“Transform Your Magic and Your Life!â€
That is our motto here at the Magic & Mystery School. These are words we live by! We know that we are helping our students make positive changes in the way their magic is performed.
I feel that people often need a bit of an “encouraging push” to make positive and lasting changes in their lives. Even I need a push now and then to get me moving again.
We all tend to resist or put off the things we want or need to change the most! Kate Corrine Van Vliet has a 10 step process for creating lasting change in your life. Kate offers the following:
The Ten Steps of Change
1. Assess how things are now.
What do you see in yourself? What are you doing? How do you operate in a given situation? What consequences (good and bad) are you experiencing because of what you see yourself doing?
2. Accept yourself as you are.
Today, right now in your life, this is who and how you are. Decide that you love yourself no matter what.
3. Take responsibility.
Be honest with yourself and take responsibility for all that you are doing and not doing (good and bad), and the effects your actions have on others and yourself (good and bad).
4. Identify what you want to change.
What do you want to change about yourself? What actions or behaviors are you demonstrating that are not helping you? What would be a better option for you in each identified situation? What do you want to do differently?
5. Commit to making that change.
Make the decision to do the work and to make the change(s) you’ve listed. Form an agreement with yourself in whatever way is helpful to you (written or otherwise) so that you know you will do what you say you want to do.
6. Educate yourself.
Seek internal and external resources to gather information on how you can make the change(s) that you just committed to making. Be honest about your past so that your can use your own set of experiences to break patterns that no longer serve you.
7. Set goals.
Make the change process tangible and measurable, to an extent. What can you do each day to get yourself closer to who you want to be? Write down, from little to big, the goals you will achieve.
8. Take action towards your goals.
Every day, honor your commitment. Act with an awareness of the changes you are making. Do things and engage in behaviors that are congruent with your goals.
9. Have compassion for yourself.
It is said that it takes 30 days to change a habit, so be patient and kind to yourself during this journey. Express your gratitude to yourself for doing the work. Love yourself each day so that you believe you are worthy of the change(s).
10. Take time to reflect.
Take the time to assess your progress. Love and praise yourself for each bit of change you are making. Revise your goals or any other part of this protocol as you deem necessary. Learn from what you’re doing, or not doing. Do the best you can.
You can read the complete article here:
http://tinybuddha.com/blog/10-steps-to-create-lasting-change-in-your-life/
Whenever I need a push I have Eugene, Larry, Abigail, Tobias, and our faculty to get me going again. They are my support team. Who is YOURS?
Perhaps our team can help YOU get going in the right direction… Our classes and our in-person and online coaching sessions offer you a place to come and get the focus and support you might need to take the next step.
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/about/consulting
The Mask and the Mirror
Many years ago I wrote a theater piece about creating a mask that I get stuck in…. Many people who saw this piece said they could really identify with it. They said the piece gave them hope that if they take a “good look at themselves in the mirror,” then that change is possible.
Magic That Tells YOUR Story!Â
I am willing to ask for help… I remain teachable and open to learning new techniques and lessons.
I know that I have teachers that can help me make better choices… and take BIGGER risks!
In the past I’ve gotten expert direction from Bob Fitch. He is one of the top magic directors in the world, and now he can help YOU. We are hosting a workshop with Bob (right after Magic & Meaning this fall) where you will learn the secrets to making better and more theatrical magic.
In the past, magicians have not had many resources available to learn theatre and movement skills. These intensive, structured multi-day workshops have been tailored to magicians, and are intended to help you obtain basic theater tools and self-directing skills to take away and be able to apply to your work. The multi-day workshop format allows time to make real, hopefully lasting, change. For more info:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#504
The Rainmaker
This theatrical magic story is a piece that Bob Fitch directed many years ago.
If you would like to learn The Rainmaker and other masterpiece routines, I have a new 3-day class that teaches my greatest works. Read more here: http://www.magicalwisdom.com/masterpieces
Magic for Speakers & Presenters
I see magic as a perfect tool for public speakers! This month I will be featured at the annual convention of the NATIONAL SPEAKERS ASSOCIATION.
“Magic for Speakers and Presenters” will highlight the work we have created to help speakers at all levels add a bit of magic to their talks. Tobias and Larry will join the team and host breakout sessions. Perhaps we’ll see you there!
http://www.nsaspeaker.org/attend/convention/
Magic & Meaning
I love dramatic magic and magic that has meaning… but unfortunately, most of what I see on stage, and tv, and the internet is just a bunch of tricks– tricks without a premise or a plot line. That is a sad state of the art, but here at the Magic & Mystery School we are doing something about this! Something to take magic back into richer areas of theater, art, entertainment and philosophy. Every year, we get together with the world’s top thinkers in the magical arts.
