Samletter
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At the next Assembly 181 meeting, Thursday, June 1, 2017, there will be
an exciting member lead workshop on Costume Magic by George Hann.
Doors open at 7:00 PM. Meetings start at 7:30 PM.
George has been performing Costume Magic for 20 years, as a wizard, a
pirate and Groucho Marx, and he is ready to share those experiences.
Following their performance, we will open the stage for others to perform in
our “No Judgment Zone”, so bring something to share.
Society of American Magicians Assembly 181 of Hightstown meets the first
Thursday of every month, September thru June at the First United
Methodist Church, 187 Stockton Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520. Doors
open at 7:00 PM. Meetings start at 7:30 PM.
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From the Prez - How much is too much?
There is an expression, "not seeing the forest because of
the trees". I am sure most of us had heard it and have at
least a vague idea of what it means. However, when it
comes to magic, for many of us, myself included, it's more
like "not seeing the trees because of the forest". In other
words, we have so much, we do not know where to start
and what to do. How many books do we own that we have
not read or may never read? How many DVDs do we have
that we do not have the time to watch let alone the time to practice? Finally,
how many tricks do we own that we will never get to or be able to perform?
Yet, when a new book is released or a new trick is available we fall into the
same trap and buy it as if we do not have enough. The psychology of why,
would be interesting to understand but that does not resolve the dilemma
which is, where do we begin?
I think the quest to find a way out of this forest will have to be a personal
choice. But here are a couple of suggestions. Focus on the works of your
favorite performer. I personally like Rick Lax, Penguin Magic's poster boy. He
is able to turn mundane tricks and puzzles into show pieces just with
presentation. His work is small, portable, clever and engaging. Or do you
favor Wayne Houchin or Danny Garcia? It really does not matter, pick one
and learn everything you have of theirs. Then start on another magician whose
works you connect with. Maybe, you would want to accumulate all you have
in one genre such as a single coin routine. Then move up to two coins, etc.
Or, perhaps gather all you own on tricks with an normal deck of cards with no
slights or gaffs. Or maybe, mentalism which will fit in your wallet. The
possibilities are endless, it really just a matter of picking one, pursuing it and
sticking to it.
If the above describes a situation you have found yourself in, I wish you luck
in your quest. The only solace I can offer up right now is that you are not
alone. If by chance you start to wade through the mountain of magic we have
all accumulated and actually begin to thin out the forest, let me know what
you did and how it worked for you, I'd love to hear it.
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IT’S ALL IN THE PAPERS
It is thought that paper was invented in ancient China
about two thousand years ago during the Han Dynasty,
and magicians have been using paper ever since in their
performances.
Mike Dziubas aka Magic Mike started as a prodigy of
fellow Assembly 181 member, Dennis James, and has
been performing magic on his own for over 11 years.
Mike has some good ideas on quickly making paper
items for your magic shows, as well as improving your
marketing. He shared them all at this month’s
workshop.
As an impromptu comical opener, the “No” joke can be used as a prediction,
and you might be right one out of fifty-two times. Mike showed how a
sixteen number matrix can be used to fairly force the number 34. From
there, the routine is yours and only limited by your imagination.
It was Dr. Joseph Rodes Buchanan, who coined the word "psychometry"
(measuring the soul) back in the 1840s when describing his idea that all
things give off an emanation. Magicians and mentalists have been keen on
performing versions ever since. Mike showed us, using index cards, that a
quick Pseudo-Psychometry can be setup and performed on the fly.
After the workshop, the stage was turned over to individual performances.
Starting off was Rocco with his original creation, “The Key in Box”. The Dork
of Deception, who will be doing a future workshop on busking and street
performing, also did an original routine. Reba gave us a “Choice or Chance”.
Tim Paul gave us his “Silent Treatment”, an original
routine set to music, where a chosen card is revealed
from an impossible location, his mouth. Technology
has afforded every magician with a smartphone and a
portable Bluetooth speaker the ability to set his
performance to music. Dave Sharlin presented a card
routine with the premise of performing for a blind
audience member. Dave got the prediction correct
even though all the cards were blank.
