Dear friends:

Our guest author this month is Lynn Miner. Many of you know him already, but for those who don’t, we are extremely happy to have him with us. Lynn has been the driving force behind our efforts to form a non-profit “Institute for Magic Education,” which will help us raise funding for more scholarships, and for several new forms of outreach to the wider community, and for other magicians around the world. It will serve as a kind of magic service organization which will help magicians everywhere reach out to serve the communities in which they live. Lynn will be President and Director of Development for the new organization.  I know you will, as we do, find Lynn to be a wonderful addition to the team.

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From Dr. Lynn Miner:

As a former university professor and graduate school dean who is now heavily involved in the Mystery School, I know a “School” when I see one. I look at four features: the faculty, the curricula, the dissemination strategies, and the students.

Mystery School Faculty

The core teaching faculty at the McBride Magic & Mystery School – Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass, Tobias Beckwith, Bryce Kuhlman, and Abigail McBride – have a cumulative 223 years of experience in magic. They’ve published 17 books and 33 DVDs, plus numerous articles and magic effects. Their bookcases are out of shelf space housing domestic and international awards. They practice what they teach by performing in all kinds of venues, ranging from stage, parlor, close-up, street, and television.

Mystery School Curricula

This is not your “I’ll send you a great DVD and you can call me with questions” pedagogy. No siree. The Mystery School has a solid curricula of nine established courses, conferences, and seminars:

1. Magic and Meaning Conference
2. Master Class for Mentalism
3. Focus on Street Magic
4. Hypnotic Wizardry
5. Three Day Master Class
6. Magic for Speakers and Presenters
7. Medicine and Magic Seminar
8. Focus on Platform and Parlor Magic
9. Seven Day Master Class

These nine classes are offered on a regular schedule. In addition, special topics courses are offered periodically, such as Building Your Business as a Magician (how to get your career in gear) and Mask, Mime and Magic. All classes are taught by our team of experienced core faculty who provide extensive individual attention and coaching. What students learn is a strategic blend of theory and practice. You are encouraged (but not required to) present your own ten minute act, which is videotaped and then critiqued by the Mystery School Faculty. Where else can you gain the constructive critique of world-class professionals in a safe, non-threatening environment? It doesn’t matter where you are in your magic career – novice, amateur, part-time professional, or full time pro—the Mystery School will take you to the next level – and beyond.

Mystery School Dissemination Strategies

The Mystery School recognizes that its students of all ages have different learning styles and available time to refine their magic skills.  Accordingly, the Mystery School disseminates its vast reservoir of magic knowledge in multiple formats.

Beyond the regularly scheduled classes (listed above), individualized training is available in person or online. Additionally, a one-hour TV program is presented every Monday night at 7:00pm (PST). Further, bi-weekly Museletters (electronic Magic Newsletters) keep magicians up-to-date on the latest trends and happening in the field.

Mystery School Students

The success of students is the ultimate litmus test of the quality of any school. The Mystery School shines in this department.

Mat Franco: 2014 AGT Winner	Recent students have fooled Penn and Teller and won America’s Got Talent. They’ve performed at the world prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. In sum, over 15,000 students from the U.S. and 34 different countries have seen the Mystery School transform their magic – and their life. We continually ask our students about their experiences at the Mystery School: “What did you get out of your Mystery School experience?”
Penn and Teller: Fool Us TV Show	Student answers cluster into five categories. Lifetime Inspiration: “I received inspirations that will last a lifetime” Community of Collaborators:  “I loved this community of magic collaborators.” Creative Thinking.  I now can think much more creatively. Professional Development.  I am now much more professional as I develop my magic skills. Transformational Experience. My class was an incredible transformational experience.
Suzanne Fooled Penn & Teller and Performed at World Famous Magic Castle	While people attend the Mystery School for many different reasons, the one constant outcome is change–personally and professionally. This has been the constant mission of the McBride Magic & Mystery School since 1991, namely, to deliver a transformative magic education experience in a safe environment that fosters discovery, achievement, and serious play. In essence, the Mystery School can transform your magic and your life.

