Three days. One transformation.
Captivate your audience like never before with "The Magician’s
Edge: Scripting, Acting and Stagecraft for Magicians", a three-day intensive
workshop designed exclusively for magicians who want to elevate their magic
with the power of the techniques of theater and film.
Led by two industry leaders:
Chris Philpott, award-winning screenwriter, film director,
and magician, and
Steve Valentine, acclaimed, seasoned actor and five-time
Magic Castle award-winning magician.
Originally debuted as a lecture at Magic Live 2024 in Las Vegas and set to
be presented at the 2025 FISM convention in Turin, Italy, this groundbreaking
session has earned incredible praise:
“Steve Valentine and Chris Philpott: two seasoned pros delivered
quite possibly the most informative and entertaining lecture I’ve ever
experienced. Their combination of production, writing, and performing experience
will take you and your act to the next level. My only regret is that I hadn’t
seen it decades ago. Looking forward to the workshop!”
- Kerry Pollock
“It was a fabulous presentation! I cannot wait to see what the future
holds.”
- Jon Stetson
“The ‘Acting for Magicians’ lecture by Chris Philpott
and Steve Valentine was nothing short of revelatory! FINALLY, professionals
with successful experience as both magicians and actors have broken the code
on how the rest of us can apply practical and accessible acting techniques
to dramatically improve our magic performances. For me, it was a game changer!”
- Donal Chayce
This began as a lecture on Acting for Magicians… But why is that important?
As Robert-Houdin famously said, “A magician is an actor playing the
part of a magician.”
Many magicians insist they do not act – they are just themselves. But
Sanford Meisner, the great acting coach, defined acting as “behaving
truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” Isn’t that what we
magicians do whenever we pretend to put a coin in our hand or a card into
the middle of the deck?
In their original lecture (to be performed as part of this workshop) Steve
and Chris explored how magicians can use acting techniques to create compelling,
real, emotional performances that move and connect with audiences.
This workshop expands their focus to include scripting and stagecraft, so
the participants will learn a full, well-rounded approach to magical performance.
Chris and Steve will work directly with the participants, in a hands-on approach
to get incredible, practical results.
What to Expect
Over three immersive days, Chris and Steve will guide you through these three
essential disciplines:
Scripting: Learn to write and refine your routines into cohesive, entertaining,
dramatic and personal narratives. You’ll craft smart, memorable scripts
that elevate your magic from tricks to theatrical experiences.
Acting: Explore the art of authentic performance, from delivering real emotion
to making bold, creative choices. Learn practical acting exercises to develop
your craft.
Stagecraft: Command your space, control attention, and leave a lasting impact
with every move. From entrances to exits, from props to music, this workshop
will help you make your performances stronger and more engaging.
This isn’t just a lecture—it’s a hands-on, interactive experience
where you’ll work directly with Chris and Steve to apply these techniques
to a routine you are currently working on, and see immediate results to bring
your magic to life in ways you never imagined.
What Others Are Saying
“Steve Valentine and Chris Philpott 's class on acting for magicians
was the highlight of my Magic Live! I took that advice and came back to LA
to deliver my best set ever! It was solid gold! I wish I could watch it again
and again.”
-- Caerie Houchins
“Theatrical skill is the missing ingredient many magicians need
to make the leap to the big time, and no one presents these ideas more effectively
or in a more entertaining manner than Chris Philpott and Steve Valentine.
What I learned from them in the first 30 minutes of their 2024 Magic Live
lecture (between laughs) was more than I’ve been able to find in a library
full of books and years of lectures.”
— Steve Temkin
Spaces will be limited for this exclusive event. Don’t miss your chance
to learn from two of the most creative and accomplished minds in magic, writing,
and stagecraft.
The Magician’s Edge is coming soon - stay tuned.
Email chris@magicaonline.com for updates and to sign up.
Reserve your spot today and transform the way you perform forever.
