Learning Objectives • Bonus • Course Design • Challenges • Safe space • Workload • Contributions • Venue • Satisfaction • Extra events • Teachers • Expectations • Value • Changes • Future • Final comments
Safe space
I felt safe enough to try out everything I wanted, with no fear of being “judged”. Both teachers and fellow students treated me as an equal peer.
1: I do not agree at all / 10: I agree completely
Comments
I feel very comfortable to share my opinions and creativity within the environment. There was only one night during a jam session when I was a little uncomfortable because my gender was called out as a disadvantage (in a joking manner, but still uncalled for), but I still felt comfortable in that moment to speak, and share my own thoughts when we were talking.
Jag uppfattar att alla lärare behandlade oss lika och gav stöd på fint sätt.
Det var bra att ni direkt sa att här är vi först och främst trollkarlar och att alla här är trollkarlar. Det är mycket viktigt och kan kanske sägas igen.
När vi skulle dela in oss i smågrupper upplevde jag från dag 3-4 att det hade börjat bli klickar och där några av oss som i sammanhanget kanske var lite ‘udda’ (t.ex. pga vara nybörjare, ålder, identitet, hög svansföring) fick svårare att få kontakt med en del i gruppen. Jag vet inte hur medvetet detta skedde men det gjorde mig lite ledsen och väckte gamla skolminnen av att bli icke-vald till brännsbollslaget (dvs den som står kvar ovald). Kanske kan ni på något sätt hantera gruppindelningen på ett mer instrumentellt sätt? Numrering?
Jag övade själv på fredag eftermiddag på mitt rum. Men som tur var bjöd Paulina in mig att med henne och Malinda gå igenom våra akter sent på kvällen och deras feedback räddade mig. Så detta är kanske också något att uppmuntra mer medvetet från lärarnas sida. De som känner varandra är kanske vana vid detta gemensamma övande men för mig som ny och lite blyg och med sent påkommen ide så var det inte självklart att söka kontakt själv. Jag är van vid ensamma processer inom bildkonst och skrivande.
i only felt nervous in the final performance because of the notability of the other magicians that was watching.
Totally. Every group that I worked with was amazingly open minded towards ideas and no idea was too bad to try at least. Same goes for the teachers.
I had my own artistic insecurities at the beginning of the course, but learned to let go of them when I realized that I am in a safe zone where the teachers or the peers won’t judge me over my artistic attempts – We were all there to grow and get better at our own forms of performing art.
Occasionally participants seemed to feel the need to prove their abilities to the rest of the group. However, when learning and evolving I suggest that prioritizing ones weakest points may be more productive and useful. How can an environment be fostered where more participants feel safe enough to take risks and experiment?
There’s definitely a hierarchy at play, but everyone (except for one person) was always very polite and friendly.
For me, this was a most unique experience. As the class time approached, my mind wondered all over the place. Who were these other participants? Would they accept me? Is my magic up to par? Early on the first day, those concerns were put to rest. The course, the instructional staff, the residence staff and the students were the most accepting and friendly people I have ever met.
The evening session for Women, was an important and needed part of the class and for women in magic, in general. It was a place of acceptance and a place where we were able to establish community. Each participant is an ambassador to women and girls for the expansion and improvement of women in magic. The session provided a common ground of communication and support.
I LOVED that it was a safe space. I don’t know if it was my group or if Tom “made it” a safe space…just by being Tom. There was never any judgement…that I felt. It was never a pissing contest, it was always helpful and respectful. It made me realize what a pissing contest the Castle is. And the way Tom structured the course, that was not “allowed”…I don’t know if that’s the right word. But in addition to hopefully becoming a better magician/performer, I also hope to use what I learned to be a better teacher at the castle, using the kindness and methods Tom did.
I think you did great job in integrating women to the group.
I felt super safe in this environment, Magicians that have performed for Penn & Teller, been on the “…. Has Talent” franchises, work at the Magic Castle, etc. were so supportive and encouraging not only in the conjuring A Group, but also in the other groups during Fika or the Evening events. It was an all inclusive environments.
It felt like i was a part of a family
Performing for other magicians is tough and creating new magic in a short time span is tough. Nonetheless I felt that it was easy to let go and dive head first into the exercises.
I let go the fear of being judged after two days.
100%!
One of the highlights of the class was having a safe space to be brave and try new things. There was no judgement whatsoever, only constructive feedback when requested.
In the beginning, I was slightly scared that the ideas can be basically shit but on the Monday in the afternoon, I realized that is best to try new things and my fellow students will support me.
Previously, due to my young age, I’ve felt discriminated in the magic industry every now and then. Having performed magic for almost 15 years, it feels unfair. Many who call themselves professional magicians have been interested in magic for a shorted period of time than I’ve been performing. In the Conjuring course, however, I didn’t feel discriminated and I was treated as an equal human being and conjurer.
I agree completely! Last time it took couple of days to get to know with others. But now it was easier as we have already worked together last year.
Most of the time this was true. But a sensation of fear of what people might think about you creative style still lingered. When working quickly, it’s difficult to know which ideas are really good – since we don’t have the time to work on them. Therefore, an idea that could’ve been really good, might come off as really stupid in regards of the time. So because of this, I felt (only at times) that I could hold back on a lot of ideas for the fear of being judged.
I felt good in the group and we had good cohesion.
All the instructors were friendly to me and helped me with any questions I had.
Yes, and this is very important: everyone I have talked to have felt the same worries. And the atmosphere created thanks to the teachers approach and planning really made it a safe space. It is still nerve wrecking at times, but it does feel safe!
I can say the spirit during the course was really warm and safe. I felt so comfortable from the first moment, when I arrived to the school. Hugs from the teachers and first words “Welcome, so good to see you.” I built self confidence and got courage to try out one of the most uncomfortable bits of magic in my career, in front of all the fellow magicians. And that tells a lot about the safe environment to learn and study.
Yes. I performed in front of people I admire enormously and I felt safe in every aspect.
I certainly did not feel judged or intimidated during the week.
Yes, this is important to try new things. It is nice to experiment with new and knowing that it is ok to fail.
Instämmer helt! Atmosfären och stämning är verkligen ett “safe space”
100% totally
There was never an issue of that the entire process. This course is probably the safest space to work and try new things.
YEs. The people is absolutely lovely 🙂
The whole atmosphere of the course is so encouraging, it is such a safe space that I feel I can express myself absolutely freely. My fellow course members and all the instructors are super supportive.
O ja!
It was also, as was mentioned at the end of the course that it was no delay in regaining that feeling from earlier courses. The trust was there from the beginning.
This is a very safe environment.