We call this homecoming Magic & Meaning.
Come celebrate 25 years of the McBride Magic & Mystery School with us at this year’s Magic & Meaning Conference! We will be honoring Eugene Burger for his 25 years of service as The Dean of the School, and our special keynote speaker will be the celebrated magic director Bob Fitch.
Hosted by the Magic & Mystery School Faculty, the Magic and Meaning Conference is an annual gathering of magicians, scholars, public speakers, professionals from many arenas, and performers of diverse arts. It is for anyone who loves magic, storytelling, or the philosophy of magic, and who wants to think about magic in new ways. Attendance is strictly limited to 80 people so we can create a friendly, interactive community of learning and performing.
At the heart of the Conference are a number of 20-minute presentations from Conference attendees that we call the “PEP Talks†of magic (“Performance—Entertainment—Philosophyâ€). The Conference also features “Ensemble Shows†during which attendees are able to perform magic for the entire group.
For More info go here:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#489
The 2016 Magic and Meaning Conference will be held at the Tuscany Suites & Casino. For additional information or questions, please contact Katherine Rettke, the Conference’s Executive Assistant, at mmconference@magicalwisdom.com
Wonderground News – July 21
7 PM: Christian and Randilyn -Host
Strolling magic with Michael Mirth, Miguel and Jeff
Allen Scott will do tarot readings
8 Pm Show: Tim Wise is your host
Cecile & Mighty – Music, Magic and much much more!
Dyno Statts – Steampunk Sorcery
James Kelsey – Magical & Mischief
AGA-BOOM – Ukrainian Clown Sensation
9PM Close Up & Strolling Magic: Christian Diamond is your host & MC
Michael Mirth, Dyno Statts & Jeff McBride
Bar Magic by Zack, Steelfyre and Tim Wise
10PM Stage Extravaganza!
Jeff McBride is your host & MC
Cecile & Mighty – Magic, Music & Circus Arts
Sonny Fontana – The Invisible Man
Tim Wise – A Man on Fire!
AGA-BOOM – Ukrainian Clown Superstars
Mago Angello – Stage Magic Sensation – Las Vegas Premiere!
Jeff McBride – New Mask Magic
PLUS: Bar Magic: Zack Pattee, Scott Steelfyre, Iam Creed, & Randilyn
The NWR-Tribal Belly Dance Troupe, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya and many more surprises and special celebrity guests!!
Please let us know when you plan to visit Las Vegas…. It would be our pleasure to roll out the red carpet and host you at The Magic & Mystery School!
Be inspired!
Jeff and Abigail
A QUESTION FOR YOU
Eugene Burger
Museletter July, 2016
Over a year ago I received a comment and an important question from my friend, Rabbi Arthur Kurzweil, the former publisher of the wonderful Parabola magazine. I did not answer it when I received it but feel that now is the time to consider what Arthur sent. Rather than try to summarize what he wrote — and thereby perhaps dilute it — I will quote his comment and question in full.
Arthur wrote:
“I have often heard people say they don’t like magic and magicians. I have often heard magicians complain that the ‘magical arts’ are not taken seriously.
“But I often attend lectures and read the lessons of some of the most popular and celebrated children’s magicians. They are offering their ‘wisdom’ and experience on how to be a successful magician for children’s audiences. It seems that their major goal is to get children to laugh, and their tools include fart and body fluid jokes as well as routines based on silly antics that show the magician to be a foolish idiot. ‘Kids love it,’ they say.
“My question is this: aren’t these magicians, who are so often praised by the magic community, despite all the laughter they generate, also sending the message to young people that magicians are obnoxious jerks? Aren’t they really going for the easy laughs? Isn’t it time we woke up to this to realize we are our own worst enemies when we plant these kinds of memories of magicians in the minds of young people?â€
A very serious comment and question, don’t you think?
How do you relate to these thoughts? How would you answer Arthur’s question? Are you sympathetic or fighting mad? Thoughts like this do tend to divide and polarize us. But Arthur is serious. That’s the first thing we need to remember.
