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

Magician Illusions by Vick's Pokerface and Microexpressions

Illusions by Vick's parlor & stage show features the routine "Pokerface" (had another great subject at last Friday night's performance) 

"Pokerface" for those of you who haven't seen it yet is about determining if an audience member is (possibly) being deceitful or honest by reading microexpressions and other clues

"Pokerface"  allows an audience member the opportunity to bluff if they choose  ........
while I explain the reads (from microexpressions and other tells) to the audience and try to determine when and if they are being honest or if they bluffing . 
 
Without knowing the other audience members sometimes assist with the reads. 

"Pokerface" becomes even more amusing with an outgoing and/or funny audience member (they become the star of the show for a few minutes)

This routine was inspired by mentalist and entertainer Christian Painter and is in part built on the work of Dr. Paul Ekman 

Here's a little on the history of microexpressions

My story as magician

Below please find some writing from a few years back I came across today..... Am often asked how I become a magician. This will explain part of it, was in Vegas for a convention. I was an adult, already established in a successful career (marketing director for 12 years) and had to go to Vegas every year for a convention. Don't enjoy gaming that much so I was strolling through the mall at the Venetian when I got sucked in by 2 demonstrators at Houdini's Magic Shop. Here I am fourteen years later in 2014 ........

  Many magicians have the story about seeing a magician when they were about 7 years old and being impressed, and/or getting a magic set for a Holiday gift and doing their first show at a tender age, around 10, 11 or 12  (usually they admit to it being a learning experience).

  In my case magic found me, as an adult. After about 3 years of magic being a hobby (and forcing poor quality magic on family and friends) I was fortunate to work in some of the toughest, most challenging circumstances. Yes, fortunate to work in hard places. It made me a much better performer. Jumped into the deep end and it was sink or swim. Luckily I learned to swim quickly.

  This allows the Illusions by Vick show to be different, my formative years weren't spent focused on magic. It's wasn't a introspective time. I was able to experience life without the limitations of an all consuming hobby. 

  Some magicians and their acts are influenced by those experiences and learning magic at 10 (sadly some stay there, never progressing any further. I don't like props that look like magic props and why do so many "tricks" have to be about dismemberment or potential danger to the magician, assistant or audience member when you know they are never in any real danger?)  where I had the advantage of having life experience, being a complete person, versed in many different areas including the arts.

  That is part of why the Illusions by Vick show is a bit different. There are real life experiences to draw from to craft the show. Experiences that happened to me and very possibly to you, the audience. Making the magic come together, to come alive, to weave a story instead of just magic tricks being presented with an out of the box spiel that was bought with the trick.

  Mix in influences from literature, music, history, cinema and other thought provoking interests crafts a more well rounded show.

  That is part of what allows me to be something other than your typical "rabbit out of a hat" magician.

  Another part is I wear my performing heart on my sleeve, every show means so much to me. You've trusted me with your most special moments, there is a sincere obligation to make your event special with the magical entertainment we experience. When you bring Illusions by Vick into your events, into the most special times in your lives I owe you a great deal including the utmost courtesy, professionalism and and an amazing show with a lot of fun and audience interaction. Something to wow you in the here and now and something you take with you to help create great memories.

  I often become very fond of the client before the show. We email back and forth, talk on the telephone. I get to know the client and audience a little before the show ever happens, they are allowing me to share a special time in their lives. Very often clients become friends. That is one of the best parts of my career as a magician. People who began as strangers become clients and end up as friends. There isn't a week I don't get an email from someone I've performed for in the past. I sincerely enjoy that, it's heartwarming and very special to me.  

  It's an honor (and again flattering) when clients specifically find me and request Illusions by Vick. Often it's because they want something more or different than a "normal" magician. Think that is part of why I am fortunate to often be hired to entertain for 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and up to 99th Birthday Celebrations, for special anniversaries as well as many special occasions, unique and unusual shows, for college and corporate events.
Yes, magic is for adults and we need it more than children.
(I'll never deny magic to younger audiences, there is something up my proverbial sleeve for almost everyone).

Thanks for the ear (and eyes)

Please be well.

