The Magic of Kevin Spencer
February 23, 2023 | Polsky Theatre
Past Event
All ages
Be amazed as Kevin Spencer combines the art of storytelling with illusion and magic, drawing you into this fun-filled, sensory-inclusive experience.
Spencer is an award-winning performing artist who, for more than 25 years, toured the world with his wife and partner (Cindy) with one of the largest and most successful theatrical illusion productions in the U.S. Their accolades include 2009 International Illusionists of the Year, 2015 International Magicians of the Year, and six-time recipient of Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year.
At the pinnacle of his career, Spencer stepped away from the main stage and into more intimate performance spaces, classrooms and hospitals. As a performing artist, educator, Thconsultant and researcher, Kevin Spencer works to create inclusive communities where everyone experiences an authentic sense of belonging and no one – for any reason – is relegated to the margins.
He is on the department of education faculty at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, a research consultant for the Occupational Therapy department and Arts in Medicine program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a subject matter expert and Fulbright Specialist on arts integration for special populations for the U.S. Department of State, and an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for the American Occupational Therapy Association.
In 2016, Spencer produced a short documentary, “Powerful Medicine: Simply Magic,” that showcases individuals of varying abilities who, through the art of magic, have overcome physical, developmental and intellectual challenges. It has earned 18 international film festival awards and continues to inspire audiences around the world.
Spencer has dedicated his life to making a difference in communities around the world – both on and off the stage. He is a thought leader who addresses the inequality of individuals with disabilities with creativity, confidence and courage.
Professional Development Workshop: Teach Like a MAGICIAN
The workshop will be held Wednesday, February 22 from 4-6:30 p.m. Recommended for teachers and teaching artists. Dinner will be provided.
This workshop is free, but participants must pre-register.
Description: What does it mean to teach like a magician? How can you bring a little “magic” into your classroom? No one is better equipped to answer that question than Dr. Kevin Spencer, an award-winning artist, educator, and researcher. In this teacher training, participants will explore MAGICIAN as an acronym, each letter representing a research-based practice that is vital for creating an environment conducive to learning. Practical applications are made throughout the presentation and each strategy can be used immediately in the classroom.
Participants will:
- Examine strategies that reinforce interpersonal skills
- Examine strategies that reinforce intrapersonal skills
- Analyze research-based practices that encourage student engagement in learning
- Evaluate practices that create an effective learning environment
- Identify connections between the these practices and Social Emotional Learning