School of Magic Arts

The School

School of Magic Arts was founded in 2017 by professional magicians Brian M. Kehoe (he/him) and Annie Montone (she/her). Since then, SOMA has grown into a 365 day-a-year virtual stage magic school that offers group classes, camps, workshops, and private lessons. At School of Magic Arts, we believe that the best way to learn magic is to perform it (yes, even virtually!). Students are rewarded for their commitment to the art of stage magic by "leveling up" as they ascend through the ranks of our curriculum and perform in our shows. Whether they're with us for one lesson or several years, they'll gain the skills, confidence, and community they need to succeed.

Head Magicians Brian and Annie in an oval scroll frame

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Magic is Changing

The world around us is changing, and we believe magic needs to change, too. Magic is strongest when it includes all gender identities, races, ethnicities, orientations, physical or mental abilities, and perspectives. At School of Magic Arts, we know that there is no one person that typifies "a magician." We strive to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our students, families, and audiences. We believe that anyone who wants to perform magic should be able to do just that in a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment. Welcome to SOMA. You belong, here.

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A green circular badge with a heart in the middle and words that say "Bully Free Promise"

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Partners

We are so grateful to have partnered with the following organizations:

“Annie and Brian were positive while working with the girls and brought a great energy. We highly recommend [School of Magic Arts].“
‍- Abby R. Teacher,
St. Paul's School for Girls

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This is a reminder for our YEAR 2 students: our first Trick Box is being held TONIGHT from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST. It's free and there's no registration required, just come on in! Check The Library for the link (oh, and don't forget to look at Brian's Magic Challenge this month!). #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #Magic #LearnMagic #TrickBox #MagicLab #Year2

We cannot tell you enough about our love for this amazing book series by author, actor, and magician Neil Patrick Harris (with gorgeous illustrations by Lissy Marlin)! We dig these books so much that we based our programming for Open Minds with Creative Alliance, one of our teaching residencies this fall, around them. These books are a wonderful, incredibly inclusive alternative to the Harry Potter series for young readers who love magic. "After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded illusionists. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they'll set out to save the town of Mineral Wells from Bosso's villainous clutches." #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #MagicBooks #MagicMisfits #NeilPatrickHarris #LissyMarlin #Misfits #MiddleSchoolReaders #YoungReaders #YoungAdult #Books #BookSeries #Magician #Illusion #Magic #MagicLessons #MagicClasses #KidsMagic #StageMagic #MagicSchool #AfterSchool

We are so stoked to introduce you to the newest addition to our teaching staff at School of Magic Arts: Lead Magician JC Payne! You'll be seeing JC around, especially in our in-person teaching residencies this fall, and we are so delighted to have him at our school. JC Payne, a Maryland transplant, is delighted to be joining the School of Magic Arts team! He’s been practicing magic for about six months, but he has loved the art of illusions his whole life long (BIG David Blaine & Shin Lim fan). Before he became a magician, he was (and still is) a classically trained actor. His favorite Shakespearean show he’s done so far was a hip-hop infused production of Much Ado About Nothing with Fools and Madmen, and he highly recommends checking their work out. His theater home is the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, where he’s done roles like Romeo, Young Scrooge, Tweedle Dum, and Longaville. You can find him on Instagram and TikTok @blackboimagick! #SchoolofMagicArts #SOMA #SomaLeadMagicians #MagicTeacher #magician #JCPayne #MagicSchool #Arts #ArtsinEducation #MagicClasses #MagicLessons #LearnMagic #Magician #Magic #StageMagic #MagicShow #KidsMagic #Welcome

As the Head Magicians and founders of School of Magic Arts, there is literally nothing Annie and Brian like better than teaching magic every chance we get! We love these pictures of us at Arts in the Park at @chesapeakeartscenter, where we were able to interact with our Baltimore community and share our love of magic, and the word about our school. #SchoolofMagicArts #SOMA #SomaHeadMagicians #ChesapeakeArtsCenter #ArtsinthePark #ArtsinthePark2021 #Partnership #ArtsPartner #MagicPartner #MagicSchool #Arts #ArtsinEducation #ArtsCenter #MagicClasses #MagicLessons #LearnMagic #Magician #Magic #StageMagic #MagicShow #KidsMagic #Magician #STEAM #STEM