I have said many times that I think in the United States there are two different philosophies or approaches to presenting magic for children. To summarize them in a very brief way: one philosophy presumes success when the children are laughing and screaming and the other approach presumes success when the children are quiet and listening. This may be too simplistic a summary of these views but I think you get the point.
Which is best? Which do you prefer? Can they be combined?
I do not perform for children. When I began my professional career in 1978, I consciously decided that I would be an adult entertainer. Not that I wanted to present off color humor in my work but, rather, because I felt more comfortable performing for adults. I say this so you understand that I have never had to make a decision about which of these two paths to travel.
Well…what do I think? Which approach do I think is best?
Does it really matter what I think? Doesn’t it matter much more what you think? Especially if you, unlike me, actually perform for children?
So, what do you think?
Back in the early 1980s, when I was performing at Don’s Fishmarket, a restaurant on Chicago’s Rush Street, one of the waiters came over to me and said, “Jean Marsh is here tonight. Should I ask her if she wants to see some magic?â€
Jean Marsh was an actress who was one of the stars of Upstairs, Downstairs, a British television series that was very successful on PBS in the United States. In 1975. In fact, she received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the show.
I said to the waiter: “Absolutely! Please ask her.â€
He did. She replied, “I loathe magic!â€
At the time, I remember thinking to myself: Perhaps she had an early bad experience with magic and magicians at a child’s birthday party.
Dear Friends:
Many people are afraid to ask for help. They think asking for help is a sign of weakness.
Writer Lorie Corcuera offers a few reasons why you should ask for help and support.
Read Lorie’s full article here:
http://www.inc.com/lorie-corcuera/become-a-better-leader-by-asking-for-help.html
Getting Help with Your Business
Years ago, I asked Tobias Beckwith to help me with my career and business. His advice and guidance was essential to my success. Now, he can help you make good choices and help your career to grow. Just look here:
Money is the Best Applause: Building Your Business as a Magician
It’s time to get your career in gear with this special workshop conducted by Tobias Beckwith and Jeff McBride. You will learn techniques for enhancing all aspects of the business, and marketing of your business as a magician. You will also receive Feedback on your act, and learn about practice sessions on executing all aspects of finance, legal, communications, gig management and marketing. Includes a photo shoot with Richard Faverty. Only 12 students will be admitted, due to the extensive amount of personalized material we will be processing.
Do You Need to Find Your Direction?
A very important person in my life is Bob Fitch. Bob has directed my shows for many years.
Now you can study with Bob here at the Mystery school.
We are excited to be offering – The Bob Fitch Workshop at The Magic & Mystery School
In the past, magicians have had few resources available to learn theatre and movement skills. These intensive, structured multi-day workshops have been tailored to magicians, and are intended to help them obtain basic theater tools and self-directing skills to take away, and be able to apply to their work. The multi-day workshop format allows time to effect real, hopefully lasting, change. http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#504
The writer J. Michael Dolan reminded me that
— Asking for directions doesn’t mean you’re inept. It could mean you’re eager to get where you’re going ASAP.
— Asking for tech support doesn’t mean you’re over-the-hill and out of touch. It could mean you’re eager to learn something, so you’ll know what to do next time.
— Asking for coaching is not a sign of surrender; it’s a sign of determination.
— Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re not ready, on the contrary, it means you’re ready to move on.
The Institute for Magic Education
This new program is making history! How can YOU give back to our magic community?
Just look here http://www.instituteformagiceducation.org/
McBride World Tour News:
Jeff will be some exciting places this next month, including:
June 20-26: In the Close-up Gallery at Hollywood’s world-famous Magic Castle
July 6-10: The Ignite Festival in Santa Cruz, CA
July 11-12: A McBride Magic Experience Event sponsored by SAM 94, in Cupertino, CA
July 23-24: The National Speaker Association annual convention in Phoenix, AZ
See the calendar at the side of this page for a more extensive listing.
Wonderground Alert:
June 16th- 3 Great Shows!
7 PM Â Christian & Randilyn, Hosts
Strolling magic with Miguel & Juan Pablo
Allen Scott will do tarot readings
The Magic of Will Bradshaw
8PM  Tim Wise, Your MC & Host
Jeff McBride – Always a NEW Wonder
Chris Funk – From WIZARD WARS
Roilan Hernandez – Amazing Circus Skills
Chris Ruggiero – World Class Juggling
Allen Abbott- Something Mysterious This Way Comes
9PMÂ Christian Diamond, Your Host
James Kelsey – Close Up Bar & strolling
Chris Funk – Comedy with Magic
Elliott Hitchcock- Man of Mystery
Will Bradshaw – Prepare to be Amazed
10PM  Jeff McBride, Master of Ceremonies
Les Contortionettes – Unique in all the World!
