Brian Kehoe
Apr 23
2025
4
min read
Connection

Magic Isn’t About Fooling — It’s About Connection

What kids really learn when they learn magic

What do April Fools’ Day and magic have in common?

Both come from a history of tricksters—surprises, mischief, and playful deception.
And that might be why people still think magic is about fooling others or making someone feel silly.

But at School of Magic Arts, we teach something different.

If someone walks away from your trick feeling embarrassed,
you haven’t done magic—you’ve just made them feel small.

Real magic brings people closer.

We’ve seen it over and over:
A student performs a trick. Someone gasps or claps.
That moment? It’s not about deception—it’s about connection.

And for many of our students—especially those who are shy, neurodivergent, or still figuring out how they fit in—connection is everything.

Magic Didn't Start on a Stage

Some of the earliest magic happened at festivals and celebrations.
Even April Fools’ Day has roots in that tradition.
But many of those tricks were more about laughing at people than surprising them with joy.

That version of magic still pops up today.
But when magic is used to show off, it creates distance.
When it’s used to invite someone in—that’s where the real magic happens.

The Best Tricks Don’t “Fool” People — They Invite Them In

Kids naturally want to show how smart or clever they are. That’s normal.
But when a magic trick turns into “I win, you lose,” the audience often checks out.

We remind our students:
✨ People don’t love being fooled. They love being amazed.
✨ Eye contact and kindness matter more than technique.
✨ Magic is a way to connect—not control.

Even a phrase like “Watch closely or you’ll miss it” can feel different than:

“I’d love to show you something surprising.”

Magic Can Grow Empathy, Too

We teach kids to ask:
How do you want your audience to feel?

When kids think about how others feel, magic becomes more than just a skill.
It becomes a tool for connection, empathy, and self-confidence.

And the best part? That kind of learning shows up everywhere—
not just on stage, but at home, in school, and in friendships.

Interested in 1:1 lessons?

Sign up for a Meet & Greet with Head Magician, Brian Kehoe, to chat details!

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