a bearded man looks surprised. he is wearing a graduation cap, between two towers of academic books. a cocktail glass holding an ace of spades playing card is on the table. a chalkboard slate leans against the books and reads, in chalk, “Magic Dropout”
Rob Teszka: Magic Dropout
Rob Teszka, almost-PhD of magic, presents an irreverent magic show about failure! Enjoy a mindblowing cocktail of tongue-in-cheek takes on topics from Mai Tais to academic burnout. Join Rob Teszka, Magic Dropout, for the unexpected results of a decade delving into the psychology of magic. All ages — even the swearing part!
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PRESS RELEASE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 09/09/2020
Magic Dropout refuses to quit vancouver fringe
How do you pick a card when you can’t touch the deck? New and improved to meet the Vancouver Fringe Festival’s COVID-19 safety protocols, Rob Teszka presents Magic Dropout, a cautiously interactive performance that is set to delight audiences with the marvels and masochism of academia.
“Years ago I lived in England as an academic, researching the psychology of magic,” says Rob. “After publishing several journal articles, burnout forced me to leave just before getting my PhD. It’s taken three years to get into the Fringe Festival and I’m not letting anything force me to quit again — not even a pandemic.”
Every moment where an audience member has to pick a card, carry a prop or hold hands has been redesigned to allow people to keep their distance and for crucial props to be sanitized or replaced between shows. The rewritten show features irreverent takes on everything from mixing Mai Tais to experiments in ESP — and a focus on the timely theme of failure and change. Rob invites audience members to revisit their own misadventures with wonder and laughter.
"Rob's pacing and attention to detail captured my attention right away. His magical spin on his history with psychology makes this show one of a kind." - Alistair Cook, manager Havana Theatre
The show has a strong magic pedigree, developed by two highly experienced and entertaining performers. While researching psychology in England, Rob became an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle of London, an exclusive group of less than 300, admitted by audition. Magic Dropout is directed by Travis Bernhardt, the multiple Pick of the Fringe winner who has toured sell-out shows including Charlatan and Unscriptured. The show is scheduled to run between Oct 1st-10th as part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival.
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For Immediate Release 9/9/2020 Arts & Entertainment / Theatre: The premiere of Rob Teszka: Magic Dropout | Dates Oct 1-9 as part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival | Venue: Performance Works | Tickets: $15 with membership | Full Details & Show Times available at tickets.vancouverfringe.com | Media Contact: Rob Teszka, 604.309.6993 or rob.teszka@gmail.com