From Bryce:
It all started about 10 years ago. Actually, it has started and re-started several times for various reasons, many of which were technology-related. We were trying to do something that the world wasn’t quite ready for… until now.
We love teaching classes in Las Vegas, but also realize that not everyone is able to spend a week hanging out at Jeff’s house working on their magic. Even those of you who have been to Vegas know that we have more information to pass on than we can even cover in just one week. Of course, both Jeff and Eugene have DVDs and books for sale. But then you’re paying for shipping, waiting for the product to arrive and then you are left on your own to work on the material unless/until you email or call one of them for some help (which can be daunting the first time and tricky because they both travel so often).
We wanted a more efficient way to pass on the collective wisdom of our teachers. The internet was the obvious choice as a mode of communication, but how would we make it work?
We now have the answer:
The Virtual Magic & Mystery School
The idea is simple. We’re putting pieces of our collective wisdom online. We’ve started by taking apart Jeff and Eugene’s existing DVDs and posting each segment online as an individual lesson. You no longer have to buy a 3-DVD set if all you want is one effect. Breaking out the material this way also allows us to provide the individual segments and much lower prices. Think iTunes versus a CD.
Got questions or feedback? Each lesson has its own discussion forum. Not only do you get the basic teaching from Jeff or Eugene — now you can brainstorm ideas and ask questions of other people that are working on the material. Jeff and Eugene will drop in now and then to answer questions and provide further insights.
Jeff is also offering private sessions online via Skype. The ones he’s done so far have been hugely successful. Whether you’re working on routining your show or just trying to perfect a move, having real-time video help from Jeff is the way to go.
Now that we have filmmaker Jordan Wright on our team, we’ll be able to get new material to you faster than ever. New content goes directly online once it’s edited; no need to wait for DVD production or shipping.
In addition to the material from the DVDs, our first new, never-before-seen footage should be up on the site by the time you get this email. It’s an interview I did with Eugene on the business of close-up magic, a topic which he’s never talked about before. Jordan even managed to make me seem almost natural on camera (the things terrify me).
The whole Virtual Magic & Mystery School is still a work in progress, so feel free to poke around and email me comments or questions. As with our Master Classes, we want to create the highest quality learning experience possible.
I should also mention that the Virtual Magic & Mystery School is only the first step. I’ll be finishing up work on two, even bigger ventures in the next week or two. The first is a digital store for magicians that uses the technology I created for the Virtual School. In addition to Jeff & Eugene’s materials, I’m working with other magic creators to get their content online. This is going to be a great new resource for magicians and students of magic.
I’m also forming alliances with people who have expertise in other areas (hypnotism, martial arts, marketing, basket weaving, etc.). The idea is to partner with experts who can serve as “Wisdom Filters”… people that can provide quality instruction based on true experience. The internet is full of charlatans. My goal is to get people connected with the true masters. If you are interested in contributing material, please drop me an email at bryce@mobiusmagic.com.
I look forward to seeing you online at The Virtual Magic & Mystery School!
Sincerely,
Bryce Kuhlman
“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.”
— Diane Arbus
Greetings magical friends,
I learned years ago that sometimes I had to create the ILLUSION of confidence in order to generate it within myself. I had to develop sort of a “fake it till you make it” mindset. I can tell you this…it worked for me, and might for you!
Never let the competition see you sweat. By projecting an air of confidence you can often trick yourself into really feeling it!
Perhaps that is why I started working with masks years ago. Like many performers I had stage fright. I did not have a coach or magic teacher back then so came up with a “coping” device…the mask. Underneath the mask I was often shivering with fear, but I was also building courage… a confident persona that was projected on the surface of the mask.
It took me many years before I could take that mask off and “be me” on stage. The mask was like a cocoon for me. The masks protected me until I grew strong enough to shed them. When we begin a new venture we need help. Help often comes in the form of a teacher; someone who can help us on the road to achieving our dreams.
One of the most important guides on my path is Eugene Burger.
Eugene is often heard to say, “The goal of the teacher is to create students that transcend the teacher.”
And so today we are delighted to feature some of our students… two of the hottest rising stars in the world of magic. The Faculty at the Magic and Mystery School is proud to be a small part of their success.
