* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #797 Date: Sunday 21st November 2010 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor's Message 2. David Sandy - Fire On Magic Cruise 2010 3. FAQ's For S.A.M. Convention 4. Houdini Is Returning To An Area Near You 5. The Show/Tribute to the Larsen Family 6. Remarkable Magic #9 - Nick Lewin 7. Sound of Silence - #189 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook in Conversation with Lupe Nielsen - (Part 4) 9. Tommy Cooper's Mirth Magic and Mischief 10. Australia's Oldest Magic Shop Bernard's On the Move 11. The Unconventional Convention 12. Magic at the Beach 2011, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA 13. Magicana Brings Magic To Children With Cancer 14. Extreme Snowstorm in Time for Christmas!! 15. Branson Magic Bonanza 2011 16. This Week at Fantasma Magic Lecture 17. Tony Laffan and Kasey- Laura, A new direction... 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice   -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- This week I would like to take the opportunity to thank our three regular columnists Nick Lewin, Kyle Peron and Tony Brook for their always very interesting columns they bring to our readers and judging from the feedback I have every week all three have a huge following.   Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com   -------------------------------------------- 2. David Sandy - Fire On Magic Cruise 2010 -------------------------------------------- Message by David Sandy (US)   Well, I can't think of one project that I worked harder on or invested more hours in than Magic Cruise 2010! Most people know that I produced a Magic Cruise in 2002 and then another one in 2009. Neither were profitable . so people ask: "Why another one in 2010?"   Well, to give some background . after the first one in 2002, my business moved to Branson, Missouri to establish and produce shows and live entertainment. I was heavily involved in the theater business in Branson for five years and at the end of the five-year run, I was producing five different shows (Tom Mullica's Red Skelton Tribute, The Haygoods Family Show, Siegfried & Roy Present Darren Romeo, Tony Roi's Elvis Experience, and Red Hot & Blue) in two theaters.   This amount of work became a vacuum to my time as I was managing over forty employees and working 80-90 hours a week. Branson was good to me, but the little town became over-saturated with shows (over 120 different shows) and I decided it was time to leave and pursue other projects. The year 2007 marked my last year in Branson.   Because I had received such positive feedback on the Magic Cruise I had produced in 2002, I decided to do a second one. I chose May 2009 as the date and started work on putting it all together. Although it may sound like a fairly simple process to coordinate, most folks have no idea of the complicated logistics in taking a first-rate magic convention to the high seas. First of all, you have to book cabins and invest over $25,000 in deposits alone just to hold the cabins.   Once the cabins are held, you can't make any changes. Now, one of the biggest headaches is getting the cruise line to give you space to hold the lectures, close-up shows, receptions, cabaret shows and stage shows. Ships use every bit of available space for their own events (bingo, art auctions, shore excursion sales pitches, contests/games, etc.). They're not used to making any changes to their schedules and allowing an outside group to use their space. To put it bluntly, they don't like to make ANY changes to their schedule and structure.   So, you have to beg for space. Trying to get them to give up their main showroom for a couple of magic shows is almost impossible, especially if you want them to allow their normal passengers to come to the shows. They want to distance themselves from any non-cruise-hired entertainment or events. It's a liability concern of theirs. So this process of getting meeting and show space requires months of jumping through hoops and pleading and usually you don't get confirmation until a few weeks before the cruise itself.   Now, it's time to deal with customs in order to get the magicians' equipment onboard the ship. Keep in mind, in the eyes of customs and the ship; we all are just regular passengers. None of my magicians are hired by the cruise line, so none get any special treatment or assistance. I spent a couple of months in preparing paperwork for customs to assure there won't be a problem the day we show up to the ship to board the vessel. To just get permission to get access to the pier with a truckload of illusions nearly takes an act of God. The ship doesn't provide any storage of equipment.   Everything must be stored in the passenger's cabin. Can you imagine trying to get large stage illusions in a cabin? The rooms are barely large enough to sleep in as it is much less trying to get the props through the door. This means more begging and pleading with the headquarters office to try to get them to give up a little space somewhere close to the stage so we can store the illusions and props.   Honestly, I could go on and on with a huge laundry list of complications and processes required to put together a Magic Cruise, but it would probably bore everyone to tears. Suffice it to say, it is a huge, huge, huge hassle!   Anyway, after Magic Cruise 2009, the feedback from those who attended was tremendous. I received emails and cards from folks strongly encouraging me to do another one. Even though it certainly wasn't profitable, I thought that perhaps the economy was getting a bit better and I had generated some momentum and interest in the "magic cruise" idea, I should do another one before I lost the energy and momentum from the May 2009 cruise. Perhaps, I would sell a few more cabins and the third one would turn a profit.   So, I decided to start work on a third cruise and chose November 2010 as the dates. I thought it would be more interesting and fun if we could include the Magic Castle as a part of the cruise experience, so I chose a Mexican Riviera cruise that would depart from the Los Angeles area.   So with roughly 18 months to prepare for Magic Cruise 2010, the work began all over again.   Even though we didn't quite receive enough registrations to cover the expenses, I decided that I was going to give everyone who signed up for Magic Cruise 2010 the very best magical vacation I could offer. We had 158 in our group coming from all parts of the world, including Australia, England, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Netherland Antilles and the United States. Things were going relatively smoothly when we arrived in Los Angeles on Friday, November 5, with the exception of my health.   