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
Dear Magical Friends,
Often I ask myself what makes for “meaningful magic?”
As I sit in reflection, contemplating the years that have passed, I am reminded of how rare and precious true connections are. In the world of magic, as in life, moments of genuine fellowship are treasures that shine amidst the ordinary.
Golden Moments
The photo below is of Eugene Burger and me, taking a walk at the very first Mystery School nearly 35 years ago! I remember those walks as being some of the most golden moments of life…and I want to share some moments like this with you. Whether you are a performing magician or just a friend of mine, you are invited to take a walk with me.
Each year, our Magic and Meaning Conference becomes a bright lamp of light in the darkness – drawing together minds, hearts, and souls who share this extraordinary path. For many, it is more than a gathering–it is a homecoming. In our digital age, where so many exchanges are fleeting, this weekend offers us something deeper–the chance to reconnect, reflect, and renew the ties that bind us. We are more than magicians, we are a community of seekers.
It’s not just about learning new effects or refining our craft – though we will. It’s about weaving magic into our lives, blending philosophy, art, and mystery in ways that speak to something larger than ourselves. This is the heart of the conference, and it is why we return, year after year.
This year we have wonderful, new inspiring talks. As you know, we have what has been called “The TED talks of Magic,” and this year we have upped our game and will have an incredible panel of inspiring speakers and events, including:
Like the magic we practice, our online time together is ephemeral – each conversation, each smile through a screen is brief, but profound. And yet, the impact lingers long after we’ve said our goodbyes. I think of it as casting a spell. We come together to create something powerful, something that reaches beyond the moment and continues to enrich our lives.
Your Invitation to Mystery
To those who have joined us before, you know this already. And to you, we extend our warmest invitation to return. Let’s gather again, not just to learn, but to share – to remind ourselves how rare and beautiful it is to connect, even from afar. We may be miles apart, but in those hours, we are as close as we’ve ever been.
ALL EVENTS ARE RECORDED, SO YOU CAN WATCH ANYTIME.
Join us for this special 3-day online experience. Go here to register – https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/magic-meaning-conference-2024-live-online
Our weekend together will be, as always, a celebration of magic – both the art and the mystery of it. And more than that, it will be a reunion of friends.
With deep gratitude and anticipation,
Jeff, Abigail, Larry, Daryl, Scott,
and all of us at the Magic & Mystery School
Dear Friends:
Our guest contributor this month is Magic & Mystery School long-time student, contributor and friend, Judge Gary Brown. A magician and writer, having authored Wandcraft, The Coney Island Fakir, and a host of magic articles, Judge Brown is also passionate about inventing and creating original magic, having developed more than a dozen original effects that have been released to magicians worldwide. In this Museletter, Judge Brown encourages magicians to embrace challenges as a way to enhance their craft and spark ingenuity.
Rising to the Challenge
by Judge Gary Brown
“Alexa, play the song again!” I snapped, growing increasingly frustrated. On the table before me lay a trio of vases and a piece of rope with which I could demonstrate a series of astonishing animation and levitation effects. My plan was to offer these pieces set to music to meet an upcoming challenge called “The Silent Treatment,” concocted by members of the Long Island’s Sleight Club. The idea was to perform a favorite routine without words, so I was going to use a piece of magic-themed music. So while Alexa played Pilot’s 1975 jaunty pop single entitled “Magic,” I ran through the routine again. Dozens of rehearsals notwithstanding, it still didn’t feel right.
Then I had a flash: change the song. I said “Alexa, play ‘Extraordinary Magic’ by Ben Rector.” I tried again. This time, it went like clockwork. The evocative tune had just the right tempo and created the perfect mood for the performance. I had learned something important about rhythm, movement, and magic, while adding a lovely little piece to my repertoire.
Participating in magic challenges can be fun and exciting. More importantly, such exercises provide an inspirational incubator, nurturing the kind of directed play and guided experimentation that can drive innovation. For the imaginative performer, participating in challenges can open new avenues to original magic. Producing a performance piece that meets the requisites of a challenge often requires researching and combining methods, developing or adapting gimmicks, building props, refining, handling, and/or writing new scripts. These efforts represent the basic building blocks of magic invention.
If you’re lucky enough to belong to a vibrant club or an informal group of magicians with whom you collaborate, I’d urge you to introduce the idea of challenges. If you don’t have access to such a group, you may have to find one or form one. Alternatively, participation in Magic & Mystery School events will provide similar incubator opportunities.
Of course, to participate effectively, you’ll need to pull these things together on a schedule. Here’s where my suggestion could be seen to run afoul of conventional wisdom. “[We often tell ourselves,] ‘I simply must have this magic trick ready for the show/magic club meeting tomorrow night!’” Eugene Burger wrote. “Don’t you see this is the statement that is destroying
magic, both as an art and as a craft?” This is powerful and important advice when it comes to practice. Inadequate, hurried preparation is anathema to polished performances.
For the inventor, however, I believe the primary problem is different. Innovators run the risk of staying in the theoretical indefinitely. You can tinker with an idea for years without producing anything of value. Thus, imposing a deadline for a deliverable—in our example, a challenge—can spur production and creativity. The difference is that you are not expecting to produce a pitch-perfect presentation. The goal is to build and test a concept. That test might fail, so one has to make sure the stakes are low, and the audience will be forgiving. Yet, by holding to production deadlines, you will become more prolific. “The secret to making things,” Michael Weber notes, “is to make things.” a phrase that has become my creative mantra. (David Regal, Interpreting Magic at 533). In the same spirit, Jeff McBride likes to say, “a goal is a dream with a deadline.”
Working on a challenge piece will help you hone your skills and may, with a little luck and perseverance, drive you to produce something astonishing. As I reflect back on some of the innovative magic pieces I’ve been able to develop, many have their roots in magic challenges:
Material-based challenges – like “Dollar Store” or “Thrift Store” events, will prompt you to rely on ingenuity to convert something you find into something useful. Theme-based challenges can go well beyond the traditional magic club “rope trick night” or “Tarbell nights,” by identifying a topic subject to interpretation by each performer. During the pandemic, Carisa Hendrix (a/k/a Lucy Darling) moderated the Spark Creative Facebook group that provided a weekly prompt, like “small” or “luxury,” which inspired members to produce short responsive videos. My local group has dabbled with quirky themes like “That Ain’t Right!” or “What Should I Do With This?” generating broad inspiration. So if you’d like to learn to develop original magic, and have some fun along the way, take or create a magic challenge. You won’t regret it.
1Eugene Burger: Final Secrets, Lawrence Hass, with additional material by Eugene Burger (2021) at 5.
2 Regal, David, Interpreting Magic, Blue bikes productions (2019) at 533.