Student Winners
Micke Askernas came to our Master Class, and then he attended the Master Class for Mentalists…twice!
Micke was facing a career challenge. He was switching over for “normal magic” to the world of mentalism. In two short years he achieved his dream…take a look at what Micke is creating in Sweden!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DSVVUo7JQk
Paul Brown came to our classes in the UK a few years back. He paid his dues by working at a magic shop for many years perfecting his skills…that hard work is paying off now. Watch Paul win the Magic Circle ORIGINALITY AWARD! (photo of Paul by Arto Airaksinen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbWrciNO4gU
What does it take to be a winner?
Listen to what some of the hottest new acts in the business have to say about success and winning!
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/winners
Robert Schuller once said, “What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?”
One of my answers to this question was “to have my own show in Las Vegas.” I have had the good fortune to do that many times. Now I help many of our magic students get a “shot in Vegas.”
Take a look at some of our magical friends and magic students on stage this week. You can watch from the comfort of your own home! Just hop on your computer and watch:
Jeff McBride’s WONDERGROUND Live in Las Vegas!
We go live @ 9pm (PST)Â http://www.streetofcards.tv, this Thursday, direct from The Olive. You can even participate via live chat.
You can watch an ALL NEW show this Thursday at WONDERGROUND. Go towww.vegaswonderground.com to see this week’s line up of great talent. What other Las Vegas shows lets you have a complimentary front row seat? And if you’re in Vegas this week, be sure and drop by to The Olive to say hello and join in the fun!
See you in Las Vegas!
Jeff
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.”
— James A. Michener
When I work on my magic, time disappears. I am totally immersed in the flow of what I love. I practice in front of my magic mirror. A doorway opens through it to another world. I enter a world of unlimited creativity. I step into the magic mirror for days at a time. When I return from my inner explorations, I bring back to my friends and students the treasures I have discovered deep within my imagination. It is the greatest pleasure to share the riches of my creative adventures with my students.
I am asked often about why I teach magic. I teach in order to make a positive, lasting impression on the world of magic. I feel that the way to do this is by improving the quality of magical artists. I have a passion for magic, and a desire to learn and spend my time in the creative process with dedicated students and the very best teachers in the world of magic. Out of this passion has grown McBride’s Magic and Mystery School.
We have designed a unique teaching format that allows all students of magic, regardless of age or skill level, to improve their abilities, develop their character, and learn the inside secrets of the business of magic.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR MAGIC?
My friend and manager Tobias Beckwith encourages our students to “define the purpose of our magic.” What good does YOUR magic bring to the world? What is YOUR mission? This is OUR mission:
Our intention at McBride’s Magic and Mystery School is to provide our students with the highest quality magic training in the world, and to create a safe space for serious play and discovery. This is a learning experience like nothing else in the world.
To realize this purpose we offer practical lessons and hands on training in all areas of the art of magic.
Q. What will you get from coming to the Magic and Mystery School? Recently, we asked our students what the most important thing was that they learned during their time with us.
A. Here are some of their answers:
Presentation * Character Development * Originality * Theater Arts * Marketing * Confidence * Showmanship * Encouragement * Music * Costuming * Personal Attention * Improvisation * Movement * Routining * Scriptwriting * Lighting Design * Creativity * Mentoring * Career Development * Motivation * Business * Artistry * Insight * Brainstorming * Advertising * Resources * Coaching * Acting * History * Close-Up Magic Vision * Evaluation * Street Magic * Publicity * Support * Innovation * Parlor Magic * Psychology * Mastery * Stage Magic * Transformation * Empowerment * Consulting * Philosophy * Performing Arts * Diction * Prop Construction * Card Magic * Networking * Comedy * Technique * Trade Shows * Audience Participation * Wisdom * Mentalism * Hands-On Learning * Coin Magic * Corporate Shows * Dramatic Arts * Storytelling * Manipulation * Stagecraft * Pantomime * Family Shows * Promotion * Public Relations * Inspiration
What area of magic are YOU most interested in? Please let us know and we will do all we can to fit it into the program you attend! Drop me an email and let me know….I will let you know what course would be perfect for you.