The previous week, I was in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to open a magic-themed POPS symphonic concert I produce (Mysterioso, A POPS Concert of Magic, Mirth & Mayhem) when I started suffering from sciatica. For those who are unfamiliar with sciatica, it's the result of the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body, and causes great pain from your hip down to your feet. At one point in Canada, I was bed-ridden and could only be moved about in a wheelchair.   A week later in Los Angeles to kick off the Magic Cruise reception at the Magic Castle on Saturday night, November 6, the sciatic pain had lessened and I could walk, although with a limp, with the help of pain medication. The Magic Castle experience went well thanks to the entire staff, performers and management at the Castle. The next day, the motor coaches arrived at our Hollywood hotel to transport the Magic Cruise passengers to the port in Long Beach to board the Carnival Splendor. Things were still going as planned.   Although we had a few challenges in getting Kalin & Jinger's equipment on the ship, everyone made it on the ship without much difficulty. Our opening night Magic Cruise reception and first cabaret show on Sunday night went very well after we departed Long Beach on this 3,300 - passenger ship.   Monday morning, 6:00am. We were awakened by the cruise director's announcement that everyone needed to get out of their cabins and come to the deck. The engine room was full of smoke and they were afraid we'd breathe the smoke. My first Magic Cruise event of the day, a close-up show, was scheduled for 9:00am on Monday. After sitting on the deck for a couple of hours, it became clear to me that it was unlikely that we'd be able to hold our close-up show at 9:00am.   I asked my friend, Lance Rich, to post a sign on the meeting room door that the close-up show would be delayed until 10:00am. More time went by and we're still sitting on the ship's deck. Now, I'm thinking there's no way we'll be doing a close-up show any time that morning. Knowing that we had three lectures scheduled for the afternoon, I'm thinking of ways to reschedule our Magic Cruise activities. I asked Lance to post another sign on the door explaining the fact that the Magic Cruise schedule was "up in the air" and folks should monitor the notes posted to the door for continual updates as they became available.   Because we had no power on the ship, the only lighting came from daylight coming through windows or from emergency overhead lighting. I decided to take advantage of these small down pools of light and figure out a way to do close-up shows in very intimate areas. Lance and I rounded up the close-up performers (Chad Long, Shoot Ogawa and Bob Sheets) and asked if they would consider doing more shows for fewer people at a time, instead of the two performances they had originally agreed to do. They all agreed. So, throughout Monday afternoon, we shuttled Magic Cruise folks into this darkened meeting room and entertained them with close-up shows in a small down pool of light that just illuminated the surface of the close-up table. Each performer did 15 minutes for a total show lasting about 45-50 minutes. We did a show on the half-hour throughout the afternoon until everyone got to see a performance.   It was during one of the close-up shows Monday afternoon that the cruise director announced that the cruise had been officially terminated and we were dead in the water with no power. My heart sank. I thought to myself, "How am I ever going to give these folks the Magic Cruise experience they are expecting?" The last thing I wanted to do was disappoint anyone!   As the close-up shows went on throughout Monday afternoon, we noticed a bad smell filling the room. Upon closer investigation, I discovered that the neighboring public restroom on the ship was overflowing (no one could flush any toilet and there was no running water) and seeping under the wall into our meeting room. The stench became unbearable. I knew there was no way we'd be able to use this room anymore throughout the rest of our time on the ship.   That night, I noticed there were only a few normal (non-Magic Cruise) passengers in the darkened Piano Bar on the ship. I grabbed a bunch of our Magic Cruise folks and we went into the piano bar for an informal Jam Session. We saw lots of great magic from each other on an impromptu basis. Several performers, including Tom Presti and Michael Trixx, even entertained us with cabaret and stage magic. It was a lot of fun.   When I went to bed Monday night, I was determined to find another space to use for as many magic-related events as I could put together as an attempt to salvage any part of the Magic Cruise that could be salvaged. I set the alarm on my phone for 6:00am. Upon waking up very early Tuesday morning, Lance and I went to another small lounge on the ship, The Cool Lounge, and saw that no one was in the room. I immediately posted handwritten signs on the door and throughout the room claiming this space "MAGICIANS GROUP ONLY - PRIVATE MEETINGS".   I had decided that come hell or high water, this was where the magicians would be meeting. We posted signed on the door of the old meeting room notifying every one of the new location and the fact that the first magic lecture would begin at 10:30am in the Cool Lounge. Lance and I arranged chairs the best we could in spite of the fact that many chairs and seating on a cruise ship is actually bolted to the floor. We found a table in a closet and put it on the dance floor with chairs arranged in semicircular fashion around it.   Magic Cruise folks started showing up around 9:30am to see exactly what was going on and how we might continue with some informal Magic Cruise activities. Martin Lewis would lecture at 10:30am using only the light that came through the window on the side of the lounge. I gave each lecturer 75 minutes to lecture and 15 minutes to sell notes and product. Chad Long was scheduled to lecture at noon, Bob Sheets at 1:30pm and Shoot Ogawa at 3:00pm.   By mid-afternoon the room was getting hot. There was no air conditioning and the afternoon sun was bearing down into the room through the side window. I decided to not do a 4:30pm lecture with Rich Bloch because it was too hot. I'd let the room cool down and we'd do something in there that evening when the sun had gone down.   