Illusions by Vick Resume 2017

Illusions by Vick
Vick Dias Gisin

Ellicott City, Maryland
(C) 443-540-9631
Shows@illusionsbyvick.com
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com

Mission Statement - As an artist and entertainer called by the art of magic it is my mission to craft, share and accompany you, the audience on a one of a kind journey into a world of amazing entertainment. An experience that engages the imagination, touches the heart and tickles the funny bone. Enabling audiences to think and feel, to experience art, perhaps even to challenge your perspectives but most of to be entertained and to have fun. Sharing something unique that audiences take with them after the performance to help create great memories. All from a place where anything can happen and the seemingly ordinary can become the incredible.

Experience - 17+ years professional performing experience and intense study in the art of magic. Have been extremely fortunate to perform over 3,500 public and private shows.

  A small sample of clients and venues include Bally's Atlantic City, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, John Hopkins *, Mercedes Benz *, The Smithsonian *, the Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia, D.o.D. (Department of Defense) *, the British Embassy, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the University of Maryland *, D.A.R. Constitution Hall, Goucher College, Toyota Motors of North America, The National Zoo *, The Maryland Zoo *, Alliance Francaise *, Spirit Cruises *, Odessy Cruises *, The George Washington Masonic Theater, Towson University *, Hillwood Museum, Veuve Clicquot, The Harmon Center for the Arts *, Everest Wealth Management, Towers Watson, B & O Railroad Museum *, Wiley Rein *, Baltimore Harborplace Amphitheater, Cox Farms "Fields of Fear" Halloween attraction *, The Chestertown Harry Potter Festival, Colonial Beach Rock N Blues Festival *, Herndon Festival *, Magooby's Joke House, the Gaylord National *, The W *, Aloft Hotels*, The Four Seasons *, The Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington DC, plus numerous public auditoriums, Fund Raisers, Trade Shows, banquets, nightclubs, theaters and private events.
Illusions by Vick was featured in a commercial for a car dealership as a magician in 2017.
* = repeat clients and venues with multiple performances
  In 2017 am thrilled to be performing the Illusions by Vick show (stage and parlor) 200+ times at public and private events and venues. Run time is approximately 45 minutes.

  Professional performing experience early in my career included some very challenging and rewarding situations. For 3 years I was the lead entertainer at Muvico Theaters (now Cinemark) a 24 screen multiplex with an approximately 6,400 patron seating capacity in Arundel Mills, Maryland. Was featured warming up and entertaining movie going patrons before the feature film began, performing up to 25 times a day, 3 days a week. The entertainment was magic based and included skits, stand up comedy, character acting and story telling. Many leading characters from featured movies were brought to life for patron's entertainment including Professor Snape, Willie Wonka, Captain Hook, Pirates and various medieval characters. We created all our own material including scripts, costuming and staging. While it was a great experience I left after 3 years as I had accomplished all I felt I could in that venue.

  For 6 months in 2008 I was the featured illusionist for the Golden Triangle Cabaret on M Street at Club Ozio in Washington DC. The Golden Triangle Cabaret is a 1940's theme Burlesque Review. While the show was being performed weekly I was performing two or three 10 to 12 minutes spots of magic during each performance. The featured burlesque artist left and the show moved to a monthly performance schedule. At that time I chose to leave the ensemble.

  These challenging venues were instrumental in developing abilities and learning to provide the best entertainment for an audience in unique situations.


