If you ever wanted to know

Haven't written here for years. The view is a tiny bit difference with age and more performances. Ease in by sharing an interview from a few years ago. 

A client who is an artist herself (author) was helping a budding author working on a (now published) book (wonderful, meaningful book, "Super Jake & the King of Chaos"). The one of the main characters was a budding magician, the call went out on line and I was able to answer a few questions for author Naomi Milliner and had the pleasure to perform at the book release for Super Jake & the King of Chaos .

 Q&A With Illusions by Vick
 1) You reference “very challenging” past performances – could you discuss one of them?
   For 3 years I was part of the live entertainment at a Movie Theater Multi-plex (24 screens).
  The theater complex was very popular but had patrons waiting upwards of an hour to see their movie. The theater thought live entertainment would be a good idea. We (myself, another magician and 2 stand up comics) did some crazy stuff. At first it was incredibly challenging, walking into a theater of 500 who have been waiting in their seats for 20 minutes for the film to start, they have no idea what you are there for and then try entertaining.
  After 6 months we were (somewhat of) a hit (patrons would come in and ask for us and the company tried to replicate what we were doing in their other multi-plexes).
   For the next 2.5 years it was just myself and 1 stand up comic. We created characters and played characters from hit films (launching a side business of appearing as Professor Snape).
  We were given free rein to preform what we wanted. We wrote our own scripts, became more skilled at improv and did our own costuming.
  There is nothing like the experience of performing a new routine 25+ times a day, 3 days a week for live audiences.
   On top of that we had to keep the material fresh as there were patrons who came to the theater every week.

   For 6 months I was the featured Illusionist in a 1940’s theme weekly burlesque review at a nightclub in Washington, DC.
  Imagine being the magician on before the very popular featured burlesque artist, in front of inebriated patrons, in a DC nightclub where patrons are paying $40 for a seat. 2- 3 times nightly.
 I was lucky and it went well.
  These challenging situations gave me great experience that you can’t get any other way. To be good a magician has to have a place to be bad first, I already had that, these challenges made me a very good performer good very quickly

 2) Who are your favorite magicians, and why?
Teller ~ (of Penn & Teller) he’s brilliant, incredibly talented, dedicated and a great man.
S.H. Sharpe ~ Sharpe wrote the most important books ever on performing magic and theory, absolutely brilliant.
Rocco (Silano) ~ One of the most real performers anywhere, the man you see on the stage is the man you get in real life. Had the opportunity to speak with Rocco for a bit after a lecture he gave. Funny, insightful, smart and very well versed in magic.
Denny Haney ~ Denny performed all over the world for 30 years, then semi-retired and opened a magic studio (magic shop). His caring and passion for the art are evident. He won’t sell poor quality effects and he’s more concerned about helping someone in the art than making a buck.

 *On January 23, 2019 our world got a little darker as one of it’s brightest shining lights, Denny Haney left. Am incredibly fortunate to learn from and to be friends with Denny. I owe Denny more than I could ever give back, so the thing to do is keep performing and sharing the gifts Denny shared and keep Denny’s memory alive.

...... more soon

hhttps://www.illusionsbyvick.com/video2.html <-- Click there ;-) This video provides a look into the Illusions by Vick show and what you can expect

www.illusionsbyvick.com
Would like to take this opportunity to say
Thank You and wish you all a most joyous Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for you !
Am very fortunate to have the most wonderful clients, fans & friends (often one in the same)
Thank You for allowing me to share magic, fun, smiles
and a bit of wonder.
You make this the greatest career I could ever hope for.
Please if you are traveling this weekend be safe.

A very special thank you to Mrs Vukov (could never do this without you, not just the career but life, you make it better just by being part of it)
and Mr. S. G. G. (you know who you are, am very proud of you). I love you both very much, more than I can ever say
Happy Thanksgiving

Thoughts about magic

Magician Illusions by Vick wrote the following some years ago. With a new website it's no longer easily available but wanted to leave it, to share it somewhere. Thought here would be a good place. The following is heartfelt........


Performing Magic isn't about doing "tricks".
It's about entertaining, creating a special experience, connecting with the audience
To share something that amazes, engages and entertains in the moment while
Helping to create great memories.

Children are the easy ones to win over
(even though they can be the most severe audiences) it is Adults who most magic, their imaginations sparked,
their funny bone tickled and their heart strings tugged. 

Often say that I don't do magic,
The magic happens in the audience. In your minds, in your hearts and on your faces.
Without an audience nothing happens, just someone doing odd things.
It is with that consideration I go into every show ,
to share the best possible experience,
to create art, to connect with the audience on multiple levels.
To craft a unique and memorable experience.

Where but in magic can you be an artist who creates miracles,
to enable others to laugh, think, feel a spectrum of emotions and maybe experience wonder?
Leading the audience on a journey into the incredible?

I care deeply about the art of magic and hold it in the respect in deserves.
Study, learning, practice, rehearsal, discipline, love and more.
It's an honor to share with every audience a most amazing experience.
Through one of the most beautiful performing arts.

As always, Thank you

rough view behind the curtain and/or about creativity

Been a long time since I've blogged this was written for a magic forum on FB,
 rough view behind the curtain and/or about creativity

 The difference between tricks and routines Or how we take tricks and build a routine
And why we need brick and mortar magic shops
Many years ago when starting out in the magic I was thinking about an opener and talking to Denny Haney in Denny and Lee's magic studio
He suggested I simply open with "in the news" which is water into the newspaper and back out without the newspaper getting wet Denny shared and crafted an elegant way to begin a program with that effect (Denny believes begin the program with the stage clean and end the program with the stage clean, I personally don't do either)

 I took the germ of an idea he shared, kept it and ran with it I thought where would I be reading a newspaper? Being raised by my grandparents we always read the newspaper at the breakfast table or the dinner table
OK I've got dinner and I've got a newspaper
What if I flip that about a bit and I'm preparing a dinner What magic is available for a dinner?

 I don't like any of the latex or foam food pieces so I thought about setting the dinner table
Candles roses wine
Things that you associate with dinner got those magically covered

 Simple things like write what you know
 One has a life and interests they may be Star Wars, Game of Thrones, geology or whatever

Think how you make that relatable to your audience and build a routine
 For me personally it's all about that space it's created during the performance

How you transport the audience and that is done with good effects and effective, relatable and creative writing

You can disagree but the trick itself is not enough
You have to have a relatable and likable routine and character. Yes I have a gift for the obvious

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