Dear Friends:
Lisa Krol performed her first paid magic show at the age of 12, but life led her down other paths. After dabbling in magic during university, she returned to the art as a pandemic project, and attended her first Magic & Mystery School Masterclass in April 2023. Her classmates discovered she could sew, and now she creates custom fabric magic props, including her version of the McBride Egg Bag. You can explore her work at www.magicbylisa.ca (password: Vernon).
Feedback that Builds, Not Breaks
Those of you who attended the Magic and Meaning Conference in October may recall my PEP talk on feedback. I shared tips on structuring feedback for fellow magicians presenting an effect or routine. While most of our peers have the best intentions, feedback often falls short, and ends up making the performer feel deflated or embarrassed. In the worst cases, the performer may abandon magic altogether. The purpose of the talk was to provide some guidelines to help keep sharing sessions constructive, and to create a more supportive magic community.
For the reviewer, I suggested starting with a positive thought to recognize the effort that went into preparing the demonstration, and acknowledging the presenter’s willingness to share. I also talked about restricting commentary to the context requested by the performer, giving clear concrete ideas, and resisting the temptation to showcase one’s own skills. For the performer, I advised preparing for negative comments, which are necessary for improvement, even if they are hard to hear, establishing a context for feedback, receiving ideas with gratitude, and reflecting on what may be useful to further improve the performance, accepting that not everything said will be applicable.
The Power of a Single Voice
After my presentation, I received numerous positive comments. However, the one negative comment caught my attention. Despite the overwhelming positive feedback, I fixated on that single negative comment which also happened to be from a complete stranger. I have no idea if this person was a professional, hobbyist, enthusiast, or collector. Perhaps they had expertise worth listening to, but maybe not. Why was this bothering me so much, especially when respected colleagues had been overwhelmingly complimentary?
Not long after the conference, during a virtual jamming session, a fellow magician shared his experience from a recent walk-around event. Although he received stellar reviews, and a generous tip from the booker, he kept coming back to the story of the one table where a spectator was unimpressed and tipped him to leave, even though the others at the table seemed to be enjoying his work. He was devastated, and like me, he could not let it go, despite all the other positives. Does any of this sound the least bit familiar? Do you find yourself fixating on negatives even when they are outnumbered by positives? If so, why do we do this to ourselves?
Understanding Confirmation Bias
The answer may lie in the concept of ‘confirmation bias.’ This psychological phenomenon occurs when we focus on information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs, and ignore information that contradicts them. For instance, if you expect a dentist visit to be painful, you will notice the discomfort of others and overlook those leaving happily with their free toothbrushes. Essentially, you pay attention to the ideas and information that agree with what you already think to be true, while you disregard anything else.
Could confirmation bias explain my fixation on the negative? Did I believe my presentation was weak? Did that negative comment confirm my worst fears? Perhaps. Although I have been performing magic for decades, I had taken a long break from performing publicly, and I felt less experienced than many. Who was I to speak at a conference and share anything useful? Similarly, did my friend doubt his abilities? Did the negative feedback confirm his insecurities? In your own personal experience, did you, consciously or otherwise, think you deserved the negativity?
From Fixation to Growth
Many of us need to learn to compartmentalize the negatives and look at the bigger picture. If there are specific suggestions in the negatives, by all means, take that seriously and see how it can be incorporated into your practice routine or next performance. In my case, the negative comment was along the lines of “I don’t like this”. Unfortunately, there is nothing to take away from that. Had the comment been more constructive like, “You have windows in the left hand,” I would have had something to work on. Without something concrete, the comment is better forgotten. While difficult, the key is not to fixate on the negative as a commentary on the whole package, and allow it to cast a shadow on our passion for performing and sharing magic. Instead, we need to recast our stories.
Confirmation bias is ingrained in our thinking and cannot be easily turned off. But we can challenge it. We just need to change our narratives. Before your next performance, whether for a friend over coffee or for a sold-out theatre, tell yourself a positive story. Reflect on your progress from where you started with a particular effect or routine. Consider the time and effort you have invested to bring your presentation to this moment. Identify the one or two parts that you are most excited to share. By doing so, you can use confirmation bias to create a more positive and self-affirming experience, and balance any negative feedback. Focus on the positive thoughts, and allow the positive comments to resonate more strongly. The true magic may just be in learning to believe in yourself!
