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The Story Behind the Rick Wilcox Theater

In February of 2003, I took a trip with my family to the Wisconsin Dells and we had the wonderful opportunity to meet Suzan and Rick Wilcox. They were kind enough to let me see the inside of The Rick Wilcox Theater. As impressive as it was — and it was — their story was even more impressive. Suzan was kind enough to email to me an article she had assembled telling the story behind the story.

I’m honored to have that story here on Inside Magic. I have rarely met two people so kind and so welcoming. Their story, as I told them, is an inspiration. It looks as if this season will top all the past seasons. This would be a great time to try to reserve seats for their show. Having seen the preparations, I can tell you it will be one-of-a-kind.

This article was originally posted minutes after meeting Rick and Suzan in February 2003.

The great news is that the show is still up and running.  Check out their website for information about the show, ticket purchase and access to a very nice magic shop at www.rickwilcox.com.  Watch their video when you hit the site.  Very Impressive dove work, Rick!

Read On . . .

The Rick Wilcox Theater

Since we purchased our theater in December 1998, we?ve had numerous inquiries from magicians who would like to know “our secret”. “How did you do it?” “Do you have a rich uncle?” “Can you help me open a theater?” “Should I try to build a theater in my town?” Here?s the secret to our success. . .

The beginning. . .

When I first told my family I was dating a magician, they were “curious” to put it politely. But Rick won them over like he does with anyone he meets -with his enthusiasm and joi de vivre. But they did wonder, as most people do, how one decides to become a magician.

Rick hardly remembers a time when he had any other ambition. He was nine when his sister gave him a magic kit, and he fell in love with magic almost immediately. It was a way to make people laugh! He worked his way up the ranks as any young magician must. He did it all ? back yard shows, restaurant magic, trade shows, blue & gold banquets, sales meetings, fund raisers ? large illusion shows and small sleight-of-hand venues. Wherever there was work, he went.

After graduating from UW-Madison, Rick continued performing magic while working in medical equipment sales in Milwaukee, WI. Finally, in 1989, he made the leap into full-time self-employment. When we married in 1996 he was traveling to over 250 corporate events per year. So it was only with a wedding ring on my finger (and mainly for the sunny show locations) that I traded in my…
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July 17th, 2004 | Category: Magic Stories | Leave a comment

George Robinson, Jr.: Help From the Critic

 

George Robinson is truly a renaissance man.  He decided to go against the flow and embrace the past with the aim of making it the future.  His insistence on quality and his desire to provide what is needed by the working professional is unique and commendable. 

Mr. Robinson has been kind to Inside Magic and his kindness continues and is exemplified by his guest column today.  What is a true professional?  What are ethics?  How should we solicit and accept and provide criticism?  Mr. Robinson provides his answer that seems applicable to all of us.

Read On . . .

Let’s talk about criticism. There has been a lot of chatter about this on Ring 2100 as well as in your local clubs, etc. Let’s face it, no one likes to be criticized, but it is a necessary evil to growth. The main objection to criticism is that it hurts ones feelings.

Well, get over it! How do you think you were taught as a child? How do you think you teach your own children? You criticize to some extent (yes, I know, you call it ‘teaching’). You try to correct their bad habits, their bad judgments, etc. and why? To make them better people; to prevent them from hurting themselves or others; for a 1000 reasons. In Magic, it’s to protect the Art and to prevent the performer from making a fool of himself.

We all need CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. Now, there is the key word, CONSTRUCTIVE. This does not mean that we criticize to hurt someone, but to help them.

I feel that anyone can offer constructive criticism and you should have the option of accepting it or rejecting it, but you should take it in stride. Consider the source, but at least THINK ABOUT IT. Maybe there is some truth to what you are being told. But here is another key point: you have to be willing to have an open mind. None of us is perfect but we sure seem to think we are. There in lies the rub. Face it, no one is perfect but we should all try to do our best and to help each other as brothers in Magic.

If you are asked for your opinion, give it in a constructive manner and temper it with the person’s good points (assuming he/she has any). And offer your thoughts because you care about the Art of Magic and about your friend or colleague. Don’t do it in a ‘one-upmanship’ type manner to show your superiority, etc. In most cases your not anyway.

On the other side of the coin, if you are being offered constructive criticism, don’t jump all over the ‘messenger’. You may or may not have asked but all input is good input, in one way or the other.

Also, choose the right moment. I remember seeing a good friend’s act a few years ago and for the most part it was pretty good. There were a couple of points I thought I should make (like he exposed two loads during the performance), but this was not the moment. He was riding high because of the applause, venue, etc. and even though he asked me what I thought, he really didn’t want to hear ‘negatives’…
Continue reading George Robinson, Jr.: Help From the Critic

July 17th, 2004 | Category: Magic Stories | Leave a comment