Conference Speakers

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Trevor Lewis is an entertainer of international repute. He has appeared at venues throughout Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and has completed many lecture tours of America, appearing at all major magic conventions.

He has hosted numerous magic cruises on the Q.E.2. for Repro Magic and has a wide experience entertaining children of all ages. He has been resident magician on several television series in Wales.

He has hosted his own series of magic shows, called Trevor' s Tricks. Other TV appearances have been as far afield as Japan, U.S.A. and Australia.

Trevor is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and is a Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle.

His Close-Up performances have won him the Magic Circle Award, the Zina Bennet Cup for Close-Up Magic and at the FISM Congress of Magic in Vienna, he won the Close-Up Card Award. He was the first magician in Britain to achieve this triple award. Trevor has also won numerous awards for his comedy presentations and has worked with some of the biggest names in the business.

 

Trevor Lewis

From Wales

Website: Trevor Lewis

In 2006, at the KIDabra Convention in America, Trevor was the recipient of a plaque for his lifetime contribution to Children' s Magic.

In 2008, Trevor was installed as President of the British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

His Close-Up performances have won him the Magic Circle Award, the Zina Bennet Cup for Close-Up Magic and at the FISM Congress of Magic in Vienna, he won the Close-Up Card Award. He was the first magician in Britain to achieve this triple award. Trevor has also won numerous awards for his comedy presentations and has worked with some of the biggest names in the business.

In 2006, at the KiDabra Convention in America, Trevor was the recipient of a plaque for his lifetime contribution to Children' s Magic.

In 2008, Trevor was installed as President of the British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

 

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Greg Britt is ELGREGOE and with his wife Sue spend much of the year traveling around New Zealand Schools performing their Antibulllying/Values based show called You've Got The Power.

Performing this show and for their roll in combating bullying has given them huge recognition in New Zealand, In 2009 Greg was included in the Queens New Year Honors List and The Governor General presented him with one of the countries highest awards the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Greg Britt

From New Zealand

Website: Greg Britt

 

Also in the same year The New Zealand Variety Artists Club gave him Top Children's Entertainer Award and The Magicians of New Zealand Awarded him with The Grand Master of Magic Award - The supreme award of excellence for a New Zealand magician.

He is one of New Zealand's best loved masters of illusion having performed over 450 television appearances, 1000s of live shows and his School show, You've Got the Power, has been seen by over half a million students.

His current show is sponsored by Trustpower, a major power company which will see him in schools for years to come.

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John Kaplan

From Canada

Website: John_Kaplan

 

John Kaplan has been touring Canada for over thirty years, performing his unique brand of family friendly magic for audiences in practically every major city, as well as some of the country's most remote communities. Along the way his Fundraising Magic program has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for hundreds of community organizations.

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Max Howard is an Emmy® Award-winning actor, magician, author and keynote speaker who entertains, inspires and informs educators and the businesses that support them.

Max Howard is an experienced children's and family entertainer. He was the co-creator and star of the international award winning television program for young audiences, Max B. Nimble, for which he won televisions coveted Emmy® Award. Beginning in 1975, he has performed for children and families at birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, Blue & Gold banquets, Christmas parties, in libraries, in theatres, in department stores and at New York's famous Central Park Children's Zoo. For 15 years Max toured throughout the Eastern United States from Minnesota to Florida, from Delaware to Kentucky presenting Max's Maximum Nutrition Show, his educational school assembly program for children K-5. Max knows kids!

As The Habit of Excellence® Expert, Max brings to the platform more than 40 years of professional experience in one of the most competitive, change-driven, stress-filled, financially insecure, emotionally unstable businesses in the world-the professional theatre. With wit, warmth and wisdom, Max inspires his audiences to reach their potential and perform at their personal best everyday -- on time, every time, no excuses!

Max has enjoyed a rich and illustrious career as a celebrated actor and teacher in leading repertory theatres across America, including Actors Theatre of Louisville, Washington's Arena Stage, the John Fernald Company of the Meadowbrook Theatre in Detroit, the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and the famed Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. Twice nominated by the Chicago Press Club for the prestigious Joseph Jefferson Award for performances in plays by Harold Pinter and Robert Shaw, he is also the winner of the American Variety Club's "Distinguished Actor Award" for his portrayal of King Henry VIII in A Man for All Seasons.