Remember, only emergency lighting was available in the room at night. and this wouldn't be enough to see any type of performance. So, I decided to do a Panel Discussion with the Pros essentially in the dark. well, almost dark. Lance and I arranged some chairs along one side of the room where there was a bit of emergency lighting and then rearranged other movable chairs around the room. We posted a sign that this Panel with the Pros would begin at 8:00pm. I assembled a panel that included Martin Lewis, Danny Cole, Christopher Hart, Chipper Lowell, Mark Kalin, Jinger Kalin, Bill Smith, Rich Bloch and Stan Allen. I acted as the moderator. We began with backgrounds and bios of the panel members. The audience asked questions and the pros gave advice. This event proved to be very educational and entertaining, even with the "campfire" feeling.   The next day (Wednesday), the lectures began at 10:00am. Once again, I "claimed" the room for the magicians early that morning. Rich Bloch lectured at 10:00am, Danny Cole at 11:30am. Several of the other performers came to me and offered to help out in any way they could. Christopher Hart said he'd give Zombie tips, Mark Kalin said he'd offer tips on doing the Multiplying Billiard Balls. I was seeing a theme starting. I could create a spontaneous lecture called "It Takes Balls!" I asked Bob Sheets if he could lecture a bit on the Cups and Balls. He agreed. For variety's sake, I asked one of the guys who signed up for the Magic Cruise, Joseph White, if he could help. I had noticed that he was quite an expert in balloon twisting. So I added him to the impromptu lecture line-up with a mini-lecture on "ball"oons. This "It Takes Balls" lecture was scheduled for 2:00pm.   During the lunch break from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Bob Sheets offered a special private boot camp on the 3-Shell Game to those who were interested.   During the 2:00pm ball lecture, I had an idea. I had heard from several people that the normal passengers on the ship had seen some of my folks perform magic tricks here and there. and the feedback was positive. I decided we would capitalize on a very captive audience that night.   Following the ball lecture, I told everyone in the room to show up at 8:00pm on Deck 5 with some magic in their pockets. I meant EVERYONE! I said that I didn't care if they were an amateur, enthusiast or professional performer. I wanted the magicians to converge upon these bored passengers and entertain them. It was a hit! Dozens of magicians roamed Deck 5 entertaining a very welcoming and appreciative audience. Some were strolling, some had set up small performance tables, some were at the empty bars. magicians were performing anywhere they could find light. It took only seconds to build an audience. People were hungry to be entertained and distracted from their vacation that went horribly wrong. This went on for hours. For many in our group, this was the most memorable aspect of the entire cruise. It certainly showed me the real power of magic and the impact it can have on people!   We learned that on the following day, we'd arrive in San Diego being pulled by a couple of tug boats. We weren't sure of the time yet, but it was estimated to be sometime in the afternoon. Carnival told us that all of the ship's passengers would be put up in various hotels in San Diego and then returned to Los Angeles the following day (Friday) via motor coaches.   Again, I had an idea. By this time on the cruise, every passenger was allowed to make one satellite phone call. I decided to call my friend, I.B.M. Past International President Jack White, who lived in San Diego. I thought if I could get Carnival to put all of my Magic Cruise folks in the same hotel, perhaps we could hold a final reception and stage show at the hotel since we weren't able to do a stage show on the ship. I explained my idea to Jack and he agreed to call upon the I.B.M. Ring 76 members to help me coordinate all of this. I was handicapped because I couldn't make any more calls from the ship, so I had to trust that the Ring 76 folks could make it happen.   As soon as we arrived in San Diego and my cell phone worked, I contacted Jack. I also insisted that Carnival arrange for all of us to be in one hotel. which, after much insisting, they agreed to block 75 rooms at the Marriott on Harbor Boulevard. Jack immediately contacted the Marriott and started arranging for staging, lights and sound. Mike Stilwell, a San Diego Ring 76 member, contacted me and agreed to help with the details. He put me in touch with Rick Duff, a production company owner, who very graciously offered to help with an incredible lighting and sound rig. Within a few hours, it was all coming together.   As soon as we got off the ship, I headed to the Marriott. We had only a few hours to get a stage show produced and equipment set up. My technical director, Dale Hindman, took the lead on the technical issues. An amazing line-up of performers were assembled. Rich Bloch would emcee and perform. Featured acts on the show included Christopher Hart, Jose Sanchez (Ring 76 member), Bob Meigs (Ring 76 member), Danny Cole, Stan Allen, Shoot Ogawa, Terry Lunceford (Ring 76 member) and Chipper Lowell. The show came off flawlessly and was a big hit. I made closing remarks and from there we all went to the bar for a big reception.   The Magic Cruise experience had come to an end for most they were on their way home the following day.   I still needed to get Kalin & Jinger's illusions off the ship before it went into dry dock for repairs. I was determined to remain in San Diego until I was absolutely certain their props were safely en route to Hollywood for the Kalins' engagement at the Magic Castle the following week. On Friday, after numerous phone calls to the port and to Carnival administration, I finally coordinated the props getting off the ship and into a warehouse. Carnival arranged for a van and trailer to take me, Lance and Lance's mother to Hollywood, along with five large cases of illusions. We arrived in Hollywood on Friday night and unloaded everything at the Magic Castle. Kalin and Jinger were in Dallas on a corporate event that night and wouldn't return to Hollywood until Sunday.   I finally made it back to my home near Kansas City on Tuesday and am now dealing with all of the financial details of the trip. I have been in negotiations with Carnival Cruise Lines regarding the lost expenses and am hopeful that the company will do the right thing by reimbursing me for my lost hard-cost expenses.   Once again, another Magic Cruise goes down into history. albeit this one was considerably a different adventure then I had anticipated. I have been so blessed with the tremendous feedback from many folks who joined me for this cruise and who appreciated all of the extra efforts I put into trying to salvage their vacation experience. Their kind words have meant so very much to me during the aftermath of this very difficult and stressful venture.   