Best wishes from your Magician,
Vick
Illusions by Vick
   

Magic is ... for Adults

MAGIC IS FOR EVERYONE, not just children!
As great as it is to see children laughing and a spark of imagination light up in their eyes I've often thought
ADULTS NEED MAGIC THE MOST! Adults most need their imaginations sparked, their funny bones tickled, their perspectives refreshed and their hearts touched. Adults appreciate a celebration where all their concerns are forgotten. Immersed in a beautiful, funny, amazing and unique art form and entertainment experience.
Magic is an incredible art form, Where but in magic can an artist share miracles, enable others to laugh, to think and feel a spectrum of emotions? A journey into the incredible.
A good magician/performer will create and share an atmosphere where anything can and might happen, where the boundaries of normal existence fade away and our minds are wide open.
This is entertainment for everyone.
I talk about this often and struggle against the typical "magician" stereotype. It came to my attention again today speaking with a client, (very nice woman) and she said "I thought magicians were for 5 year old children's birthday parties" Nothing could be further from the truth.
I don't recommend a magician for any gathering of only children under 6 years of age. A clown/character who can paint faces, make balloon animals and maybe do a few "tricks", that's a great fit. Not the right fit for a magician (illusionist or mentalist).
Forget the stereotypes and open your mind to amazing, fun, engaging and enlightening entertainment.
The Magic Awaits!

Quick Post about magicians and "challenges"

The following was my responce in a facebook discussion, thought it merited a post here

A challenge in a magic performance is a no win situation. If the audience is fooled or loses the challenge they feel they deserve the answer or will try to construct one instead of enjoying the entertainment.
If the audience succeeds in wining the challenge the magician has been bested and loses his aura.
No one likes to be "fooled" and the performers who can fool an audience and have the audience like being "fooled' and still like the performer are very few.

The fooling or challenge aspect of performing magic is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. We are entertainers who take our audiences on a journey, share wondrous things, excite them, even at times educate. As magic in evolving in this decade hopefully we are seeing far fewer "tricksters" whose performance is about I can do this and fool you, isn't that cool .... because it never is

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

The most important book on performing

A second edition copy of Neo Magic arrived this week from England. After many months of searing for this incredible book and purchasing a copy of the also out of print "Neo Magic Artisty" to help and further my growth, to spur new thoughts and create a better show.

There is an interesting history behind Neo Magic, first run was only 500 issues, about half were destroyed on WWII. Second run only 750 issues. So maybe 1,000 at most still exist. This is the most important book ever written about performing magic, about keeping it elevated to an art form. The author Sam Sharpe was quite an interesting and amazing man.

To me at this time "Neo Magic" has become the single most significant piece of literature on performing.

With a journey that started with Tarbell, lead through "Books of Wonder, on through the Fitzike trilogy, by way of "Our Magic", with detours to "Strong Magic", "Essential Robert-Houdin" Carney's "Magic by Design", briefly working with Joanie Spina, Denny Haney & Bob Fitch's lecture notes, finally to "Art and Magic" and "Neo Magic Artistry".

To hold a signed, second edition copy of "Neo Magic" is absolutely amazing. I'm having a moment.

I'm trying to decipher the signature, "Best wishes to my friend ?AC Kefus? from Sam Sharpe Aug 1961" , perhaps I'll never find out. Good reason to keep searching, it was a long search that lead me to find this edition of "Neo Magic".

The book is hard to acquire, maybe that is a good thing, maybe not. It should be read by any and everyone who aspires to perform magic in front of live audiences as a quality entertainer. One of those things you need to become a true performing artist in the field of magic.

I also owe another debt of gratitude to my good friend Peter as he put me on the trail of the book a few years back (yes it has taken that long to find it), as Erdnase, "Expert at the Card Table" is his guide he knew Sharpe's "Neo Magic" would be as important to me

Deep down I know it's just another step, no matter how large, in the journey but the view from the plateau pretty good.

It was worth the search and this is what we do to further our art, I'm sure any other artist in any field reading this has made or will make a similar or even larger trip.

Came to mind, today I bought my son his first saxophone. Who knows, maybe that's his first step, hard to tell when he is only 9 but time will tell

So when your art means that much you follow the path. It's worth it, to you, your show and to your audiences!

