Jeff McBride Speaker Biography
Named Magician of the Year by The Magic Castle, Foremost Innovator in Contemporary Magic
Jeff McBride’s signature fusion of mask, myth, drama and illusion reflects his lifelong study of magic’s multi-cultural roots. McBride headlined at Caesars Magical Empire in Las Vegas, where he was voted critics’ choice as Best Magician in Las Vegas in the Review-Journal annual poll. He is featured on the PAX TV series, “Masters of Illusion.” Earlier this year, McBride previewed his new theatrical show, The Forbidden Secret of Magic with Eugene Burger and Abbi Spinner at Magicopolis magic theatre in Los Angeles, and presented his new grand illusion spectacular, Jeff McBride – Abracadazzle!, to standing ovations at the Claridge in Atlantic City.
On television, McBride’s spectacular “Burned Alive!” escape highlighted the ABC TV special “Champions of Magic.” He is also featured on the PBS documentary, “The Art of Magic,” and on all three episodes of “The Mysteries of Magic” on The Learning Channel. His show McBride – Magic! was the featured attraction at the Monte Carlo Festival of Magic. This followed a featured appearance on “World’s Greatest Magicians” for NBC. Earlier that season McBride guest starred on TV’s Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Joran, a role created especially for him.
His first full-evening show, Mask, Myth & Magic, won acclaim Off-Broadway and on national tour, as well as at arts festivals in Barcelona (for the 1992 Olympics), London, Hong Kong, China, and Bangkok. Prior to going solo, McBride was the opening act of choice for Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and other top stars. He has been profiled in Elle Magazine, Town & Country, Harpers and dozens of other publications worldwide.
“What Mr. McBride gives his audiences is a mesmerizing performance…a magic show that is at once a celebration of mystery and a struggle to understand powerful forces.” –New York Times columnist Glenn Collins
Workshops and Lectures
Though most widely known for his work as a performer on television, in casinos and at theaters and arts festivals worldwide, McBride is also a distinguished speaker. He has presented talks on a wide array of subjects. including The Smithsonian Institute, MacDonald’s Hamburger U., and the Creative Problem Solving Institute. An expert not only on the subject of magic and magical thinking, McBride also speaks authoritatively on creativity and on the relationship of esoteric and magical thinking and practice to modern society. He has travelled the world in search of real magic, and brings a multitude of stories, ideas and magic from cultures around the globe. McBride’s lectures generally combine magical performance, broad humor and lots of audience interaction. Audiences leave not only educated, but entertained.
Magic School
He is an accomplished event facilitator and teacher who, amongst other pursuits, runs the world’s premiere school for professional magicians. McBride is founder of The Mystery School, a unique experiential retreat for magicians (and subject of an acclaimed 1994 CBC-TV documentary hosted by Arthur Kent), and creator and co-founder of the WorldMagicsTM Festivals, multi-cultural celebrations of the environment, or “enviro-magic.” His video-taped series teaching “The Art of Card Manipulation” is among the best selling magic teaching videos of all time. With Eugene Burger, he has created and teaches regular sessions of “McBride’s Master Class” at his home studio in Las Vegas, as well as semi-annual retreats for the further exploration of the magical arts.
Jeff McBride Speaking Topics