Lisa Krol
HOT NEWS FLASH!
I could not believe it! But it’s true!
Newsflash! Cover Story!
Yes, friends, I was certainly amazed when I saw the front cover of the Las Vegas Weekly. If you only read one story today, let it be this one. This is a great story about the history and mystery of the Las Vegas magic community. See it here – https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2024/dec/12/vegas-magicians-pass-wand-to-next-gen-wonderground/
If Las Vegas is the center of the world for magic, then WONDERGROUND is the center of the Magic Universe. Will Bradshaw is doing a great job at Area 15, bringing magic, variety and community every month. For more information go here – https://wondergroundlv.com
The Evolution of Storytelling Magic – From Shaman to Showman!
From the earliest times, people gathered around the tribal fire. Thousands of years ago, when the sun would set, people would come to where the light was to make magic and share stories. The same thing happens in Las Vegas each night. When the sun goes down. People come to where the light is, and whether they know it or not, they’re re-enacting this very ancient, timeless ritual of sharing stories. Because where there’s light, there’s magic, and Las Vegas has more light per square inch than anywhere else in the world. Please sit down and join us at the fire.
Learn the Secrets of the Master Storytellers
You can become part of our amazing lineage of storytelling magicians. These masters will share their stories and magic at each and every class. ALL CLASSES ARE RECORDED, SO WATCH ANYTIME.
The Storymaster welcomes our special guests
30+ Years in the Making
Over 30 years ago, I began my quest to learn from the greatest storytellers in the world, and now I’m putting together a class to share what I have learned. I’ve been working on this class for a long, long time and I’m ready to share the secrets I’ve learned from the world’s greatest storytellers with you. You are invited to learn the Secrets of the Master Storytellers. Register now – https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/the-story-master-series-2025-01-11
Storytime
Each Christmas Eve, my Dad would gather our entire family by the fireplace and read his hilarious version of The Night Before Christmas.
“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be…golfing!”
“No, Dad!,” all the kids screamed.
“Santa soon would be THERE! Not golfing!”
Dad would misstate the last word of every line and all the kids would shout and correct him! This was our family tradition, and I still carry on this storytelling tradition on Christmas eve with Abigail, our friends and GOLFERS, (um…I meant to say Family!)
This is the time for stories. This is a time for sitting by the fire with friends and family. Everyone here at The Magic & Mystery School sends you warm tidings for a wonderful, healthy, productive, and prosperous New Year.
See you online or in Las Vegas!
Jeff and Abigail and The Magic & Mystery School family
Hello Friends!
Recently, we decided to create a report of our activities and services delivered in 2024. This is being sent to our current members, but we also felt readers of the Museletter might appreciate seeing what we have been up to this past year. So, here is Abigail’s “2024 Annual Report.”
Thank you for helping us make 2024 one of the best years ever! Here’s how your support has helped us… read our special report:
Looking Back at 2024
We have been reviewing some of our accomplishments and dreams that we manifested in 2024 here at the Magic & Mystery School, and wanted to take a moment to share some of them with you. We are so grateful for your ongoing support, and all the ways you help us to “improve the art of magic, one magician at a time.”
Fun Facts About Funds
Before we dive in, some Words from the Dean, Dr. Larry Hass:
At the heart of our mission at the Magic & Mystery School is our Scholarship Program that provides need-based financial aid to magicians who need a “hand-up” getting their magic education with us. The program was founded in 2012, and, since then, has provided more than $137,000.00 in financial aid to over 300 magicians with demonstrated need, thanks to your donations!
Over the years, the School has received many direct donations to the Scholarship Fund, but the primary avenue for the fund’s growth is by people signing up to become MEMBERS of the Online Magic & Mystery School. Indeed, a substantial portion of every membership fee goes directly into the fund.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2024:
We released Seasonal Sorcery, a labor of love from Dr. Lynn Miner, filled with fun magic and scripts for every season and holiday.
