Jeff and Abbi are on their way out of the country again for their 2003 World Tour. They’re headed to Holland, Belgium and France then through Asia and finally back to NYC in April. I was on the phone with Jeff the other day and I couldn’t help but ask, “Jeff, do you ever stop?” Here’s his answer: “Well, yes and no. Do I ever stop traveling? Yes, when I can. Do I ever stop creating? No. That’s the reason I created the Magic School. I wanted a place where we can get together a few days during the month with some friends [who just happen to be the greatest creators and performers in the world – BK]. That’s why I’m so excited about our return home in April. I get to spend three days teaching with Jamy Ian Swiss and a day with Paul Daniels. Then Maestro Jon Pendragon is coming in May to help teach this class on illusions.” “Traveling as much as I do, sometimes I need to come home and just fill up again, to be re-inspired, and to re-kindle my passion in magic. Jamy, Paul and Jonathan will be in Las Vegas helping me sharpen my creative edge.” They are also here to help you. These are rare and precious opportunities for us to spend time in the company of masters.
Make your table idiot-proof. In my early days, I had my table knocked over by the Master of Ceremonies and the stagehands as they walked to the stage. That is an awful feeling, just before you go on, to see your table hit the floor and have your props scatter across the stage! Make sure your table can withstand a severe hit from all sides and still remain upright with all the loads and glasses of liquid in place. Your table can get knocked backstage in a blackout, when the act before you exits the stage, or when the emcee dashes into the wings to pick up the spare mic or a prop he forgot. In short, if you make your table heavy at the bottom, it won’t tip over. (Excerpted from Pack Small, Play Big)
We’d like to publicly congratulate Danny Hill and Michael Barron for their First Place awards at the recent IBM International Convention (Danny in close-up and Michael in stage). You make your teachers very proud!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who came to Firedance and AfterGlow! It was an incredible event with plenty of sweet moments to savor. We are blessed to be a part of such a loving, creative andempowered community of friends. And now we’re off to Burning Man with many of our Firedance family (and our respirators). You may even see us on the TV coverage of the event. It’ll be a wild and wonderful week!
Many people ask us what the difference is between Master Class and Summer School. Here’s your answer:
Master Classes are small-group, intensive, one-on-one teaching sessions. Each class is specifically tailored the needs and wishes of the dozen or so students attending. (Jeff starts out by asking what each one is “here to learn.”)
Summer School is a series of classes, just like in school. Classes are both lecture and hands-on style taught in small groups. The focus will be on teaching you the skills necessary to be an excellent magician. It will be a college-like atmosphere, with a curriculum set in advance.