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.
We believe in a "student first" program. We honor and teach to our student's unique abilities, interests, and learning styles. We are educators who believe that learning stage magic, as an art form, can boost life skills including focus, problem solving, public speaking, and communication, no matter a student's age. We believe that teaching virtually allows us to not only teach to the group, but also one on one. Our exclusive, professionally designed curriculum is centered on inclusive, exciting magic that encourages discipline and is grounded in exploration.
2014
The Encounter
Professional magicians Annie Montone and Brian Kehoe form and begin performing in a magic team known as The Encounter. They also begin teaching private lessons in "narrative magic" a performance dicipline that combines playwrighting and stage magic.
2017
Baltimore Academy of Magic
Annie and Brian realize the need for a centralized place for students to grow and feel like they were part of a true magic community, no matter what their age or level. To learn magic effects, and also the art of performing them. And so, in 2017, Baltimore Academy of Magic was born.
2020
School of Magic Arts
Over time, BAM expands beyond the Baltimore area and evolves into School of Magic Arts. SOMA students come from over a hundred cities across North America. Our goal is to teach, elevate, and share the art of stage magic with as many people as possible. As one of the only stage magic schools in the world, and possibly the only with a year-round, comprehensive curriculum, our community is growing every day.
Annie Montone is one of the co-founders of the School of Magic Arts. She is a professional magician, theater critic, educator, and playwright who has been working in the Baltimore area for over fifteen years. Annie specializes in mentalism, a branch of magic where the magician appears to demonstrate highly developed mental or intuitive abilities. Her favorite cat is named Ghost.
Brian Kehoe is one of the co-founders of School of Magic Arts. He is a teacher, actor, sound designer, and graphic designer. Brian has been performing stage magic since the age of seven and has been acting since he was in his teens, he loves combining theater and magic. When he's not performing or teaching magic, he loves to cook for his friends and family. His favorite cat is named Willow.
JC Payne, a Maryland transplant, is delighted to be joining the School of Magic Arts team! 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.
Our virtual classes and camps are attended by creative kids ages 9-17 from all over the United States. We also partner with local organizations in Baltimore to provide after school programming. Students who attend our school gain confidence to perform for their families and local communities.
You can create a great supply kit made up of items bought at a big box store that you're kid will love.