Magic Schools/Colleges/Universities

[StevenLevitt]

Do they exist? Is there a year course of magic, or as such?

I am from England, and I have completed a, BTEC Performing Arts (ND) at college, also I am way past half way through of my Drama, Performance and Theatre Arts (BA (Hons)) at university.

This means, I will be out of education, unless I go futher in the performing arts, and do a postgraduate course. But I would like to study more on my magic, I don't mind if the school/college/university for magic is in another country, I would just like to see if they exist, and if there are any recommendations.

Just planning my career path, and need to research into a education in magic.

Thanks :)

[Deryn]

http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=5293&highlight=magic+college

[StevenLevitt]

Seems to be no information on a magic college in SA, plus it seems to be talking about magic clubs.

I do not want to attend a magic club, as I am already involved with magic clubs. I would like to attend a proper place to learn/study the art of magic.

[Deryn]

oi did you not read the thread a few steps down? there is a link posted by yours truly

[QED]

http://www.magic.org.za/index.htm

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/school.php

http://www.fitchmagic.com/

http://www.dalesalwak.com/Chavezstudio.html

What about Tarbell?
What about finding a mentor?
What about hitting the bricks and learning to perform?

We all know magic isn't about tricks, I don't believe "school" is the right approach (but what do I know?)... a "proper place" to learn/study magic is IN FRONT OF YOUR AUDIENCE... be it one or ten thousand people...
It sounds like you want everything spelled out for you, in a nice tight little bundle...
I reject the notion that any pre-set curriculum will make you into a great magician...
All that will do is to make you into a copy of every other graduate...
Of course you need to learn techniques and methods, but those are merely means to an end... methods support the effects, effects support the story line, the story line creates the emotional effect on the audience... THAT is the most important thing...
the best thing for you to do is to learn about being a PERFORMER and an ENTERTAINER... (Looks like you are well on your way on that aspect - good for you!)
Even the simplest tricks can suffice to support a great act...
What you need is story lines, character, stagecraft and stage presence... forget the latest and greatest tricks... they aren't important... What IS important is YOU and what you have to say...
People (audiences) are always more interested in people and the things people do, than they are in tricks...

Q

[StevenLevitt]

I have performed to many audiences, large and small.

I am also a member of the actors trade union, and I have been a finalist of the Young Magician of the Year at the Magic Circle (London).

Yes, I have the experience, but I would like to futher my knowledge, to be improved, and to have some original magic under my hands, I would like to study with magicians through a course, rather than meeting magicians once a week.

I want to make the most of it, and thank you for all the links, I will research into them.

[Anthony Bass]

I believe you're looking for Hogwarts. :D

No, but the only place I know to take mgic courses at is at the Magic Castle. But that's not in England, so i'm being of no help to you.....so i'll just stop. :p

Anthony Bass

[Hazerman15]

Not sure about a year course, but i know Mcbride has a great one week course.

[StevenLevitt]

Any courses really, do the Magic Castle do courses? What sort, tell me more! :)

I don't mind where in the world it is!

Also Hazerman, do you have a link to McBrides course?

[Blink]

Hey Steven,

Here is a link to Jeff's Courses

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/school.php

From what I have heard and seen they are fantastic,

Here is also a link to the Magic Castle Classes,

http://www.magiccastle.com/ama/magicclasses.cfm

These classes are fantastic, and combining them with any Lectures you can find (There are always plenty of these) will heap you heaps im sure.

If you end up doing any courses, or attending any lectures I would love to hear a review or hear any feedback which could be posted upon my website :).

Best of luck!
Matty

[MaryJane]

Hi To be fair I don't think there is such a thing as a course in magic, in the UK anyway. I know of quite a few magicians and none have attended a course (like what you are looking for.) Many started from hobbies or clubs.

In the UK there are courses run by shops like Davenports and International (London) but these are like a few weekends long.

I hate to say it if there was a serious magic course that could be considered by the education system you probably be the one in the know seeing that you are already connected to the arts in a big way.

That's my 2p worth....

[StevenLevitt]

Thank you for the information everyone.

I guess MaryJane is right, the closest course after my degree, would be a postgraduate, but it would be more Drama... Which I don't think will be suitible, as I want to start concentrating on my magic work.

So after university, the best thing might be to work in the local theatre, and maybe do stage/tv acting on the side, while working my magic business with the money I earn from the jobs.

Might be a way I guess...

[Xel]

The Magic Castle classes are really great - I have been through three of them (two of them were 6 weeks long, one was four weeks). They are intended to teach beginners some of the basics about card handling, simpler (yet powerful) effects, and presentation. They are not, however, a graduate program or anything like that...

--Xel

[DannyT]

I think there should be a college where they teach magic history and who invented what. That would be great.

If South Harman Institute of Technology be a credited college, why can't there be a Magic college?
xD
The closest thing to it though is maybe taking a class in psychology(mentalism) in college where you can actually be credited. I'm pretty sure Wayne majored in that. I could be wrong though.