Jeff and Larry performed and taught with Ricardo Rosenkranz at the Festival of Magic in Chicago. They also delivered the Lance Burton Teen Magic Seminar at the International Brotherhood of Magicians Annual Convention.
Jeff was a featured Performer and Presenter at MAGIC LIVE in Las Vegas.
Will Bradshaw, long time student and Instructor at the Mystery School reopened WONDERGROUND at Area 15 in Las Vegas, and has been rocking it every month.
Here at the School, we offered 16 classes, Live in Las Vegas, Live in Chicago, and Online, to which more than 350 students attended.
We awarded 45 students just under $22,000.00 of need-based financial aid to attend these classes.
Jeff continues to work with a select group of students in the Mentorship program, many of whom went on to win magic competitions, Got Talent shows, and be seen on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us.
Members of the Faculty were guest lecturers and presenters at the Science of Magic Conference, and a special Round Table conference for Indiana University.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!!
It is only because of your generous support and interest that we are able to continue our mission, and there are many ways you can help us.
One is to become a member of our Online School, or raise the level of your membership if you’re already in. All the information on that is here:
https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/m/magic-mystery-school
You can also make a donation to the Scholarship Fund, which provides need-based financial aid to magicians who need a hand-up to get their magical education:
https://www.magicalwisdom.com/scholarships/donate
Or you can make a donation to the School’s General Fund, by sending through PayPal to Payments@mcbridemagic.com with the word “General” in the comment box, or by check to McBride Magic, Inc., 3132 Shadowridge Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89120.
On behalf of the Faculty and Staff of the Magic & Mystery School, thank you for making a real difference for real people. If you have any questions or thoughts, please connect with me. We appreciate you!
(From Larry): Let me also extend my appreciation for your participation in our classes and events, and for your generous support of the Scholarship Program.
MEMBERS ONLY
Magicians frequently ask if they are MEMBERS of the Online School, or how they can sign up to receive its benefits and support the Scholarship Fund. Here’s how.
1. To see if you are already a MEMBER, go to the MEMBERSHIP page and sign in at: https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/m/magic-mystery-school. If you are unable to sign in, it means you are not a member or that your annual membership has lapsed.
2. To become a MEMBER (or re-activate your membership), please go to that page and read about all the benefits that come with each level: Supporting, Premier, or Gold Circle, and please join.
Again, thank you for being a part of our worldwide community of magicians who seek to deepen our knowledge and craft of magic at the same time we elevate the art as a whole.
All the best for the holiday season and beyond,
Larry Hass, Abigail and Jeff McBride, and all your friends at McBride’s Magic & Mystery School
How did Ricky Jay save my life?
It was just a few hours before Ricky, Max and I were going to be appearing together on national television. This was the MOST important TV show of my young career, and I did NOT want to screw this up in front of millions of viewers.
YIKES!
I was running out of time to rehearse my new performance piece, and it was NOT going well. Ricky Jay saw my distress and called me to his hotel room to help me work on my TV spot. I jumped at the opportunity for his help.
That was the night I went through HELL!
Ricky gave me some very tough love.
“It’s just not ready Jeff.” Ricky said.
My heart sank, but I knew he was right. I worked so hard, but my performance piece was overbuilt and under-rehearsed.
What the F*@! was I going to do now?
Ricky sternly told me that I was performing a routine that was much too complex, and it needed serious trimming and editing. Ricky worked with me, nearly all night long, editing the piece to make into something that was television worthy.
The show must go on!
I went live the next morning and I survived. Without Ricky’s direction, I would’ve died a thousand deaths in front of a national television audience. You will see this television appearance if you keep reading, my friends.
THE IMPORTANT LESSON that Ricky taught me is that we all need a good director and a good editor. I have been very blessed to study with some of the best magicians and storytellers in the world. Here are a few lessons I learned from them.
I’ve been blessed to study and learn from many of The Best Storytellers & Magic Directors!
Max Maven was a Master Storyteller.
Some of you have even attended his full evening show which was full of stories. Max and I were very good friends for many years, and he taught a course at Mystery School called “Handling Humans” about effective skills for audience participation. I also learned many amazing techniques from him when he directed my Magic Quest show. Max taught me the power of a great director and also how to edit my scripts.
