Mr. Hughes Takes Me to School

When was the last time someone put you in your place?

2007 was my sophomore year in college. I was studying trumpet performance and about a year into learning sleight of hand. With early YouTube and online magic shops as my foundation, I felt like a pro. It didn’t help that the magicians on screen never failed to remind me what a "great magician" I was for downloading their tricks, buying their hottest prop, and owning the newest designer playing card deck.

That same year, a poster for a one-man magic show appeared on our campus walls. The name on the poster was Derek Hughes. I wrote his name on my wrist, rushed back to my dorm, and immediately sent him a message on (wait for it) MySpace to see if he would hang out.

I was shocked when he responded immediately. We met at The Ramada on a rainy Friday afternoon and we sessioned for three hours. I showed him every flashy cut and one-beat card revelation that I had learned on the internet. 

He watched patiently. 

When I was finally done, he began to show me the most polished closeup magic I had ever seen. Every line either clarified the effect, moved the narrative forward, made me laugh, or made me twice as engaged as the moment before. Everything was purposeful and well-practiced. This guy was a real magician. I immediately felt embarrassed by the lame stunts I had just regurgitated at him. But Derek was gracious and patient. 

Derek taught me several tricks and sleights that day, but the most valuable lesson was about scripting and preparation. He explained that his entire show is written out, and that even though he loves ad-libbing with the audience, having a script protects him from fumbling or losing his place. The audience can always feel how comfortable and prepared we are…or aren’t. The show must feel alive at all times. These may be obvious concepts to professionals reading this, but to a rookie who, before then, only knew YouTube-finger-flinging, it was a priceless lesson.

I watched Derek bring down the house at my school that same night. Students laughed hard and long at his original brand of comedy. They screamed with astonishment when ropes grew, torn newspapers were restored, razor blades swallowed, and a signed card found in an…“unusual” place. He backed up everything he had taught me with a stellar performance.

It’s easy to brush off beginners. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t once or twice. But I hope this story helps us to remember when we were starting out too. Someone lifted us up by encouraging our new passion and wide-eyed enthusiasm. Someone showed us how entertaining an audience is much more than following step-by-step sleights. Someone encouraged us to put down the cards and pick up a pen once in a while. These simple gems go a long way for those willing to listen. That someone for me was Derek Hughes. 

How do we honor those who have taught us by patiently walking alongside us? In the words of my friend Tom Dobrowolski, “pass it on.”