Magical Wisdom

The below is a sample from a recent class. Details change for each class, and a detailed schedule for your class will be sent to you one week prior to the start date of your class.

DAY 1

7:30 - 10pm THE MCBRIDE HOUSE OF MYSTERY
Invitation to the Night-Before Gathering
Join us for an enchanted evening of magic and wonder. Meet and greet your teachers and fellow students as we begin our magical adventure. There will be a parlor magic show and informal close- up magic performance by the faculty of the McBride Magic and Mystery School. You are welcome to bring your spouse or friend!*

DAY 2

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 - 5:00 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.

5:30 - 7:00 DINNER BREAK
... for Magicians only... at the Golden Flower Restaurant, 3315 Russell Road, 702-434-1177

There are many great local restaurants, in all price ranges. On the first night, dinner is on us!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.

7:00 - 7:30 CLOSE-UP MAGIC GALA SHOW
Eugene and Jeff host a close-up and stand-up magic show with student and guest performers.

7:30 - 9:00 WORKS IN PROGRESS CONTINUES
Jeff and Eugene give each student personal attention, focusing on the material and skills each student needs to advance in their art.

9:00 - 10:00 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.

10:00 WRAP-UP AND GOOD NIGHT!

DAY 3

1:00 - 1:30 VISION COUNCIL
Students check in and set goals for the day. Eugene Burger offers the "Dean's Report". During his talk, Eugene teaches the inside work of restaurant magic and the details of his current stage show.

1:30 - 3:15 WORKS IN PROGRESS CONTINUES
Jeff and Eugene give each student personal attention, focusing on the material and skills each student needs to advance in their art.

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.

6:00 - 6:30 DINNER BREAK
We suggest that students and friends meet at the Monte Carlo and have dinner at the casino. There are many options in the food court or other restaurants in the Monte Carlo Hotel.

6:30 (sharp) LANCE BURTON SHOW
Meeting for Lance Burton Magic Show, in front of the Lance Burton Magic Shop in the Monte Carlo casino.

7:30 - 9:00 Backstage with Lance Burton
A very special opportunity for a Question and Answer session with Las Vegas legend Lance Burton (magicians only)

9:30 DEPARTURE
Friends and family meet their magicians at the Lance Burton Magic Shop near the box office

After show: Experience the late night magic of Las Vegas. Impromptu magic session, see a late show, or visit the Gary Darwin Magic Club - Must be 21+ to attend

DAY 4

12:30 MAC KING SHOW
Meet at Harrah's in front of Mac King showroom*
After the show... "Backstage with The King of Comedy Magic," A very special Question and Answer session with Mac King. Friends and spouses can attend this unique event... don't forget your camera!

3:30 - 4:30 BUILDING YOUR SHOW
with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger
Jeff and Eugene share their insights on how to construct an effective show order. The students will have a chance to offer their questions and get real answers in the area of show-flow, character development and audience interaction.

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. Jeff and Eugene give in-depth attention to each student's needs.

5:30 - 7:30 DINNER BREAK
Check out one of the great restaurants in the area. Enjoy social time with the students in your class and impromptu magic over dinner!

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! Beckwith 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 - 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.

10:00 WRAP-UP AND GOOD NIGHT!

DAY 5

1:00 - 1:30 VISION COUNCIL
Check in and setting goals for the day.

1:30 - 3:15 WORKS IN PROGRESS CONTINUES
Jeff and Eugene give each student personal attention, focusing on the material and skills each student needs to advance in their art.

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 - 5:30 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
Check out one of the great restaurants in the area. Maps to all nearby restaurants are in the class book. Enjoy social time with the students in your class and impromptu magic over dinner!

7:00 - 9:00 THE BUSINESS OF MAGIC
with Tobias Beckwith
Tobias offers his extensive knowledge on the marketing of magic. Tobias shares his 20 years of business experience with you. During this presentation, Tobias reviews the fine points of what makes a magic show a marketable product. He shares his insider experience of the real business of show business.

* Business plans and creating effective systems
* The power of intention: creating your purpose
* Networking materials
* Website and internet media tools
* Direct mailing techniques
* Press materials, press releases
* Creating an effective support team

9:00 - 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.

10:00 WRAP-UP AND GOOD NIGHT!

DAY 6

1:00 - 1:30 VISION COUNCIL
Check in and setting goals for the day.

1:30 - 3:15 WORKS IN PROGRESS CONTINUES
Jeff and Eugene give each student personal attention, focusing on the material and skills each student needs to advance in their art.

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 - 5:30 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
Check out one of the great restaurants in the area. Enjoy social time with the students in your class and impromptu magic over dinner!

7:30 - 10:00 THE LAS VEGAS MAGIC PARTY!*
A special evening at Jeff McBride's House of Mystery; spouse or guest invited! There will be informal close-up magic and a Parlor magic show tonight with Jeff, Eugene and surprise guests!

DAY 7

1:00 - 1:30 VISION COUNCIL
Students review networking materials, contact lists, and 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.

1:00 - 3:00 WORKS IN PROGRESS WRAP UP VIDEO SESSION

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 DEPART
Safe travels to all, and see you next time! Now, go enjoy Las Vegas!

Please note, arrival is at 1:00 p.m. each day after. All classes are at 3132 Shadowridge Ave, Las Vegas. Please arrive after you have had your lunch, and bring the snacks and drinks you need to get you through the day. Parents and friends may drop off the students at 1:00, and pick them up for the dinner break at 5:30. Please be back promptly at the designated time. All students are responsible for their own transportation. If you have questions, please call Tobias@ 702-697-7002 or Jeff@ 702-433-3881 or 702-245-7282

* Class members will receive a ticket to the Lance Burton and Mac King shows. Should you wish to purchase additional tickets for a friend or spouse, please contact the box office. Remember, the class will be sitting together in a special section, so do not expect to get a seat with your guest. We appreciate your understanding in this manner. We have worked to make our program more inclusive for friends and spouses of attending students, and are pleased to welcome them to our Opening night gathering at Jeff McBride's House of Mystery.

*Although the dress code for all events at the McBride House of Mystery is casual, you may wish to dress up for the Lance Burton Show or any other time you want to!
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