Unveiled Arcana

The Dan Harlan / Jeff McBride shows and lectures last summer were, to say the very least, pivotal moments in my growth in the art. (See the two previous posts). There are two other elements that are making a powerful impact on my progress as I continue along the road toward artistry. One category is books and other is a mix of various resources such as magazine columns, websites and blogs.


I can’t help but wonder how things would have turned out if I had read some of these books as a teenager or young man. As is the case with most magicians, I caught the passion for magic as an eight year old child. In my early life I developed an adequate level of technical skill. I was able to make a few dollars here and there doing the odd birthday party, banquet or strolling work. I was even fortunate enough to have taken a few lessons from the late, great Jim Cellini. (Thanks Dad)! But I never developed into an artist. I lacked the discipline and courage necessary for that. That’s why I never read the essential books on the real secrets of magic. As a result I was a posterboy for poor showmanship. And even if all the best resources had fallen into my lap, I guess it’s safe to say it wouldn’t have done me any good anyway. I just wasn’t ready. As cliche as it is to say, it is nonetheless true..."Better late than never".


On the topic of books, the ones I have been reading and re-reading since last spring (in no particular order) are...

• “Our Magic” by Maskelyne and Devant
• “The Fitzkee Trilogy” by Dariel
Fitzkee. (“Showmanship for Magicians”,
“Magic by Misdirection” and “The Trick
Brain”)
• “Magic and Showmanship” by Henning Nelms
• “Strong Magic” by Darwin Ortiz
• “Maximum Entertainment” by Ken Weber
• “Magic Matters” by Robert Neale
• “Gift Magic” Edited by Larry Hass



I will refrain from attempting to review these books. I am neither qualified nor articulate enough to do them justice. But I can say that from a personal point of view, reading these books was like being lifted from a dark and tangled forest of disconnected ideas and incomplete thoughts. Suddenly a pattern became visible. These books provide a road map to artistry for anyone willing to apply the disciplines and exercises offered.


All these books are dog-eared and highlighted. I have been applying the advice, techniques and exercises to the effects in my repertoire. The authors of most of these books warn that putting their respective suggestions into practice is not easy. That is an understatement to be sure! The hatching of unique ideas and treatments, the script writing, the tailoring of effects to custom fit one's own style and idiom; the breaking of old
habits and learning new ones are just some of the building work involved. But the key word here is “Building”. For me, personally speaking, this is NO hobby. It is an investment. It is a passionate respect for the art. I have been cranking every micro joule of energy into this effort, but it is NOT drudgery. It's a blast. It is a pure joy. I can’t get enough of this stuff. I now actually feel like I know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it!


Since putting these tomes of wisdom to use I am getting stronger reactions from my newly re-engineered effects than ever before. I can feel the acceleration of my progress. If I keep this up for another year or so I’m confident I will close the 20-year non-magical time gap between my old life and this one. And the best part is, I now know where I am going and how to get there.

McPIPHANY

In the last posting I reported on the Dan Harlan show and lecture. As wonderful and meaningful as that was it was only the biginning. Because later that day was the incredible Jeff McBride. I have seen him on video, read about him in magazines and studied his work on DVD. But none of this prepared me for the outstanding evening of magic I was about to be treated to. Jeff McBride’s show was magnificent! Every movement was graceful. Every magical moment led to the next. Everything was seamlessly interconnected like an ascenting spiral staircase. I have heard the term “Breaking down the walls” before, but never have I seen it done so beautifully. Jeff is able to personally connect with the audience in a way that is almost scary. Everyone in that auditorium felt as though Jeff was performing just for them out of friendship.

I have seen many “Miser’s Dream” routines over the years. But Jeff McBride’s handling of it was by far the most entertaining I have ever seen. His interaction with an assistant pulled from the audience was a thing of beauty. Everyone felt they were extremely fortunate to have been present for that particular performance. And although we were, the real magic is that Jeff makes all his audiences feel this way. Amazingly the performance did not end in a crescendo of dazzling light, sound and color. (Although there was plenty of this during the show). But instead it ended in a profound calm. Like climbing a mountain and finally at the end being dumbstruck by the vista. Or being launched into space and just when you think “What’s next?” finding oneself floating weightless over the curve of the Earth in silent astonishment. What more would there be to say? It was extraordinary and satisfying. Genius.

Once the show was over it was time for the lecture.

Jeff McBride is much more than a master magician. He is also an outstanding teacher and communicator. The effects he demonstrated and taught were practical and effective. Any magician's repertoire would benefit from these illusions. Stagecraft, platform or close up, there was something there for everyone. Jeff shared two very special effects. Both of these are geared toward the daily interaction with friends, family, service people and total strangers. One of them involves a rainbow streamer and a small silk rose. Powerful stuff, gift magic.

Jeff taught multiple card productions, dancing cane moves and surprising productions. But in my opinion, the most powerful information fell into the category of "theory". Jeff McBride offered sound advice on a multitude topics such as "nerves", sweats, connecting with the audience and pushing one self to be the magician one aspires to be.

For many years I suffered from a common affliction to amateur magicians. The quest for that ONE trick that will put me where I "ought" to be. Well, that trick does not exist. Or "If I just practice in the mirror enough or perform enough I will be as good as so and so". I realized how flawed my thinking was. I understood what I really needed was serious study in the theory of the art. I was now well on my way toward becoming a better magician once I realized I already knew enough effects. It was now time to dive head first into "Deep Magic". That is, how to transform a good trick into a meaningful and powerful presentation that people emotionally respond to and remember for years.

The elusive missing piece was now in my hands. It is a coin. Stamped on one side is..."FOCUS" on the other side, "THEORY"