I'm very new to magic, and very serious about following a possibly professional path in magic. I'm wondering where exactly one could go about seeking out a mentor? Or professional to apprentice with possibly?

I'm the only person I know in the magic community, and the nearest shop I know of is an hour or so away. I live a stone's throw from the Metropolitan D.C. area. If anyone has any advice, or information that would help out, I'd very very much appreciate it.

Thanks.

The D.C. area has both an IBM and a SAM ring. Start there. See if you can find someone who has the same interests as you.

Determine what it is you really want to do. Stage, close-up, both....etc.