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George Hann performed his version of Michael Pizzolla’s “Synchronicity III”.
Jeff using a dye tube did a great Billy McComb routine and finished with
showing the (W)hole Thing as an homage to the “The Magician’s Magician”,
the late Daryl Easton.
With all the original effects that there were presented, it was difficult for the
audience to vote a clear cut winner for the Coffee Cup Award for the best
performance of the night. For the first time, there was a four-way tie
between Rocco, the Dork, Dave, and Tim. Congratulations to all for sharing.
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Do You Believe In Magic - Magic for the general magician
Presentation is what makes the magic happen. Proper performance can take
a very basic trick and turn it into a show piece. In prior reviews, I have
done the review around some sort of trick or a source for such tricks such as
a DVD set or book. This month, I am going to change it up a bit. This
review is going to feature a technique. The technique is called the Meridian
Technique and it is by Mark Elsdon. Mark Elsdon is a British performer who
transitioned from magic to mentalism. He is fairly prolific and I personally
rank him as one of my favorite mentalists. Mark Elsdon is not just a
performer but studies magic and what makes it work. As a prior strolling
magician he faced a dilemma that many strolling magicians face. Which is
how do you develop a climatic ending when you are working in a venue such
as cocktail hour or a business party? What typically happens is that the
magician comes in, performs for several groups, and then just rides off into
the sunset with no real ending to the performance. The Meridian
Technique addresses this dilemma. I am not going to reveal the technique,
you will have to purchase it to find out but it is clever and it will be one of
those "why didn't I think of that myself" moments. The Meridian
Technique is available as a booklet or as a two DVD set. The DVD set
features some performances and trick revelations but the main focus is the
technique. I recommend the DVDs.
To see a review of the Meridian Technique click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q0w8knlUog
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Magic performances tend to fall into a few special categories. If I asked you
to name the types of magic performances magicians taken years to perfect,
you probably could name a few of the most common types like stage
illusions and close-up magic. Take a moment to name as many as you can
then check below to see if you got them right, which ones you missed, and
the ones you never thought about!
Stage illusions are performed for large audiences, typically within a theater
or auditorium. This type of magic is distinguished by large-scale props, the
use of assistants and often exotic animals such as elephants and tigers
Parlor magic is done for smaller audiences than stage magic. In parlor
magic, the performer is usually standing and on the same level as the
audience, which may be seated on chairs or even on the floor. A better term
for this branch of magic may be platform, club or cabaret.
Close-up magic or table magic is performed with the audience close to the
magician, sometimes even one-on-one. It’s usually called table magic,
particularly when performed as dinner entertainment.
Escapology is the branch of magic that deals with escapes from
confinement or restraints. Harry Houdini is a well-known example of an
escape artist or escapologist.
Mentalism creates the impression in the minds of the audience that the
performer possesses special powers to read thoughts, predict events, control
other minds, and similar feats. It can be presented on a stage, in a cabaret
setting, before small close-up groups, or even for one spectator.
Theatrical séances simulate spiritualistic or mediumistic phenomena for
theatrical effect. This genre of stage magic has been misused at times by
charlatans pretending to actually be in contact with spirits.
Children's magic is performed for an audience primarily composed of
children. It is typically performed at birthday parties, preschools, elementary
schools, Sunday schools or libraries. This type of magic is usually comedic in
nature and involves audience interaction as well as volunteer assistants.
Corporate magic or trade show magic uses magic as a communication and
sales tool, as opposed to just straightforward entertainment. Corporate
magicians may come from a business background and typically present at
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meetings, conferences, and product launches. Their patter and illusions
enhance an entertaining presentation of the products offered by their
corporate sponsors.
Gospel magic uses magic to catechize and evangelize. Gospel magic was
first used by St. Don Bosco to interest children in 19th-century Turin, Italy
to come back to school, to accept assistance and to attend church.
Street magic is a form of street performing or busking that employs a
hybrid of stage magic, platform, and close-up magic, usually performed
surrounded by the audience. Describe as a style of guerilla performance in
which magician’s approach and perform for unsuspecting members of the
public on the street.
