The World Magic Seminar Celebrates 25 Years
Siegfried & Roy’s devotion to their craft and their perseverance has made Las Vegas not only the entertainment capitol of the world but also the magic capitol. More than three decades ago they were told magic doesn’t work in Las Vegas; today magic is featured from one end of the Strip to the other.
The professional and amateur world of magic will be focused on Las Vegas next week (January 13-16) when the World Magic Seminar celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Rivera Hotel. Siegfried & Roy have been sponsors of the seminar since its inception and are responsible for the events two prestigious awards.
The sold-out 2002 World Magic Seminar will include magicians from more than 40 countries and offers an opportunity for the professional, amateur of part-time professional to learn about “The Art of Magic” through workshops and lectures. Though tricks are demonstrated, the seminar is considered the chance to learn theatrical secrets and performance techniques.
Highlight of the seminar will be when the Magicians of the Century bestow their coveted Golden Lion’s Head award on the “people’s choice” winner of the World Challenge Invitational Stage Competition. Established in 1989, contestants send a video of their performance to the seminar’s international advisors who select eight to ten to compete in the competition at the seminar. All seminar attendees then cast their votes, making it a true people’s award. The winner also receives a $5,000 check from Siegfried & Roy.
Years ago Siegfried & Roy also established the SARMOTI Award to honor the most impressive new talent. The winner in this competition also receives a $5,000 check from the master entertainers as well as a Schim Schimmel posters depicting Siegfried & Roy’s mystical White Tigers.
“Seminar participants get and education and very real and useful advice from some of the best magicians in the world today,” says Siegfried. “They learn the art of style and originality, the keys of success.”
“We stress to them to be different from the others; be yourself and the world will love you,” adds Roy. “It is so important for any magicians to create their own style because if you copy, you can only be second best.”
