Magic Arts Video Center is a one-of-a-kind destination for magic enthusiasts of all ages. Located in the heart of the city, this center offers a wide range of services and activities that cater to the ever-growing interest in the world of magic. One of the main attractions of the Magic Arts Video Center is its extensive collection of magic trick videos. From classic tricks to the latest illusions, these videos provide a comprehensive understanding of the art of magic. Visitors can browse through the vast selection and choose from instructional videos for beginners or more advanced performances by renowned magicians. In addition to the video collection, the center also hosts regular magic shows and demonstrations.
“When Walgreens, the former occupant, vacated this space … I thought we could transform [it] into something magical,” Blouin said.
Places like the new Media Art Space will allow that to take place, bringing together the natural sciences with the social sciences, and fine arts and humanities, Guskiewicz said. For over a decade our media arts programs have helped students develop critical 21st-century skills in technology, problem solving, teamwork, and interdisciplinary thinking while nurturing creativity and enthusiasm for learning.
In addition to the video collection, the center also hosts regular magic shows and demonstrations. Professional magicians from all over the world come to showcase their skills and entertain the audience with mind-boggling tricks. These shows are not only a source of entertainment but also a great opportunity for aspiring magicians to learn from the best in the field.
A prescription for media magic
The department of communication’s new Media Art Space @ 108 East Franklin unites media production and performance studies under one roof. It will be a place for Carolina students to fuel their interdisciplinary creative projects.
Patricia Parker, chair of the communication department, welcomes visitors to the new Media Art Space @ 108 East Franklin. (photo by Donn Young) A studio with green screen and voice-over booth is among the new features in the space once occupied by Walgreens. (photo by Donn Young)
Joseph Megel calls the new Media Art Space @ 108 E. Franklin “the beginning of a new era in media production and live performance.”
“It’s a facelift, a moving forward, a re-imagining of media production and performance studies and its relationship to new technologies,” said Megel, artist-in-residence and director of the Process Series.
A ribbon-cutting on April 29 marked the grand opening of the space, “a place where our faculty, staff and students can continue their excellent creative work as renovations in our former spaces in Swain and Bingham Halls are completed,” said Patricia Parker, chair of the department of communication in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Students interested in performance studies as well as media & technology studies and production will benefit from the space beginning in fall 2021. Those who specialize in media production can choose either a cinema production path or a new media track. In the new media track, students develop critical and creative approaches through a cross-disciplinary curriculum, choosing courses in communication, computer science, and information and library science.
A lounge area with colorful chairs and couches and a bright yellow sign invites visitors into the space — an incubation area where students can brainstorm ideas.
A new performance space will allow for small group performances open to the community. (photo by Donn Young)
A hallway lined with posters advertising previous student and faculty films and performances leads the way to media labs (including one outfitted with computers for game design), a studio with green screen and voice-over booth, a sound-proofed audio room, instructional spaces, a small performance space/classroom and a room for students to check out media equipment. LED lighting throughout the building will help conserve energy.
Provost Bob Blouin called the new space, situated near the Ackland Art Museum, music buildings and Carolina Performing Arts’ CURRENT ArtSpace +Studio (a bit farther down Franklin Street), “‘beachfront property’ at the gateway to campus.”
“When Walgreens, the former occupant, vacated this space … I thought we could transform [it] into something magical,” Blouin said.
Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz shared that he recently met with several prospective students and their families, and he told them that the beauty of Carolina is that students are encouraged to explore new ideas right away.
Mark Robinson in the new media equipment checkout room. (photo by Donn Young)
“Places like the new Media Art Space will allow that to take place, bringing together the natural sciences with the social sciences, and fine arts and humanities,” Guskiewicz said. “I also keep thinking about the mission statement of the College of Arts & Sciences, which is ‘Think. Communicate. Collaborate. Create. … for meaningful lives.’ This new space is going to allow for just that.”
Lab Director Mark Robinson, who led visitors on the tour, said he is excited about the possibility for new partnerships and intersections among disciplines, thanks to the new space.
“We’ve been so physically separated, stretched across campus, that it’s nice to be able to potentially do more in terms of collaboration,” Robinson said. “With everything in close proximity, it’s easier to get things done.”
A ribbon cutting marked the grand opening of the new Media Art Space @ 108 East Franklin on April 29. (photo by Donn Young)
Megel said the new space feels very much like “downtown theater in New York,” and that he is hoping to make further connections with the community, inviting small groups for public performances, with safety standards in place. The combination of blending live performance with digital media is also becoming popular, he said.
“The community will get to see some of the work our students are doing,” Megel said. “And as students progress in their studies, it’s important for them to learn to collaborate, because they’ll do that in the outside world. Teaching that is part of our responsibility.”
By Kim Spurr, College of Arts & Sciences
For those who want to take their interest in magic to the next level, the Magic Arts Video Center offers workshops and classes. These sessions are designed to teach the basics of magic and help participants develop their own unique style. Whether it's card tricks, sleight of hand, or stage illusions, there is a class for everyone. Moreover, the center has a well-stocked magic shop that sells a variety of magic props, accessories, and books. Whether you're looking for a deck of cards, a disappearing coin, or a book on the history of magic, you can find it all at the Magic Arts Video Center. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist customers and provide recommendations based on their interests and skill level. Overall, the Magic Arts Video Center is a haven for magic enthusiasts and a place where the art of magic is celebrated and appreciated. With its diverse range of services, it caters to both beginners and experienced magicians, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals. Whether you're looking to learn new tricks, watch incredible performances, or shop for magic supplies, this center has it all..
Reviews for "From Magic Hobbyist to Professional Performer: Training at the Video Center"
1. Jennifer - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with my visit to the Magic Arts Video Center. Not only was the selection limited and outdated, but the staff was also unhelpful and unfriendly. The whole experience felt like a waste of time and money. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a quality video center.
2. Mike - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Magic Arts Video Center after hearing good things about it, but I was thoroughly unimpressed. The store was poorly organized, making it difficult to find what I was looking for. The prices were also quite high compared to other video rental places in the area. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and will not be returning.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I would give the Magic Arts Video Center zero stars if I could. The customer service was shockingly bad - the staff was rude and seemed annoyed by any questions or requests for assistance. The selection was also extremely limited, with outdated movies taking up most of the shelves. Save yourself the trouble and go somewhere else for your video rental needs.
4. David - 2 stars
I found the Magic Arts Video Center to be a disappointment. The atmosphere of the store was dull and unwelcoming, and the selection of movies was subpar. It felt like they hadn't updated their inventory in years. Additionally, the prices for rentals were much higher than other video rental stores in the area. I would suggest looking for alternative options before settling for this place.
5. Emily - 1 star
My experience at the Magic Arts Video Center was far from magical. The store was poorly maintained, with DVDs and Blu-rays scattered all over the place. The staff seemed disinterested and unbothered by the mess. The selection was also lacking, with many popular movies not available for rent. Overall, I had a terrible experience and would not recommend this video center to anyone.