Mystery School Scholarships

Some students are financially postured to underwrite their Mystery School tuition and travel expenses. Other students find the total expenses are beyond their financial boundaries. Accordingly, they apply for need-based scholarships to help underwrite their total school expenses.

Scholarship application forms are available at http://www.magicalwisdom.com/scholarships. To date, over $30,000 scholarship dollars have been awarded to students experiencing financial need.

If you have questions about Mystery School classes or scholarship, feel free to contact me at Lynn@McBrideMagic.com. As Director of Development at the Mystery School, my role is to serve as a facilitator between you and the School. How can I help you right now?

Mystery School Scholarship Funding

At present, the majority of the scholarship funding comes from the annual membership subscriptions and donations to the McBride Magic & Mystery School. While those funds are most welcomed and appreciated, indeed needed, they have not kept pace with the growing requests for scholarship support.  We are experiencing a spiraling gap between our requests for financial support and our available resources to honor those requests. As a result, we will soon be launching a new initiative to strengthen our financial footing. But you can help – NOW.

1. Do you know individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in supporting performing artists?
2. Do you or someone you know have a linkage with a private or public grantmaking linkage?
3. Do you know individuals with a philanthropic bent who might be willing to support performing artists?

Whether it comes to booking gigs or raising philanthropic dollars, developing networks and linkages are key. You can help the Mystery School systematically expanding by suggesting referrals. Who do you know that might share our “values glasses?” Call me (Lynn Miner) at 414-352-9312 or email me at Lynn@McBrideMagic.com

Quite simply, your help is needed to create even more magic educational options and opportunities for performing artists of all ages. Fortunately, there are endless big and small ways you can help. There is literally a job for everyone. The McBride Magic & Mystery School has come a long way in the last twenty-five years and we thank you for joining us in this unrivaled cause.

P.S.  My answer to the headline question: “Yes, because of its faculty, curricula, dissemination strategies, and students, the McBride Magic & Mystery School is THE premiere Magic School in the world.”

 

The Americans are Coming! Magic & Mystery School to tour in the U.K.

Dear Friends:

Have you heard? The Magic & Mystery School team will be touring in the U.K. as part of our 25^th Year Anniversary Celebration! Jeff McBride, Larry Hass and Eugene Burger will travel, teach and perform together throughout the tour, just a few weeks from now.

Things kick off at the world’s largest magic convention, in Blackpool, from February 19-21. Following that will be a four-city lecture/workshop tour through the cities of Manchester (22^nd), Birmingham (23^rd), Wolverhampton (24^th), and Blackpool (25^th). If you live in or near one of those cities, contact your local magic club, who will be sponsoring those events. The convention and this initial 4-city tour is being arranged by our long-time friend Derek Lever.

After that segment comes something really special. We’ll be hosted by our friend Jay Fortune for:

THREE INCREDIBLE, EXCLUSIVE EVENTS which will be happening in Hertfordshire, UK on Sat 27th & Sun 28th February, 2016. AND YOU COULD BE THERE – SEE OUR COMPETITION BELOW! Let’s focus on ‘FOCUS ON’!

Join Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride and Lawrence Hass for 2 days of EXCLUSIVE lectures, workshops and shows that will NOT be shown anywhere else in the UK, on their 2016 Mystery School tour. Limited to small numbers, these Focus Events will allow you to share quality time with these magic masters. You’ll learn the art and business of magic from masters of the craft. Get close-up and personal at these exclusive Focus Events with all-inclusive shows, lectures, workshops and more.

These Events will be unique with new material which will NOT be seen at Blackpool or anywhere else in the UK in 2016. Book your place now for an unforgettable magic experience. It’s rare to have these three Masters of Magic together, so make sure you don’t miss out. A weekend of stunning magical teaching, inspiration and hands-on workshops await you. In addition you will receive a FREE MASTER-KEY package to unlock exclusive content unavailable elsewhere, by Jeff, Eugene and Lawrence, giving you online access to lectures, magic talks and much, much more WORTH OVER $300! PLUS hand-outs and more!

