If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all.â€
— Michelangelo Buonarroti
What does it take to be called a ” Master”
In the following paragraphs, you will learn a few techniques and philosophies we have worked with to create our magical art. One of the secrets is having a team of “masters”– people who are friends, mentors and inspirational advisors — honest friends and colleagues who will point out our “blind spots” and tell us the truth.
When we listen to experts, we accelerate our ability to break out of old habits and take risks.
Please look at the clip of my recent TV show… then I’ll share a few secrets that successful magicians use to make the impossible possible! You will then be able to take these secrets* and apply them to your work!
Television Series News
You may have seen me last week on Masters of Illusion on the CW network.
If not, here is the clip!
Jeff as the Commedia dell’Arte character “Bravo” on Masters of Illusion TV
The Secret to Creating Entertaining Magic
When I develop a new routine, I focus on how many “layers” the new work has. I try to combine many different skills into my pieces so they are textured and multi-dimensional. Here is a list of some of “the ingredients” I used to cook up “The BRAVO Bowl Routine”. The ingredients include:
As I continue to learn and grow, my new routines have more dimensions than just “script and trick.”
I encourage you to “add just one more layer” to your magic routines in development. What could you add to a magic routine you already do to give it more texture? What personal skill, talent, passion or quirk could make your next magic routine even more “multi-leveled”?
You can learn more about innovative techniques on how to create innovative magic on my “Squeak Technique†DVD. Here’s the trailer for that:
The Kabuki Shaman is Back!
Just a week or so back, Abbi and I traveled to Los Angeles and taped a few more pieces for the next season of Masters of Illusion. This year, Abbi does her own solo spot on the show! We’ll let you know air dates just as soon as they are set.
Here is a photo of me on the set.
Funny Clip of the Month
Is this guy really psychic? What do you think?
WWW. MCBRIDEMAGIC.TV
New free episodes are online and waiting for you. If you are inspired by our MuseLetter, you will love what we are doing online: 24 hour-a-day magical inspiration and philosophical conversation by the world’s leading magic teachers.
My Burning Man friend and astrologer Rob Brezny reminded me that author, John Creasey struggled in his early efforts at getting published. For a time he had to support himself with jobs as a salesman and clerk. Before his first book was published, he had gathered 743 rejection slips. Eventually, though, he broke through and achieved monumental success. He wrote more than 550 novels, several of which were made into movies. He won two prestigious awards and sold 80 million books. I’m not promising that your own frustrations will ultimately pave the way for a prodigious triumph like his, but in the coming months, I do expect significant progress toward a gritty accomplishment. For best results, work for your own satisfaction more than for the approval of others.
Thank you Rob… I love your books especially PRONOIA! This is the book I have gifted more than most any book ever!
“It took me a lifetime.‗ Pablo Picasso
Video of the Month
If you feel stuck, or are looking to break into the next level, be kind to yourself and watch this and get some courage!
Ira Glass tells it like he sees it, and hits the nail on the head!
“The secret for mastery is concentration; the success of concentration is in elimination. Avoid everything in general and focus one thing in particular. You will be a master!†                                                    — Israelmore Ayivor
Life Lessons, written by a 90 year old
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short not to enjoy it.
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick, your friends & family will.
5. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. Save for things that matter.
9. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
10. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
11. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
13. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
14. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.
15. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.
16. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
17. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
18. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
19. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
20. The most important sex organ is the brain.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
22. Frame every disaster with these words, ‘In five years, will this matter?’
23. Always choose Life.
24. Forgive but don’t forget.
25. What other people think of you is none of your business.
26. Time heals almost everything. Give Time time.
27. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
28. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
29. Believe in miracles.
31. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
32. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
33. All that truly matters in the end is that you are loved.
34. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
35. If we threw all our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d
grab ours back.
36. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you think
you need.
37. The best is yet to come…
38. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
(Source: reginabrett.com)
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Las Vegas Magic News
WONDERGROUND, February 19TH –Â A talent packed one of-a-kind extravaganza. It happens only once.. Never to be repeated!
Jeff onstage at WONDERGROUND this month!
WONDERGROUND is the Biggest Magic Party in Las Vegas! – Thursday, February 19th — all info at www.vegaswonderground.com 7pm – Jeff will be performing NEW close up magic and gifting Psychic readings
8pm-Â Â Comedy Stage magic with Host Tim Wise
Jimmy Fingers-Â Illusionistic-Innovations
“Anannta” -The Global Villiage Idiot
Jeff McBride- Teaches a few new illusions
Tim Shegitz- The elegant and funny fooler
9pm-Â Â Parlor magic with Host Christian Diamond
Jim Vines- Award winning Close up magic
Jeff McBride- a few new mysteries
Master Payne- Mojo beyond imagination!
Mat Vizio- Cabaret wonders
10pm- Stage show & variety extravaganza! With
your Host Jeff McBride
Neils Duinker- One of the world’s finest jugglers
Zamora -The Torture King- HE feels NO PAIN!
YOU will be Shocked & Amazed!
Chris Randall – Back from China with
something new
Kyle & Mistie Knight- Direct from TV’s
WIZARD WARS
PLUS!Â
Live DJ, NWR Dancers, Live art, Strolling magic and The Psychic Sideshow!
 JEFF AND ABBI BACKSTAGE AT MASTERS OF ILLUSION tv show
Check my tour schedule for shows near you! Until next time, I’ll see you on TV, on tour or in Vegas, Baby!
Be inspired!
Jeff McBride
