068: T.A.O.M. Day 2 in Houston, TX

The first full day of the T.A.O.M. convention was just that with lots of lectures, contests, fun, dealer deals, shows and more. With $5,000 in cash prize money on the table, the level of competition was keen among the 14 close-up contestants. Due to time conflicts with the close-up contests, Chad Long's lecture was delayed until after the evening's stage show. But he, Tony Clark, Chris Korn, Mark Mason and Eric Jones all scored well with their lectures. David Hira hosted the evening show that featured Tony Clark, Joe Givan & Carol Massie and Asi Wind. This was the first evening show that was opened to the public. And due to the wonderful publicity, including the newspaper and blog article in the Houston Chronicle, the ballroom was near its 900 seat capacity. You can read the article and see photos and a video at http://www.chron.com/default/article/Texas-magician-convention-opens-downtown...

As the day began, I sat down with Walter "Zaney" Blaney after the Order of Willard breakfast. The Order of Willard is for those with at least 25 years of membership in the TAOM and Walter has well over 50 years. Walter is a virtual repository of magic history, particularly about magic in and around Texas. But here he has some interesting tales to tell including a little about a Kennedy assasination conspiracy theory. I also chatted with Joshua Jay about taking over the Magifest in Columbus, Ohio then I talked with Chris Bontjes, President of the S.A.M. who was attending the TAOM for his second time. After the evening show, I sat down with Scott Hollingsworth, past president of the TAOM and past Entertainment Director of the Magic Island. We talked about many things but I did ask him for his thoughts on the future of the Magic Island.

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057: Joe Givan & Carol Massie - Theatre of Dreams

While on a recent visit in Colorado, I had a chance to stop by Castle Rock to visit my good friends, Joe Givan and Carol Massie at their Theatre of Dreams. For the past few summers they have added a Wizards Camp to their regular schedule and I happened to catch them at the end of one of the camp days. We chatted with a couple of the students as well as Carol who told us a lot about the camp and its curriculum. Carol and Joe also gave us a look behind the creation and growth of the Theatre. The conversation veered off into several different directions including a short talk about their artist friend, Rodney Wood, whose art hangs on the walls of the threatre.

Our conversation was briefly but pleasantly "interrupted" with cell phone calls by Chip Romero and later by Oscar Munoz. Oscar called in to give an update on the I.B.M. contests from the recent convention in Norfolk, VA. As the Contest Chairman for the I.B.M. (and past winner of the Gold Cups), Oscar had a lot to say. And when combined with the comments from Joe Givan, another I.B.M. Gold Cup winner (as well as a F.I.S.M. winner), a lively conversation ensued. There is a lot of good advice in their conversation for people who want to compete as well as suggestions for being a better stage performer, too.

I am confident that you will enjoy this very unique podcast.

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Colorado or Bust

Joe Givan and Carol Massie have been creating dreams for several decades, but their Theatre of Dreams only became a reality in the 21st century.

Together they operate the Theatre in the small town of Castle Rock snuggeled halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs (about 25 miles north or south). Their theatre hosts nothing but the top names in magical entertainment like Bob Sheets, Banachek, Paul Gertner, Steve Bargatze and more. They draw local crowds during weekend shows plus they are open for corporate meetings, sales seminars, and more.

But they have recently been teaching a whole new crop of young magicians at their summer Wizards Camp. For more information of the camp, dates and prices, check out the website for the Theatre of Dreams at: http://www.amazingshows.com

Take a tour of the Theatre of Dreams in this short video. Here you will see the inside and backstage of all its workings. And for more information on the surreal pictures that adorn the walls, be sure to check out the artist's website at: http://www.rodneywood.com

And while I was in Colorado Springs, I took a little time to visit the fire ravaged area in one of the residential sub-divisions. You can see the scorched earth and remains of some of the homes that were left behind in the destruction of an entire community. But the spirit of the city and its residents was evident in their strong support of one another and of their love and appreciation for the firefighters who saved their homes. Some firefighters stated that they have never seen such an outpouring of love and appreciation by any other community than here in Colorado Springs. Our hearts and our prayers go out to those who have lost so much. And the world owes gratitude to the heroes who risked their lives on the front lines of this fire.