Febuary 2016

An Exceptional Evening with David Kaye

And that it was ....

We had a great crowd in attendance for this unique event (which included 13 guests!). David is internationally known, but does not usually lecture locally, so we were grateful for this opportunity to see how a working professional develops his act, and provided a range of comments, feedback and ideas that became a learning experience for everyone. In addition, David spoke on several topics which were interwoven into the evening's discussions, and taught a few effects along the way.

Feedback Sessions

The highlight of the evening was an extensive feedback session where David selected a volunteer and walked us through his new "Tax Man" act. The attendees did not hold back, and provided a flood of comments, ideas and suggestions that David diligently recorded. David was very happy with these responses and will be able to refine his act accordingly; Members and guests in attendance were also able to learn from these interactions and can apply these concepts to their own presentations and routines as well, such as

- Why are volunteers so critical and how should they be selected (should they be prescreened, or set-up beforehand; how are they prepped; should they have a prop; what not to do with a volunteer, etc.)

... and that involved just the first few seconds of the Act!

The ensuing discussion covered a wide range of topics which brought creative ideas and presentations back to basics -

- Various ways to present, handle and display props

- Making sure that "answers" are responding to a question that's been asked

- Each action requires its own proper pacing - Remember the Jack-in-the-Box Principle

- Review what "'actions" are considered conclusions, and whether they need a different set-up

- Make sure everyone will get the joke or reference (There were a lot of free-flowing ideas on these!)

... and much more.

David also went over various aspects of his classic "Caveman" act and showed us how they did it in the "old days" (using a bone-wand; a trick using a short, medium and long vine ....) - You get the picture!

Mini-Lectures

In addition, David spent some time between feedback sessions discussing several themed topics -

- The "Jack in the Box Principle" covered the various ways that anticipation and "conditioning" are involved in magic, and how these concepts are applied in movies and life through music, gestures and actions.

- "How to Offend Your Audience" was a topic that touched on the challenges of performing and speaking in various forums and for different audiences, and how performers are always "on stage" 24/7.

A unique evening

David also provided a demo and brought a suitcase full of his unique brand of props, books and videos to sell, and went over props and taught tricks that have served him well over a very successful career.

What was so unique about this evening was that David got the entire audience involved and interacting through both the feedback and lecture sessions. As a result, the meeting was extended much later into the night than usual (thanks, Slovak Club, for accommodating us!), which no one seemed to mind. Thanks to the ongoing generosity of members and guests who participate in our 50/50 raffles, we are able to provide a wide assortment of snacks and beverages at every meeting to keep us going and encourage the social aspect of the club!

A few other notes:

- New Member Candidates: I'm happy to announce that four guests have "signed-up" to be considered for membership in Assembly 194 (including Mario Marchese, our featured lecturer at the January meeting, and returning Assembly 194 Member David Ferst) We look forward to welcoming them all to our Assembly!

- Magician of the Year: Our very own Ted Lee, who is a Past President of Assembly 194 and continues to serve on the Board, was named Magician of the Year by the Parent Assembly and will be honored at their annual Salute to Magic event on the evening of May 7th (Tickets are $45). We'd like to get a group of fellow Assembly members together to attend, so if you're interested, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can coordinate it.

- Assembly 194 Magic Show: The 50/50 Fundraiser at Roosevelt Elementary School has n=been moved from 3/5 to 3//18; while we have the main performers lined up, we're always looking for additional volunteers to help out.

- Assisted Living Residence Show: Ted Lee has advised us of several potential dates when Assembly 194 members could go and entertain Life Member Arthur Howard and the other residents of the Fountains at Riverview facility where he now lives:

- March 10th at 3PM; March 31st at 2PM

- Any Monday at 3PM; any Wednesday at 4PM

This would be a great opportunity to give back to a longstanding member and the community. If you are interested, please get back to me with a preferred date and time and we'll try and coordinate this visit to fit everyone's schedule.

- Annual Dues: If you haven't already, please make sure that you've sent in your $35 Assembly 194 Annual dues.

- NEMCON Convention: Saturday, March 12th, Cromwell Connecticut. See you there!

- Next Meeting: The March meeting of Assembly 194 will be held on Wednesday, March 17th at 7:30PM.

- We will start with a shortened meeting session which will include the opportunity for Members to demo an effect they have recently purchased, are working on or need feedback on. Please let me know if you want to participate.

- We then turn out attention to our Annual Slovak Club event, where volunteer members of Assembly 194 entertain our facility hosts. Please make sure to attend -- You never know what surprises are in store!

It's all about the Magic - It's all about you!

Regards

Roger Burchard

Febuary 2016

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