Students come to McBride’s Magic and Mystery School with a single common vision: to take their magic to the next level of excellence. This goal is always achieved.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
We know that each student’s friends and family play an important part in the educational and creative process; we strive to include the support teams in many of the activities, shows and social events that are part of our classes.
Learning in a small group situation increases the amount of time the teachers can spend with each student. We have only 12 students per class. We have 6 spaces left for the final Master Class of 2010!
Will you be one of the few dedicated magicians that will join us and take your magic to the next level of excellence?
Let us be your hosts for a grand magical adventure! Las Vegas is the magic capital of the world; flights, meals and hotels are all affordable. Our school is the right choice for magic lovers of all ages and all skill levels.
Eugene, Tobias, Bryce, Jordan, Abbi and I will be here to host your magical adventure! I look forward to seeing you at the Magic and Mystery School!
Yours in better magic,
Jeff McBride Founder and President McBride’s Magic and Mystery School
See Jeff’s Newest Las Vegas Production:
The Wonderground – New showing May 20th
The Olive, on Sunset in Las Vegas
Learn more at:Â WWW.VEGASWONDERGROUND.COM
Greetings Magical Friends,
ON THE ROAD… A DAY ON TOUR WITH JEFF MCBRIDE
Jeff here, in Toronto, reporting from out 2010 Canada tour… Jordan Wright is traveling with me, as my opening act, lighting designer and assistant. It’s amazing to watch how Jordan can handle every situation that’s thrown at him, especially in some of the more challenging theater venues. Each day, we get up early, hit the road, get to the theater around 2pm, set the props and lights at 3pm, do a run through with an all new tech crew at 4pm, take a break at 5pm, and get ready to do pre-show walk-around and meet and greet the audience at 7pm. Showtime is at 8pm, and comes down around 9:30. We pack up the entire show, visit the VIP after-party, go back to our hotel for a few hours of rest, then up early the next day and do it again, and again, oh, and again!
We have an amazing tour manager, Jeff Montgomery, who is multi-talented, and has an outstanding gift for communicating with people. On the most challenging day of travel, he was able to get a plane off the runway a half hour early, and later that day, convince another crew to hold a plane a half hour so our props and baggage could make the connection. It’s a real pleasure to work with highly skilled pros like Jordan and Jeff.
Here is the tour schedule that Jeff Montgomery put together, and hey, every ticket is already sold out!
April 13 Perform in Fort Frances Ontario 500 people
April 14 Perform in Thunder Bay Ontario  1400 people
April 15 Perform in Brandon Manitoba 900 people
April 16 Perform in Manitou Manitoba 500 people
April 20 Perform in Regina Saskatchewan 2200 people
April 21 Perform in Lloydminster Saskatchewan 600 people
April 22 Perform in Saskatoon Saskatchewan 2200 people
STREET SMARTS
Here’s what I’ve learned so far, on this tour.
1) Never play “name that tune” with a professional radio disk jockey. Our tour manager, Jeff, can instantly name any tune from the 1970’s on. He always wins.
2) It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice. Tour manager Jeff’s philosophy on dealing with challenging people and situations on the road: he never loses his cool, but always manages to find a win-win situation for everyone.
3) Don’t look in the rearview mirror, keep moving straight ahead. That’s another Montgomery-ism. There’s no time for looking back with regret when there’s so much to do on the road ahead.
4) Eat more fruit, less potato chips…. ‘Nuff said.
WONDERGROUND, THURSDAY APRIL 15TH!!
If you’re going to be in Las Vegas this week, you are cordially invited to WONDERGROUND! We have an amazing NEW line-up (yes, the show changes completely EVERY month). You can see the list of performers here: http://www.vegaswonderground.com
Abbi will be the Mistress of Ceremonies this month, and I hear she’s gonna be doing her “McBondage Escape” which I guarantee you don’t want to miss….
VIRTUAL JEFF MCBRIDE
I will be beaming in via internet, live from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. AJ Olsen and Jeremy Espinosa fromwww.streetofcards.tv have created a cyber-magic interface that will connect me, live-time, from Canada to all the folks at WONDERGROUND!  Even if you can’t make it to Las Vegas this week, you can see it all as it happens, or on demand, at streetofcards.tv.