FOCUS on Parlour & Stage Magic. (workshop)

Saturday 27th February 2016. 11am-10pm.

This full day of magical teaching focuses on parlour and stage performance. With a saturated close-up market, magicians who have a strong repertoire of parlour and stage magic are ahead of the crowd, earning bigger fees and more prestigious gigs. Learn the business-side of how to get this kind of work, as well as how to structure a commercial parlour and stage show. The day includes a late lunch, lectures, workshops, break-out groups, hands-on teaching… and then you’ll watch the Mystery School at work as they present a full evening show ‘Masters of Magic’ to a public audience.

TICKET & INFO: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mystery-school-focus-on-parlour-stage-magic-tickets-18796824809

Masters of Magic (show).

One night only. Saturday 27th February, 2016. Starring Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and Lawrence Hass. An incredible family magic show featuring stunning illusions, comedy and fun. Don’t miss this chance to see the Mystery School at work in their only three-man public show on their UK Tour! 100% of ticket sales goes to animal conservation charities; FOPWP and WHF. Venue: The Marquee, Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7QA. Doors: 7pm. Bar facilities. Event finishes at 11pm. Free parking on-site. ‘Masters of Magic’ is a ‘Magic Moments’ show produced and organised by Jay Fortune and Kenny Roberts. TICKETS & INFO: https://masters-of-magic.eventbrite.co.uk

FOCUS on Mentalism, Bizarre & Story-Telling Magic (workshop).

Sunday 28th February 2016. 11am-7pm. (Optional after-show gathering/dinner. 8pm-10pm)

The second full day of magical teaching with a focus on mentalism, bizarre and story-telling performances. Delving deep into magical drama, scripting, theatre and delivery. Having an understanding of how to present these forms of magic routines will elevate you and your performances to a whole new level. Then learn the business of being bizarre; how to get those all important high-paid gigs to showcase your theatrically-charged magic. The day includes a late lunch, lectures, workshops, break-out groups, hands-on teaching… and then you’ll enjoy a special hour-long show featuring Eugene, Jeff and Lawrence practice what they preach. The day finishes at 7pm, and you’re invited to join the Mystery School for dinner in a nearby restaurant (optional) until 10pm.

TICKET & INFO: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mystery-school-focus-on-mentalism-bizarre-storytelling-magic-tickets-18798307243

All events take place at Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA (near London).

STAY UPDATED: www.facebook.com/MysterySchoolFOCUS 

COMPETITION: Win 2 tickets to attend either FOCUS event by answering this question:

How much is the Master-Key package of magic worth which you will receive at the event for FREE? Email you answer to classes@marvinsmagicschool.co.uk. The lucky winner will be picked at random on 31st January.

T&Cs: Judges decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. Prize is for two tickets to attend the FOCUS event either Sat 27th or Sun 28th February. Winner will be given choice of date and notified by email. Winner must fund all expenses to and from the event.

After the events in Hertfordshire, Jeff and Eugene will travel on to one of England’s most magical locations. They will be hosted in Glastonbury by Mario and Veronica Morris at their School of Busking, for a special MASTER CLASS, from March 1-3. This will be in the style of our regular 3-day Master Classes in Las Vegas, and has not been offered in the U.K. for nearly a decade. Students can sign up for all three days, or just for one. Learn more by going here:

https://www.schoolofbusking.com/3-day-master-class-copy/, or just contact Veronica by phone at: 0044 (0) 786 402 281 or email her at info@schoolofbusking.com

That’s it for now. Thanks for taking time to read this special “extra” Museletter this month. We’re thrilled about all the events of this 25^th Anniversary year, but I think you’ll agree, this special tour is sure to be one of the highlights. I know Jeff, Eugene and Larry all look forward to seeing their many friends, both old and new, in the U.K.

As always, if you have questions you can’t answer using the links to the various events listed above, do feel free to e-mail your questions to me at any time!

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Tobias Beckwith

tobias@yourmagic.com

Setting Goals and Taking Action

Action is the foundational key to all success.