A short description of self, study and influences- Unique (aren't we all), resourceful, responsible, honest, determined, hardworking, adventurous, occasionally charming and reasonably well spoken. I'm driven by a sincere desire to share unique entertainment experiences while elevating the art of magic. To help return the art to the lofty standards and high regard it was once held in. Am always learning and eager to learn more. The works of Sam H. Sharpe have been a huge influence on my magic and performing (as well as the Fitzkie Trilogy, "Our Magic", the works of Tommy Wonder, Robert-Houdin and Henning Nelms "Magic and Showmanship". There are many schools of thought and great ideas.
  Have been incredibly fortunate to be given guidance by an enigmatic figure (an actual card man) whose name I obviously cannot mention and to whom I am extremely grateful. Also the very talented and respected Denny Haney has been kind enough to assist with direction in the art (and putting up with my questions). As part of my continuing education I regularly attend lectures, some of my favorites being Joanie Spina, Michael Weber, Richard Osterlind, Banachek, John Carney (twice), Darwin Ortiz, Michael Ammar, Axel Hecklau, Howie Schwartzman, Christopher Bolter, and Christian Painter. Was extremely fortunate to have worked briefly with Joanie Spina as a director. She made a huge, positive impact on my work, enhanced how I create and view the art of magic. She was an amazing talent, director, teacher and humanitarian.
  Most of the influences on my work and performing come from outside of the world of magic and include film, literature and music. Create something that engages minds, enables viewers to think and feel and you have created art.

What you receive when hiring Illusions by Vick - First and foremost, working (with you) to create an amazing, fun and unique entertainment experience. An experience the audience will always remember. A performance that will meet and exceed your expectations. All my experience, determination, heart and talent go into creating, performing and providing you and your guests with a unique, fun, sophisticated and amazing entertainment experience.
  Every performance is more than just my dream and career, it's my name and reputation on the line. More than that it's yours. How well I perform, the fun and amazement the show shares is the art. How well you and your guests enjoy it and will have Illusions by Vick back next year, the years after and recommend Illusions by Vick is part of the business. I understand the importance of both the entertainment/artistic side and the business side and am able bring them together. I have to succeed at both for us to be satisfied. When you pull back the curtain and peek you see that sometimes show business = 10% show + 90% business.

Accolades
- Named by CBS Local as a top 5 magician
- Top rated magician in DC, MD and VA by the Gigmasters talent website since 2010.
- Awarded Best of by the Gigmasters talent website in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
- Top rated magician for adults and all age audiences in MD, DC and VA by the Thumbtack talent website since 2012.
- Only magician recognized by the Maryland State Arts Council.

  The accolades are very nice but what means the most are the happy audiences and clients, all the wonderful emails, reviews, gifts and longtime friendships with clients. Am very fortunate to have clients who bring me back year after year to share in their special events.
  Please feel free to Google Illusions by Vick and read the reviews clients have posted all over the internet.

                                               New Website is Here

Resume 2016

Illusions by Vick
Vick Dias Gisin

Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
(C) 443-540-9631
Shows@illusionsbyvick.com
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com

Mission Statement – As an artist and entertainer called by the art of magic it is my mission to craft, share and accompany you, the audience on a one of a kind journey into a world of amazing entertainment. An experience that engages the imagination, touches the heart and tickles the funny bone. Enabling audiences to think and feel, to experience art, perhaps even to challenge your perspectives. Sharing something unique that audiences take with them after the performance to help create great memories. All from a place where anything can happen and the seemingly ordinary can become the incredible.

Experience – 16+ years professional performing experience and intense study in the art of magic. Have been extremely fortunate to perform over 3,200 public and private shows.

  A small sample of clients and venues include Bally's Atlantic City, the Symphony Orchestra of Arlington, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, Mercedes Benz *, D.o.D. (Department of Defense) *, the British Embassy, The Smithsonian *, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the University of Maryland *, D.A.R. Constitution Hall, Goucher College, Alliance Française *, Spirit Cruises *, The George Washington Masonic Theater, Towson University *, Hillwood Museum, Veuve Clicquot, The Harmon Center for the Arts *, Everest Wealth Management, John Hopkins *,  Baltimore Harborplace Amphitheater, Cox Farms "Fields of Fear" Halloween attraction *, the Gaylord National *, The W *, The Four Seasons *, The Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington DC, The Chestertown Harry Potter Festival, Colonial Beach Rock N’ Blues Festival *, Herndon Festival * plus numerous public auditoriums, Fund Raisers, Trade Shows, banquets, nightclubs, theaters and private events.
* = repeat clients and venues with multiple performances

  In 2016 am thrilled to be performing the Illusions by Vick show (stage and parlor) 175+ times at public and private events and venues. Run time is approximately 45 minutes.

