This week I’ve been working hard to catch up after returning from the Columbus Magi-Fest. If you’re not familiar with this event, you should be. Running annually for nearly ninety years, Magi-Fest is the oldest magic convention in the United States. After coming close to a final curtain call several years ago - Josh Jay, Andi Gladwin, and Tim Moore stepped in to offer some much needed life support. They, along with an incredibly hard working staff, have successfully transformed this regional convention into one of the premiere magic gatherings on the planet.
One of the most interesting additions made by the new team, was the inclusion of youth scholarships and numerous youth oriented programs. This focus on young magicians has gradually helped add a renewed energy to every aspect of the event. It’s also ensured that the future of magic is being well directed and nurtured by some of the best and brightest in the business.
I am endlessly amazed at how talented and deeply committed to the craft these kids are. In fact, this year, one of my favorite convention moments came from a young man of about ten years old. He was obviously well informed and skilled. But - even more - he was incredibly adept sharing his thoughts about magic. At one point, I asked him what kind of magic he liked. He stopped for a moment and then thoughtfully replied, “What’s most important to me - is that it’s engaging.”
I mentioned the kid was about TEN years old, right?
Over the years I’ve heard seasoned magicians say they dislike all manner of tricks for all sorts of reasons - I hate card tricks, mentalism is boring, illusions are lame - it goes on and on. But somehow this young man already held a valuable perspective. He knew it’s never about the props or the genre. It’s about YOU as the magician creating a shared and memorable moment with the audience.
Albert Einstein once said, “Any fool can know, the point is to understand.” We all agree that the speed of acquiring knowledge and skill in magic is increasing every day. But having watched and listened to many of the young magicians this past weekend, it would appear that the same could be said of gaining understanding.
Keep an eye on these kids. Support them.
I assure you, they are going to build a dazzling future.
One of the most interesting additions made by the new team, was the inclusion of youth scholarships and numerous youth oriented programs. This focus on young magicians has gradually helped add a renewed energy to every aspect of the event. It’s also ensured that the future of magic is being well directed and nurtured by some of the best and brightest in the business.
I am endlessly amazed at how talented and deeply committed to the craft these kids are. In fact, this year, one of my favorite convention moments came from a young man of about ten years old. He was obviously well informed and skilled. But - even more - he was incredibly adept sharing his thoughts about magic. At one point, I asked him what kind of magic he liked. He stopped for a moment and then thoughtfully replied, “What’s most important to me - is that it’s engaging.”
I mentioned the kid was about TEN years old, right?
Over the years I’ve heard seasoned magicians say they dislike all manner of tricks for all sorts of reasons - I hate card tricks, mentalism is boring, illusions are lame - it goes on and on. But somehow this young man already held a valuable perspective. He knew it’s never about the props or the genre. It’s about YOU as the magician creating a shared and memorable moment with the audience.
Albert Einstein once said, “Any fool can know, the point is to understand.” We all agree that the speed of acquiring knowledge and skill in magic is increasing every day. But having watched and listened to many of the young magicians this past weekend, it would appear that the same could be said of gaining understanding.
Keep an eye on these kids. Support them.
I assure you, they are going to build a dazzling future.
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