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
