The Mid-Cities Magic Circle

Remembering Van McGee

One of the greatest friends to magic in Texas, Van McGee was a long-time member of area magic clubs in North Texas, including the Fort Worth Magicians Club, the "Bruce Chadwick" Society of American Magicians Assembly 128, the Dallas Magic Clubs, Inc. and a regular contributor to the Monday evening group and the Mid-Cities Magic Circle.

After fighting a three-year and longer battle with cancer, Van passed away on February 25th, 2022. He will be missed. Van was active in area Jujitsu organizations, a computer science and math instructor at Dallas College/North Lake Campus, and a member of the Catholic Church.

In magic circles, Van was recognized always for his kindness and generosity. He was always ready to share his vast skills, particularly with coins and cards, and had an encyclopedic memory of magic history, both local and national. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, and the Texas Association of Magicians.

Many people new to magical entertainment remember Van's influence as a gifted teacher and mentor. Even those with professional experience as performers enjoyed sharing ideas and approaches to popular and familiar routines as well as exploring unique and creative approaches to methods, techniques, and handlings.

Thank you, dear friend, for all your gifts. Rest in Peace.

The Mid-Cities Magic Circle will host its June 10th, 2025 at The Cotton Patch Restaurant, 461 East I-20, in Arlington, Texas. Come dine with us (on your ‘own nickel’) beginning around 6:00 p.m. The “magic” begins at 7:15 p.m.

Topic for Tuesday, June 10th: “Home Improvements” – Tricks that you have made better!”

“Making a trick our own” sometimes means how we have adapted a routine to our role as a magician (the “trickster,” the “sorcerer,” the “oracle,” or the “sage”) and to our performance persona.

At other times, it may mean just readjusting the handling, composing a new script for framing it, or rethinking the handling and managing the props (“From where do I produce it?” “Where and how will I disappear it?” etc.)

Or, take it from ChatGPT:

"Improving a magic trick involves more than just refining sleight-of-hand — it’s about enhancing the overall performance, creating stronger impact, and deepening audience engagement."

Preparation:

Be prepared to perform one or two tricks that reflect how you have improved them. Share how your adaptation(s) have made it stronger magic for your audiences.

About the Mid-Cities Magic Circle:

Founded in 2014, the Mid-Cities Magic Circle is an interest group of performing magical entertainers, including everyone from “bare beginners” to “seasoned pro’s” who wish to enhance their magical performances–that’s all! We don’t take attendance, collect dues, or record minutes! At the end of each meeting, we decide the topic for the next month’s program.

Disclaimer: We limit our participation each month only to those interested in performing magic rather than to a general audience interested in “watching a magic show.” In other words, we gather to learn from one another rather than perform for the public. Because we are openly sharing secrets, methods, techniques, and performance insights, we meet privately in the secure meeting room of the restaurant. This is not the place for those who just want to learn another trick–you’re likely to be disappointed!

During our meeting, friends, family members, young children, and other non-performers are welcome to check out the great menu of The Cotton Patch’s delicious line of “comfort food” in the dining area.

The Mid-Cities Magic Circle

Welcome to the Mid-Cities Magic Circle

Mid-Cities Magic Circle - Providing a Supportive Forum for Improving Magical Performances

Remembering Van McGee

June 11, 2025 Meeting Topic

"Home Improvements -- Tricks that you have made better!"

About the Mid-Cities Magic Circle

We're a group of magicians located physically in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and virtually through live-streaming, each committed to improving the performance of magical entertainment in the spirit of serious fun and mutual respect.

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