Ricky Jay impressed me so much.
I vividly remember him on Doug Henning’s TV special. His storytelling skills are unsurpassed. I have a powerful memory of him reciting a very entertaining script, called The Exclusive Coterie, from Expert at the Card Table as he performed his card magic. I vowed that day to learn that very piece of magic. What I learned from Ricky was how to memorize a story and deliver it effectively and entertainingly…and, oh yes, I learned from him how to cut and edit my pieces to make sure they are stage worthy!
Eugene Burger taught me the power and eloquence of vocal elocution. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to be Eugene’s student for over 30 years. I got to work with him on stages all over the world. He was my vocal coach and helped me “find my voice,” and he helped me understand that each student learns in unique ways. Eugene taught me that “Less is More.” He crafted his theatrical performance scripting with the precision of a surgeon. In his books, he offers brilliant examples of his creative process.
George Carlin hired me to be his opening act, and from him I learned some of the fine points of telling a good story (especially using multiple voices). One of the most interesting things I learned from him was how he “used his voice like a saxophone”–that he spoke like a jazz player when he delivered his incredible performances. His voice was his musical instrument, and he played it like a jazz cat.
George was also a master at shapeshifting characters and voices in split second timing. I’ve applied these lessons to my magic with voice and character, and I’m excited to share these techniques with you.
I’ve been fortunate to study and tour and learn from the greatest storytellers in the world, and now I’m putting together a class to share what I have learned…and you are invited.
THE STORYMASTER…You don’t need to be a Magician to attend.
If you are a magician, you will learn how to add powerful storytelling to your magic. If you’re not a magician, that’s great as well. You will learn how to add magic to your personal stories.
I’ve been working on this class for a long, long time and I’m ready to share the secrets I’ve learned from the world’s greatest storytellers with YOU.
Your LIFE: is filled with stories
Your STORY: is what makes you unique
Your MAGIC: can enhance and empower your stories
Learn the essential secrets of enhancing YOUR personal stories with magic. Experience the world’s greatest magicians sharing their most meaningful stories. Jeff will guide you through video archives, personal stories, and exciting performance routines that he will teach you to illustrate and enhance your personal storytelling magic.
In this course, we will focus on three major aspects of the creative process:
Do you have “FOMO?”
“FOMO” is the Fear Of Missing Out – and don’t worry, dear friends, you will not miss out.
IMPORTANT!
WE RECORD EVERY MOMENT OF THIS CLASS SO YOU CAN WATCH IT ANYTIME.
So, even if you’re working while we are creating the workshop, please know that you will be able to capture every tasty, amazing, magical moment anytime you like.
Your participation includes these fantastic take-aways:
FOR ALL INFO AND TO REGISTER, GO HERE NOW!
https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/the-story-master-series-2025-01-11
We have been at the forefront of magic education for over three decades. Back in the 1990’s we described our events as more than lectures or conventions. We called it:
“MYSTERY SCHOOL, An Experiential Magic Retreat”
Many folks come to us to fill up on inspiration and also to learn how to present their magic in more powerful ways.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13PtjAPhYYvD93XZWLCKzIHxUD-ypGIJd/view
Now you can join us from the comfort of your home and you get inspired and reenergized.
Private classes in person or online!
Private Personalized Sessions are now being scheduled.
Who are these sessions for?
What happens at a private session?
The private sessions are fun, and are a great investment in your magical future. They’re also a wonderful gift for the magician in your life. During a session, Jeff will help you to take your magic to the next level of excellence by suggesting magic routines and effects that suit your style of presentation. Jeff will share his 50+ years of performing and touring experience with you, and teach you the inner secrets that are not found in books or other media. Jeff will also suggest reading materials, DVDs, and other learning materials that will help you grow in the art of magic.
For more info go here: https://www.magicalwisdom.com/about/private_sessions
Questions? Call Abigail at (702) 450-0021 or email her Abigail@mcbridemagic.com
See you online or in Vegas!
Jeff and Abigail
