Lectures for Non-Magicians (Businessmen, Salesmen, Teachers and Corporate Executives)

Tour Update/ Comments/Reviews:

At the recent IBM convention in San Diego, Steve received a well-deserved standing ovation from over 1,000 enthusiastic attendees...

The British and Irish magicians hated to see him leave, but on May 1st, after 2 months, 28 lectures and 4 Insider Workshops, Steve Dacri flew back to the U.S. While in England, Steve was given the highest honors - Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star (MIMC) in a surprise presentation at his final lecture in London at The Magic Circle. Then it was off to Lansing, Michigan to kick off his first US Lecture Tour. Rave reviews in Magic Weekly Abracadabra, THE LINKING RING, and The Magic Circular praised Steve's performing and reaching skills, and many clubs proclaimed his lecture "the best we've ever had!"

Now accepting a limited number of dates for 2008 and 2009.

But, don't take our word for it, here are a few comments from those in attendance during Steve's second UK/Ireland and FIRST EVER U.S. Lecture Tour:

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"Steve's lecture is virtually a mini course in the art of close-up magic, and he was more focused on teaching than selling. We recommend him highly to other Rings"
- Kansas City IBM Ring No. 129

"...if you get a chance to see him perform or lecture, jump at it!"
- Philadephia IBM Ring No. 6

A magnificent lecture . . . one of the best! Steve not only performed his entertaining Caesars Palace close-up act but also explained, in detail, how and why he did everything. He also provided many tips and ideas that are invaluable for all close-up and stage magicians.
Dick Gustafson, Past National President, SAM

"Steve Dacri presents an excellent lecture. Catch him whenever you can in the future...you'll be as impressed as I was."
Frank Dudgeon, IBM Ring 122

REPRINTED FROM THE LINKING RING, AUGUST 2002, VOL. 82

IBM Ring No. 129, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 2002

We've been busy lately attending lectures, four in a six week period. My personal favorite was STEVE DACRI. His approach is to do the close-up routine that he performs at Caesars, and then break it down element by element for us. He pointed out that too many magicians focus on what's new, whereas their audiences are still entertained by the classics. He also spent some time showing us how he organizes his props. Among the routines taught were the Color Changing Deck, Coins Through the Table and his sponge balls.

I enjoyed the way that he explained the psychology of each routine. It's true that he does a bit of name dropping, but why not, when you can drop names like Vernon and Slydini. Steve's lecture is virtually a mini course in the art of close-up magic, and he was more focused on teaching than selling. Most of the routines were included in one of his two sets of notes. He had a number of sponge rabbits for sale, but the principles he taught could be used with regular sponge balls as well. We highly recommend him to other Rings.

MUM Magazine, January 2003:

"Close to 60 members and guests attended the Steve Dacri lecture...a very impressive lecture. Try to get him for one of your meetings.

"...In addition to doing and explaining some incredible magic...Steve had many worthwhile tips and suggestions (that) are appropriate for trade shows, table-hopping and almost any other venue...useful to all magicians from rank amateurs to seasoned professionals. "
- Bill White, Carl Rosini SAM Assembly No. 82

REPRINTED FROM THE LINKING RING, AUGUST 2002, VOL. 82

IBM Ring No. 6, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 2002

Another great lecture for the 50 or so who attended the May meeting. This time it was presented by STEVE DACRI, who is a regular at Caesars Magical Empire in the Secret Pagoda Showroom. Steve gave us a brief overview of the performing conditions in the close-up venue there. He then did his elegantly routined 18 minute close-up show just as he would at Caesars. All of his act is simple, commercial, and well thought out.

He did Coins Across, a silk routine, Coins Through the Table, Sponge Balls, Color Changing Deck of Cards and ended with a super Card Stab in a Card Fountain. Then came the best part of the evening - the tips! He explained the workings of each effect, how he deals with the audience, and most importantly, the thinking behind every move he makes. He ensures that the spectator assistants are in a certain place at each phase of his act. Every hand movement and gesture is carefully thought out. Also, since he sometimes performs five or six shows back to back, he shared his secret for his "get ready": He has seven complete sets of props set up and ready to perform. He also makes an overall check of props and locations every evening.

Steve explained the importance of performing what the public enjoys seeing, of giving them surprises. He also has a very nice way of handling his volunteer assistants that insures that everyone has a good time at his show. His notes sold well, and if you get a chance to see him perform or lecture, jump at it!