Max Howard

From Georgia

Website: The Habit of Excellence

Max created and starred in the international award winning, nationally syndicated television series for young audiences, "Max B. Nimble," for which he won television's coveted Emmy® Award. Selected in People Magazine as one of television's outstanding programs for children, "Max B. Nimble" won a total of six Emmy® Awards as well as the Chicago Film Festival "Silver Shield Award" and the Action for Children's Television "Award of Excellence for Children's Programming."

Max is also the star and co-creator of the unique play-with-magic, The War Wizard, which celebrates the astonishing career and adventurous life of the legendary 19th century American showman, Civil War soldier, inventor and traveling magician, William Augustus Reich, "known far and wide" as Prof. Gus Rich, "The Wizard of the Blue Ridge." The War Wizard has been presented at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, at New York's Lincoln Center, at the world renowned Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina and in theatres, colleges and universities across the United States.

As a speaker, creative consultant and spokesperson in support of sales, marketing and public relations projects, Max has worked with such clients as AT&T, Kroger Co., Mattel Toys, Haggar Apparel, Courtyard by Marriott and RJR Industries

Duane Laflin

 

Performed and lectured multiple times at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.

Guest Lecturers at the prestigious Magic Circle in London, England.

Duane is a member of the "Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star" This is a special international honor of highest regard in the world of magicians.

Duane and Mary were featured in the "Stars Of Magic" tour in Japan and the "Stars Of Magic" show in Singapore. In Blackpool, England, they performed for the largest convention of Magicians in the world. Duane taught at Siegfried and Roy's College of Magic in South Africa, they performed for promotions of Disney toys in Hong Kong, and were stars of the closing ceremonies of the Special Olympics in Norway.

Duane Laflin

From Tennessee

Website: Duane Laflin

 

Their upbeat, high energy, colorful style of performance has put them on stages around the world and they have been seen in many theaters across America, including the Tribeca Theater in New York City, the John Hancock Center in Boston, Circus Circus in Las Vegas, and the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, which boasts the largest stage in North America.

The "Osgood Files" national radio program did a full segment about them and the fact that they are Christians and Illusionists.

Dunae and Mary Perform every week at Pigeon Forge's Magic Beyond Belief Theater.

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Adele and Terry, Two Friends Chat A KIDabra Late Night Highlight Event! Adele Friel Rhindress has achieved superstar status at KIDabra, all you need to say is one word "Adele" and it brings a smile to the face of everyone who has encountered her! There are a few people you meet in your lifetime, that you just know are special, Adele, is one of those folks!

Photo by Jay Rumple

Adele Friel Rhindress

From PA

During her first visit to KIDabra a few years ago I was anxious for Terry Evanswood to meet her. Today they are best friends! And at KIDabra this year, join these 2 friends for an amazing visit as they talk about Adele's new book "MEMOIRS OF AN ELUSIVE MOTH, Disappearing Nightly with Harry Blackstone & His Show of 1001 Wonders." (The book includes an INTRODUCTION by DICK CAVETT, how cool is that?)

You can read Book Excerpts in the July issue of Magic Magazine and then come meet and enjoy hearing the adventures one of coolest folks you'll ever spend time around. (OK, make that 2, Terry is pretty awesome as well) Adele will autograph copies of the book afterwards.

Warning: Do not dare miss this, after Adele and Terry gave a surprise impromptu talk early one morning at KIDabra about 4 years ago, it is now remembered as one of the all time highlight events ever!

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For 4 consecutive years, Brad starred as the master illusionist in the would tour of Disney Live! presents Mickey's Magic Show, a live stage show featuring Mickey Mouse and a host of your favorite Disney characters. With performances in 95 cities, 25 countries and 16 languages Ross' time on Disney Live allowed him to connect with audiences from all backgrounds and all corners of the globe.

When he was six years old, Brad took a magic class at the Jewish Community Center in his hometown of Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Seven years of practice later, the young magician dubbed himself "Mr. Magic" and placed an ad in the local newspaper. This led to performances at children's birthday parties and local town events, supplemented by charity shows for the young and old alike.

Brad headlined at Six Flags Great Adventure in "World of Magic,"[over 1,200 performances] a high-energy show that involved large scale illusions on stage and plenty of comedy and audience interaction.

