Magical Wisdom

DAY 1


1:00 ARRIVAL, REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN
Jeff, Eugene, Abbi and Tobias meet and greet our students and their friends and families. McBride's Master Class school materials are handed out to the students, and we gather for an impromptu close-up magic session with Eugene Burger.  

1:30 - 2:00 OPENING CIRCLE & VISION COUNCIL
This is where we get to know what each student wants to focus on during the week.  Some are close-up performers, other stage, and a few are working on their competition acts. During the next few days we will learn many of the hidden aspects of professional life.  We open each day with a special talk by Eugene Burger: "The Dean's Report." Each day Eugene offers a keynote speech to set the tone of the day.  Eugene provides us with his deep insights into art of Magic and its effect on our lives.   There is a short break before we begin our feature of the day.

2:00 - 3:00 WORKS IN PROGRESS
The Works in Progress sessions are the heart and soul of McBride's Master Class.  These sessions provide the one on one, hands-on teaching experience that is so rare in today's world.  Each student gets the opportunity, if they feel ready, to get in front of the class and run through one of their performance pieces.  With video and live feedback, Eugene and Jeff go over each point of the performance and give constructive notes on costume, music, scripting, prop management, and practical advice from their professional experience.

3:15 - 3:30 THE AFTERNOON SNACK BREAK
Tasty, nourishing and healthy snacks are provided to re-energize and recharge for the next part of the day.

3:30 - 5:00 SMALL GROUP BREAK-OUT SESSIONS               
Hands-on learning for close-up and stage magic.  We work on skill building, technique, and presentation.  These are often some of the most rewarding moments of the entire event.  Jeff and Eugene give in-depth attention to each student's needs.

5:30 - 7:00 DINNER BREAK
There are many great local restaurants, in all price ranges.  On the first night you are on your. Or go to dinner with you new friends! Many of the students carpool to dinner.  These dinners are fun and informal. Our class dines together in the spirit of sharing magic, food and conversation.  Often, these "dinner sessions" turn into impromptu magic shows that are delightful and informative. May we suggest good Chinese food at The Golden Flower Restaurant 3315 Russell Road 702-434-1177 the golden Flower is very near our school and is very good.

7:00 - 7:30     MAGIC SHOW TIME:  SHOW & TELL
Jeff and Eugene host a close-up and stand-up magic show with student and guest performers.  Here, Jeff and Eugene not only perform fine magic routines, but reveal the inner workings on how and why these magic effects work.

7:30 - 9:00 THEATER ARTS with Tobias Beckwith. 
Tobias has been my manager for over 20 years.  His extensive knowledge of the theatrical arts is incorporated into a unique workshop to help magicians explore the many aspects of theatrical magic.

Trained as performer, director and designer in the theater, Tobias Beckwith served for a year and a half as instructor at the University of Pittsburgh before moving to New York to work in commercial theater over 20 years ago. He has been on the management and production teams for such long running shows as The Fantastiks, Sweeney Todd and Oh! Calcutta!  Tobias has produced magical spectaculars for Jeff McBride, Marco Tempest and other magicians at casinos, cabarets, arts festivals and business theater venues for the past 20 years.

9:00 - 9:30            THE PHILOSOPHY OF MAGIC with Eugene Burger
Eugene provides deep insights into the heart and soul of our magical art.  He is a rare individual.  During his talk, Eugene teaches the inside work of restaurant magic and the details of his current stage show.

9:30 - 10:30      SMALL GROUP BREAK-OUT SESSIONS               
Hands-on learning for close-up and stage magic.  We work on skill building, technique, and presentation.  These are often some of the most rewarding moments of the entire event.  Jeff and Eugene give in-depth attention to each student's needs.

DAY 2

1:00 - 1:30        OPENING CIRCLE & VISION COUNCIL
This is where we get to know what each student wants to focus on during the weekend.  Some are close-up performers, other stage, and a few are working on their competition acts.  During the next few days we will learn many of the hidden aspects of professional life.  The Dean's Report-- Eugene offers a keynote speech to set the tone of the day...  There is a short break before we begin our feature of the day.

2:00 - 3:00 WORKS IN PROGRESS
The Works in Progress sessions are the heart and soul of McBride's Master Class.  These sessions provide the one on one, hands-on teaching experience that is so rare in today's world.  Each student gets the opportunity, if they feel ready, to get in front of the class and run through one of their performance pieces.  With video and live feedback, Eugene and Jeff go over each point of the performance and give constructive notes on costume, music, scripting, prop management, and practical advice from their professional experience.

3:15 - 3:30 THE AFTERNOON SNACK BREAK
Tasty, nourishing and healthy snacks are provided to re-energize and recharge for the next part of the day.

4:30 - 5:30  SMALL GROUP BREAK-OUT SESSIONS               
Hands-on learning for close-up and stage magic.  We work on skill building, technique, and presentation.  These are often some of the most rewarding moments of the entire event.  Jeff and Eugene give in-depth attention to each student's needs.

5:30 - 7:00            DINNER BREAK   
There are many great local restaurants, in all price ranges.  Many of the students carpool to dinner.  These dinners are fun, and the class continues in the spirit of sharing magic, food and conversation.  Often, these "dinner sessions" turn into impromptu magic shows that are delightful and informative.

7:00 - 8:00          THE PERFORMANCE OF MAGIC with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and friends
This is the workshop where our staff teaches the real-world practical techniques of close-up magic.  The preparation, audience management, types of sleights to use in different settings, the "flow" of the show, and paying attention to the difficult to handle spectators.

8:30 - 9:30        THE BUSINESS OF MAGIC with Tobias Beckwith
Tobias offers his extensive knowledge on press kits and video tapes. Having been a manager for 20 years he has seen many good and bad promos and press materials.  During this presentation, Tobias reviews the fine points of what makes a magic show a marketable product.  He shares the real business aspect of show business.

9:30 - 10:00         SMALL GROUP BREAK-OUT SESSIONS               
Hands-on learning for close-up and stage magic.  We work on skill building, technique, and presentation. Jeff and Eugene give in-depth attention to each student's needs.

DAY 3

1:00 - 1:30         VISION COUNCIL
Student contact lists are handed out, as well as information for prop designers, costumers, special effect companies, and other theatrical production companies for follow-up.  Jeff and Eugene also talk about the importance of press releases and promotional materials.

1:30 - 3:00       WORKS IN PROGRESS WRAP UP, AND SMALL GROUP BREAK-OUT SESSIONS               
Hands-on learning for close-up and stage magic.  We work on skill building, technique, and presentation.  These are often some of the most rewarding moments of the entire event.  Jeff and Eugene give in-depth attention to each student's needs.

3:00 - 3:15        THE AFTERNOON SNACK BREAK
Tasty, nourishing and healthy snacks are provided to re-energize and recharge for the next part of the day.
 
3:15 - 3:45 McBRIDE & BURGER MAGIC SHOP IS OPEN!
This is the place to acquire props, books and supplies that you might need for your continued study.

4:00 - 5:00         CLOSING CIRCLE & PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Final wrap-up, certificates of participation are given to all who attend.  Final photo opportunity for all class members.  
*Special note, we ask that all friends and family members do not arrive at the McBride House of Mystery until 5:00 sharp.

5:30  Safe travels to all, and see you next time!!  Now enjoy a Las Vegas show!
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