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"It was a popular lecture with close-up effects for everyone, like the miniature version of Blendo, coins through the table, the double card stab with the fountain of cards and various sponge ball effects including his famous rabbits, which as hard as I looked I could never detect the vanish or load, he does it so expertly."
- Elizabeth Warlock MIMC, THE LINKING RING, June '02
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"Steve Dacri gave two different lectures and a workshop to enthusiastic members of The Magic Circle during his UK tour. Everyone enjoyed his technical skill, his highly entertaining style, and his ability to teach with great clarity. The explanation of his superb classic force was a highlight, but everything he showed was of considerable value to the audience."
- MICHAEL BAILEY MIMC, President, The Magic Circle

"Catch Steve's lecture, it's full of practical, entertaining stuff, and the old boy fooled me badly…he is truly one of the great masters…"
- BILLY MCCOMB MIMC

"...Steve Dacri, currently on a lecture tour, did his sponge rabbit sequence which is superb, with just about the cleanest sponge vanish you are likely to see, and discovered a vanished signed card - in his mouth!"
- Abracadabra, Vol 113 #2935
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"Two Brilliant lectures from a real pro."
- ALI BONGO MIMC, The Magic Circle, London

"Best Classic Force work we've ever seen, obviously a seasoned worker.
And he kept me awake."
- JAY MARSHALL, Dean of American Magicians

"...he learned his craft from the likes of Slydini, Garcia and Vernon...you could hardly have a better pedigree! The two and a half hours had flown by! The group had been treated to as clear an explanation of some of the classics of magic as they were ever likely to experience and it had been delivered with charm and sensitivity
by a master of his art..."
- Rob Cox MIMC, The Magic Circular, June '02
Special Insiders Workshop,
The Devant Room, The Magic Circle, London

"Real useful stuff, a master performer, with clear instructions and the best darn sponge ball work in the business…"
- BOB ESCHER AIMC, President IBM

"We loved Steve's performing skills, and highly recommend his lecture, and his Insider's Workshop was another rare treat, an experience we'll never forget…"
- MARC DESOUZA

"He learned his lessons from the masters well, as evidenced by his work with the corporate world, as well as his very successful appearances at the Magic Castle and Caesars in Las Vegas...on the Classic Force, a subject Steve is an expert on, Steve has thought the whole process through to a remarkable degree. A remarkable lecture."
IBM Silent Mora Ring No. 122, Boston, MA

"The Steve Dacri lecture was a big success. Don't miss this master."
Tom Todd, Oklahoma City IBM Ring No. 46
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"That was the best Classic Force I have ever seen."
- John Gordon MIMC

"Steve eloquently described and demonstated how he packs, sets up, presents and recycles his show that he uses in Las Vegas for a speedy turnaround. Mr. Dacri, an excellent showman, explained the importance of timing and how to make adjustments. Everything was well explained and exciting to watch. A great night."
Indianapolis Harry Riser SAM Assembly No. 31and IBM Ring 10

Dear Steve,
I was fortunate to catch your lecture two nights ago in Kansas City, MO. It was an outstanding lecture and I was sorry when the lecture was over for I knew there was so much more I could learn from you. It is no exaggeration to say that I have heard over two hundred magic lectures. Your lecture ranks in the top five or six I have heard. You offered some real "meat" for the serious performer/thinker. Thanks for giving us the benefit of your background and experience. It was a joy!

Magically,

David Buttram

"He's so good with sponges and cards that I want to hurt him. Every magician should have the opportunity to watch this pro at work."
- TERRY SEABROOKE MIMC

"A highlight of our convention, fantastic lecture."
- ED WHITE, Allentown Magic Day
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Dear Steve,
I just wanted to say my son Kyle and I truly enjoyed your lecture and all the valuable knowledge that you shared last night. You brought good solid info that all who were present could easily use in their daily efforts. Again thanks for a great lecture.

Rob Scheel

Steve:

I just got home from your lecture (Kansas City, IBM Ring 129), and just wanted to thank you for the great entertainment and education. I listened as you talked about studying with these masters (Slydini and Vernon), and heard a couple of other locals who got a chance to see or watch these men in action. I thought to myself... I wish I could say the same thing... to watch and learn from a master. I thought about the lecture during the drive home, and I slowly realized that I can say it, too. I was able to watch and learn from a master.

