Corporate Magic at Networking Event

In June, I was specially engaged for a corporate networking event by DHL in which their guests consist their most important clients.

Presenting my chic style of magic in front of a beautiful rustic building

This engagement involves me performing 2 sets of Interactive Close Up Magic segment and one Stage Magic Show for the finale. I worked closely with Michelle in advising the best placement of magic.

We split the Interactive Close Up Magic segment into two parts because in such cocktail networking sessions, guests will arrive in different timings. For those who arrive early, they typically do not have much activities to do. Hence, it is most appropriate to have a magician interact and entertain them before the main activities of the event.

Priceless expression : O

Thereafter, I also performed the second Interactive Close Up magic segment slightly after dinner is served. Restaurateurs might have the false impression that featuring close up magic during dinner would be akin to disturbing their guests during their meal. While this concern is valid, the years of experience I have performing in high end restaurants  allowed me to discern the best timing to approach a table. It also made salient to me when the guests are taking a break from the food. Such an approach comes with the years of experience that a younger or semi-professional magician may not have the privilege to gather. Towards the end of the evening, I then presented my Stage Magic show as one of the entertainment finale to this networking event.

Audience participation during the magic

The stage magic show was a strong closer as it gathered everyone in the event and they all participated in the magic. It features music and visual magic. In the show, I got a gentleman (John, above) to help me with the magic. And after the show, another gentleman came up to me and thanked me for the magic. And he said if I have not chosen John to help in the show, he would not have been able to meet his friend who he had lost contact for many many years. At that point of time, my hair kinda stood due to the uncanny coincidence. But also, I think this is truly what magic is about, it is about bringing people together. This left me with a strange but yet fulfilling feeling knowing that on top of doing the show well and everyone enjoying it, I have established contact for two separate individuals who had not seen each other for more than a decade. That is, real magic! Once again, it is great to get affirmation from the events organizers and the committee!

“ At our recent Customer Event, Alexander stunned everyone with his amazing magic with his unbelievable sleight-of-hand. The performance was highly entertaining, either small groups or individually was just what was needed. He was professional and non-intrusive in his manner, whilst being friendly and approachable. People were left in awe by the seemingly impossible things he was doing! He was an invaluable addition to the evening’s activities, and one that I would recommend to any event! It was such a special night for us and you were an essential part of its success. Thank you so very much, Alexander! “

Warm Regards
Michelle Tay
Sales Performance & Development Marketing & Sales
DHL Global Forwarding (Singapore) Pte Ltd

That is all for this entry! On a side note, I will be performing outside Central Mall  along Singapore River this week and next week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Do catch me there! More details here.

Signing off,
Alexander

Close Up Theatre and Magic Workshop for AIA

Last month, I had the privilege to do a unique performance for the friendly people at AIA. It was a session in which I performed a small portion of my Close Up Theatre set and Interactive Close Up magic, which ended with  a Teach-in seminar.

Finale to the Close Up Theatre set
A mini “Circle Show”

One of the main reasons why I personally decided to take up the teach-in was because of the inspirational theme of using magic. Under the leadership of District Manager, Mr Peter Lee, he wanted to showcase to his team that even though something seems impossible, it can be achievable as long as you put effort into it.

This message resonated with me and I took up the challenge. I arranged 3 effects of varying difficulties and true enough, Mr Lee and his colleagues were all able to execute them after considerable practice.

Hands on practice

The effects were handpicked based on the following criteria:

1. It cannot be a kiddish trick as it is not in line with Meta Illusions’ policy to perform kiddish tricks, let alone teach a trick that is kiddish/clownish in nature

2. There needs to be demonstration of skill involved. Because we conduct classes for youths and professional working adults, an effect is more amazing and appealing if some feats of dexterity are displayed.

3. The tricks are not heavily exposed in other mediums accessible to the general public.

With this set of criteria, my proposal was approved.

Experiential learning and group based teaching

Apart from inculcating the theme of the seminar, learning magic as a group is fun! It can create a culture of learning and sharing. It also fosters teambuilding.

Teaching and sharing within the group

I had a lot of fun teaching and performing to this group of spontaneous and fun-loving people. And I strongly believe that while magic can be performed for just entertainment’s sake, there are other subtexts that magic can exemplify, hence, creating an underlying theme or lesson.

For more on magic workshops and lessons, you can contact us at info@metaillusions.com, or drop us a line at 97459753.

One last thing, like us on Facebook too!

 

Signing off,

Alexander Yuen

Another Positive Review for my Magic Show!

Two weeks ago, I was engaged to do a show for the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS). The show was held in NUS Guild House and it was a wonderful performing experience as I entertained the guest during the cocktail reception as well as the dinner.

