The 2009 Theory and Art of Magic Conference: Giobbi Workshop
You are invited to a very special Magic Session on March 22, 2009 at Muhlenberg’s Magic Conference!
It is a pleasure and privilege to have been asked by Professor Hass to be part of his Magic Conference and do an extra day of magic for those interested in the practical and theoretical aspects of magic. I’ve been into magic now for 35 years, 20 of which as a full time professional. I’ve tried my hand at almost all types of magic, except animals and boxes, and worked on almost all platforms imaginable. Magic is infinitely complex and you can practice it in many ways: as an inventor, illusion builder, historian & collector, technician, performer, author, teacher and many more. But if you asked me what I like best, then I would say it is to sit with friends and discuss magic in all its theoretical and practical aspects. And that’s precisely what we plan to do in this Magic Session.
So, in joyful expectation of sharing this day with you, here is some information for you.
We will start our full immersion experience on Sunday, 22nd March, at 9.30am and go until 5pm. I will stay a little longer to chat and to sign any books you care to take along. As you might know from my writings, I have a passion for gastronomy, so if you like and don’t mind spending a few bucks more, we can go to a nice restaurant at 7pm and continue our discussions.
As you might imagine from my books, I feel comfortable with being pretty well organized and prepared, so will have plenty of subjects ready we can draw from. Some I plan fix in advance, such as the subjects mentioned below, others we can create on the fly considering your interests. Here are a few types of sessions we’ll do:
We’ll start out with a Showtime, followed by some fundamental thoughts and a trilogy of my Favorite Lecture Items. Besides the mechanics, I’ll discuss how to marry sleight-of-hand to sleight-of-mouth, how to creatively interpret a piece of magic, how to use words, spaces and gestures to better deceive, how to communicate more effectively during a performance—and we’ll talk about tricks, techniques, handling and presentation, of course.
There will be a Professional Close-up Session, where I’ll detail 3 of my professional routines: 4 Coins through Table in Glass, Sponge Balls and Bowl Routine, and Gypsy Thread. All are classics and I promise you will be surprised what can be said about these that hasn’t been said before. Remember that to a professional novelty is less important than impact, communication, and memorability.
A session of 45 minutes will be devoted solely to Details in Card Handling. We’ll look at some sleights everybody thinks he knows how to do them, and then we’ll look at them again with a fresh approach. I’ll also tip a few items that have stayed in the underground—until now.
If there are 3 or 4 among you who would like to perform a piece of 2 to maximum 5 minutes length, they may do so and receive an immediate feedback. This Performance and Coaching Session is great fun and an exceptional learning experience whether you perform or just participate by listening. There is no obligation whatsoever to perform.
I want to reserve a 30-minute session to talk about How to Practice and Study Magic, especially for all those among you who are busy in another profession and would like to draw the most from magic as a hobby or part-time profession.
And of course we’ll have a Q&A Session, where you can ask any type of question that have popped up during the day, or that you have prepared and always wanted to ask, but didn’t dare.
If all of this sounds good to you, well, believe me it’s going to be even better. After over 20 years of doing events like this in many parts of the world, in six languages, I have come to understand that this type of teaching format is different from books, DVDs, trick lectures, or even most conventions. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner, a passionate hobbyist, or a seasoned performer, there are plenty of ideas and practical things you will be able to draw from this day. Compared to the enormous benefits such an experience can yield, the investment is really small and probably just a fraction of one single show you do. And as a bonus you’ll get to meet other people who share your passion for intelligent and elegant magic—many a close friendship that has been made on such occasions. Join us—you have all to win.
What should you bring? Bring a few decks, coins, and sponge balls with you, and a pad for the hands-on session, as well as material to take notes (paper or electronic). We don’t want the whole event to be filmed, but you may film certain sequences, especially moves for your personal use. We’ll let common sense decide from case to case. I’ll also have notes of some of the sessions and you’ll be given a real diploma at the end.
If you have any important questions pertaining to this seminar that cannot wait to be answered on the Magic Conference, please send an e-mail to Dr. Hass and he will send it to me. His e-mail address is lhass@muhlenberg.edu.
I’m looking very much forward to meeting many of you in March. Take care.
All the very best,
Roberto Giobbi
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