Hocus Focus
This performing arts education program sends master magician, educator, and autism expert Kevin Spencer into special-needs and inclusive classrooms throughout Santa Fe. Kevin has a gift for connecting with kids, including those with moderate to severe special needs. In his Hocus Focus workshops, he teaches students to perform simple magic tricks—not only bringing smiles to their faces but helping them develop and hone communication, coordination, behavioral, and other essential cognitive skills.
During a weeklong Lensic residency in November 2019, Kevin worked one-on-one with 211 kids at public schools throughout Santa Fe as well as the May Center for Learning. Kevin was scheduled to return in March 2020 but the pandemic prevented him from doing so. In November 2020, he will do a “virtual residency,” working with the kids online from his base in Little Rock, Arkansas. We hope to bring Kevin back—either online or in person—in the 2021 academic year.
Contact Info
Learn more about Kevin Spencer and his Hocus Focus programs by contacting Melanie Corcoran at 505-988-7050, ext. 1203, or at mcorcoran@lensic.org.
About Kevin Spencer
Kevin Spencer is considered the leading authority on the educational and therapeutic benefits of magic tricks in the classroom. His research has been published in major academic journals, and his work has taken him around the world to conduct professional development training for educators and interactive classroom activities for students. Kevin believes in the power of the arts to bring transformative educational experiences to students of all abilities.
“[Kevin] was able to bring his ‘magic’ and his ability to reach those who have difficulties with novel activities and anxiety by engaging them in magic tricks to elicit communication, turn taking, presentation skills and pure joy! Teachers and student want more and can’t wait for his return!”
–Jocelin Tilton, Autism Specialist, Santa Fe Public Schools