–Pablo Picasso

Today, my friends, I share with you some of the insights I’ve learned, to help my dreams turn into realities.

You see, dreams are intangible… to make them real you have to take action.

This year can be a breakthrough year for you… but you need to know how to break through!

Master Bruce Lee helped many of his students break through to a higher level of excellence.  Let’s take a look at his action steps.

One of my favorite quotes is:

“You can do ANYTHING  you want… you just can’t do EVERYTHING  you want.” 

The path to mastery is a path of focus. Some of us are very fortunate to have found coaches, mentors and guides to help us on the path towards mastery.

Over the years, I have helped many of our friends and students focus on their goals and take action steps to achieve them.

Why do I do this? Quite simply…  I LOVE IT!

It is a joy to help people enrich their lives and empower their visions.

Here are a few practical articles that I highly recommend you read. After reading them…take the action steps to transform your dreams into goals, and your goals into reality.

Step #1- Get Sage Advice:

Lynn Miner is a real wizard. He is the new “Director of Development” for our school and is VERY wise in the ways of helping people make positive changes in their lives.

Lynn just wrote an exciting essay that has some impressive action steps for you to consider taking!

http://secretartjournal.com/hello-2016-from-lynn-miner/ 

Another one of the quotes I live by is-

“A goal is a DREAM with a deadline.” 

Step #2 – Get your goals on paper!

Here is a very real and simple exercise for you to make a huge difference in your life:

Did you know that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals just by writing them down!

Read this!

http://elitedaily.com/money/writing-down-your-goals/1068863/

Our friend Mat Franco had a goal; he wanted to win AMERICA’S GOT TALENT. How did he do that? Focus and practice!

Refer to Master Bruce Lee’s chart at the start of this article! Here’s a photo of Mat and Jan Rouven at a recent WONDERGROUND show; come join us!

 

My Recent Interview about Vegas Magic

http://tinyurl.com/jzansy2

World Tour News

Yes, the BIG year is here — our 25th Anniversary of Mystery School! Last year, we set a goal of creating a world tour. This year we go on that world tour… and it is all to meet you! Read on to see how we can meet you on tour.

 McBride’s Magic & Mystery School Week at The Magic Castle: January 18-24, 2016

We take over the entire Magic Castle… every room, every trick, every night!

We are also hosting a very special “members only” event on Saturday afternoon, January 23rd

For all the details: http://www.magiccastle.com/now_appearing/

Columbus MAGI-FEST- Jan 28-31, 2016

One of the GREAT American conventions. Start the year off with a blast of magical inspiration.

For more info on this amazing event, go to: http://magifest.org

UK Tour: February 19 – March 7, 2016

We kick off the UK tour in BLACKPOOL at the largest magic convention ever held!

Larry Hass, Eugene Burger and I will lecture and perform, then tour the UK.

Our dear friend and master magician Jay Fortune has done a great job lining up some VERY special UK events for our world tour.

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mystery-school-focus-on-parlour-stage-magic-tickets-18796824809

Master Class UK

Mario Morris and Lady V will host our 3 day Master Class

https://www.schoolofbusking.com/3-day-master-class-copy/

CAM Convention in Quebec – April 21-24, 2016

I’m looking forward to seeing many of my Canadian friends soon! I will be at the CAM convention!

http://cammagic.org

When You Visit Las Vegas, Visit The Mystery School

Being the 25th Anniversary year of our Mystery School, I have only a limited amount of time to work with private students. You can reserve time here:

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/about/private_sessions

You can also get info here for my MCBRIDE MASTERPIECE SERIES in Vegas.

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/masterpieces

WONDERGROUND NEWS… one night only!

THURSDAY JANUARY 21st, 2016

-You are invited to the “Biggest Magic Party in Vegas!”

www.vegaswonderground.com

“The Center of the Las Vegas Magic Community”

Photo Credit: SHERYL GARRETT –

“Tim Wise, chilling with the lovely magical ladies at WONDERGROUND”

Join us for a magical night!