Featured on TV's The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Brad Ross wowed the talk show queen. Over 400 national & international TV Appearances to date including FOX TV's Good Day New York, Decco Drive, NBC-TV, CBS, ABC, UPN, The WB Network, Disney Channel, Telemundo, Tetsuko's Room, Disney Channel Mexico, Disney Channel Japan, and others.

Brad Ross

From New Jersey

Website: Brad Ross

Website: Birthday Party

Website: Make Magic Money

Website: "It Factor" Magic

Website: Video Marketing Magic

He is a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians, The Society of American Magicians, The International Magician's Society, and KIDabra International and currently serves as KIDabra Chapter 10 President.

Brad Ross is also the founder of NJ's local chapter of Project Magic, a charity program started by David Copperfield. This program brings magic into hospitals as a form of rehabilitation for patients. Brad gets an enormous amount of enjoyment from his charity work. Each year dozens of groups come to Brad Ross to headline their fundraisers and benefits. Working with AIDS Foundation, American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes, Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as many nursing homes and hospitals, Brad's magic has touched a countless number of lives.

Brad is also a well known author, speaker and success coach guru helping magicians and entertainers live their dream. Brad is author of several books including "The IT Factor: Secrets to Skyrocketing Your Career and Becoming a Local Celebrity."

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Barry Mitchell was formerly a street magician in the New Orleans French Quarter. He was formerly a regular opening act for country music stars.

He was formerly the featured comedian at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction. He was formerly the Oreo Magician for the Southeast.

He was formerly a lecturer at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and the Magic Circle in London. (And to think that all this lecturing stuff formally began at KIDabra Conference, where Barry wondered in once upon a time, as a formerly unknown quiet genius.)

Barry Mitchell

From Tennesee

Website: Barry Mitchell

He has formerly performed in almost every state plus England, Denmark, Australia, and the Bahamas.

He has formerly invented magic tricks, written stories, books, and DVDs.

He has formerly presently children's ministry programs such as Upward, VBS, and Kid's crusades in churches all over the United States.

He has formerly spoken for large corporations, public schools, and civic organizations.

All this former experience means he just can't keep a job.

Actually, he has been successfully unemployed as a humorist and children's entertainer for over three decades.

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Top Secret: The Notebooks Revealed

Tim Sonefelt

From North Carolina

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Part 2

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"The Outdoor Performers Survival Guide"
Talk about "missed opportunities!"

With today's unpredictable outdoor conditions, it's amazing the number of performers that do their best to stay away from any performance situation that requires them to be outdoors. These very same performers may not realize that they are missing the "proverbial" boat!

How would you like to be able to take your regular kids show or a birthday party show, make some minor adjustments and make 3 to 4 times more money simply by performing it outdoors? Doesn't make sense? Take a quick look at what you can learn from Kevin Heller's nearly 20 years of performing outdoors at just about any event that you can imagine.

Kevin Heller

From Auburn, Indiana

Website: Heller Magic

Phone: 260-249-3115

The outdoor market is HUGE! The audiences are bigger and the pay is greater! All you have to do is learn to adjust. Kevin has put together a no-nonsense guide to preparing yourself for outdoor performances. This lecture is all about planning for the worst and hoping for the best!

Here are some of the key points in this lecture that can get you out of the living room and onto the outdoor stage.

  • Recognizing outdoor opportunities
  • Outdoor Audience Management
  • Mega-merchandising
  • Adjusting and modifying your props and clothing to endure the unpredictable
  • Preparing for "natures great heckler" - the weather!

Kevin will also be teaching a time tested "completely surrounded" version of "In and Out" - A fantastic trick that can be used in any show situation!

If you've ever considered (or not considered) working outdoors, make sure to check this lecture out - it could literally change your magical career!

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A fantastic stage filling routine for any magic act! Loads of fun and audience participation! Perfect for Family shows, street shows, school shows, Birthday parties, church shows and more. Easy to do and it contains many object lessons about teamwork and being in tune with each other.

In 1984 Keith gave up a promising career in computers to become a street entertainer his friends wondered why! But he was a lot younger then and had few responsibilities. Three years later he won the coveted title of Best Magician at the International Festival of Street Entertainers in Covent Garden, London. His friends started to be impressed! Later that year Keith left the street scene and started to work in comedy clubs and cabaret venues - it was winter and warmer indoors!

