The week in Broken Arrow, OK was nothing short of phenomenal. After the show in Lawrence, most of the crew flew back to Virginia. Alan and I stayed behind to do some work with the Hocus Focus project in Broken Arrow. We arrive into town on Sunday night and settled in. On Monday, we had lunch with Larry Payton, owner of Celebrity Attractions, and Mark Frie, executive director of the PAC. This lunch was inspirational – great company and conversation. Lunch was followed by a Professional Development Workshop for area special educators arranged by the the BPAC and the School District.
The following days, I was in 21 classroomsworking hands-on with the students and their teachers. After experiencing the Workshops, these classroom opportunities allow educators to see the Hocus Focus project in action. It is a life-changing experience to watch these kids learn and perform these tricks. All of the tricks they learn also help them achieve other academic and functional goals.
Following three days in the classrooms, it was time for the “big show” at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. Friday morning started off with a television appearance on GOOD DAY TULSA. Channel 8 sent over Mike, the morning meteorologist, to do weather live from the BPAC stage. We did a couple of tricks and then Mike let me do the “Magical 8 Day Forecast” where storms were appearing and disappearing all over the state.
Next, it was time to set up the show! The BPAC is a beautiful building – and the technical team is fantastic! The day moved along well and everyone had a fun time – great attitudes abounded! I love those kinds of days!
We ended up with a near capacity crowd to cap off the week – a great audience filled with families, young adults, and seniors. And they were a very responsive and interactive crowd too. It was a great way to end an amazing week! Mark Frie and his team deserve a standing ovation!!