cocktails. At 8pm the show begins with the incredible Keith O'brien. His flashy magic and incredilbe illusions will amaze and astound. After a short intermission Corbin the Charming Cheat takes the stage with his award winning sleight of hand magic, mental mysteries and magical games of chance. A great evening out full of magic and mysteries!
FenyxFyre the Innovator of Insanity has risen from the ashes and been
thrilling audiences worldwide for over the past 2 decades. As a sideshow
performer, escape artist and master of the fire arts, he boldly bellows
flame like a dragon. His shocking stunts challenge us to confront the places
that scare us, by illuminating all things dark.
November 11th, Chris Cambbell's StrangeOrDanger Thrillshow! This will be an
event not to be missed. Check out the details on Ring 49's website
(https://ring49magic.com/)
✨ They’re back, Toronto! ✨ Get ready for Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular - in Toronto for 2 nights only at the Bluma Appel Theatre, December 27 & 28! 🎩🎄
