“A brief quote hardly suffices when recommending a three-hour masterclass with one of magic’s most intriguing thinkers. Rick offers a unique perspective on magic and mentalism that serious students will find invaluable. Even if you don’t incorporate his routines, the universal lessons on crafting natural logic in performance are worth their weight in gold. Rick is a vital resource for mystery performers everywhere.” – R. Paul Wilson

“Your performances not only fool me, but they also engage me. I adore your material and appreciate you, my friend.” – Johnny Thompson

“Rick is undoubtedly one of the finest lecturers I’ve encountered, and I’m honored to call him a great friend.” – Simon Lovell

“Rick’s lecture completely astonished me. The material was robust, the theory sound, and it’s clear from the start that he is passionate about his craft. I can’t wait to experience it again.” – Joshua Jay

“Why is it that watching you lecture feels like observing a mad scientist at work?” – Marc DeSouza

“Few lecturers possess the depth of understanding in magic and mentalism that Rick Maue does. He excels at teaching both what to do and what to avoid, and his performances during the lecture showcase his expertise. I encourage you to attend his lecture; what he shares is incredibly significant.” – Phil Willmarth

“The thought process behind these effects is captivating—simple in execution yet impactful. These concepts should intrigue all of us. There are numerous lessons to be learned here. Definitely worth your time.” – Doc Eason

“Rick Maue is incredibly prolific, generating ideas, effects, manuscripts, and books at an astonishing pace. He often refers to his work as ‘VdM Magic’, implying that even someone with no sleight of hand skills could perform them. However, that would be misleading, as his straightforward methods often involve clever mental or psychological strategies that demand meticulous attention and confidence. Rick is undeniably brilliant, crafting material that is direct and deceptive, along with exceptional scripts. His performances elevate simple procedural effects into compelling theatrical pieces that resonate with audiences. If you’re interested in commercial mentalism and psychological magic, his insights are invaluable.” – Eric Mead (Genii, August 2010)

“Man, Rick is fantastic. I truly admire him.” – Penn Jillette (from the Foreword of Rick’s upcoming book, Occam’s Magic)

Character. Intention. Meaning. These three words encapsulate the essence of Rick Maue, a celebrated creator of modern deception. With critical acclaim from top performers in magic, Rick is set to reveal his unique approach to crafting and performing theatrical experiences. In this rare opportunity, he presents a deeply personal autobiographical monologue, complemented by four solid pieces of theatrical deception, followed by a lecture that explores the artistry of one of the most influential magicians of the last four decades.

During the lecture, Rick will analyze his performance and delve into a comprehensive discussion on character, scripting, creativity, and various topics that unveil his philosophy and methods for captivating an audience.

Rick will also teach four powerful routines from his show, all of which exemplify his concept of “VdM Magic”—performable without complex sleight of hand and without the need for expensive props. This simplicity led Michael Weber to affectionately label Rick as the “OfficeMax Maven.”

The performance pieces include:

Heads & Tales

A seemingly straightforward fifty-fifty decision transforms into a high-stakes theatrical experience, defining Rick’s performance character and the relationship between the performer and the audience.

Intermission

An open prediction card piece that illustrates Rick’s ability to influence thoughts and actions, prompting the audience to reflect on their own control over others.

Collect Call

A powerful demonstration showcasing the performer’s capacity to influence not just those present, but anyone globally. This piece is the ultimate “packs flat/plays big” performance.

Gratitude

A recurring theme throughout the show, ‘Gratitude’ culminates in a final moment that ties everything together, expressing appreciation to a key audience member and reinforcing the collaborative success of the evening.

While the effects leave a lasting impression, the insights into Rick’s creative process are priceless. This lecture is more than just a presentation; it’s a deep dive into a creator’s passionate relationship with Theatrical Deception. This is Rick Maue’s Penguin Live Lecture.