Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino » The Magic World

Behind Smoke and Mirrors 3: Three Tips for Powerhouse Rehearsals

admin — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:34:48 +0000

Sammy is back with the third episode of his series “Behind Smoke and Mirrors” on iTunes provider, The MESH. In this episode, “Three Tips for Powerhouse Rehearsals”. Sound exciting? Well, it is! Improve your own performance skills by fine-tuning your rehearsals, while along the way checking out Sammy’s work on his upcoming magic tour in 2012.

April 19, 2012 -- Sammy adapting to the Music City, produces a club show (0)
February 16, 2012 -- “Sammy Cortino: LIVE” being released February 25th (0)
February 2, 2012 -- The show comes to Smoky Mountain Center on the 25th (1)
February 2, 2012 -- Sammy on UNC-TV (0)
January 31, 2012 -- OPOP: A great success! (0)
January 24, 2012 -- OPOP Media Appearances (0)
December 28, 2011 -- Go behind-the-scenes (0)
December 22, 2011 -- Warm Holiday Greetings! (0)
December 8, 2011 -- Sammy In 60: Life Is A Stage (0)
November 29, 2011 -- More Dates Added (0)
November 22, 2011 -- “Sammy Cortino: Live” up for release (0)
October 20, 2011 -- Get the good seats before they disappear! (0)

Magic news: Hans takes magic back with The Houdini Experience

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:08:59 +0000

Following his revue with Pamela Anderson way back when, it seems that Hans Klok is taking magic back. In a Creative Boom article, his newest production, The Houdini Experience, is set to open this Spring at London’s West End in the Peacock Theatre.

Something refreshing? Yes. Tried and true Houdini reference? Yes.

Other posts

The Magic of The Oscars

admin — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:15:05 +0000

While there was the inevitable mentions of contemporary fiascos like Charlie Sheen and the performance of James Franco, one thing remains consistent in The Oscars year after year: the element of mystery prior to the event.

The ceremony is very much like magic. Like in a performance of illusion, there is great mystery at to what will happen and a good sense of suspense prior to the revelation of the magic. The glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous also draws parallels to the way people look into the world of magic and perhaps the influential illusionists in a given era.

There are aspects across the board that have intrigued people for generations. We need to learn how to tap into these elements.

March 24, 2011 -- The Wow Factor (0)
March 8, 2011 -- Privacy: A long gone mystique (0)
October 2, 2009 -- “The Illusionist” In French? (0)
June 10, 2008 -- Will we see another “Prestige” or “Illusionist” sometime soon? (0)

A study on magic and news coverage: get involved!

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:21:24 +0000

For his honors thesis at Appalachian State University, Sammy is conducting a study on magic and the news coverage it has received throughout history. As part of the study, he is sampling entertainment news about David Copperfield and Harry Houdini.

If anyone has pre 1990 news footage about David Copperfield and or radio broadcasts about Harry Houdini in 1926, CONTACT US. We reimburse and your contribution to this study will help further magic’s understanding of media.

April 19, 2012 -- Sammy adapting to the Music City, produces a club show (0)
February 16, 2012 -- “Sammy Cortino: LIVE” being released February 25th (0)
February 2, 2012 -- The show comes to Smoky Mountain Center on the 25th (1)
February 2, 2012 -- Sammy on UNC-TV (0)
January 31, 2012 -- OPOP: A great success! (0)
January 24, 2012 -- OPOP Media Appearances (0)
December 28, 2011 -- Go behind-the-scenes (0)
December 24, 2011 -- Behind Smoke and Mirrors 3: Three Tips for Powerhouse Rehearsals (0)
December 22, 2011 -- Warm Holiday Greetings! (0)
December 8, 2011 -- Sammy In 60: Life Is A Stage (0)
November 29, 2011 -- More Dates Added (0)
November 22, 2011 -- “Sammy Cortino: Live” up for release (0)

Lance to give magic a new face in 2011?

admin — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:09:23 +0000

I made a discovery two months ago I’m surprised no one is talking about: Lance Burton will grace the television screen again this year in the form of two major television projects. It will be interesting to hear people talking about magic with this going on, as people’s perception is greatly influenced by the media treatment the art gets. Lance has two projects in the works for next year, one of which is a reality TV series pitched by a Hollywood producer and carried by a cable network. Details to be revealed after the Super Bowl in February.

Special thanks to Robin Leach at Las Vegas Weekly for this update.

Sammy

January 11, 2011 -- Our First Glimpse of Dare To Dream (0)
December 22, 2010 -- *AMAZING* Signed Card to Sealed Popcorn Bag (0)
December 7, 2010 -- Sammy Cortino: Launching Off (0)
November 30, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Card Counting Captured on Tape: Still Not Enough for Guinness? (0)
November 12, 2010 -- Facebook Fans: Guinness World Records SHOULD verify Sammy Cortino’s stunt (0)
November 10, 2010 -- Sammy In 60: Guinness title still in the cards? (0)
October 31, 2010 -- Houdini’s Legacy: 84 Years Later (0)
October 22, 2010 -- Making It (0)
October 14, 2010 -- Sammy In 60, Episode 2 (0)
October 5, 2010 -- Video Feature: Magic Back To Basics (0)
September 27, 2010 -- Why I did Synthesis (0)
August 18, 2010 -- Synthesis – Official Trailer [HD] (0)

Facebook Fans: Guinness World Records SHOULD verify Sammy Cortino’s stunt

admin — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 23:48:07 +0000

Attend this event and post on the wall!