I personally want to thank everyone who did so much to help me with this project. the performers (Stan Allen, Rich Bloch, Danny Cole, Shoot Ogawa, Kalin & Jinger, Chad Long, Bob Sheets, Martin Lewis, Christopher Hart and Chipper Lowell), Lance Rich, Matt Patton and the Magic Castle folks, Dale Hindman, Joanne Weeks of Cruise Holidays, and so many more. I also want to thank EVERYONE who signed up to participate in Magic Cruise 2010. So many of these folks assisted me in unbelievable ways. too many to mention individually. You learn so much about the true character of people in difficult times. I am so proud to call these folks my friends. Thank you again.   -------------------------------------------- 3. FAQ's For S.A.M. Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US)   Sleepless in Pittsburgh?   The Society of American Magicians annual convention in Pittsburgh, July 13-16, 2011, offers a lot for a little. You may not find time to sleep. By hosting the FISM North American Championships of Magic along with its regular favorite events, the SAM offers three days of contests to pick up to 15 winners to compete in the 2012 World Championships of Magic in England. Here is a list of answers so help you make your choices of when to sleep.   Q. How much sleep will I get? A. As little as you'd like.   Q. Will there be lectures? A. We're counting seven right now. A. There maybe more.   Q. How about a Dealer's Show? A. You bet - on Thursday afternoon! And the Dealer Room will have the newest items from domestic and foreign dealers.   Q. Will we get see some Close-Up? A. The Close-up Gala brings us the best of two worlds - Pittsburgh vs. Ohio.   .Q. Are there good places to eat nearby? A Yes, everything from McDonalds to gourmet restaurants all within walking distance from the hotel.   Q. How far is the theater? A. Three blocks. And we'll have a shuttle for those who have difficulty walking.   Q. How about things to do that are outside magic? A. Several options are planned and will be announced in early Spring.   Q. Will there be a Stars of TomorrowT show? A. Yes. And the close-up gala and three shows in the theater.   Q. How can I save money on registration? A. By registering before the Early Bird discount price expires on March 7, 2011.   Go to www.magicsam.com or email samregistrar@yahoo.com   -------------------------------------------- 4. Houdini Is Returning To An Area Near You -------------------------------------------- Message by Joel Moskowitz (US)   Houdini is a name to conjure with. For many the word Houdini is equivalent to magician. More than eight decades after his premature demise, he is returning to California. Not Houdini per se, but his artifacts, his story and the multiple works which he inspired - displayed at The Jewish Museum in New York City (Opened October 29, 2010 - approximately the anniversary of his untimely death which is remembered at Halloween time- what a showman! To arrange to die on an annual celebration of mystery is a trick).   And what about the return to California : Beginning April 28, 2011, the exhibit can be seen at The Skirball Museum in Los Angeles (through September 04, 2011) and then at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, CA (from September 30, 2011 through January 16, 2012) Following that, the Houdini exhibition returns to Wisconsin (not Appleton from which he hailed and often erroneously said was his birthplace) but to Madison where it will be on view at The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (February 11, 2012 through May 13, 2012).   In fact, Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary and as far as Appleton was concerned, Houdini was said to remark that his greatest escape was ....from Appleton, Wisconsin. The legendary run-away, runs away to join the circus. Houdini did.   In a sense the master illusionist, Metamorphosed himself, from an immigrant, runaway, son of an unsuccessful Rabbi, who with Houdini ultimately attempted to survive by sewing neckties to become world-renown with a name equated to escape artist, daredevil. He was the master of self-promotion.   It is likely that aficionados of conjuring will know much about Houdini, and the miraculous escapes witnessed around the world. N.B. He worked for-a-time with a locksmith. His challenge nothing can hold him was true until the last. As a skeptic of wonders, he campaigned against spiritualists who deceived the gullible, he warned. Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the master of ratiocination, Sherlock Holmes, paradoxically was a believer in the ability of the gifted to communicate with the dead. He believed that Houdini had powers which modesty prohibited him from acknowledging. Out of respect for Doyle, when Doyle s second wife channeled with Houdini s beloved deceased mother, Houdini refrained from calling her a charlatan. Doyle s wife wrote the message that said was from the here-after in English, with a symbolic crucifix on the top of the page! Houdini s mother could not speak English and as an Orthodox Jewess, she would never have sent a crucifix.   Houdini was the son of a Rabbi but except for an intense devotion to his mother his Jewish roots were not much manifest. His life partner, Bess Rahmer, was not Jewish. His name Ehrich Weiss was an Anglicized phonetically similar version of Errie i.e. Harry. In tribute to the great French magician, Robert-Houdin, (the father of Modern Magic) he took the name Harry Houdini.   Testimony to Houdini s ambivalence, he had a secret pact with his wife, Bess, that if it were possible he would send a code message in a Seance setting on the anniversary of his death. For many years, this ritual was observed with no communication from the beyond. On the last year, disappointed as Bess left the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood where the ceremony took place, there was a sudden and unpredicted torrent flash of rain. A sign? It was not the word that he and Bess had arranged to confirm authenticity (BELIEVE) but believers still put their stock in mysteries.   The Jewish-Museum in New York and Yale University Press have published a 280 page hardbound catalogue with contributions, illustrations, essays written by Kenneth Silverman (Houdini biographer) and E.L. Doctorow (famous novelist) et al. The catalogue is available for purchase from the publishers.   The exhibit guest curator was Brooke Camin Rapaport.   In an ironic twist, some might say, Houdini is buried in the Machpelah Cemetery in Queen, New York in a bronze casket fabricated for his buried alive stunt.   