  Professional performing experience early in my career included some very challenging and rewarding situations. For 3 years I was the lead entertainer at Muvico Theaters (now Cinemark) a 24 screen multiplex with an approximately 6,400 patron seating capacity in Arundel Mills, Maryland. Was featured warming up and entertaining movie going patrons before the feature film began, performing up to 25 times a day, 3 days a week. The entertainment was magic based and included skits, stand up comedy, character acting and story telling. Many leading characters from featured movies were brought to life for patron's entertainment including Professor Snape, Willie Wonka, Captain Hook, Pirates and various medieval characters. We created all our own material including scripts, costuming and staging. While it was a great experience I left after 3 years as I had accomplished all I felt I could in that venue.

  For 6 months in 2008 I was the featured illusionist for the Golden Triangle Cabaret on M Street at Club Ozio in Washington DC. The Golden Triangle Cabaret is a 1940’s theme Burlesque Review. While the show was being performed weekly I was performing two or three 10 to 12 minutes spots of magic during each performance. The featured burlesque artist left and the show moved to a monthly performance schedule. At that time I chose to leave the ensemble.

  These challenging venues were instrumental in developing abilities and learning to provide the best entertainment for an audience in unique situations.

A short description of self, study and influences- Unique (aren't we all), resourceful, responsible, honest, determined, hardworking, adventurous, occasionally charming and reasonably well spoken. I’m driven by a sincere desire to share unique entertainment experiences while elevating the art of magic. To help return the art to the lofty standards and high regard it was once held in. Am always learning and eager to learn more. The works of Sam H. Sharpe have been a huge influence on my magic and performing (as well as the Fitzkie Trilogy, "Our Magic", the works of Tommy Wonder, Robert-Houdin and Henning Nelms "Magic and Showmanship". There are many schools of thought and great ideas.
  Have been incredibly fortunate to be given guidance by an enigmatic figure (an actual card man) whose name I obviously cannot mention and to whom I am extremely grateful. Also the very talented and respected Denny Haney has been kind enough to assist with direction in the art (and putting up with my questions). As part of my continuing education I regularly attend lectures, some of my favorites being Joanie Spina, Michael Weber, Richard Osterlind, Banachek, John Carney (twice), Darwin Ortiz, Michael Ammar, Axel Hecklau, Howie Schwartzman, Christopher Bolter, and Christian Painter. Was extremely fortunate to have worked briefly with Joanie Spina as a director. She made a huge, positive impact on my work, enhanced how I create and view the art of magic. She was an amazing talent, director, teacher and humanitarian.
  Most of the influences on my work and performing come from outside of the world of magic and include film, literature and music. Create something that engages minds, enables viewers to think and feel and you have created art.

What you receive when hiring Illusions by Vick – First and foremost, working (with you) to create an amazing, fun and unique entertainment experience. An experience the audience will always remember. A performance that will meet and exceed your expectations. All my experience, determination, heart and talent go into creating, performing and providing you and your guests with a unique, fun, sophisticated and amazing entertainment experience.
  Every performance is more than just my dream, it’s my name and reputation on the line. More than that it’s yours. How well I perform and the fun and amazement around the show is the art. How well you and your guests enjoy it and will have Illusions by Vick back next year, the years after and recommend Illusions by Vick is part of the business. I understand the importance of both the entertainment/artistic side and the business side and am able bring them together. I have to succeed at both for us to be satisfied. When you pull back the curtain and peek you see that sometimes show business = 10% show + 90% business.

Accolades
– Named by CBS Local as a top 5 magician
–Top rated magician in DC, MD and VA by the Gigmasters talent website since 2010.
–Awarded Best of by the Gigmasters talent website in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
–Top rated magician for adults and all age audiences in MD, DC and VA by the Thumbtack talent website since 2012.
–Only magician recognized by the Maryland State Arts Council.

