“When we perform we, the cast, have an appointment with ourselves to meet each other and the audience at our best conscious moment.”
— Cesareo Palaez
People ask me what is new in the world of magic? What is exciting? How do you keep your passion for what you do fresh and vibrant? One of the keys that unlocks the doors to an exciting life is travel. I am very blessed that I have the opportunity to share my adventures with you in these letters to you, my friends.
THE ROAD TO CHINA…
Well, it’s not actually a road. I’ll be flying to Beijing for the World Championships of Magic, and then on a brief “Magic All Stars Tour.” Due to our demanding touring schedule, we are announcing the final confirmed classes here at the Magic & Mystery School for 2009. Right now, you have the opportunity to get the inside scoop of all the newest things happening here in Las Vegas.
Above is a photo by my brother, Clay, taken at a recent show.
Why aren’t there more women in magic? That is a question we hear often. The answer to this question will be explored here:
SISTERS OF MAGIC & MYSTERY
Master Class alumna and film-maker Gerry Timmerman will be featuring the Sisters of Magic & Mystery in her upcoming documentary. This will be an exciting addition to our already scheduled events…. Which include a special screening and discussion of the feature documentary Women in Boxes with Blair Larsen and an exciting workshop with Luna Shemada.
What is one of the new trends in the world of magic? You will find out when you explore the incredible world of martial arts magic and experience the mystery of mastery.
MAGIC & MARTIAL ARTS
Featured at this year’s event will be magician, author and martial arts expert, Tom Meseroll, Kung Fu weapons savant Bryce Kuhlman, and recent World Champion in Martial Arts Magic, Master Diaz. We will also have a contest! Magician/Inventor Sean Scott will be bringing with him one “Ki” DVD for each of our attending students.
The student who can come up with the best presentation or innovation with Sean Scott’s “Ki” will win a $700 three day Master Class. This is just one of the many exciting surprises we have in store for you who love the power of magic and the skills of martial arts. Take a look at last year’s film clip by Sensei Strange here:
3 DAY MASTER CLASS
This is the last Master Class of 2009. We are nearly full, so make your plans now.
Is it possible to travel through time and space? We think so!
FOCUS ON STREET MAGIC:
AN ADVENTURE IN TIME TRAVEL, PAST & FUTURE
Last year’s event was a blast! This year, all students will receive passes to THE AGE OF CHIVALRY Renaissance Faire. We will be hosted by the Greenwood Revelers, who have a great castle and performance stage for us to weave our magic into the fabric of this fun event! Students will meet some of the top street magicians on the circuit, attend special lectures on Street Magic, and even get a chance to perform close-up, or on the platform stage… and get feedback, too! The evenings will have the option of students either performing street magic on Las Vegas Boulevard, or the many high-tech nightclubs that Las Vegas nightlife has to offer.
Who are the most brilliant thinkers in the world of magic? Many of them will be gathering at this year’s…
MAGIC AND MEANING CONFERENCE
This is our Mystery School Reunion and tribute to Bob Neale, who turns 80 this year! Dr. Larry Hass has done a wonderful job organizing new presenters for this year. Jeff will be hosting an evening of his new works in progress; Fred Turner is back this year, coordinating the Works in Progress. If you would like to present a PEP talk, or would like to present your Work in Progress for feedback, get in touch with Fred or Larry. Their contact information can be found on the website:
Does magic have the power to heal the body, mind and spirit?
MAGIC AND MEDICINE
Abbi and I have been in contact with Dr. Randall Wolf, and are awaiting confirmation on his schedule. Last year, he flew in directly from China, and we are hoping for his return this year. Due to our demanding travel schedule, this is the last year Magic and Medicine will be an annual event. The next one will be in 2011, so if you want to attend, come this year!
Do you want to learn how to read minds? …. Or at least create the illusion of mind-reading?
MASTER CLASS FOR MENTALISTS
This is one of our favorite events, because we get to spend quality time with one of the great psychic entertainers of our time, Ross Johnson. Ross always delights us with his powerful presentations and in-depth knowledge. If you have not attended this event, you don’t know what you’re missing. Here’s a clip:
Thanks for taking the time to read these updates. We look forward to seeing you at one of these great classes….
Your friends in magic,
Jeff & Abbi
FROM TOBIAS:
First, many thanks to our magical friends here in Silicon Valley. We had a wonderful group for both Jeff’s show and lecture in Fremont last Friday and for his workshop at The Magic Garage in Sunnyvale on Saturday. Both he and I had a terrific time, and look forward to his next visit here in the Bay Area. We’re looking for a good group to host him north of the city later this winter…if someone reading this is interested, please let me know!
Our other big news is that we’ve just posted and opened registrations for our classes through the end of the summer 2010. By the time you read this, I may have the full year’s schedule for 2010 up. So you can start making your plans now – classes seem to be filling faster and faster, so the earlier you get your registrations in, the better chance you’ll have of attending the class that’s your first choice.
Best to all.
Sincerely,
Tobias Beckwith