Discover Magic, a national educational program designed to teach key life skills to youth ages 8-12 through the process of learning to perform magic, has announced that Monica Park Christian Church, 2600 Broadway Blvd., will be the host in Garland with classes Nov. 23-24.
Classes will be led by New Orleans magician Westley Annis who has been performing for 25 years and has been teaching magic classes for three years. The concept for the course was developed and researched for more than 20 years by internationally-known, award-winning magician and educator Michael Ammar, but it finally came to life when Brian South and Michael Rosander joined the team; both experts in the field of creative educational entertainment for children.
Studies have shown practicing the art of magic helps students to build key qualities like self-discipline, self-confidence and interpersonal abilities. In fact, scientists frequently study magicians’ techniques to gain new insight into how the human mind works. The Discover Magic course is an educational program specifically designed to teach not just magic, but how to interact successfully with other people.
It’s best described as a life skills course camouflaged to look like a magic lesson. Kids become so engrossed and entertained in learning and performing the magic tricks they don’t realize they’re also developing incredibly valuable communication skills. Many opportunities for performing magic tricks arise later in adulthood, whether as an ice breaker for a businessman or a doctor who uses magic tricks to put their young patients at ease.
Every Discover Magic lesson features custom created props, one of the Traits of a True Magician, Top Secret Private files for every child and special bonus material the kids can unlock with a secret code after class. The tricks taught are specially designed for small hands and first time learners that will not only fool adults, but will develop and unlock exciting possibilities in every child.
Michael Ammar has been called “One of the World’s Most Influential Magicians” by Magic Magazine. A veteran performer, his resume includes appearances on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show and the Merv Griffin Show as well as the David Letterman Show, CNN, the Travel Channel and has performed live in venues as varied as the Vatican and George W. Bush’s inaugural banquet. Michael has produced more than 40 instructional DVDs and taught magic to professional magicians in over 50 countries. His bestselling book is now in its 21st printing. His dedication to teaching the art of magic are legendary – earning him the award of “Best Lecturer” from the Academy of Magical Arts – and he has had consulted with and created for the most famous magicians in the world, including David Copperfield, Doug Henning, Siegfried & Roy, David Blaine, Criss Angel, Dynamo and Lu Chen.
For more information on Texas Magic Academy and the Discover Magic curriculum, visit http://www.TexasMagicAcademy.com.