When someone asks me how I got started in magic, I have to tell a strange story. About 5 years ago, I worked for a company which organizes festive evenings. I was a sound engineer for their venues. During that job I got to know almost all the employees; not only backstage crew, like me, but also the different kind of artists, like singers, actors and: the magicians.
I realized again that I had always liked magic but that I never really tried to practice it. The magicians I saw during my work at the festivities inspired me in some way. All I knew was a french drop, a simple keycard effect and the vanishing of a silk (with a thumbtip which was made for small children). One day I was told there would be an audition coming up to find new magicians. One of the people responsible for the auditions told me that it might be something for me (mind you: I amazed everyone with the french drop...). Without hesitating I entered the audition. Together with a friendly magician we made a short act with the only tricks I could do at that time. It was a scary experience, especially because everybody in the room where people I knew.... Surprisingly, they where enthusiastic about my act and gave me the opportunity to work as a magician. The only promise I had to make was that I had to practice on more magic.
My friend-magician introduced me in the world of magic by attending meetings, reading literature and watching video's. I got addicted, I practiced and practiced, but I wanted more! At my first magic convention I met Eugene Burger. I was, and still am, motivated to learn and grow, so I spoke with Eugene about Mystery School and the Master Classes. But it wasn't until January 2001 (one year later) that I took my bags and traveled to Las Vegas to attend the 3 day Master Class. What a great experience, to be with fellow students who want to lift their magic up to a higher level! During the Master Class, for example, some students take the opportunity to work on their act, after which they get feedback from Jeff, Eugene and the other students. All this is being taped so they can look back at it in some future date. Every time I watch this certain tape, I surprisingly learn something new. It is like a book which you read for the fifth time, and finally you get the big picture!
Later that year (April 2001) Jeff came to visit Holland for the Secret Sessions: one day meetings which where much like the Master Class, but without Eugene and only for one day. Again everything was taped, and new things where learnt. I practiced on my acts almost everyday (by this time I definitely had become an addict...) and I saw my magic grow.
At the end of 2001 I was told there where plans to get Jeff back to Holland, but this time with Eugene for a full 3-day Master Class. At first, I doubted; could they give me as much information like they did the first time in Las Vegas, is it worth the money, can't I do it on my own by now? During those weeks I observed myself even better during my work (doing magic) and I noticed that I used a lot of techniques taught to me by both Jeff and Eugene. Not just moves or sleights but also psychological things, like audience management, use of your own style, how to hold things, how to show things and how to get maximum impact. I realized the effects that the Master Classes still had on my shows.
So in the beginning of March 2002, I attended the Master Class in Holland. And I wanted to work on an act that was finished (I hoped). I wanted to see what they could improve on an act that for me was the best I could develop on my own. So I showed it. Although the act was very good, it still wasn't the best. Like Jeff often says: "The enemy of the best is the good!" So they gave me ideas and comments on how to make it even better. And with almost every word of advice they gave me, I thought: they're right!
Immediately after the Master Class I was motivated to work on it and I experimented with these ideas as much as I could, for myself, but also because there was a contest coming up... I tried out all the ideas they gave me, even the ones I thought that wouldn't have any effect. Some worked, others didn't, but I tried them all. At some point I noticed the differences in the audiences. The reactions where getting better, I could take my audiences to a deeper experience, with the ideas that where given to me by Jeff and Eugene.
Last week I entered the Magic Effects SuperCup 2002. Among the other contestants there were a lot of magicians who I really admire and like. I performed my act, and when the prizes where given they counted down from the eighth place down to the first. All my colleagues where given prices until the first price winner was announced: me! I had won first prize at a magic contest!
I do believe that I could have gathered the same skills and information that I have learned at the Master Classes. But it would have taken me years and years, if not a lifetime! The things I've learned will not be found in books, on videotapes or anywhere else. They are real life experiences, taught by those who lived a lifetime of magic experience. Although I have tried many times to describe what it is like to have joined the Master Classes, I'm afraid I still can't: you just have to experience it!
Those who where there, and mostly Jeff and Eugene: Thank you!
Contact Emiel via e-mail or visit his website.
