Magic In Education

I get to work under the glorified title as a teacher/artist with KITE Arts Education Program, run by QPAC, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Essentially I consult with them on ways to use magic and illusion in their performances.

The program goes into schools where there is little likelihood of the students getting much exposure to theatre. It exposes them to various artforms like music, dance and sometimes magic and illusion. The specialist KITE professional teachers work with the kids, identify their strengths, write a theatre production for them, choreograph and rehearse the students, then build a set in a major theatre that the students use to perform a fully supported performance to a full house.

Here's an example of one of the programs.

The big picture idea of this particular production goes something like this:

Adults and children often view themselves and their environments as fixed, a singular reality: "that's just me...that's the way it is" KITE asks children to view things from an alternate perspective to open up possibilities for creativity and innovation; growth and transformation.

• How and why do things change?
• How do we create change?
• What is transformation?
• What is perspective?
• How can we change our perspective?
• What is illusion?

Just from that list, can you see all the potential magic and illusion theory and practice that can be applied? We have the children levitating, using optical tricks on stage, being stretched and returned to their original state.

At the end of the program, not only have the kids performed a creative and dramatic piece on stage, learnt some illusions and tricks, understood the goings-on of the theatre world but they also know

• That people and environments change
• That people view things differently
• We can choose how we view things
• Sometimes others influence how we view things
• Experimentation is creative and leads to change
• We can affect change

These are very empowering tools for young children to possess. This program does make a difference to young lives.

Magic in education is a very useful tool.

Magic in education - see more ideas back at Julian's Magician School

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