THR-451 Performing Magic

About The Class

About THR-451 Performing Magic

A lot of people ask 'Why a magic class?' without really considering what it would take to become a magician. More than just learning some of the behind the scenes techniques, students learn all of the skills needed to be a competent magician:

Improved Public Speaking Ability
'Outside the box' problem solving skills
What makes people/audiences tick/psychology
Improved ability to detect and prevent deception
Improved ability to express oneself
Self Confidence

Through reading, hands-on work, and studying the masters in their element, students from all disciplines can benefit from taking Dr. La Porta's class.

About Phil

About 'Dr. L.' and His Magic/Academic Background

When he first came to Muhlenberg as a freshman in 2001, Phil had no designs on becoming a magician. However, he was fortunate enough to have met and studied with Dr. Lawrence Hass, Muhlenberg's first Magic Teacher. Phil's fascination with magic grew, and throughout his time at 'Berg you could find him carrying and practicing with a deck of cards or a pair of rubber bands everywhere on campus. After graduating with his degree in Physics in 2005, he continued on to Lehigh to pursue his PhD, but didn't stop performing: on nights and weekends, he honed his skills and became an even more polished magician.

In the classroom, he was already earning accolades for his ability to teach Physics and won an award for his efforts at Lehigh. In 2010, Dr. Hass left Muhlenberg and, given his ability to teach and his ability to perform, Phil was approached by Jim Peck to continue the Muhlenberg Magic Tradition. Phil became 'Dr. L.' in 2011, and went on to teach (and win another teaching award) at Princeton University. He continues to teach (and win recognition) at Rowan University. Nevertheless, he returns every spring to the place he loves, to help a new generation of students understand what it takes to be a magician.

Signing Up

So You Want to Join the Class?

That's fantastic! I'm happy to have any student who wants to learn! The class is offered in the Spring Semesters and scheduled on alternating years. The next time it is slated to run is Spring 2019. BUT! With enough students showing interest and signing up, the registrar has been known to make exceptions and will let us run the class this coming Spring (2018).

What can you do to get it to run next semester? E-mail me right now(PhilipLaPorta @ muhlenberg.edu)! Registration is just around the corner, and I'll need a commitment from enough students before then to ensure the class can be included. If you e-mail me by clicking the link below, I'll stay in touch with you and let you know what progress we've made in getting the class to go.