JANUARY 2016

8PM – Will Bradshaw MC

Tim Wise – Large and in Charge!

James Kelsey -  Street magic goes indoors!

Martin Brock – Denmark’s New Star of Magic!

Chris Randall – New magic for TV’s Masters of Illusion

Dave Johnson – He will make you laugh and fool you!

9PM Christian Diamond MC

SANTIAGO – The Storyteller Mage

James Kelsey – An Eye Popping Parlor Performance

Steelfyre – The Enigmatist & his Cabinet of Curiosities

Chris Randall – Close-up Magic Originals

10PM Tim Wise MC

Martin Brock – International Magic & Variety

Chris Randall – a NEW illusion for TV!

Scott Land – The Puppet Man & Master of Marionettes!

Xavier Mortimer – He debuts a new routine from his show!

 

PLUS: Bar Magic with Zack Pattee and Scott Steelfyre, Iam Creed, and Randilyn, Photography with Sheryl Garrett.

Belly Dancers, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya and Suzanne and many more surprises and special celebrity guests!!

See you in Vegas or on the world tour,

JEFF

Want to add yourself to our schedule for the Anniversary Year?

Book a Jeff McBride Performance, Workshop or the full “McBride Magic Experience.”

http://www.mcbridemagic.com/pages/calendar.php 

Booking Contact: Tobias Beckwith / tobias@yourmagic.com

Information on Classes & private sessions: Abbi McBride (702) 450-0021

Method and Effect

The magic of drama is infinitely more powerful than the magic of trickery. It is as available to the conjurer as it is to the actor. The only difference is that actors take it for granted, whereas few conjurers are even aware that it exists.                                       —HENNING NELMS, Magic and Showmanship

Dear Friends:

Happy New Year to all of you, from all of us at the Magic & Mystery School! You’re in for a treat: Today’s article is by our Dean, Eugene Burger. As always, Eugene poses an interesting question for all of us. Here it is:

METHOD AND EFFECT

by Eugene Burger

This past year I received an email from Derrik A. who lives in Canada. Derrik works professionally, performing magic in a restaurant and at parties. Noting all of the exposure of magical secrets on the Internet, including the Hindu Thread which I perform, he asks: “Have you ever found yourself needing to retire any routines from your repertoire due to public exposure? I ask this because my experience is that typically once a month I am faced with a situation where an audience member will blurt out, ‘I know how he does that. I saw it online…’ during my performance.”

Interestingly, Derrik adds: “I should note that the people who behave this way are not young. The age of these people ranges from their teens to their 60’s and they seem to enjoy the opportunity of making this statement.”

My answer is no, I have never thought of retiring any effect, including the Thread trick, because it has been exposed in so many places online. As Jeff McBride often points out, the people who enjoy his performances the most are very often the ones who know exactly how the magic is methodologically accomplished. Personally, I feel that every great piece of magic has an integrity of its own and an appeal that reaches beyond knowing secrets and methods.

But there is something rather depressing here, isn’t there? As we move into the 21st century it seems that more and more emphasis is being placed on magic methods and secrets, and less emphasis is being given to magical effects. Of course, the balance between these two poles, method and effect, is constantly changing. My point, is that we are now living in a period where the balance seems to be moving steadily toward the pole of method.

Needless to say, we see this to a great extent in the many different television magic shows that are directed at little more than how the trick is done. These programs do set the cultural mindset of countless numbers of viewers. People begin to think that the really important thing about magic is how the magic is done — the method.

While the responsibility for all this may certainly exist outside me, what about my own personal responsibility for this situation? Do I have the courage to recognize that?

Let me give you an example of what I mean. Very often in the performance of our magic, we spend a lot of time getting things examined and proving that everything is fair. While this can certainly add to the dramatic power of a performance, it can also put audience members in completely analytic states of mind, where their chief concern is method, how the trick is accomplished, rather than simply enjoying the effect. Too much “proving” ends up suggesting that what makes magic interesting really is the method — and, once the method is known, magic has no further interest or value.