Thanks again,

Daniel Mooncalf
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Convention Appearance: "Easter Parade" - The Gala Show - Southport, England
April 2002

"...Steve Dacri...very funny...excellent sponge balls and bowl routine...all linked by clever lines and strong personality..."
Abracadabra, Vol 113 #2932

"Steve Dacri, just as good on stage as he is in close-up, entertained with an excellent sponge balls and bowl routine, and a variation of the paper balls over the head, but using sponge rabbits instead of napkins, all performed with pazzaz and gags, thus making it so entertaining."
- Elizabeth Warlock, THE LINKING RING, June 2002
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"Most definitely a highlight of this year's Jubilee was Steve Dacri's incredible lecture...and Steve delighted all with his fabulous close-up magic which is even better than it was when he first performed at a Jubilee back in 1976."
Tony Spina, Tannen's Magic Jubilee

"If you do restaurants, kids shows, trade shows or corporate work, you will benefit greatly from these lectures. "
- Robert Escher MIMC, Past International President IBM

Lectures: Since 1975, Steve has been teaching professional magicians secrets and routines, covering magic for all skill levels, with the emphasis on sleight of hand and commercial magic. He recently completed his SECOND lecture tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland (2 months: 28 lectures), with two more lectures for The Magic Circle and the Dublin Magic Society, among others. He has lectured for The Magic Castle and at many of the major magic conventions throughout the world.

Workshops: A limited number of private "Insider's Workshops" are presented each year. These are limited to 10 or less participants.
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Descriptions of the Lectures:

Lecture #1:
"Commercial Magic Secrets from the Close-Up and Stage Act of Steve Dacri"
(as first presented at The Magic Circle, May 14, 2001)

The Material:
If you perform for money, or for fun, this lecture offers practical advice, easy to do routines and impressive additions to your show, for both children and adults.

The focus is cards, coins, sponges, mostly close-up, with platform and stand-up material as well. Business advice from from the trenches make this lecture practical for those who are interested in adding to their performing skills, adding material to their repertoire and improving their marketing and sales of their act. Finger flingers will have much to sink their teeth into as well, with pet moves and routines from Vernon, Garcia, Slydini and others.

Description:
Steve Dacri knows what is commercial. A student (and long time friend) of Slydini, Dai Vernon, Frank Garcia, Charlie Miller and Al Goshman, Steve Dacri has been a professional magician for over 30 years, winning awards and working in the highest paying venues in the magic field. Since 1973, Steve has been one of the very few "Corporate Magicians", specializing in trade shows, as well as corporate functions, sales meetings and conventions, commanding impressive fees to perform close-up magic. Steve has been a regular performer at Caesars Magical Empire in Las Vegas since it opened (logging over 3,000 performances!), as well as a favorite at the Magic Castle for 30 years, appearing in all three showrooms, and having been nominated for an award for his close-up magic act by the Academy of Magical Arts. He has appeared on countless TV shows, including the Johnny Carson Show, That's Incredible and Candid Camera, hosted his own television series (Magical Mystery Tour), and has toured as the opening act for major stars in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Reno. He has headlined in his own show in Las Vegas and continues to He is also a prolific writer and director of many memorable TV shows and commercials.

The lecture is crammed full of practical advice, both from the performing and business perspective. If you enjoy sleight of hand for fun, or profit, this lecture will benefit you. Children's Shows, In addition to great tricks and moves, Steve will offer an array of secrets, tips, performing advice, sleight of hand with cards, coins, balls, etc., misdirection techniques, presentation tips, routining, building a trade show act, stand up, platform and sit down material. Steve also reveals some of his methods for marketing your act and customizing your show for each performing venue.
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Insiders' Workshop: "An Intimate Affair: Perfecting the Fine Art of Sleight of Hand Entertainment"
(As presented at The Magic Circle, London, England April 29, 2002)
Limited to 8 - 10 people (usually presented the day before or after the regular lecture).

An intensive, commercial session for serious students and working performers, the first half of the workshop is planned, with insider stuff from Garcia, Lorayne, Frank Thompson, Dingle, Slydini, Eddie Tullock Charlie Miller and of course, Dai Vernon. Although there is a bit of finger flinging for enjoyment's sake, it's mostly focused on real work magic, that is close up magic for workers. In addition to the performance aspects, (depending upon the participants), the business components are covered, with valuable advice for marketing and securing engagements in the trade show, corporate and private function areas. The second half is crafted from the wishes of the participants to create a more meaningful experience for everyone. Sunday afternoons work well for this, as does evenings, but figure on 2 1/2 to 3 hours.


Lecture #2 -
"Master Routines by Steve Dacri"
"Spend time with a working professional and amazing teacher, Steve holds nothing back. I've never seen anyone do the Classic Force as good. An impressive lecture." - LANCE BURTON

The goal is to make attendees into BETTER performers. Picks up where Lecture #1 left off, and features more coins, cards and stand-up material, with a spotlight on Steve's unmatched sponge ball magic, and The Classic Force, which the magic community is calling "The Best Classic Force ever", including routines, vanishes and tips to elevate your performance and audience impact..