After over 150 hours of work, blood, and sweat this summer; Sammy’s record is faced by these words from Guinness:

“This record is currently rested, which means that no one can attempt this record and become a new record holder…”

“…we cannot accept your retroactive application due to the possible lack of satisfactory evidence.”

We would hope Guinness World Records would give Sammy an opportunity for a fair discussion about his successful world record stunt so he CAN be verified. The record itself isn’t going anywhere and is rock solid!

Sammy on the issue:

November 30, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Card Counting Captured on Tape: Still Not Enough for Guinness? (0)
November 10, 2010 -- Sammy In 60: Guinness title still in the cards? (0)
August 10, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21 Year Old Illusionist Sammy Cortino Sets World Record; Is Guinness Bound (0)
August 3, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21 Year Old Illusionist Sammy Cortino To Set World Record Houdini Fashion This Friday (0)
August 3, 2010 -- “Synthesis” Stunt Stream Information for 8/6/10 1:30PM EST (0)
July 5, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sammy Cortino To Set World Record Houdini Fashion (1)
September 27, 2010 -- Why I did Synthesis (0)
August 18, 2010 -- Synthesis – Official Trailer [HD] (0)
August 16, 2010 -- Latest Media Appearances (0)
August 6, 2010 -- Synthesis: a Success! (0)
July 26, 2010 -- Synthesis Poster Design Unveiled (0)
August 8, 2010 -- Photos from “Synthesis” (0)

Houdini’s Legacy: 84 Years Later

admin — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 21:47:20 +0000

Did you know Harry Houdini died on Halloween? In this special edition of Sammy In 60, the secret behind Harry Houdini’s longevity is discussed.

Sammy In 60 is proudly self-hosted and is available on iTunes!

November 30, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Card Counting Captured on Tape: Still Not Enough for Guinness? (0)
November 12, 2010 -- Facebook Fans: Guinness World Records SHOULD verify Sammy Cortino’s stunt (0)
November 10, 2010 -- Sammy In 60: Guinness title still in the cards? (0)
September 27, 2010 -- Why I did Synthesis (0)
August 18, 2010 -- Synthesis – Official Trailer [HD] (0)
August 16, 2010 -- Latest Media Appearances (0)
August 10, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21 Year Old Illusionist Sammy Cortino Sets World Record; Is Guinness Bound (0)
August 8, 2010 -- Photos from “Synthesis” (0)
August 7, 2010 -- Official Synthesis Video (0)
August 6, 2010 -- Synthesis: a Success! (0)
August 3, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21 Year Old Illusionist Sammy Cortino To Set World Record Houdini Fashion This Friday (0)
August 3, 2010 -- “Synthesis” Stunt Stream Information for 8/6/10 1:30PM EST (0)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sammy Cortino To Set World Record Houdini Fashion

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:45:55 +0000

Overview:

At his August 6th press conference, Sammy will set the world record for manipulating the most playing cards in 90 seconds: 300. For added difficulty, he will be blindfolded and manipulate the cards with both hands. There is no record of any illusionist in history with his sleight of hand skill of manipulating cards with both hands with the technique used in the challenge. The attempt is a fusion of Harry Houdini’s early sleight of hand work presented in the style of the mystifying stunts that later brought the illusionist international notoriety. Event will be streamed.

Video press release:

Additional Materials:

Need more info?

September 27, 2010 -- Why I did Synthesis (0)
November 30, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Card Counting Captured on Tape: Still Not Enough for Guinness? (0)
November 12, 2010 -- Facebook Fans: Guinness World Records SHOULD verify Sammy Cortino’s stunt (0)
November 10, 2010 -- Sammy In 60: Guinness title still in the cards? (0)
August 18, 2010 -- Synthesis – Official Trailer [HD] (0)
August 10, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21 Year Old Illusionist Sammy Cortino Sets World Record; Is Guinness Bound (0)
August 8, 2010 -- Photos from “Synthesis” (0)
August 7, 2010 -- Official Synthesis Video (0)
August 3, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21 Year Old Illusionist Sammy Cortino To Set World Record Houdini Fashion This Friday (0)
August 3, 2010 -- “Synthesis” Stunt Stream Information for 8/6/10 1:30PM EST (0)
August 16, 2010 -- Latest Media Appearances (0)
August 6, 2010 -- Synthesis: a Success! (0)

Magic IS an art, and so are other types of performance

admin — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:22:39 +0000

There are people in the entertainment industry of the school of thought that there are only three forms of performing arts: Dance, Music, and SERIOUS Drama. Comedic genres of performing arts are far from an exception in their mind. At The Oscars, if it’s toss up between a serious drama or a comedy (the comedy of being equal or greater quality to the viewers), the award will always go to the serious movie. As a culture, bad news sells and the good is usually scoffed to the side as a feature. Saying Music, Dance, and Serious Drama are the only arts couldn’t be further than the truth. In reality, all the performing arts are equally valid and carry the same amount of weight.