A highlight of the Houdini exhibit is entitled Cremaster 5: The Ehrich Weiss Suite (1997) by Matthew Barney. A room-sized work includes views of an acrylic casket with live pigeons who naturally deface the coffin. The message is that nature endures while life is fleeting. Conversely, one may say that Houdini proved that fame is enduring and universal when emotions are stimulated.   See for yourself. Take advantage of the Jewish-Museum Houdini exhibit when it comes to a locality near you.   -------------------------------------------- 5. The Show/Tribute To The Larsen Family -------------------------------------------- Message by Roger Dreyer   Come to Las Vegas on Monday, December 6th! The Fantasma Ring #257, Las Vegas of the International Brotherhood of Magicians is proud to make Milt, Irene and in memory of Bill Larsen Jr. their Magician's of the Year.   The who's who of magic have gotten together and are ready to put on the most magical and memorable show filled with many celebrity performances and appearances including Siegfried. The show stars: Mac King as MC, Jason Byrne, Aye Jaye, Max Maven, Luna Shimada, The Amazing Johnathan, James Dimmare, The Great Throwdini and Kevin James with surprise guests not to be missed.   The show/Tribute takes place at the Orleans Hotel in Vegas. Mention code number OIBMC12 to get a room rate of only $38!   Ticket sales for Magic Castle or Ring 257 Members are only $55. Non Members $100. VIP seats $150. Youth $25.   For more information, visit www.ibm257.com   The Larsen's are the most magical family and we are excited to produce a very special night for them and you as well. The show is produced by Roger Dreyer of Fantasma Magic as well as the members of the Fantasma Ring 257, Las Vegas   Roger Dreyer CEO Fantasma Magic 421 7th Ave. (Entrance on 33rd Street) 2nd Floor New York, NY 10001   www.fantasmamagic.com 212 924-8345   -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #9 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US)   There is never enough work!   The economic downturn that has hit the world has certainly cut down on the amount of gigs that are available for jobbing magicians. Yeh, so what's new! Ever since I can remember (except for a few golden years in the 80s) there have been people in panic about the shortage of work. However I hear a lot of talk about it now as I travel performing my shows.   Sure there is less money around and things are tighter. Well when the times get tough, the tough get going. This is when you need to think very carefully about marketing to the audiences that still want to hire magicians. It is also the time to make sure your magic product is really top notch.   A magician who does a poor job may not only be hurting his chances of future work but he may be spoiling the field for other magicians who do a better job; brutal but true. Having a web site and a video no longer guarantee bookings. This is a good time to stretch the envelope a little.   One of the secrets that a real pro discovers is that when one door closes another one tends to open. You may have to really keep your eyes open for it though, it may just open a crack and there may me a bunch of magicians waiting in line to put their foot in the door.   What is interesting is that the real pros usually keep working when each new disaster hits the work scene. They have to--  because a true pro has to work or he doesn't eat, and that really keeps you on your toes. The first thing to do is to look for the areas of work that are still available and paying money.   Kyle Peron has written some wonderful articles in Magic New Zealand about the importance of creativity. I would suggest that even more essential is the art of adaptability. People usually mistakenly think that Darwin's theory of relativity refers to 'the survival of the fittest,' what he actually says is 'the survival of the most adaptable.' Words to live by.   For instance why not try getting a small co-operative of magicians together and staging a show on the quiet night in a local venue. Don't forget that restaurants hotels and clubs are having some challenging times economically too. Make them an offer they can't refuse. Comedians work very hard at finding stage time in order to develop their work and to promote themselves. Magicians should too.   Magicians tend to think more in terms of working for other magicians at the local club or magic conventions. A less fruitful way of obtaining work or improving performing skills for real (i.e. paying audiences) can scarcely be imagined. However a small group of magicians can create a showcase that can result in actual paying gigs. Don't expect the showcase to make much money for you, just use it to garner exposure to some potential paying clients.   Decide on a market that has some serious potential for development in your town. Private parties, fundraisers, kid's shows, promotional shows etc. Then market your show (case) for the kind of people who book them. Make sure you present the very best entertainers in these areas; not just the hotshot from the local club that the other magicians adore. He might bore the pants of a 'real' audience.   When you get a nibble from a potential buyer is when you can harvest the full benefits of your group activities by engaging in some subtle 'up-selling.' See if you can add a couple of close up guys to an after-dinner show or alternatively if someone wants a close-up show then try and pitch an after-dinner performer. There is only strength in numbers when you work together.   Think like a team and work as a team and you might be surprised at the doors that open, at the very worst you will learn a lot about the very real skills of producing an event. The other added bonus is that you will be improving those performing skills that are the true bread and butter of a busy working pro.   Events of this kind are the way comedy clubs sprung up in the early 80s. Plan and execute a successful event on a regular basis (once a week or once a month, as long as it's consistent) and see where it can take you. Let me assure you that each month Jeff McBride's 'Wonderground' in Las Vegas attracts a sizeable crowd that many major casino showrooms would kill for.  Monday Night Magic in New York and the Mystery Lounge in Boston do the same. If you want to be in show business then you had better put on a show!   No more bitching about no work, get cracking on finding it!   