FINAL: "Magic Max" Shines at Founders' Day

Max D. is no stranger to performances.  An avid member of the Society of Young Magicians (SYM), a youth offshoot of the Society of American Magicians (SAM) (@sammumnews), he has performed at camps, birthday parties, and other events for a variety of audiences.  Therefore, he seemed undaunted when he announced his intention to offer a performance on Founders' Day for fellow students, faculty, and parents.  But...this routine would be something special, he said.  It would not only satisfy Business Math requirements but also perform a specific function for IP:

I was thinking of a performance on Founders' Day  Some people attending may not understand it [IP] from just hearing about it.  If I show them, parents, students, and faculty can get what IP is all about. When I do my performance, they will understand and be illuminated that, when we research our project, we learn more about it than before we researched.

Max quickly went to work once he secured the necessary permissions.  He began to search through his inventory of tricks in earnest, designing last minute materials and giving the IP faculty more frequent mock performances.  Eventually he settled on three tricks; once he had this routine he selected a minimalistic costume and practiced his transitions.  The most tantalizing factor for the IP team was that Max did this work on his own.  He did not consult his advisors for assistance; he knew what he needed to get done, and he approached this work conscientiously and deliberately.

All of his efforts paid off too.  During his Founders' Day performance, Max introduced himself by jabbing playfully at Mr. Pendergast before moving onto his most powerful illusion ("Professor's Nightmare /​ Fiber Optic") and a well-known card trick ("Three Card Monty").  Ever the close study of humor, he put jokes to good use and evoked more than a frequent chuckle from his guests.  More than one audience member muttered confusedly as he traded rope ends during "Professor's Nightmare /​ Fiber Optic," and we all laughed along at our own ignorance as he tantalized us with his cards during "Three Card Monty."

Overall, Max's performance was a big success.  Over the course of the year, he has made huge gains in the deft handling of his tricks.  No less importantly, he has become more comfortable engaging others.  He has shifted his focus to "close-ups" (which call upon audience participation), and he has developed a performance personality that is quite magnetic.  He should feel proud of his good work, and the IP faculty invites you to celebrate with us by posting in the comments section below.

Description of images:  "Magic Max" with Mr. Pendergast, top right.  Max performing "Three Card Monty," middle left.  Max beginning his routine, bottom right.  All photos taken by IP faculty.