Keith Feilds

From Michigan

Website: Keith Fields

The following year he was awarded the honour of 'Southern Club Entertainer of the Year' which led to a management contract, summer seasons and a role as supporting artist on national tours of various UK television celebrities.

Since then his career has gone from strength to strength. He has appeared on TV in the UK and Europe over 20 times. He has written 3 books on the art of magic and performance (one of which was translated into 4 languages), produced one of the first teaching magic CD roms, been asked to perform and lecture in front of his peers in magic conventions around the world (he also invents new magic and illusions), and won the title of 'Close up Magician of the Year' from the world famous Magic Circle.

He now lives in the USA with his wife and familly and spends most of his time working for corporate clients, on cruise ships, or at exclusive private events all around the world.

 

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Ken Scott for the first time at KIDabra presents his Birthday Party Show live before a group of kids and then the world premier Making the Birthday Party Dough 2

Ken Scott has over 20 years of experience, performing over 350 shows a year. He has entertained over a million people with his unique cutting edge programs. Ken is a TWO time winner of the Greater Atlanta Magician of the year award. In addition, Ken was also featured on CNN Headline News, where he headlined their segment on A Day of Magic.

Ken Scott

From Georgia

Website: Ken Scott Magic

Ken performs yearly in Hollywood California at The World Famous Magic Castle, which is home to the Academy of Magical Arts.

Ken has also performed five times at the White House. Ken has also appeared on ABC's America's Funniest Home Video.

Ken travels around the world teaching other entertainers his original ideas and routines that he has invented and developed.

 

Ken Scott's Birthday Party Show Live
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What do you do during your show after a routine or trick is over? This seminar gives you great transition ideas from routine to routine. Also, quick and fun games to choose a helper and to keep more kids involved. Plus, crowd control and dismissal techniques too! Tons of ideas in a fast paced session that Nathan calls his best lecture ever! You won't have time to breath!!!

Nathan J. Roberts

From Louisiana

Website: Nathan J Roberts

Nathan J Roberts has travelled all over the United States and internationally sharing his brand of humor and positive message. Whether it is a school of children, a conference, a church, a camp, or a group of business people, when Nathan hits the stage, it is excitement from start to finish.

 

Edd Patterson

Come and meet a School show legend attending KIDabra for the first time at the youthful age of 90. A guy who performed in schools for nearly 50 years for over 8 million children at 18,000 shows. Edd wrote, marketed and designed his shows annually on an educational theme.

Edd Patterson: The Interview with Phil Willmarth

From New Jersey

Often he invented the tricks and built the props for his programs, did his own artwork and layout for his promotional pieces and annually mailed out over 5000 pieces of mail. Before their was a Ken Scott, a Steve Taylor, or even a David Ginn, there was an Edd Patterson.

 

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Through illusion, comedy, drama and music, Jim Austin involves the audience from beginning to end. One cannot help but get involved in the fast paced excitement. Rousing cheers, stinging drama, all brought together by the wonder of illusion.

Jim Austin

From Illinois

Website: JimAges.org

Jim creates rapport as he leaves audiences laughing and feeling good. Live animals, plenty of audience participation and wholesome family comedy is the fare. Add Jim's personable style and you have a winning combination that delights audiences of all ages.

From North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. Jim has entertained for all types of audiences for over twenty-five years. Currently he resides in Chicago with his wife, Kris.

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Todd McKinney is a full time children's entertainer from the great state of Texas. Performing since the age of ten, Todd has traveled the country performing his high energy shows to thousands of smiling faces each and every year. Todd's experience in the entertainment business reads like a Sunday newspaper. He has appeared on television commercials, hosted his own magic camp for kids in the summer and has even written and designed several programs for other children's performers.

Todd McKinney

From Texas

Todd McKinney
Comedy Magician
Educational Entertainer 4 Kids!
Call Me Toll Free: 866-829-2286
Todd McKinney Pro
Magicman Info

 

Known for his, "Creating A Celebrity Status" marketing course, Todd is also a coach who helps performers reach their goals. Todd has also hosted several workshops with performers from around the world of which have all sold out. His marketing knowledge is considered top notch.

Plus more to come!