A picture request from a guest

The truth is, the performance was only half the experience. I enjoyed working with Maggie who is the Secretariat of the CEO, in advising the best kind of magic entertainment, the best timing for the entertainment and the pros and cons for certain placements.

I am really happy that the client and the audiences enjoyed the performance and most importantly, enjoyed working with me. In fact, I am really pleased to share a feedback by the client:

Everyone enjoyed your show! The Magician who supported SERIS on 30th March 2012 at NUS Guild house brought additional colours to the group of SERIS crowds. He exercises professionalism in his work, flexible in the timing and provides supportive suggestions during the show. On behalf of SERIS, we would like to thank Alexander YUEN for his professional support!”

- Maggie Keng, Secretariat of the CEO, SERIS.

So awesome! This literally brighten up my day! =D

To find out more about having magic in your next event, check us out at: http://www.metaillusions.com/our-services/

Or you can drop me an email directly at:

alexander@metaillusions.com

Signing off,

Alexander Yuen

French Association Singapore: Le Grand Cabaret

That is correct, you read the title right, Le Grand Cabaret in Singapore!

Singapore Magician at Sentosa

An invitation to Le Grand Cabaret in Singapore

Last night, Jonathan, Samuel and myself were invited to perform for Association Française de Singapour’s (French Association Singapore) anniversary dinner at Amara Sanctuary Resort in Sentosa.

It was an exclusive event with French Ambassador as the Guest of Honour. We had much fun performing our brand of Interactive Roving Magic in a cabaret setting and style.

Meta Illusions Singapore Magicians

Samuel entertaining the Cabaret performers with his magic!

During our breaks, some of the performers requested us to perform magic for them. The performance was different from other venues and events as the guests were mostly french. We had to customize our magic slightly to accommodate to their culture. We did our magic in burst of 3 to 5 minutes, so that they can enjoy the food as well. The reason why it was arranged in such a way is because of the French culture of putting down their utensils when there is a programme going on. Hence they gave us their utmost attention whenever we approached and performed for their table.

Overall, I think the Meta Illusions team did an extremely good job. The President, Christine, thanked us personally after the last set. We do look forward to pictures and their publication which would feature some of our magic highlights. =)

Signing off,

Alexander

 

Grand Opening of Bayfront MRT Station

14th January marked the official opening of Bayfront MRT station. Has a direct entry to Marina Bay Sands.

Meta Illusions was a part of the official opening, Jonathan and I were asked to perform our brand of Close Up Magic for the guest as well as the public. We did our Interactive Roving Magic for audiences inside The Shoppes (the Mall in MBS) as well as the MRT station itself.

Jonathan Low Singapore Magician

Singapore Magician Jonathan Low Close up Magic

Alexander Yuen Singapore Magician

This was a shot of me performing outside Gucci for a group of tourist from China. It is amazing to me how magic can transcend cultures. They truly enjoyed the magic. I should add that I performed some bits with features interaction in Chinese.

Singapore magician

It was loads of fun performing for the tourist and shoppers in Marina Bay Sands. In the year 2010, I was the resident magician for the Skypark, and I think it is an honour for me to be on top of their list when it comes to Magic Entertainment. Meta Illusions is proud to be their preferred choice for Interactive Magic!

Signing off,

Alexander ;)

Interactive Roving Magic by Alexander: Comfort Design Launch Party

Comfort Design: The Chair & Table People

9th December marked the launch of Comfort Design‘s expanded showroom. I was invited to perform magic for the guest as well as the various representatives from the media and corporation.

(Photo Credits: Eileen Liew and Comfort Design)

Singapore Corporate Magician

Suited up and ready to perform!

I was there to mingle with the guest. As you can see from the picture below, they have a warehouse where they store their furniture.

Singapore Corporate Magician

Mingling with the guest

Singapore Corporate Magician

Wine and Magic, a lethal combination of class ;)

Singapore Corporate Magician

;)

Let me show you the other areas of the showroom.

Singapore Corporate Magician

Inside the building

The picture below is the Mezzanine in which they show case some of the sofas and chairs.

Singapore Corporate Magician

Chillin' with the magician

Singapore Corporate Magician

Cozy magic with cozy furniture

Then towards the end of the evening, I had a special request from Grace the Sales and Marketing Director to perform a special set for her and her colleagues.

Singapore Corporate Magician

Comfort Design

I had an excellent time performing and mingling with the guest there. I am glad that the guest as well as the clients enjoyed the magic and my style of magic was a good match for this event which features classy and sleek furniture.

Signing off,

Alexander ; )