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
Absolutely agree and be thankful for that!
Absolutely. The supportive environment from staff and students was fantastic. Not only were staff helpful in my projects but I was able to get input from FISM level competitors who were also students. There were many students who had a significant level of experience who were always generous with their time.
Yes. It was really good atmosphere and safe space to try new things. At the beginning I felt there was little tension in our group but after first day it relaxed when people got to know each other little by little and gained trust.
I think this process could be speeded up by doing some quick and silly exercise to get to know each others names, nationality ect.
Everyone was welcoming and open with everything that I did, I was able to express as much as I could , I had felt that it was hard to be creative and expressive during the first few days however this is to be expected when meeting so many new people and its not a fault of the course.
Everybody were very kind and sharing.
I felt completely at ease, even when it came to presenting with a new script, new character, and quickly assembled makeshift props. There were no judgmental words or comments, just a positive atmosphere. Others were more nervous, but by supporting each other beforehand, we managed to get through it. However, I did feel that I wanted to give more of my time to others; this was a compromise as I was under significant time pressure on the last day. I’m grateful that the course leaders accommodated my request and scheduled my final task towards the end.
Yes. Proactive atmosphere, aimed at learning together. I never felt judged or uncomfortable.
Is a completely safe space. As Tom said, is in the middle of nowhere to not be judged. Everybody is so friendly, very supportive. You can talk with everybody, it doesn’t matter we are in different courses, everybody is a peer. The same with the teachers, there is a respectfull environment. They offered ideas and feedback always with the idea that they haven’t the absolute truth.
Initially, I experienced some insecurities due to my focus on mentalism and reliance on my own methods, which meant my sleight of hand abilities weren’t as developed as those of many other participants. This led to some discomfort, particularly during the first class where we presented our own tricks. I distinctly remember feeling quite uncomfortable when Leif provided very direct and intense feedback on my performance – it felt like he “tore me a new one,” as the saying goes!
However, as the course progressed, I found that my unique approach and methods were actually valued. After demonstrating what I could do with my own techniques, I felt much more secure and accepted. I realized that I didn’t need to feel ashamed of my different skill set or approach to magic.
What truly stood out was the supportiveness of the small groups I worked with. Despite my limited ability to contribute to more traditional sleight of hand tricks, my peers were consistently encouraging and inclusive. This acceptance helped me feel more comfortable and willing to try new things, even outside my usual comfort zone.
In retrospect, I realize that much of my initial discomfort stemmed from my own misconceptions about how we were supposed to work on our tricks during the week, rather than any actual judgment from others. The environment, while challenging, was ultimately supportive and conducive to growth.
While there were moments of discomfort, especially early on, the overall atmosphere of the course evolved into one where I felt safe to experiment and express myself. Both teachers and fellow students came to treat me as an equal peer, appreciating the unique perspective I brought to the group. This experience taught me valuable lessons about self-confidence and the importance of embracing one’s unique skills in a diverse learning environment.
Yes! As mentioned in a previous question, I liked that even though the course was very serious, a relaxed atmosphere was created. Which caused the nervousness to drop unexpectedly quickly. Regardless of the level and background in magic, I felt a warm sense of belonging to all of us participating.
I saw other course participants pushing back against teachers in a way that seemed to be closed minded at times, as opposed to challenging something that was taught with the goal being to find deeper truth. I saw other students have fears and nerves, but that seemed to come from themselves and is probably indicative of personal challenges they have to overcome. I didn’t personally experience any of that, and I FULLY believe the entire course environment was set up to be safe and to encourage everyone to try new things. Everyone was SO supportive.
I gave 8 because I feel that part of us always thinks about being judged by other people and that is true, we all judge every single thing and details of every second of our lives, but… The environment was very very safe in the course and I could try many things and felt welcomed.
Without question, I was much more comfortable performing, even assignments I knew were too rough for presentation. Students and teachers were both warm and accepting.
Very much so. Felt safe to get feedback
In my opinion, this year our group formed better. Perhapslast year, since we were all new, it was harder to find a common voice at times. This year, however, we became more tighter in that sense and felt more ease with each other, which made the creative exercises easier to do.
A big shout-out to Tom and Leif for this! Great job!
I have yet to find another environment this supportive. Instructors give clear instructions on the task and make it safe to try anything. Never once did I fear “failure”.
In a setting with a lot of peers and a teacher that are constantly commenting your work, you might occasionally get instinctively competitive and even be afraid and anxious of potential failure and embarrassment. But the attitude that the teachers and the peers have in this setting was extremely supportive and made me immediately forget about these thoughts and just do my best, knowing that there’s nothing bad that could happen. It felt safe to just do my best.
Good people with the best interests for you
This year I had a greater Imposter Syndrome than last, I knew this year that I was working with magicians who do magic professionally, work at the Magic Castle and appear on TV. Last year they were initially names on my course, but realise that all these Magicians too started somewhere and that Stigtuna is a place where you can make mistakes but without judgement. It’s a lovely feeling.
Yes the group is very nice and accepting.
Haha, I did so much weird shit because I felt safe. I couldn’t have done some exercises anywhere else.
Absolutely. This is the one thing I keep coming back to: you created a safe space for us. We can all be very self-conscious, nervous, a bit afraid even, to stand in front of our peers, putting yourself at risk for the judgement of others. To be able to get the most out of the exercises, you must really commit and put your heart into it. And I think you as teachers have managed to establish that safe space very nicely. Since we were a returning crowd in the C course, it was easy to get into it. However, there were some occasions, perhaps, where I think some individuals might have felt a sting from others – but it was hard to completely read. The reason is that we know each other and that opens up for jokes etc. that might land wrong. It was minor and I don’t think it needed any correction. A thought: I don’t think you teachers talked anything about the safe space this time, which I know you did in the earlier courses. Even though we were returning students, I think it might be worth bringing up and pointing out again.
Because this was year 3, I was very comfortable to try new things and go outside my comfort zone.
This is certainly true. This course is probably the safest place in the universe to open up ourselves I guess
There is no safer place. I really could open to my colleagues and felt totally ok with it. I feel that people who come to Conjuring are good people. And I think that is really important in the sake of the group spirit.