About The Art of Magical Entertainment
The Art of Magic
The Purpose of Magical Entertainment
While many artists entertain by telling stories or painting pictures that seem to depict the real and possible, other artists charm us with fanciful, fantastic worlds of make believe. Like them, magicians attempt to stretch our imaginations by creating playful illusions that seem to defy natural laws and order. At the same time, they remind us--through their tricks--that we live in a world full of mystery and wonder, a universe that is much more than it seems!
Responses to Magic
For children and adults alike, the magician immediately attracts an audience. Good magical performances create delight, astonishment, and wonder, often eliciting spontaneous laughter and applause--and some times, even deeper feelings of gratitude and joy. When that happens, the magician has produced and shared a gift with his or her audience that no other type of entertainment can evoke.
The Popularity of Magic
Never before has magic enjoyed the popularity that it receives today. Due in part to the reception of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and the worldwide audiences for movies like The Lord of the Rings, and television productions like Game of Thrones, images of magic populate the mainstreams of the entertainment world. Magicians win first place in nationally televised talent shows, winning million dollar prizes and venues on the Las Vegas "Strip."
For the eager, techno-savvy performers, YouTube and TikTok have become the two worldwide performance platforms of choice for magical entertainers of every age and skill-set. The McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a year-round curriculum of online master classes that attract registrants from countries throughout the world.
And "Zoom" and "Face Time Live" shows have replaced live performances venues during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, launching the 'virtual magic show" phenomenon., introducing magical entertainers to millions of new viewers. Magical entertainment is thriving, thank you very much!
Cru, 2009 Magic Club president, floats a ball.
Types of Magical Entertainers
"There are many rooms in the house of magic," says the late master magician Eugene Burger.
- Some magicians--"buskers"--perform on the streets.
- Some perform close-up, around a kitchen table or in restaurants.
- Others create huge theatrical shows, requiring many assistants and a large technical staff.
- Others specialize in performing for children's engagements or small family gatherings.
- Still others use magic to promote corporate products and services; others to promote causes and to educate.
- And today, many magicians have expanded their venues through videos and live streaming to audiences around the world.
While most are part-time entertainers or hobbyists, still other magicians have made it a business and earn their living as performers.
World-acclaimed magician Eugene Burger
Celebrating our most outstanding alumna! Elena Ponsler
Elena Ponsler - An MVC "Star" Entertainer
Elena entered Mountain View as a student in 2010. As a single parent, she was determined to continue her education and to shine as a role model for her two young sons.
Elena joined the magic club, and under the mentorship of club sponsor, "Doc" Grimes, she developed the skills which eventually led her to public performances. She began face-painting periodically in a local restaurant and performing magic for patrons on selected evenings. In her final year at Mountain View, Doc Grimes awarded Elena--now the club's president--with the MVC Club "Star" Award, the highest recognition for student services in a college club or organization.
Elena's enthusiasm for magic prompted her membership in the Fort Worth Magicians Club. For her membership qualifying act, she performed a rope escape with her brother.
As her sons grew older, Elena set magic aside to be a good mother, taking on several jobs as a pastry artist, a dental assistant, and real estate broker. But with her sons completing high school and moving on to college and their own careers, Elena returned to magic, joining her compeers in the Mid-Cities Magic Circle, an informal community of serious magical entertainers who meet monthly to improve their performance skills.
Elena celebrated her own return by presenting the Mid-Cities Magic Circle patrons with what else!? Her gift of a pastry bunny jumping from a pastry top hat, mounted on a pastry magic table!
Take a bite of this magical "Top Hat" (Cake)!
Elena's baking artistry is a special gift to her friends in the Fort Worth/Dallas magic circles. What the club members can't finish, she boxes up and leaves for the restaurant servers.
Elena is an inspiration to all who meet her. Families immediately gravitate to her friendly and reaffirming approach to her gifts of magic. Children are delighted in her world of fun and play.
"It takes real commitment and dedication for a student to invest the time to develop the skills and confidence to make the leap from the magic enthusiast to the magic performer," says Doc Grimes. "Elena is one of the few students to reach that threshold and to excel in so many ways that does nothing but bring honor to our art."