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Young Magicians Club

Westville Young Magicians Club

 

What:

The WYMC is a club for young people interested ion the art of magic. The club and its leaders are affiliated with the Society of Young Magicians (SYM), a national organization whose purpose is to promote interest in magic as a wholesome hobby for the youth of America, and with the Society of American Magicians (SAM), the world's oldest and most prestigious magic organization, and the parent organization for the SYM.

Why:

The study of magic promotes and develops self-confidence, discipline, persistence, public speaking, reading, service to others, and more.

Who:

Membership in the WYMC is open to any student in third through twelfth grade with an interest in learning the art of magic.

When/Where:

Meetings will be held in the meeting room of the Westville Public Library (233 S. State St., Westville, IL) as scheduled below. Each meeting will be one hour in length.

Summer Meetings:

Tuesday, June 18, 10:00-11:00am
Tuesday, July 23, 10:00-11:00am
Tuesday, August 13, 10:00-11:00am

Supplies Needed:

Most of the magic taught and performed at club meetings can be performed with a deck of cards and common household items. A positive attitude is also a must for club members because magic requires skills that take time and practice to master.

Magic on the Morning Show:

The WCIA Morning Show did two segments about the magic club on January 16, 2012. Each segment includes some sample magic tricks. You can view the segments by following the links below.

Part One:
http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=330222

Part Two:
http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=330232

Leaders:

Christopher and Julie Bontjes are experienced professional magicians and public school educators. Both are members of the Society of American Magicians and approved, background checked, mentors for the Society of Young Magicians.

Parents:

Parents are welcome to attend meetings and are encouraged to share the magic and help in the development of youmg magicians.

Subjects Taught:

  • Entertainment
  • Stage Presence
  • Elocution
  • Magic History
  • Different Areas of Magic

 

What to Practice:

New magicians are always welcome at meetings. Those who have attended previous meetings should continue to practice the tricks and the skills they have learned. Following is a list of practice suggestions.

  • Overhand Shuffle - Regular and running single cards
  • Double Dealing
  • Hotel Card Trick
  • Cutting the Aces
  • Dreamer's Ball
  • Mini Triumph
  • Trick learned from a magic book

Magicians to Watch:

Following is a short list of excellent magicians. Clips of their performances can be found on YouTube.

  • Dai Vernon
  • David Copperfield
  • Lance Burton
  • Shawn Farquhar
  • Joshua Jay
  • Harry Blackstone, Jr.

Where to Go for More:

Magic books are available at the public library. Go to Dewey decimal number 793.8 to find books on magic.

Magic stores sell books, tricks, props, and more. Brick-and-mortar shops are recommended over Internet sites. In the Westville area, visit Dallas & Co. Costumes and Magic at 101 E. University in Champaign.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Mr. Bontjes at info@magicalentertainer.net or at 442-6244.

 

 
     
  ©2007-2012 Christopher Bontjes, Magical Entertainer