Shock magic is a genre of magic that shocks the audience. Referred to as
Geek magic, it takes its roots from circus sideshows, in which freakish
performances were shown to audiences. Common shock magic or geek
magic effects include eating razor blades, needle-through-arm, string
through neck and pen-through-tongue.
Comedy magic is the use of magic in which is combined with stand-up
comedy.
Camera magic is aimed at viewers watching broadcasts or recordings. It
includes tricks based on the restricted viewing angles of cameras and clever
editing and often features paid extras posing as spectators who may even be
assisting in the performance. Camera magic can be done live, such as David
Copperfield's Floating Over the Grand Canyon and many of Criss Angel's
illusions.
Online magic tricks were designed to function on a computer screen. The
computer essentially replaces the magician. Some online magic tricks are
based on mathematical, geometrical, and optical illusions. One such online
magic trick, called Esmeralda's Crystal Ball became a viral phenomenon that
fooled so many computer users into believing that their computer had
supernatural powers!
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Affiliates & CONTACTS
http://www.mjmmagic.com/store/index.html?referrer=CNWR_67701383693799
Read Jeff Stone’s reviews at:
http://magicreviewed.com/
Visit Eric Jones at
https://lostartmagic.com
Visit Joshua Jay at: http://www.joshuajay.com/
SAM 181 President
Stephan Sloan
[email protected]
SAM 181 Vice President
David Zboray
[email protected]
SAM 181 Treasurer
Dennis Thomas
[email protected]
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Magic Calendar
TUE
MAY 16
THU
MAY 18
THU
MAY 18
WED
MAY 24
SAT
MAY 27
THU
JUNE 1
MON
JUNE 5
SUN
JUNE 11
FRI
JUNE 16
TUE
JUNE 20
SAMLETTER181 V2N9R1
I.B.M. Ring 200 will be meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at the
Stelton Community Center, 328 Plainfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08817., usual
time; 7:00 PM
S.A.M. Assembly 4 will be meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at the
Bustleton Memorial Post 810 American Legion, 9151 Old Newtown
Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, usual time; 7:00 PM
http://www.sam4.org/
Alain Nu – Magician’s Lecture is Thursday, May 18th at the Sparta Ave
Stage, 10 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ 07871 starting at 8PM. (973) 7692893. Co-Sponsored by SAM #168 and #25, only $15 for guests.
I.B.M. Ring 123 will be meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the
King of Kings Lutheran Church, 250 Harmony Road, Middleton, NJ 07748
starting at 7 PM.
The Amazing Kreskin evening show at the Sparta Avenue Stage, 10
Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ 07871 starts at 8PM on Saturday, May 27,
2017. Tickets are $30 in advance. Call (973) 769-2893 or go online at:
http://www.spartastage.com/upcoming-events/
S.A.M. Assembly 181 meeting will be on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at the
First United Methodist Church, 187 Stockton Street, Hightstown, NJ
08520. Workshop by on Costume Magic by George Hann and No
Judgment Zone performances, usual time; 7:00 doors open.
http://magicsam181.com
I.B.M. Ring 165 on Monday, June 5, 2017, at the First United Methodist
Church, 704 Garden Street, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035.
Bob Little’s Super Sunday “The Best One Day Magic Convention in the
World” No Registration Required. Sunday, June 11, 2017, 10:00 AM 10:00 PM All for a Low-Low Fee of $40.00
http://www.boblittlessupersunday.com/
Prepare to be astonished by THE AMAZING KRESKIN at the Broadway
Theatre of Pitman in a must-see mentalist mind event! Friday, June 16,
2017 at 8:00 PM. The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway
Pitman, NJ 08071. Tickets are only $25. CALL: 856-384-8381 Visit:
http://thebroadwaytheatre.org/
I See Magic and the BBBA have partnered up to bring you Unbelievable,
A Magic & Illusion Extravaganza at the Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120
Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA 19007 on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM.
Only $13 for kids and $18 for adults. Box office: 215-785-0100.
http://www.brtstage.org/special-events/unbelievable/
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