In this hands-on workshop, students will be introduced to foundational sleight of hand techniques and apply those techniques to a variety of magical effects. Students will learn how to make a coin vanish and reappear, how to make a pencil float, how to cause a rubber band to slide through their finger and other classic magical effects. Students will also learn about the history of the magical arts, and the importance magic has played as an artistic medium. They will also engage in small performance and script creation activities to personalize each of the effects taught. Please note that if you would like to book this workshop, Bill will require a minimum of two week’s notice.

Required Supplies:

1. Two coins or washers or poker chips. any size ranging from Loony two Poker Chip.
2. Two elastic bands.
3. Pen with removable cap.
4. Paper Bag
5. Deck of Cards (if possible, card tricks are awesome)!

All DramaFest workshops have limited availability. This workshop is not available after 1pm. Availability may also be limited due to bookings by other classes. 

Outcomes:

• Students will be able to interpret how drama celebrates, comments on, and questions issues and events in cultural and historical contexts. 
  • Magic is one of the oldest art-forms, it like all great art adapts to the current time. This online workshop will show the ability of magic to adapt the covid era.
• Students will use drama to explore, formulate, and express ideas, perceptions, and feelings. 
  • Magic like all art is learned by studying the classics and then making them your own. The students will learn foundational slight of hand and will apply it to objects they can find in class or at home. They will then be helped to create short presentational scripts to frame these magic affects and make them personal.
• Students will demonstrate personal growth through drama and students will be able to respond with critical awareness to their own work and to the work of others. 
  • A practical aspect of learning magic is that, it takes a bit of work. Facing into the discomfort of learning, muddling through the ‘can’t quite get it right’ phase is a helpful experience. By starting out unable to do a trick and bravely working towards competency students gain a sense of confidence and pride in themselves. We also work, at distance, with a partner, sharing their ‘new moves’ as they learn. They will be able to notice their own skills and skills of others while they progress. 

Bill Wood is an actor, comedian, magician, writer, director and Drama Therapist. He has co-created theatre with Misery Loves Theatre Company, Shakespeare by the Sea, Neptune Theatre. He has taught improv, magic and stand-up comedy at various venues across the province. Bill has worked in film and television, most recently appearing as Frank the Guidance Counselor on CBC’s Mr. D. Bill completed a Masters of Creative Arts Therapy at Concordia specializing in Drama Therapy and is a Registered Counselling Therapist (candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. He has worked in schools, hospitals and community centres as a therapist and teacher sharing his love of performance and magic and his knowledge of mental health and resiliency theory. View Bill’s profile.

1. Bill requires two weeks notice for booking.  
2. Students remain seated throughout this workshop.