Deadline for this is coming up soon, so if you want to jump on it, do it now! Before you break out the costumes and candy, take a slightly spooky, slightly silly journey into the world of chemical-reaction-based stage magic with a SOMA Lead Magician. Their kits will have everything they need for astonishing potion effects, sent right to your door prior to the workshop. Your monsters will be the hit of the block as they show off their new skills, and, as always, at SOMA, we are a Bully Free Safer Space, so you can feel good knowing that they’ll come away feeling empowered and confident. Link to register in bio! #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #Magic #LearnMagic #OpenRegistration #StageMagic #Workshop #VirtualWorkshop #MagicWorkshop #HalloweenWorkshop #Potions #Halloween #HalloweenMagic #Magician #HalloweenKids #HalloweenActivities #October #Fall #OctoberWorkshop #MagicSchool #AfterSchool #MagicLessons #KidsActivities #KidsActivityIdeas #STEAM

It's October, which means it's time for Student Spotlights! Today's spotlight is on Liam, who is a Year One SOMA student working on his Hourglass pin. Liam came to SOMA in camp this summer, and he did so well that we really thought he should be in Performance Program! He is an amazing kid, so positive, focused, and helpful, and he brings such good energy to our magic classroom. And who could forget his catchphrase: "Your mind has been messed with in the form of an illusion!" We are looking forward to Liam's first show with us, and to seeing him grow in his magic. There's no limit to what he can do! #SomaStudents #SchoolOfMagicArts #StudentSpotlight #Magic #MagicSchool #AfterSchool #MagicLessons #KidsActivities #KidsActivityIdeas #STEAM #STEM

Programs

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Performance Program

AGES

7 - 17

PRICE

$125 / month

INFO

Weekly classes for students of stage magic.

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Why Performance Program?

When children are able to learn and perform magic successfully, their self-esteem goes up.

Studies have found that all students (including those with learning difficulties, behavioral challenges, and physical disabilities) exhibit greater self-esteem scores after studying and performing magic.

At School of Magic Arts, we encourage confidence building by teaching to each student's level, step-by-step. We also provide opportunities for performance success in every class, and at school-wide Performance Nights where they can show off their skills.

“His confidence level increased tremendously and it was wonderful to see him feeling proud about his magic tricks."
- Jennifer F., SOMA Parent

"In addition to expanding her magic skills, she has developed a stage presence and a confidence I had not seen before."
- Michelle P., SOMA Parent

Magicians are unusually skilled at manipulating objects. The way that we use our hands promotes gross and fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. In a study of forty people studying magic, all showed significant improvement in both the use of the left and right hands, and their ability to use both hands together.

At School of Magic Arts, we take the time before each class to stretch, and we teach our effects as a sequence of physical steps, allowing time to master the movement of each step. We also build magic props together, which helps to further improve motor skills.

"He was able to craft the props and practice all the skills at just the right level and with the perfect amount of time."
- Regan P. SOMA Parent

Magicians do not work alone. To produce magic shows, like we do at School of Magic Arts, requires the coordination of many people. It also requires emotional regulation, respect, and cooperation. Teachers report that incorporating magic into their curriculum encourages students to help one another, and increases leadership, socialization, peer relationships, and collaboration.

At SOMA, we are more than a school, we are a community. In every class, camp, and workshop, we make time for our students to form relationships. We also focus on working with others, including volunteers and audience members, in a way that is respectful and clear, as well as engaging.

"He loved learning about magic, and he also loved the opportunity to chat and socialize with other people."
- Joni B., SOMA Parent

"I really appreciate that you are teaching your students to address their audiences in a gender neutral manner. My partner is non-binary and little gestures like that are noticed and appreciated in our household."
- Zach G., SOMA Audience Member

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Upcoming Classes & Workshops