David Parr: The Magic Catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction. The Magic Catalyst is a works-in-progress session for magicians.

In light of current events, this session of The Magic Catalyst will focus on magic. Are you considering doing a livestream magic show? Do you want to expand your video presence on YouTube? Do you have a routine that is untested, unfinished, or in need of assistance? Have you reached a roadblock in the development of a new magic video? Does the method need tweaking? Could the effect be more deceptive? Is the presentation clear enough?

This workshop is an opportunity to get helpful suggestions and fresh perspectives and get unstuck, clearing away obstacles in the creative process. Collectively, we have decades of experience and an extensive body of knowledge, so let’s use those to develop and improve our magic!

In addition to getting helpful suggestions from the other participants, this is a chance to benefit from David Parr’s years of experience a creator, performer and teacher of magic. David has written and co-written a number of well-received books on the art of magic, and he has produced some bestselling items in the magic marketplace. His winning routine on the TV show Penn & Teller: Fool Us is a prime example of David’s approach to magic: clear, direct, engaging, and with a lasting sense of mystery.

Don’t miss this opportunity to combine our creative resources and get solid results. By the end of the Magic Catalyst session, you’ll have David’s best advice and direction, the advice and encouragement of other magicians, and clear, tangible improvements to your magic. There’s only one rule for this workshop: if you attend, you’re expected to participate, so be ready to work and contribute!

What to bring:

• an untested or unfinished piece of magic
• a pen or pencil
• a stack of 3x5 index cards, usually sold in packs of 100, which will be plenty
• an open mind and a creative spirit

What not to bring:

• a favorite time-tested routine that you’ve performed on TV many times
• an entire twenty-minute act
• a closed mind or judgey attitude

During this workshop, it’s okay to mess up and ask for a do-over. It’s okay to read from your printed script. No one is expecting a polished performance. The goal is to take material that is untested or unfinished and, by working together, move it down the path toward becoming a finished piece of magic, to make new discoveries and have fun in the process!

Participants will be limited to ten performers — and the workshop is FREE! — so if you have something you’d like to work on, reserve your spot right away!

“One of the best workshop investments I’ve ever made was the Magic Catalyst workshop by David Parr. David is one of those rare individuals who has a broad spectrum of knowledge not only in the art of magic, but in stagecraft, script writing, theatrical staging and direction. The process he has created will work for any skill level, amateur and professional alike. Bring an open mind and a willingness to share. This is a real opportunity to take your show to the next level and help others do the same!” — Joseph Daniels, The Dark Cabaret

“David is an artist. His workshop is a must-attend class for any entertainer, either with decades of experience or just getting into performance. The group will collectively take the diamond-in-the-rough idea you might have, cut it, brush it off and polish it into something that will shine like a star!” — Vince Wilson

“David’s workshop is something that the magic world needs: a place where one can take something, without fear of failure, and make it better. When a performer is stuck somewhere, and something just isn’t working, it’s imperative to get outside eyes on the project in order to gain a new perspective, and this workshop delivers that in droves. Easily one of the top five most valuable experiences I’ve had while developing material.” — Christopher Strange

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Poe's Magic Theatre at the Lord Baltimore Hotel