Drop me an email at nicklewin@me.com   -------------------------------------------- 7. Sound of Silence - #189 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com   Your show music starts and you enter the stage. You begin your opening act and feel the adrenalin flow. The birds are produced and the cards appear and vanish from nowhere. Silks cascade over your hands and as the music builds, the cage vanishes entirely. You move forward and strike your pose......then......NOTHING! Nothing but silence. You can almost hear a pin drop. You stare at the audience and start to wonder.   "Silence is Golden" certainly does not apply here. If you are like me, you feed off the audience and the audience feeds off of you. You gain energy and momentum from an audiences response to what you are doing. Their responses (both audio and visual) help you to push the show in different directions. The applause validates what you are presenting. The comedy and interaction allows you to impov off of situations as they occur.   But what happens when we hear this "silence"? What do we do when the audience simply is not giving us the cues we are accustomed to receiving? More importantly. Why does this happen and what can we do to address it?   First we must assume that the reason for the silence is not the show or routine itself. This would be the very first area one must look closely at. Perhaps the act or routine is not structured the way it should. Perhaps what we thought would play well, simply needs a lot of work. Not every routine we create plays the way it was intended to play. However, a professional is one that learns from his or her mistakes and realizes they are stepping stones to success.   But what if these are tested routines that you have done for years? You always know they play well because you have seen it time and again. So what might be causing the silence in moments like this?   Well, there are several possibilities and I would like to share some of them with you.   Sometimes an act or routine is just performed too fast. In some instances, we can be going into hyper overdrive and not realize we are doing so. If we do not give the audience time to pause, then we are not giving them time to take everything in. We must also pause long enough to let the audience react if you want them to. Like a conductor, we must arrange our routines in such a way to allow reactions to happen.   Another factor that plays into this silent treatment is how an audience feels. If an audience is tired, you will not likely get the response you are seeking. It may not be that they don't enjoy what they see, they just may not feel like expressing it to you at that time. You will notice this a lot if you do outdoor shows. The hotter it gets outside, the less reactions you will usually garner from the crowd. Audiences need to be comfortable in order to react. It is our job to try and make them as comfortable as we can.   Silence can also often be felt when performing for shows for mentally challenged or autistic folk. In this case, do not take the silence a bad thing. It may be a simple fact that some folks cannot express emotion or may not be able to clap.   You have to learn to overcome the silence and continue to reach out to your audience. Do not build up a wall and turn inward to yourself. It is too easy for a performer to start rethinking the show when silence is heard. Your natural instinct is to immediately change things and try something new. When you start to do that, you start to perform only for you and your audience can sense and feel it. You must break through that silence and still engage the audience.   The best thing to do is instead of having the audience reach out and react to you, you do the opposite. You start to reach out and engage them. You learn to react towards them. You continue to engage in eye contact and you can applaud a person in the audience for their smile. Grab a hold of the audience and bring them in towards you. A professional always has to be ready for any and all situations. Learn to break down that 4th wall that can exist between you and the audience. If you learn some of the reasons (a few listed above) as to why silence may occur during a show, you can be better prepared.   As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you.   - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download. http://www.magicenhancer.com/Blue/Gold.html - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html   -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Lupe Nielsen - (Part 4) ------------------------------------------ Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA   TB: How very true. Over the years you have had some great Mentors and pretty much met everyone worth meeting. Are you influenced by any one magician in particular?   LN: I have been so lucky to have met so many people that have helped me along the way. My first mentor was Scotty York who taught me the importance of proper and logical routining. Scotty could take a mundane routine and make it look like a piece of art after he finished with it. He would reduce the number of moves, change the timing, and give it logical meaning. Michael Skinner showed me how beautiful magic really could look. Johnny Thompson is a prince, he helps me with any question I might have on magic. He is a living encyclopedia. And of course Norm gives me great feedback. If something really sucks he just walks away.   TB: He! He! I'm sorry but that remark about Norm made me chuckle. Nevertheless, he's right. If it sucks, walk away! As we evolve as Performers, we tend to gain a better and deeper appreciation for our Art. But this takes all kinds of experience. Let's talk a little more about your first few years in the US.   LN: As mentioned earlier, I was active in magic during my teenage years, and studied theater at the National School of Theater in Panama. I then came to the US and earned a degree in Theater (Technical Theater) at Virginia Tech in 1988. Later worked at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, for two seasons, in 1988 and 1989. I did 600 shows during the first season. I then went to Northern Virginia (the Washington D.C. area) where I performed at private events, restaurants, a dinner theatre and even did magic bartending for a couple of years.   TB: It was during that time you met Norm.   LN: Yes Tony. I first met Norm at Hank Lee's magic Conclave in 1989. We kept in touch, and I later moved to Las Vegas in 1995, when we got to know each other better. We were married on 2 May 1998.   End of Part 4 (Hidden in this article are deliberate grammatical & spelling mistakes. After much hard work, my proofreader & I have included these to please those who enjoy finding them.)   Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com   -------------------------------------------- 9. Tommy Cooper's Mirth Magic And Mischief -------------------------------------------- Message by Henry Lewis MIMC Hon.Vice President The Magic Circle Emeritus Curator Museum and Archives   I have now completed reading the latest book entitled 'Tommy Cooper's Mirth Magic and Mischief ' by John Fisher MIMC. John's reputation as an executive TV Producer in the UK is exemplified by his production of the TV series 'Best of Magic' also the Paul Daniel's series on TV which also won the coveted 'Rose d'Or' in Montreux. The book I refer to above has a striking and amusing 'lenticular' front cover, the contents include numerous Tommy Cooper ad-libs and tricks and I am sure the reading of this book can only add to the performance of many magicians today.   For the benefit of readers, books by the same author include: Funny Way to be a Hero - The Magic of Lewis Carroll - Call them Irreplaceable - George Formby; the Ukelele Man - Never Give a Sucker an Even Break - Paul Daniels & The Story of Magic - Body Magic - Cardini; The Sauvé Deceiver - Tommy Cooper; Always Leave Them laughing and Tony Hancock; The Definitive Biography.   These books have not only given me joy to read but to me are of educational value in my performance of entertaining 'Magic'.   -------------------------------------------- 10. Australia's Oldest Magic Shop Bernard's On The Move -------------------------------------------- Message by Kristina (Aust)   Australia's oldest magic shop Bernard's, located at 211 Elizabeth Street in Melbourne Victoria will close its doors on 30 November 2010.   On 1 December 2010, Bernard's will re-open in a new location.   Our new address will be Level 1/187 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.   Just down the road for the current location - closer to Bourke Street Mall. Our phone, fax, web and e-mail stay the same.   Please come and visit us next time you're in town.   -------------------------------------------- 11. The Unconventional Convention ------------------------------------------ Message by Charlie Fenn (US)   We just got back from a small, fun convention at Cumberland Falls, Kentucky called "The Unconventional Convention". It is held annually and is attended by 300 to 400 people mostly from the middle south states. Admission is only $20.00 and we stay at the Cumberland Falls State Park Inn and have all meals at their huge buffet. No other restaurants for about 30 miles.   Pop Hayden was the featured performer and lecturer but most of the shows are all local magicians and as many perform as they can fit in. There is a close-up show on Friday and a stage show on Sat.   I usually perform at both shows and a couple of photos are enclosed taken by John Hopper (our Ring 58 President) Our next project is the annual Winter carnival of magic at Pigeon Forge, TN - home of Terry Evanswood and Duane Laflin. It's one of the best regional conventions ever and this will be about the 35th year.   -------------------------------------------- 12. Magic At The Beach 2011, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Heidtman (US)   Shoot Ogawa is literally a living legend in the magic community, one of the world's greatest modern magicians from Japan. Originally from Tokyo, he first began studying magic when he was 10 years old under the tutelage of Masahiro Yanagida, one of Japan's most popular and respected entertainers.   Shoot first began turning heads at age 17 when he entered the Mid-West Magic Jubilee competition in the US, winning 1st place in the Stage Performance Category. This was the first of many 1st place awards he would soon claim, making a name for himself as well as heralding a renaissance to the art of modern magic from Japan. Shoot also began performing regularly on popular variety shows on Nippon TV, becoming a well-known magician and entertainer while perfecting his stage presence.   He loves introducing his unique style and eye popping magic to the hard to impress public, converting a new generation of cynics into fans of magic.   In addition to Shoot Ogawa, we now have Topas, Charlie Frye & Company, Jay Sankey, Levent, Nathan Kranzo, Christian and Katalina, Chris Capehart, and Coney Island Chris!   We would also like to welcome to the Dealer's Room: MagicSmith from Las Vegas, NV Bob Little's Guaranteed Magic from Hatboro, PA Hughes Magic from Ravenna, OH and Joe Mogar's Magic Stars Studio from Deerfield, NJ   The public is invited to join us at The Gilmore Theater for a fantastic Gala Show to benefit the Children's Museum of South Carolina. A select block of tickets have been set aside for the "Champions of Magic" show and will be given complimentary to our registrants. But remember, the sooner you register, the better the seating!   To learn even more please visit our website at www.MagicAtTheBeach.org . Performer's bios, schedule of events, registration information, dealers, resort information and much more can be found there.   This is stacking up to be a truly special event and is suitable for families and magicians of all ages. Help spread the word amongst your compeers. Thank you to all who have registered already but remember - there is still room for more !!   We'll see you there ... January 20 - 22, 2011, Myrtle Beach, SC.   www.magicatthebeach.org -------------------------------------------- 13. Magicana Brings Magic To Children With Cancer -------------------------------------------- Message by Julie Eng (Canada)   Magicana was back at camp over the Halloween weekend (October 31), in partnership with Camp Oochigeas and the Urban Ooch program.   Camp Oochigeas is a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids with cancer and kids affected by childhood cancer a unique opportunity for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences. Ooch, as the organization is affectionately known, has become an important resource for kids and their families and has grown beyond the summer days of camp. Now offering Urban Camps and Ooch in the City, Ooch called upon the magicians at Magicana for another version of "Boot Camp Magic Day".   With such amazing participants and volunteers, how could Magicana refuse?   Our second outing with Ooch in the City was perfectly scheduled on Halloween. We learned, practiced and, believe it or not, we even performed! 23 campers ages eight to thirteen years and 15 magic coaches (volunteer camp counselors), rolled up their sleeves, polished their magic wands and sprinkled quite a bit of whoofle-dust on Sunday in preparation for the end of day goal: A Showcase of Magic.   The campers in this program face immense challenges - ones that a child is not meant to see. It was very touching to see how hard campers worked despite these issues. It was even more moving to see camp volunteers (duly dubbed "Magic Coaches") stand side-by-side with campers, cheering them on.   "The day was absolutely amazing from start to finish. I can't express to you the gratitude I feel for your generosity and passion in the work you did with our campers. It was a really special thing to see them all get up in front of a crowd and perform at the end of the day, what an amazing experience for them."   Chrissie Arnold, Ooch City Program Manager   For more information about Camp Ooch visit http://www.ooch.org. For more information about Boot Camp Magic visit: http://bit.ly/dbhWTP   -------------------------------------------- 14. Extreme Snowstorm In Time For Christmas!! -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany (NZ)   If I were to tell you this is SNOWSTORM for the 21st Century I wouldn't be wrong!! Actually it's WAY MORE than just a snowstorm. Already three TV personalities have ordered this and are using it for different routines other than snowstorm!   For the past two years I've been working on trying to achieve the perfect ending for my snowstorm routine. Well, I'm proud to say it's here!   Last week I did a television interview, which will be screened in time for Christmas in New Zealand, and needed something at the end to really knock them out. I chose Extreme Snowstorm. Here's what I did. I picked up my iphone and showed a snow globle. I shook it then suddenly a huge burst of 'snow' came out of it. The entire crew on the set were literally blown away by it. They had never seen anything like this - I guess you could say it's Snowstorm for the 21st Century.   The potential with this gimmick is amazing. You can add this to your current snowstorm routine, or use it as a standalone effect like my iStorm routine. You can have silks fly out of your pocket, or out of your hand. Pick up any object such as a hat, cap, glass, cup, pack of cards etc, and appear to have certain objects fly out of them.   The best thing about this is that it can be used ANYTIME and ANYWHERE. I now have two in my show, one for the silks flying out and the other to end my snowstorm routine. You start clean and end clean (except for the mess on the floor:).   My thanks to Marcus for letting me work on this project with him - each unit is hand made, and they have some great features. There is a safety latch so you can wear this with safety and it is under your control at all times.     For more information and to see a performance of this check out my website at   http://www.extrememagicmakeover.com/extremesnow.html   -------------------------------------------- 15. Branson Magic Bonanza 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Marty Hahne (US)   Branson Magic Bonanza to be held April 28 - April 30, 2011. Marty and Brenda Hahne, of Dazzling Magic, proudly present the Branson Magic Bonanza. Three days of fun, friendship and magic!   Featuring seven lectures, all-star show, two Branson shows, an evening with Johnny Thompson, and evening with Denny Haney (of Denny and Lee), dealers, ice cream party, two optional gospel lectures and more! Talent includes: The Great Tomsoni & Co., Denny Haney, Stoil & Ekaterina, Dan Stapleton, Ventriloquist Mark Wade, Jason Hudy, Dave Hill, Al Moessinger and Greg Wood.   It all takes place at the Cobblestone Inn and Star Conference Center, with a low room rate of just $49.95.   Come early or stay late and enjoy all that Branson MO has to offer! For more information, go to www.bransonmagicbonanza.com   -------------------------------------------- 16. This Week at Fantasma Magic Lecture -------------------------------------------- Message by Nelson (US)   DO NOT FORGET about the Aldo & Rachel Colombini Benefit.   This is a Show, a Lecture and a Party with Lots of Surprises! All proceeds will go to the Colombini Family in support of Rachel's open heart surgery which is scheduled to take place on Nov 22nd. The Colombini's have given so much to the magical community; it's time now for ALL of us to give back. Join us for what promises to be an awesome party and a very special event.   Please come and enjoy the magic and comedy of Aldo and Rachel Colombini. This is an original lecture and includes magic, comedy and anecdotes. The routines presented cover a variety of topics such as card magic, close-up, rope, stage, kid magic and more.something for everyone of every skill level. Lots of magic, fun and entertainment.   11/18/10: Aldo & Rachel Colombini Benefit   For details please click the link here: http://www.fantasmamagic.com/shopping/proddetail.php?prod=4634   See Ya at the Shop!  Nelson   -------------------------------------------- 17. Tony Laffan and Kasey- Laura, A new direction... -------------------------------------------- Message by John Taylor (Aust)   I just wanted to post something on Magic NZ to publicly acknowledge the huge contribution to Magic that Tony Laffan & Kasey-Laura (and of earlier years Tony & Juleen) have shown the world. For those that don't know Tony & Kasey, they have decided to pass on their illusions to other magicians and concentrate on Tony's Comedy Magic stand up show and Hypnotic ventures... Cherry and I just wanted to wish Tony and Kasey all the very best with their future path!   Tony Laffan is from the old school of entertainment where the show must go on and has played a huge role in the Australian entertainment scene and with their fabulous illusion show which has been seen by many lucky people world-wide. As they go out with a bang at the very top of their career, their illusionary magic will be long remembered by audiences, Illusionists and Magicians alike as they played a major role in the Australian entertainment and magic scene - inspiring many performers both young and old. I'm glad to see the industry has not totally lost you Tony, as your experience, professionalism and commitment to the art of Magic is widely recognized and will not be forgotten. I take my hat off to you and Kasey and wish you happiness and great success with your new ventures both onstage and off:)   Warm Regards,   John Taylor & Cherry Stage Show Entertainment www.johntaylormagic.com   -------------------------------------------- 18. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html   When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. E.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)   -------------------------------------------- 19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy.   You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.Alan-Watson.com   Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.   The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. 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