Miguel Romero Ramirez – A Rising Star from Cuba
Chris Ruggiero – World Class Juggler
Iam Creed – “Radio- Active” Illusion
Roilan Hernandez – Acrobatic Sensation
Allen Abbott – Flights of Fancy
PLUS: Bar Magic with Zack Pattee and Scott Steelfyre, Iam Creed, and Randilyn, Photography by Sheryl Garrett.
The NWR-Tribal Belly Dance Troupe, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya and Suzanne and many more surprises and special celebrity guests!!
All info at: Â www.vegaswonderground.com
I will see you at the shows in Vegas or on tour!
Jeff McBride
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!
   –Marcus Garvey
Even though it was 15 years ago, I clearly remember the day I walked into my annual performance review at Motorola. My boss was coming in to tell me I was getting a promotion and an 18% raise.
I told him I was leaving!
It wasn’t that I was unhappy with the work or pay. I just wanted more freedom with my time.
I had decided to start a business.
Fast-forward 13 years…
I had done really well building custom software for companies (and a few magic websites here and there on the side). The work was fun and challenging. The pay was much better than my corporate job…. and, most importantly, I had control of my time.
Or did I?
See, I could take a week off any time I wanted… and I did quite often.
But I always had to come back to the work.
Then it hit me:
I didn’t own a business.Â
I owned a JOB!Â
If I wasn’t working, there was no business.
That’s certainly not what I had set out to create. My original vision had two key components that I had not achieved:
Time for another major life change!
Just like before, I resigned… this time from my own company.
I knew that I would need a different set of skills and, more importantly, that there were attitudes and habits I had as a solo-preneur that would hold me back from building the business I really wanted.
Fast-forward two years…
It’s been a crazy ride. I have achieved things beyond my wildest dreams… and had many days where I could barely get out of bed, because I was terrified to do what needed to be done that day (I still did, though).
Most importantly, I’ve created the new attitudes and habits I needed.
When Larry asked me to write a Museletter with an update on my journey, I wanted it to be more than just my story. So I’m going to pass on the Top Three “Things†I’ve had to integrate into every fiber of my being and my business.
There’s nothing new here. Anyone who’s been through this process has to learn the same lessons if they’re going to succeed. But, trust me, there’s a whole new level of understanding that comes from having done it, not just read about it.
If there’s any one thing that has made the most impact, it’s forcing myself to work strictly by priority and nothing else. What’s more important? That email or text that just came in… or building the future you desire?
If you have problems in this area, I have a daily practice that will help:
Most people, myself included, can’t think in “big picture†and “work mode†at the same time. This allows me to do both daily, but in a focused way.
Want to know why so many entertainers are struggling financially?
They’re waiting for the phone to ring.
One of the key differences between a hobby and a business is sales. How many prospecting calls are you making each day? How many emails are you sending? How many references are you asking for?
I understand that most people don’t want to do this. But without sales, you have no business. Period. It’s just math. And you’re not going to have any sales unless you start picking up the phone.
(NOTE: If you don’t do it because you’re uncomfortable doing it… keep reading)
Want to know the fastest way to achieve success?
Find someone who’s done it and ask them to help you!
Notice I put an emphasis on done it. This is where people get burned over and over again… they don’t do their due diligence when choosing who to take advice from.
I have a simple rule: before I spend any time or money to learn from an “expert,†I find out how many hours they’ve spent doing what I want to learn. Not teaching. DOING. If they’ve surpassed the magical 10,000 hour rule, I’ll consider them.
With that in mind…
I’ve met some truly amazing people over the last two years. Some are just customers that inspire me with the success they’re having. Others are experts in related fields that have shared their hard-earned wisdom with me.
While much of what they do isn’t applicable to entertainers, there are a few skills that are sorely needed by many of the people who read these emails.
So we’re considering starting up a special program to bring some of this work to those that are interested.
Because we know not everyone on this list is an entertainer… or interested in these topics, I’ve started a special list for people who feel they might want to know more.
If you are interested, you can learn more and join the group here:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/business
Once we see how many people sign up, we’ll decide if we’re going to do this at all.
Until next time…
Bryce Kuhlman
Founder / Creator
Wisdom Robot