The Trustees of the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund have recently voted to continue the popular lecture program started a number of years ago to provide free magic lectures to those Assemblies that did not get them in the past.
The popular program began under the able direction of PNP Warren Kaps in 2002 when the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund prepared a plan to book free lecturers for Assembly and Associate members . In 2002 and into 2003, the Fund provided 50 Assemblies with performers. Michael Ammar, traveling in a motor home lectured in 10states and did 36 lectures. Ali Bongo traveled to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and gave 12 lectures. Greg Wilson provided a few in California. Twenty- two states were covered before the Fund reached its allotted budget. The Society was rewarded with increased membership numbers.
In a study done last March, George Schindler mapped the Assemblies who did not
receive the earlier lectures and a new plan was set for the revival of the program. In July a moderate budget was approved for the coming months. Several Past National Presidents have volunteered to waive their normal fees and lectures will be available when and where their schedules permit. The list currently includes Andy Dallas, Craig Dickson, Dan Garrett, Dan Rodriguez, Bruce Kalver and George Schindler.
The purpose of the lecture program has been to assist Assemblies in gaining new members. Based on earlier results, it is the Fund's belief that in addition to membership growth, the lecture program will help to educate and assist in the development of better magicians and the performance of better magic.
George Schindler, Dean of the S.A.M., will be responsible for directing the overall administration of the lecture program. He will coordinate with the Regional Vice Presidents who will manage the details of any lecture tour that falls within the RVP's area within the coming months.
Here are the requirements:
- A minimum of 15 people will be required for a lecture. Since it is not practical to schedule a lecture for very small groups, it would be up to two smaller Assemblies to find a way to combine a meeting for this purpose.
- The lecture is free and must be open to every S.A.M. Assembly member or Associate member or S.Y.M. member. A paid National Membership Card will act as a ticket to the lecture.
- Outside guests or magicians who are not S.A.M. members may be admitted only if they sign up for S.A.M. membership that same evening. This is one of the objectives of the lecture series. Any of the regular or trial membership programs currently in effect qualifies.
- The lecturers supplied by the Magic Endowment Fund would not charge any fee to the Assembly. Additionally, the lecturer would agree not to perform for any other groups in the area where their lecture is to be held.
- Although lecturers would not receive any lecture fee, they would be permitted to sell any of their magic tricks, books, or other materials. That being said, lecturers will be instructed that the lecture is not to be strictly a dealer demo.
- The Fund would provide financial support directly to the lecturer to cover transportation and accommodations where needed. This will be worked out with each lecturer on an individual basis.
- he Assembly would need to provide the venue, local transportation and, where possible, accommodations for the performer. However, the last item is not mandatory and will be worked out with the Assembly during scheduling discussions.
If your Assembly did not get a lecturer when the program was initiated and wishes to participate in this program, your Secretary must contact your Regional Vice President with information as to desired dates, location and contact names and numbers. It is hoped that your club is flexible on the dates so that when a performer is in your area he can accommodate several Assemblies en route to one another.
Associates and SYM members should monitor the website for lectures in their parts of the country. The information will also be made available to SAMtalk.
|
