The Perfect Magic Club

We were in Ballarat for a show the other night so we dropped in to say hi to Barry Govan. We caught up with him at his 'Dojo', the Ballarat Karate Club where he is a founding member and black belt with many dans. He mentioned that the club's rooms, which were extremely well set out, were used 5 nights a week and open during the day for any of the 60 members to drop in and train at any time.

Wow. Imagine a magic club that operated like that!

During our travels to various clubs all over the world, we've noticed that most clubs meet only once a month, and very few have their own clubrooms. Most of the monthly meetings seem to consist of a guest lecturer or possibly a talk. Virtually none of the clubs operate as a "training ground" for magicians.

Imagine, if you will, a magic club operating like the Ballarat Karate Club, or any other social or sporting club for that matter. It has it's own clubrooms set up with mirrors, a performing space, basic sound and lights, a corner set aside for the rehearsal of close up, an honour bar (drop the money in the tin every time you drink), a library and a TV and DVD player.

Imagine, that members can book in any time during the day and use the space for rehearsal or research. Every night, from 5-7pm and 8-10pm specialised training sessions are held. That's 10 different weekly sessions - maybe one on card techniques, one on stage manipulation, one on voice, one on lighting, one on costume... you can see the possibilities. Maybe only two or three people attend each session... but training would take place, magicians would improve in these areas. On weekends magicians could drop in and session, watch DVDs, catch up etc. Lectures and shows could be held elsewhere as special events, but not in the clubrooms, they are for training and socialising only.

So who pays for these clubrooms? Well it only takes 60 karate students to rent a great facility in Ballarat, and here in Melbourne there are dozens of "social clubs" (where members play cards and drink coffee) operating out of rented shopfronts. 60 members paying $100 a year each gives you $6,000 to play with. Add to this the proceeds from a public show or two each year (500 people at $10 profit per head = another $5,000 per show). Magic classes for non-member students can also bring in extra funds and, eventually, new members with an understanding of the value of training.

A property like this warehouse in Preston rents at $21,000 a year and is 182sqm with an 82sqm office. A warehouse in Dandenong with kitchenette, toilets, four offices is $8,996 a year. The best thing is, as it is a private club, you don't need a great location with high rent. This upstairs office (pictured) in Essendon is only 32sqm but pretty luxurious and only $7,228 a year. Imagine having access to this 24/7 to rehearse magic with your friends. I know you train at home but, as with any other pursuit, you are more likely to train properly with others than on your own. Surely that's worth AT LEAST $100 a year.

The thing that strikes me the most is that the Karate people look to us magicians and are amazed at what we can do. "Wow, that must take so much practice to be able to do those tricks." Meanwhile, they go back to training several times a week while we meet monthly to sit back and listen to someone talk.

Let's get serious guys! Look through the real estate section in your local paper. Re-invent your local magic club. If we want magic to be respected as a performing art, then first WE need to give IT the respect it deserves!