Texas Commission on the Arts
Rural Tour 2026
with
Magic in the Library
state-sponsored magic
If you're a librarian, school teacher, school administrator, or other educational leader in the Texas counties of Archer County, Baylor County, or Knox County, then you're eligible for a sponsored live magic event in the months of August, 2026.
what is
"magic in the library?"
Magic in the Library is all about using the performance art of magic and theater to teach students key language arts skills and to get more noses into books. Through these immersive magic show programs, students see magician Bronson Chadwick use magic tricks, comedy, and live special effects to reach students in an unconventional way, creating an emotional connection to curriculum content.
See the video below.
PREVIEW
The kindness of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
The silliness of Bill Nye the Science Guy
The vibe of School House Rock
...all mixed with the wild and wonderful illusions of The Magic of Bronson Chadwick
to bring your school ELAR curriculum to life!
Is my school
eligible?
There is no cost to most schools, libraries, or other civic groups in Archer, Baylor, or Knox counties in the month of July or August, 2026. Magic in the Library Live has been paid for entirely by the Texas Commission on the Arts already.
Public Schools in Archer, Baylor, and Knox Counties are eligible for a production of Magic in the Library Live, paid for by the Texas Commission on the Arts through their 2026 Rural Tour program.
Private or Charter schools in Archer, Baylor, and Knox Counties may be eligible but we'll need a bit more information from you.
Home School co-ops or similar groups can also receive the production for free if the event is to take place at a local public library or other community space.
Public libraries in Archer, Baylor, and Knox Counties are eligible to host a production.
For what dates can we schedule a booking?
The TCA Rural Tour for the counties of Archer, Baylor, and Knox must take place in the months of July or August, 2026. Obviously, since school doesn't start back until August, we plan on Bronson arriving in schools at that time.
Other organizations that can meet in the summer may be able to schedule a visit in the month of July, pending our availability.
We urge you to book your magic show now. Our calendar fills up with bookings as early as eight months out, and we want to make sure that schools don't miss out.
August is the start of the school year, and this program is a great way to kick things off and to get students inspired to read. Schedule now for August, and Bronson will show your students a brand new way to look at the world of reading!
What age range is this show for?
There are five different versions of the show, all of which have a very different vibe to cater to various age ranges.
Elementary Grades K-2 - this version of the show is about the exploration of books and learning more about the library.
Elementary Grades 3 - 5 - for this age range an emphasis is placed on reading comprehension
Middle School Grades 6 - 8 - this program also focuses on reading comprehension but also discusses basic research skills and media literacy.
High School Grades 9 - 12 - this edition is more about research and college prep.
General Audiences - this version is for family audiences which include adults and is better suited for programs in libraries and in theaters.
FAQ - Our school is a small one. Can we combine all grades into one magic show?
You can, but we don't recommend it. It would be better to have only a handful of people in each show so the style of each show can match the age range of the audience, even if there are only five people in each audience!
When should we reserve a booking?
Now.
The Texas Commission on the Arts would like to see the tour stops in those counties booked as soon as possible.
Furthermore, our booking calendar fills up as early as eight months out, so we want to get all of the schools in these counties on the books immediately.
Is there an application?
There is no application. To sign up, simply use the form on this webpage and we will contact you if we haven't already to finalize the booking. Once we confirm our availability, you will receive a PDF Booking Packet to sign so that we can verify logistical details.