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

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
   

Wildest place or circumstances ever worked as a magician

A discussion came up about the wildest place or circumstances ever worked as a magician, below is my response ....

Hmmmm .... performing under challenging circumstances will make you a better performer. When starting out I sought out challenging circumstances.

For a year I was a hawker for Magic Zone, basically a kiosk (in malls and heavy traffic tourist areas) selling D-Lites, UFO's, sponge balls plus a few other items. I was getting paid to rehearse 8 hours a day, I learned to draw a crowd there.

After that 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.

None of those 3 positions paid extremely well but .....

The key thing is, these challenging situations gave me great experience that you can't get any other way.

Wild? ... maybe ... Rewarding? ... beyond measure

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

Musing ......

I often do a Q & A after performances, invariably someone will ask " How did you do .......?". I quote Sherlock Holmes (Doyle) "Eliminate the impossible and what is left, however improbable, is the truth".
For me if more than 10% are thinking "how I did...." then my presentation isn't quite right


Yes I perform real magic. It's not the effects on stage. It's being the conduit to an audience having a good time, forgetting what grinds them on a day to day basis and instead putting a smile on their faces. Whether it's a laugh, a moment of wonder or enjoyment. When that happens in the audience, that's where the magic takes place. That's why the audience does the magic, not me.
That's (part of) what being an entertainer is about, at least for me.
Think what you will about that, even call it cheap magic. If it's cheap magic, then it's all I have and it's plenty good enough for me. In fact it's about the best thing I can do.

a Magican's Resume

Just updated so I thought to post it here

Illusions by Vick
Vick Dias Gisin



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


Mission Statement - An artist and entertainer who’s chosen medium is performing magic. It’s my calling (and profession) to accompany you on a one of a kind journey, creating astonishment while delivering enchantments for you to contemplate and appreciate. To create an experience that engages you and encourages you to think and feel. To share something that touches you in the now and leaves you with you something to consider in the future. From a place where anything can happen and the ordinary can become the incredible. Wrapping interesting and intriguing stories around incredible effects thereby creating the experience we call magic (all while a smile plays around your lips).

Experience – 11+ years professional performing experience and intense study in the art of magic. Have been extremely fortunate to perform numerous public and private shows. A small sampling of recent clients include the British Embassy, B & O Railroad Museum, Mercedes Benz, The National Zoo, Alliance Française of Washington, Mechanical Contractors Association of Maryland, 20’s & 30’s Going Out Group, Herndon Festival, IDT Telecom, World Battery Recycle Trade Forum, Southern Maryland Hospital Center and John Hopkins.

Professional performing experience includes some very challenging and rewarding performance 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 doing warm up with movie going patrons, 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. I brought to life many leading characters from featured movies for patrons’ 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 of 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 to12 minutes spots of magic during each performance. The featured burlesque artist left and the show moved to a monthly performance schedule so I chose to leave the ensemble.

In 2011 am most often performing the Illusions by Vick stage or parlor show at various venues both public and private. Run time is approximately 45 minutes.

The Illusions by Vick show has been fortunate to play many venues which include but are not limited to the Oakland Mills Auditorium, Hillwood Museum, Harmon Center for the Arts, B & O Railroad Museum, Baltimore Harborplace Amphitheater, Grand Atrium, Magooby's Joke House and numerous public auditoriums, nightclubs and theaters. Everywhere from Mercedes Benz Dealerships to the Great Ape House in the National Zoo, beautiful assisted living communities with excellent theaters that easily seat 200 guests to performing as Professor Snape in the "dungeon" at the Annapolis Bookstore.

A short description of self, study and influences- Unique (aren't we all), resourceful, responsible, truthful, determined, hardworking, adventurous, occasionally charming and reasonably well spoken. I’m driven by a sincere desire to elevate the art of magic and 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 thought process regarding magic and performing (as well as the Fitzkie Trilogy, "Our Magic", 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 owe a huge debt and gratitude. 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). Jeff McBride was generous enough to help with one of my pieces. As part of my continuing education I often attend lectures, some of my favorites being Joanie Spina, Banachek, John Carney (twice), Darwin Ortiz, Michael Ammar, Howie Schwartzman, Christian Painter and David London. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked briefly with Joanie Spina and she made a huge, positive impact on my work. She is an amazing talent, director, teacher and humanitarian.

Much of the influences on my performing come from outside of the world of magic and include film, literature and music. Create something that engages minds so they think and feel and you have created art


What you receive when hiring Illusions by Vick – All the experience, determination and talent go into creating, performing and providing you and your guests with a unique, sophisticated and unparalleled entertainment experience. Every performance is more than just my dream; it’s my name and reputation on the line. More than that it’s also yours. How well I perform and the enchantment around the effects is the art. How well you and your guests enjoy it and will have Illusions by Vick back next year, the years after that 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. Anything less is unacceptable. When you pull back the curtain and peek you see that sometimes show business = 10% show + 90% business.

What Performing Magic can do

Another good show for a great group of people today. It's a wonderful feeling/experience to share a performance that touches people, give them laughter, encourages them to think, that emotionally touches and moves them and enables a perspective from a difference place, the small part I play in their creating a great time. It truly is the best thing I can do, for everyone.

Another day, another good show. Good performance in a great situation. Here's to Sunday's upcoming show and the "Rites of Spring" being performed live for the first time.

It's another example of what a "magician" (that's what they are, I try to be a entertainer) could be if they really tried, applied themselves. How can any one not give the art all it deserves. To create, not imitate

Am extremely fortunate.

Meanwhile hard at work on the fund raiser for Cradlerock Elementary. Getting good assistance and support on the PTA's end.

Worn out now but got to get ready

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 ;-)~

Through the Looking Glass

Through the Looking Glass is coming along. Will post a link to it here after the rough draft video finishes uploading on YouTube. Still not really Alice in Wonderland feeling, just sort of influenced by it. In part that is because I haven't gotten to the tea party portion of the piece.

Creative Team

It's been a while since the last blog, very busy with some things. Shows are picking back up

Have been thinking I truly have the greatest creative team one could wish for.
Have an art director and builder and a conceptualizer.

And they are my family, Chrissy my Fiancee is doing an outstanding job as the art director & builder! My 7 year young son Sebastian is the most amazing conceptualizer.

Was stuck on a presentation for a new piece and Sebastian turned it around in his head for about 6 minutes and came up with an idea, Chrissy built it in less than 2 days for under $50 and now I have the most unusual and sensible "Floating Butterfly" routine

Coming up next ......

"Through the Looking Glass"