Magic by Barry

 

International Brotherhood of Magicians

Local I.B.M. ring (Ring 199)

KIDabra! International: The Association of Family & Kidshow Performers

Local KIDabra! chapter (Chapter 2)

The Society of American Magicians

Fellowship of Christian Magicians

The Magic Corner (Raleigh, NC)

 

Contact information

Barry Shafer
Cary, NC
(919) 272-7078

Want to contact me via e-mail, then try this:
barry@magicbybarry.com
  or this:
barry523@bellsouth.net

Some background

I was born in 1960 in the northeast, but I've been a North Carolinian since 1987—and I've been loving it here ever since. I dabbled in magic during the 1970s, but college was more important. Mentally and physically challenged over the past few years have kept me at home. During this time, my wife of 17 wonderful years, died of Skin Cancer, leaving me as a single parent with two great kids. In May of 2006, my son was part of a Jim Passé fundraising performance and during the summer of 2006, I watched Criss Angel and his MINDFREAK series on A&E. That gave me the itch again and Magic by Barry was born. It has been some great psycho- and physical therapy. Plus, I have blessed with a new group of friends.

So you can be sure of safety. I was subject to a criminal background check as a Cub Scout volunteer leader. This was a requirement for the position. Before that I was an American Red Cross volunteer for ten years

 [picture of Barry]

Let me start by saying I love all kinds of magic. I am available for close up and small group parties for:

  • Kids (includes a small trick or a deck of cards)
  • Teens (includes a deck a cards)
  • Adults
  • Church groups
  • During festivals and other events, I can provide quality on-stage or walk-around magic.

I have a very broad variety of magic for all ages (ages 3 and up). I like to include silk magic as part of any show, due to the beauty of the colorful silks. I also perform some escapism (some of the earlier Houdini rope ties, thumbcuffs, etc.) and Gospel magic. I perform a new trick each month at our regular I.B.M. Ring 199 meetings (first Saturday night of each month) and practice existing and new tricks daily. Pricing is negotiable. Performances for non-profits and fundraisers are usually done for free.

Professional Organizations

I am an active member in the following organizations:

  • The International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.)
  • The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.)
  • KIDabra! International: The Association of Family & Kidshow Performers
  • Fellowship of Christian Magicians, International

For those interested, I have already registered for the 2008 S.A.M. & I.B.M. Joint Convention. I am looking forward to learning more magic and meeting many of my fellow magicians.

Volunteer Activities

Here are some of the highlights I had as a volunteer magician:

  • 2007 May 12: 15 minute children's stage show at the "Carolina Kids Expo" in Raleigh, NC
  • 2007 October 22: 45 minute walk-around magic in auditorium for a "Habitat for Humanity" fundraiser in Apex, NC