It's easy to see why Steve continues to be one of the highest-paid acts in magic. He has a solid business approach, charges astronomical fees, and his performing skills have been perfected during the past 33 years in every conceivable type of venue. He studied with, and learned from, the true masters of magic, was a personal friend of Vernon, Slydini, Garcia and Goshman. His teaching skills put him in a unique class of instructor, making his rare lecture appearances standing-room-only events.

Steve opened the first-ever close-up magic show in Las Vegas, "Xtreme Close-up Magic", and he has been appearing in this highly-acclaimed show since 2004, first at The Orleans, then on the famous Las Vegas Strip, at the Flamingo, O'Shea's and the Imperial Palace. Many routines from that hit show will be performed and taught, and the origins of "Stand-up Close-up Magic" are explained and discussed. Steve also teaches some of his world-class mix and mingle routines perfected from decades of exclusive engagements for the rich and famous, and table-hopping tips for the restaurant and private party entertainer. A practical selection of magic, moves, performance secrets, act improvement and presentation advice, also a lot of practical business and marketing info for getting the money, booking the better gigs, and promoting one's self in the best way. All proven techniques that will work in the European and U.S. marketplaces.
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About Steve's First USA/Canada Lecture Tour

To answer your question, yes, Steve will be doing a limited number of lectures this year, beginning in April 2003, as well as in 2004. He cannot guarantee that he will be available after that, due to many professional commitments.

After 30 years in the business, Steve Dacri announced his first lecture and Insiders' Workshop tour in the United States and Canada, in what was called the "Magic Across America Lecture Tour". The Magic Circle first invited Steve to present his lecture, "Commercial Magic Secrets", in London in May of 2001, where he received rave reviews for his personable style of teaching and performing abilities. He was invited to return last year to present his special Insiders' Workshop and his new lecture ("Master Routines") as part of a 45 day UK Lecture Tour that began March 9th and concluded on May 1st , 2002, which included the elevation of Steve to MIMC with Gold Star by The Magic Circle in London.

Steve then began his first U.S. Lecture Tour two days later, in Lansing, Michigan. He presented 16 lectures and two Insider's Workshops. The initial demand for Steve's lectures has been fantastic. Some clubs are scheduling the lecture only, others have requested both the lecture and workshop.

Steve lectured at the IBM Convention, San Diego, in July, where he received a standing ovation from the nearly 1,000 attendees, then he returned to the road to begin the second phase of the tour, which included a lecture at the Tannen's Jubilee Oct. 11 - 13, 2002 and concluded in Sacramento in December. Check some of the wonderful comments and testimonials.

Lecture descriptions
Check the travel itinerary

2008 Lectures

Due to a number of professional commitments, including "Xtreme Close-up Magic" in Las Vegas (Steve stars in the show for most of the year), Steve will presenting a limited number of lectures and Insider's Workshops in 2008.

For further details, and availabilities, contact steve@stevedacri.com
or call Jan at 702-253-9392
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Private Instruction and Consultation

Steve accepts a small number of students for private and group instruction in Las Vegas..

Custom-tailored instruction available. For beginners, intermediate and advanced students of the art.

Among his many celebrity clients, Steve has taught Milton Berle (card magic), Tony Orlando (magic and juggling), Bonnie Pointer (stage magic), rock group KISS (stage magic), Diddi Conn (close-up magic) and Bill Bixby (stage routines), and numerous others. He has consulted and created magic effects for stage (Barnum on Broadway, National Restaurant Association) and television shows, (TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes, Candid Camera, Magical Mystery Tour, Magic Notebook).

A personal, individual course - consisting of a series of one and two hour sessions - can be designed based upon the needs and desires of the student. For beginners or advanced (advanced students only accepted after a personal interview or reference). Steve will teach you the basics of performing magic for fun or profit. Contact us for fees and availability, or call Jan at 702-253-9392.

Among the topics covered:
Performance: sleight of hand (basic to advanced); Card magic, coin magic, close-up act development, stage act development, children's show act development; performance coaching.

Business: selling and marketing your act, press kit creation, evaluation of your current promotional materials, creating the best promo video, video press kit, publicity tools and techniques, web site creation and show booking procedures, contracts, etc.

Design or Enchance Your Own Act

Steve is also available for consultation in all areas of magic and the entertainment business. He can provide Personalized Act Creation and individual Coaching, including, but not limited to, writing, producing and directing your show, illusion design and construction and tour arrangements. We have relationships with prop designers and builders, and we maintain free-lance professionals in all areas of expertise on a project-by-project basis.

Call 702-253-9392 or email us for availabilities and rates.
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