  The accolades are very nice but what means the most are the happy audiences and clients, all the wonderful emails, reviews, gifts and longtime friendships with clients. Am very fortunate to have clients who bring me back year after year to share in their special events.
  Please feel free to Google Illusions by Vick and read the reviews clients have posted all over the internet.

http://www.illusionsbyvick.com

Why? Performing arts ....

Often the first thing that comes to mind when seeing a magician perform is ..... why? Why are they doing what they are doing, what are they trying to communicate, are they reaching me in some manner? Do they make me think, feel, laugh? If not then why not? That's part of the challenge with a lot of magic, there is no why, no logic, no story, no reason, to attempt to engage the audience, to capture their imagination and hearts, even with a simple plot .

Magic is a PERFORMING ART, it is LIVE THEATER. Too often it's just someone standing there doing something I'm supposed to be amazed by. Look at the big box tricks of a typical Vegas show, if there is no build up or story then why are they sawing a woman in parts for the 12,000,000,000th time? How am I supposed to care if they catch fire, get blown up or suffer dismemberment if I don't care about them first?

There are a very few manipulation acts that can entrance you and amaze you with with just their manipulations. Rocco Silano comes to mind. Even so his work has structure, a flow, it has heart and watching Rocco you can't help but like him. The average magician would benefit with more thought to the why of what they are doing, look at it from the audience point of view. Unless you are there is no reason for you to be on stage. For 98% of performers the audience doesn't care how good your sleights are until they care about you.

We live in an age of CGI where ANYTHING is possible on the movie, television and computer screen. Magic must capture the attention of the audience, engage them on some level, emotionally or mentally. We as magicians have an advantage television, movies and computers don't! We are there live with the audience, we have to build on that, take advantage of it. Not ignore the possibilities and just do a bunch of tricks strung together with no heart or logic.

Think about the best and your favorite magicians, why are they your favorite? Chances are it's personality and the effects they choose to allow that personality to come through. Great magicians consider that when structuring their show, when choosing material to present.



That's why everything Illusions by Vick does on stage has a story wrapped around it, even if it's just a homage to those who went before. I want the audience to be amazed, to laugh and have a great time but I also want them to think and feel, to be engaged emotionality and intellectually. I've said it many times but Edward Norton as Eisenhiem in the movie "The Illusionist" had more emotion in just one arm gesture than many magicians do in their entire show

For magic to be taken seriously as a performance art magicians MUST get better at performance skills and realize it ALWAYS is about the audience and the experience they share and create and NEVER about the magician. If you are a magician and not doing this.............. you're letting your audience down, all the magicians who went before and will come after and worst of all your are letting yourself down

Our world badly needs more great magicians

I performed a show for a holiday party/house warming last night and it dawns on me how badly the world needs more quality magic performers. The party was all adults with one 5 year old child (the son of the couple that hired me) and the show went over very well (I overheard some very nice comments as I was loading out).

Afterward I spoke with both the husband and wife, the husband comments how when telling guests they would have a magician the remark was "Oh it's a party for children". The wife told me I must have amazing nerves as half of the audience (about 40 people) were men (who are engineers, wish I had known before) who at the beginning were skeptic and focused on figuring out "how" things were done. I explained how by wrapping stories around the effects and including the "skeptics" in the performance it takes away the focus on how things are done.

There are other aspects that come into play to remove the focus on "how" it's done and to make it entertainment. When adults think magic is only entertainment for children they are missing out on some of the finest entertainment in the world, some great, amazing and moving experiences and outstanding art and theater. That is why we need more quality magical performers.

Well I changed that small portion of the world, only 5,999,999,960 more people to go.

Thank you

I've been very fortunate and hope to be able to continue growing and sharing special, amazing experiences with audiences for a long time to come. Thank you to everyone who has booked Illusions by Vick, attended a show, been there for me, took the time to have a look or share a few words! A very special thank you to Chrissy & Sebastian. I couldn't do it without you

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