Dear Friends:
“MENTOR-ISM”
“Mentorism” is a word I’ve been thinking about lately. It means predicting the future by nurturing and inspiring the future leaders of magic. You never know who the next great star of magic is! Just look at one of my favorite photos of Mat Franco and me at the Mystery School, 18 years apart! He came to the school with a Dream and now he’s headlining his own show in Las Vegas!
Passing the Wand to the Future of Magic
This year at the I.B.M. convention, we also marked a turning point at the Teen Magic Seminar. After 25 years of guiding young magicians, our Mystery School passed the wand of leadership to Gabriella Lester. Gabriella began as a student of our school, and has since appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and other television shows. She is a true rising star, and now, the new Director of the Teen Seminar.
A few years ago, we honored her with the Eugene Burger Legacy Award, and this week, we handed her the ceremonial wand as the new director of the teen seminar. That’s how the tradition continues – not in silence, but in celebration.
These moments remind me that magic is not just for the young, but for the young at heart. One of my youngest students, Rachel Ling Gordon, brought the house down with a standing ovation at I.B.M. One of my oldest students, Buddy August, began performing at 74 – and now, he’s winning competitions! Both are living proof that it’s never too late to begin, and never too early to inspire.
We saw extraordinary talent this year: Max Voronin won first place by blending contortion, magic and acrobatics into a breathtaking act. The People’s Choice award went to Anja Steyn from South Africa for her beautiful retelling of the cups and balls, and to Dokyun, a young manipulator from South Korea whose skills are already world-class. Anja, Dokyun and now Max are in the Teen Seminar, returning year after year to grow into the artists they are becoming. This is the future of magic!
Many seasoned performers visited the Seminar to share insights, stories, and encouragement. This is why we gather–not just to learn tricks, but to believe in each other’s dreams.
You Are Never Too Old to Live Your Dream
I’ve spoken recently with many magicians in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s – now retired, finally ready to return to a dream they set aside long ago. If that’s you, reach out! I’m holding a special online class just for you on Rebooting Your Magic Career. Email me at jeffmcbride93@gmail.com. Let’s begin.
Finally, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to pass on not just knowledge, but community. Earlier this year, I passed the torch of our beloved Las Vegas WONDERGROUND to my friend and student Will Bradshaw.
He’ll be producing one of the most exciting magic celebrations of the summer: the WONDERGROUND Party, right after MAGIC LIVE, this August in Las Vegas. If you believe in the spirit of magic, creativity, or community, come join us.
Because the real secrets of magic aren’t written in books or DVDs, they’re whispered, one to one. They’re passed on – not just by teaching tricks – but the ART of MENTOR-ISM!
I predict a great summer ahead for YOU!
With magic in the moment,
Jeff & Abigail McBride
