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Sensing Greatness

If you can feel that something is going to be special, there can be no possibility for the contrary. This phrase is a truth I have lived for years, but what am I referring to? As a creative person, as I work, I must never proceed onward unless I can honestly say to myself, “this is amazing.” Otherwise, I am shortchanging my audience by giving them something that is not inspired by life events. Magic is, after all, very much theatre and theatre is inspired by everyday life. I have... »View Details

Still Life with Iris

Sammy is working at the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of Steven Dietz’s “Still Life with Iris.” The reason? He’s adding magic to the production’s illusion needs. “Still Life” is a children’s play originally performed in Seattle in 1997. The magic was designed by magician Steffan Soule, who also performed as some of the characters in the fantasy. “Down the road, I may be exercising this skill... »View Details

Making the Performance Understandable

Ever had an experience where you performed a presentation and the audience was completely lost? All performers have an internal monologue, or internal personas and stories.The use of an internal monologue creates a meaningful performance for yourself as well as an authentic experience for the audience. Do we reach a point, however, where we get too carried away by our internal monologue and the audience becomes lost? Remember, in theatre the audience only: sees and hears. Anything in the middle... »View Details

Let Your Mind Run Wild

People ask how I keep the creative juices flowing. By nature, I think in new ways. However, a good reason why I am able to consistently come up with new ideas is because I live a life that fosters creativity. Steve Jobs and staff, Apple Headquarters Any creative person will tell you there are eclectic elements in their everyday life which allow them to innovate. These eccentricities could range from clothes styles to house decorations. Some innovators prefer to work in minimalist, stark environments.... »View Details

New Official Trailer

After many hours of work, we give you the *NEW* official “Dimension Unknown” show trailer. This will be sent to agents promoters, etc in Sammy’s presskit. var addthis_pub = 'sammycortino'; var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'email, print, favorites, twitter, facebook, digg, delicious, myspace, google, live more';  Read More →

Magic Beyond Belief with the Laflins

Duane and Mary Laflin On a recent trip to Pigeon Forge, you may have gone to see Terry Evanswood perform his “Magic Beyond Belief” illusion show and were surprised to see Duane and Mary Laflin onstage. On a trip a couple weeks ago, I had the privilege of watching Duane and Mary perform Terry’s show. On Sunday, Terry has the day off and the Laflins fill in for him. From fast-paced  illusions, to high tech lighting and sound, large illusions, and his signature silk effects there... »View Details

What would we have done before computers?

Magic is a do-it-yourself business. I’ve never seen an craft combine so many other arts and elements. In this computer age, we: Have saved thousands on media production Feed our rabbits extra carrots due to the fact we run our office on the computer Learn magic FOR-FREE Connect with the greatest magicians alive May have subconciously copied other performers thanks to YouTube Have created an audience’s expectation of what a magician should be Restored how we know what we know in magic …and... »View Details

Magic! – The Podcast, “Create Atmosphere”

Although it's not the end-all choice, the Spider Backdrop is an example of how you can create an atmosphere using a portable unit. Released weekly, Magic! – The Podcast discusses the latest news in the magic world, a topic related to the art, and interviews illusionists from around the world! ♣ Intro (:20) New format ♦ Topic (1:43) Create atmosphere with a backdrop var addthis_pub = 'sammycortino'; var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'email, print, favorites,... »View Details