I feel that audience participation is what makes a magic show different than traditional “4th wall” theater. When a performer steps out over the footlights and has the audience join him onstage, or has someone pick a card, the 4th wall is broken and the environment shifts from being theater to that of an initiatory ritual. Is that what makes a magic show into ritual theater? Almost ALL of close up magic is audience participation on some level. I know that most of my favorite stage routines are audience interactive.
Many folks seem to think that our Master Classes are only for experts; this is not the case. Many of our students are beginners wanting to develop new skills. Some of our students are serious enthusiasts, wanting to take their magic to the next level, others are full time pros. Master Class is for everyone, from beginner to expert.
I have been blessed with having many great magic teachers in my life. It is an honor to continue the tradition and be a part of many young performers’ success stories. Matthew Stanly writes us in a recent letter. “I applied your advice to my act and it has really made a difference. Not only did I take the 2003 Lance Burton Award, but I also received the 2003 IBM Stage Champion Award. Now instead of competing at conventions I am appearing.” Thank you Matt, you make all of us here at the Las Vegas Magic School proud to be part of your success! Lance is also a great mentor and teacher. He often visits the school to help our students with illuminating advice on how he creates his magic. Lance has done much to nurture the future stars of magic.
Every performer wants to involve the audience. This is particularly true for those of us who use direct participation in our shows. And yet, as we all know, sometimes spectators are horrified at the prospect of assisting the magician! How can we change that? Of course, that’s not the only challenge we face when spectators get involved. Sometimes — through no fault of our own — we get stuck with bad participants, who are difficult or drunk or dull (or all three!). How do we manage their behavior for the benefit of everyone else? “Handling Humans” is your chance to spend three days discussing these issues, and much more, with two of the most experienced interactive performers in the business. Eugene Burger and Max Maven are specialists in audience participation. In fact, that’s the primary definition of their shows. Over the years they have “handled” tens of thousands of people, in virtually every performance situation imaginable. In the process, each has made a number of fascinating discoveries. Now Eugene and Max will provide an in-depth workshop on these important topics. They’ll share insights, “war stories” and practical techniques that come from their experiences in the real world of entertainment. Unlike most art forms, magic requires the audience to become engaged. You can paint by yourself, you can sing in the shower, or dance in front of the mirror. But with magic the audience must join in. By understanding Spectator Management, you can turn this fact into an opportunity to enhance your own performances. And, in the company of two of magic’s most intriguing personalities, you know it’s going to be fun!
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.