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What an honor it is for me to announce the appointment of my very good
friend, George Schindler, as the new Dean of the Society of American
Magicians. What a wonderful choice!
President John Apperson (left)
appoints George Schindler "Dean of American Magicians"
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The position of Dean is a life-time appointment, and George follows in the
footsteps of Harry Kellar, the first Dean, Frederick Eugene Powell, Al
Baker, Jean Hugard, Herman Hanson, Werner Dornfield, H. Adrian Smith and
most recently, Jay Marshall.
We have heard it said that no one can replace Jay Marshall. Of course not.
That is the nature of the deanship. Each dean has been unique and
irreplaceable. Looking over the list we see similarities between George,
Jay Marshall and Al Baker. All three are noted especially for their wit. You
can always expect George to have a quip or one-liner ready for the occasion.
All three are noted for being ventriloquists as well as magicians. George
led a special session on ventriloquism at our recent national convention and
so many attended they had to find a larger room! Dorny Dornfield, Herman
Hanson and H. Adrian Smith were national presidents, as was George Schindler.
Hanson was a magic dealer. So is George, and over the last 25 years his
Show-Biz Services has wholesaled magic and vent supplies throughout the
world.
Several past deans have been authors, notably Jean Hugard. George
Schindlerıs books include Ventriloquism, Magic with Your Voice, Magic with
Everyday Objects, Presto!, Magic for the Beginner and Basic Balloon
Sculpture. He wrote, with Frank Garcia, Million Dollar Card Secrets. And
you will frequently find his contributions in the pages of M-U-M.
While there are many similarities among the deans, none is more pronounced
than the esteem each has enjoyed among their fellow magicians, and none is
held in more esteem than George Schindler. He is, indeed, a remarkable
magician. George has experience in close-up and stage comedy, illusions,
emcee work, comedy vent, and trade show performances. He has appeared on TV,
in theatres and nightclubs, and on cruise ships, has consulted for drama
productions, and appeared in the movie New York Stories as Shandu, a Chinese
magician.
But no past dean served the S.A.M. more faithfully and productively than has
George Schindler. In addition to being a Past National President, he is a
past president and former board member of the Parent Assembly #1 and has served the
Houdini Hospital Fund for many, many years. Indeed, when George was
approached with the honor of the deanship his first response was, Okay, but
only if I can keep on with the duties I now have, which include being the
publicity resource person for the S.A.M. and being a key member of the
S.A.M. Website team. Perhaps of most importance, George has been visible at
magic functions the world over as a representative of the S.A.M. I cannot
recall a national council meeting over the past 30 years where George has
not been present, always willing to contribute his wisdom and experience.
He is a member of the I.B.M., the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, is a
life member of the S.A.M., a member of the S.A.M. Magic Hall of Fame and is
an Honorary Member of the S.A.M., which is the highest honor a member can
have. In Boston he received the prestigious Christopher Award for Lifetime
Achievement in Magic.
George's wife, the Dean's Dame, Nina, shares in his honor. She is remarkable
in her own right, and their exemplary marriage and partnership has enriched
all who know them. Their friends are legion.
George Schindler, Dean. Long Live the Dean!
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