What is a performing art? It’s the expression of ideas in an entertaining (usually) manner for an audience in a theatrical performance. By theatrical performance, it is implied the show could take place anywhere. Even the smallest of restaurant tables is a stage. Some theatre companies perform in gymnasiums and prisons. Theatre is in the mind of the viewer — it’s not a building.

All performing arts are equal and are to of the same caliber. Mime, for example, is just as much of an art as the most serious of ballet performances. In any art, there is a great drive on the artist’s behalf to create an experience that will stick with audiences for years to come. Magic is no exception. The biggest of producers and presenters know that magic connects to their patrons as top performers make millions every year, rivaling the pay of the biggest rockstars. Magic, at it’s core, is about taking people out of their everyday and into another world. At times, the illusionist will have fun (some shudder to think of such an idea). Of all the arts, magic is one of the biggest incorporators other arts and can be adapted for anything. My evening show, for instance, introduces modern dance to magic and combines “theatre of the mind” audio storytelling elements with the visual aspects of theatre choreographed to music.

I challenge anyone to look into the art forms that vivdly touch each and every single one of us with tales of truth and a way to diverge us from our everyday. Sometimes it’s a more light-hearted type of performance that will connect the audience and better meet their needs. As presenters, this is why we do what we do.

January 11, 2011 -- Our First Glimpse of Dare To Dream (0)
December 30, 2010 -- Lance to give magic a new face in 2011? (0)
December 22, 2010 -- *AMAZING* Signed Card to Sealed Popcorn Bag (0)
December 7, 2010 -- Sammy Cortino: Launching Off (0)
November 30, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Card Counting Captured on Tape: Still Not Enough for Guinness? (0)
November 12, 2010 -- Facebook Fans: Guinness World Records SHOULD verify Sammy Cortino’s stunt (0)
November 10, 2010 -- Sammy In 60: Guinness title still in the cards? (0)
October 31, 2010 -- Houdini’s Legacy: 84 Years Later (0)
October 22, 2010 -- Making It (0)
October 14, 2010 -- Sammy In 60, Episode 2 (0)
October 5, 2010 -- Video Feature: Magic Back To Basics (0)
September 27, 2010 -- Why I did Synthesis (0)

5/12/10: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:15:14 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sammy Cortino to teach magic from The World’s Largest Magic Society in his “Illusion Institute”

(HICKORY, North Carolina — May 12, 2010) When the name “Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino” is mentioned, images are conjured of dynamic, Las-Vegas-style performances at performing arts centers with large illusions and state-of-the-art lighting. This summer, the curtain rises to a new venue as Sammy Cortino puts on his teacher’s cap while he debuts his “Illusion Institute” at libraries and cooperative extension centers across North Carolina in an effort to give communities an appreciation for one of the oldest arts in the world: magic.

This workshop is inspired by magic effects developed by the International Magicians Society, which is the Guinness World Record holder for The World’ Largest Magic Society with over 37,000 members internationally. The Illusion Institute is two hours long and teaches anyone how to perform simple magic tricks using household objects. For the Grand Finale, participants put on a magic show. Sammy reveals the importance of magic in everyday life, “Many of us remember growing up and performing with the ‘Magic Kit.’ It’s human nature to want to be mystified and taken away from everyday life and that’s why it’s one of the oldest arts in the world: magic meets people’s needs”

As the workshop is offered to more than just libraries and 4-H groups, it serves also as a way to build awareness for the art through everyday life. “We’re leaving this workshop open to any organization or business to help enrich their volunteer’s or employee’s day with a quick breakout session. This can be incorporated as a school program. There are many possibilities”, the illusionist says.

“In the course of teaching magic, I have learned how important and intricate hand movement and technique is. This experience has truly taken me back to magic’s roots and pure essence.”

For more on Sammy and the workshop he is teaching, visit his official website at: www.sammycortino.com

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August 27, 2008 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Presented The Doctoral Degree in Magic (1)

Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino » The Magic World

Behind Smoke and Mirrors 3: Three Tips for Powerhouse Rehearsals

Related posts

Magic news: Hans takes magic back with The Houdini Experience

Related posts

The Magic of The Oscars

Related posts

A study on magic and news coverage: get involved!

Related posts

Lance to give magic a new face in 2011?

Related posts

Facebook Fans: Guinness World Records SHOULD verify Sammy Cortino’s stunt

Sammy on the issue:

Related posts

Houdini’s Legacy: 84 Years Later

Sammy In 60 is proudly self-hosted and is available on iTunes!

Related posts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sammy Cortino To Set World Record Houdini Fashion

Overview:

Video press release:

Additional Materials:

Need more info?

Related posts

Magic IS an art, and so are other types of performance

Related posts

5/12/10: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Related posts