Peter Samelson Masterclass
Peter Samelson Masterclass
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A master of theatrical magic (he literally wrote the book on Theatrical Close Up Magic), Peter Samelson brings a fresh, artful perspective to the Vanishing Inc. Masterclass Series. This incredible download features more than 6 hours of amazing close up magic and stage-and-parlor-magic from one of magic's most respected performers.
The "Peter Samelson Masterclass" is more than just a chance to expand your repertoire. It's an amazing opportunity to deepen your understanding of the craft of magic.
Equally amazing on stage as he is close up, Peter covers the signature routines from his repertoire that have earned him an international reputation and made him a staple in the iconic New York magic scene. The level of precision and detail in his work is awe-inspiring, and his creative takes on both classics of magic and lesser-known effects will captivate any magician.
Enjoy some of Peter's most beloved effects, as well as new unreleased material. Beyond learning the complete routines, you'll also gain an understanding of the principles of what works and why. You'll walk away with the tools needed to craft powerful magic presentations. There is something for all skill levels and everything taught is real-world, field-tested magic forged during thousands of hours of paid performances.
This unique learning experience takes place across three downloads, each covering a different topic. Each download is accompanied by a supplemental learning eBook that offers written explanations and further insights. There is also a special bonus 4th video featuring a Zoom Q&A session with Peter. Recorded live for members of Vanishing Inc. Monthly, this amazing download is both a look back at the key points from the first three lessons and it's own unique mini lesson.
Part 1: Crazy Playing Cards
- NY Transpo (internet challenges and how this twist on a classic overcomes exposure)
- Body Snatchers (Classic presentation with Walter Cummings Mexican Turnover
- Body Snatchers 2020 (Updated handling and kicker ending as seen on Penn & Teller: Fool Us)
- Bonus: Church of the Amazing Spectacles (X-Ray vision and ACAAN)
Part 2: Polished Parlor, Simply Silver
- Mimetic Slo-Mo
- Linking Finger Rings
- Ring and Rope from Theatrical Close Up that leads to ...
- Ring in Box (very clean climax to the above or as a stand alone piece)
- Bonus: The LoveLocks (a bunch of keys, a ring and romance)
Part 3: Crafting Stage Craft
- Heartstrings (magic and Impact in the Gypsy Thread)
- The Phoenix (virtually perfect)
- Kids' toys and 4-sided Crackerjacks
- Bonus: Snow Globe (the routine that began the flurry of Snowstorm routines)
Customer reviews for Peter Samelson Masterclass
1. Mr. Samelson had a very clear and specific ideas of exactly what he wanted to teach.
2. The teaching was clear and thoughtful. While I thought that "running through the explanation again" wasn't needed because one can just watch the video again, this is a minor quibble.
3. The pieces (and these are theatrical pieces) were exceptional. These are not just ideas but full blown works.
4. The attention to detail was particularly good. See especially his points on the two-card monte turn-over move. Such a small thing, but it strengthens the illusion far out of proportion to the work.
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the second lesson is more dedicated to close-up/ parlour magic with his beautiful ring and rope (with great ending climax).
I love all the extras that Peter added to make sure you undertans all the finesses. He his so professionnel with cameras, keynote etc !!
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Above all willing to disclose the real work
Thank you, Peter
Phillip Boruchowitz
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PS. Please book Max Maven too!!!
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Seeing just how good magic can be in their hands, seeing the other levels it can work on, drives me to raise the level of my work.
Peter Samelson is high on that short list of artists. He creates material that is funny and joyful, but also material that is emotionally resonant without being cloying. He has created, in my view, THE definitive presentations of two classic pieces while making many other traditional plots fire on cylinders that ain’t in the rest of our engines.
Here Peter tips central pieces of his active repertoire (including, to my shock, his seminal presentation of Snowstorm in China, which virtually every contemporary presentation has copied in tone and basic story). Peter teaches these through the framework of the questions he asks while writing and developing his material. These are questions we would all do well to ask, again and again and again, of our own work.
The teaching moves at a fast pace, but everything is crystal clear (especially when studied along with the generous additional materials Peter provides, including several PDF manuscripts, performance videos, and even additional instructional videos beyond the lessons that allow him to go in greater depth than the weekly sessions allow).
There are marvelous technical details (an unpublished Steve Bedwell deck switch that is a thing of beauty, a far superior handling of a ring vanishing hank than the conventional approach, an unbelievably clean updated handling of Wild Card with Samelson's lovely script), but the real value here is seeing how he makes his work connect emotionally.
This is a gauntlet thrown down to raise the level of my magic, and I bet you find it pushing you in the same way.
Highly, highly recommended!
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This is the third of MC that I have been a part of and while all of them were good, this was IMHO by far the best. I am beyond glad that I spent the money to learn from this great artist.
Each of the weeks was great, but Mr. Samelson’s kind and winsome manner of answering questions in the fourth session was my favorite.
If you are looking for magic that has been through both a theatrical as well as a magical viewpoint, this is the class for you. Peter was more than well prepared each week and his tech setup was beyond anything that I have seen from any other magic lecture. It was clear, camera choices were great, and the thoroughness with which the lessons were prepared were beyond great.
I honestly hope that many, many will watch this class simply because it will make us all better. It will cause us all to think not only about tricks and methods, but about what we are saying and how we are making a particular spectator feel. Mr. Samelson’s advice about the ending to the paper balls over the head is incredible. Look for it, listen to him, leave poor planning and technique to others.
Highly, highly recommended. A bargain at twice the price.
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Community questions about Peter Samelson Masterclass
Have a question about this product? It's possible others do too. Ask here and other Vanishing Inc. Magic customers will be able to respond with assistance! Alternatively, email us and we can help too.
Allan asks: Hi there ... I'm looking to learn the Ring and Rope and am wondering whether Peter actually teaches this on the Masterclass and if so, is it a good teaching? Also, are there other ring and rope routines you recommend - I believe Josh Jay has one? I've been using a Jardin Ellis ring and am wanting to expand my repertoire - any information is very much appreciated. Thanks Allan
Larry asks: Can I purchase just the 3rd week in which Snowstorm is the Bonus?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:No, the Masterclass is only available as a complete product, and not available as individual weeks.
James asks: When can we expect the schedule to go up for this masterclass?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Soon.™
Steve asks: what dates is Peter lecturing? Is John Gustaferro still lecturing in Jan?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Peters Masterclass is in May 2021. The John Gustaferro Masterclass is in January 2021
Carlos asks: did he performs or explain his smoke and coins routine
- 1. Charly responds:This hasn't happened yet, so what he will perform has yet to be announced.
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