School of Magic Arts

School of Magic Arts (SOMA) is a queer and woman-owned business formed by Brian Kehoe and Annie Montone, the magicians of The Encounter, in 2017. It is, we believe, the only 365-day-a-year stage magic school in the world. SOMA seeks to provide equal opportunity to students who wish to engage the art of stage magic. The school serves students from age 6 to adult in a variety of online programs, including private lessons, workshops, and group classes. We also provide in-person programs locally in Baltimore city and surrounding counties.

The SOMA three-year curriculum is progressive and unique. Students learn how to perform a variety of effects from a plethora of stage magic disciplines, including mentalism, sleight of hand, card, and classic effects. They perform real, online magic shows as they progress, complete with live audiences. Students are also instructed in building important life skills, such as problem solving, concentration, social interaction, confidence, and communication.

We have had hundreds of students pass through our doors at SOMA. Some have completed all three years of the main program (and beyond!) and gone on to become performing magicians themselves. Some are only with us for a workshop, or a summer camp. But we believe we have built a program where our values are clear: magic is strongest when it includes all gender identities, races, ethnicities, orientations, physical or mental abilities, and perspectives.

There is no one person that typifies "a magician." Our school is an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our students, families, and audiences. We believe that anyone who wants to learn and perform magic should be able to do just that in a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment.

SOMA is our greatest legacy and our proudest achievement. In a world where so many are being left behind, left out, or sent away because of who they are, we need create a space for self-expression, for empowerment, for community. In short, we need to create, in our small ways, a place, for everyone, for magic.