Magic goes well and a very lucky magicain

Sorry I haven't posted much but

Everything has been going very well. I've been very lucky

The short time spent with Joanie Spina helped in so many ways. All the things Denny Haney has been so kind as to show, share, point me towards and discuss with me have meant so much and made me a much better performer than I could have ever hoped for

Congratulations are in order as National Booking Agency Gigmasters ...
Ranked magician Illusions by Vick the top Magician for Maryland, Pennsylvania, DC, Virgina, Delaware ...

Rankings are based on client feedback and satisfaction, amount of bookings, fees made from those bookings
Overall I'm ranked second nationally.A lot of work, a lot of fun, I've learned a lot
but most of all I've had the opportunity to share a lot of smiles, fun and great magic
Here's the press release
Illusions by Vick Named top Ranked magician in Maryland, DC, Va and Pennsylvania

While Gigmasters gets a lot of childrens bookings I don't do many if any of them
and the new show is ready
Here's the press release about it
About the New Show ~ Shades of Perception


Again thank you, without an audience to share it with ....... I'm Nothing

and bigger things are coming in October!

"Open your mind, I'm your magician"

As a artist who's chosen medium is magic it is my duty to share the incredible, to enable laughter, spur thought and encourage feeling a spectrum of emotions. All while creating a path for us to journey on together into the amazing.

A doctor may say "Trust me I'm a doctor"

I say "Open your mind, I'm your magician"

Crazy .... or Amazing ... maybe a little of both

An amazing thing....... this past Saturday.

A potential client asked me about producing her daughter for her sweet 16th birthday party, she emailed the previous Saturday. I don't hear back from her so I think she's decided to do something else for entertainment. Out of no where she sends me a deposit ........ on Thursday ..... 2 days before the party.

Had given 3 options for the production. I finally get her on the phone and .... her daughter wants the Metamorphosis production ........ aaaahhhhhaaaa. I explain how challenging it can be and how people spend decades learning to do it well and ......

97% of the guests there are high school friends all done up and ready for a big night out.

This has all the ingredients for a disaster ..... I modify Metamorphosis a bit to make it easier. To her credit the daughter Jillian on the day of her Sweet 16 party spends the time I asked for rehearsal, she is willing to work to make the effect as good as we can in the time given and ........

We pulled it off!!! Pretty damn well, too.


Today .... the mother writes me an unsolicited glowing reference email


They were a great group to meet and work with, I'm really glad everything went well but ....
.... it still was crazy ;-)~

More thoughts on the art of magic

Where but in magic can you be an artist who creates miracles,

to enable others to laugh, think and feel a spectrum of emotions?

Take them by the hand on a journey into the incredible?


I care deeply about the art and hold it with the respect in deserves.

This is my chosen profession and I have to be the best I can.

This means study, learning, practice, love and everything else

needed to give every audience I go in front of the best possible experience.

How could anyone want to do anything less
with one of the most beautiful performing arts!?

Thoughts on the art of Magic at Thanksgiving

It saddens me deeply that some consider magic as simply entertainment for children. Imagine throwing away, ignoring or belittling an art form that can enable you to think and feel, something that can elevate you from your normal daily existence, an art form that can move you to tears from laughter, creating beauty and touching other deep emotions

This is not the fault of the art consumer, the challenge lays with the performers who do nothing to enhance or elevate the art and appear simply as a trickster, "Hey look at me and what I can do, aren't these tricks neat".

The performer who does nothing to educate their audience?

Those who don't or can't give their audience an experience that will elevate them, that will touch them, that will tuck something away in their mind for later consideration or even simply (and sometimes the hardest) share a huge face splitting grin have cheated their audiences as well as cheated themselves and harmed the art.

Does the challenge lay with so called performers who don't share with their audiences what magic can be and instead appear in a foul polyester vest pulling objects from their mouth or their various other insults to the art? Or does the fault lays with performers like myself who know something different and don't enlighten those less fortunate? Those who haven't had the guidance to read and study the amazing books on the art. Who may not have had the time or experience to know how rewarding it is to create and share those special moments with the audience.

I've often said I don't do magic, the magic happens in the audience. Without an audience I am nothing, a guy doing odd things. It is with that consideration I go into every show and know I have to give the best possible show, try to create art, to reach the audience on many levels and craft a unique and memorable experience. Anything less is a cheat, totally unacceptable and unthinkable.

If all you are looking for is someone to ask "How did you do that" then you have missed the boat as a performer.

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

Please join me as we begin a journey into a world where anything is possible