A Week in the Life of Champions (of Magic) -- part 3 of 3

Continued from parts one and two, where we learned about Load-In, the Technical Run, The Run, Pre-show, and the show, "Champions of Magic:  Holiday Spectacular." 

 

 

A Week in the Life of Champions (of Magic) -- part 3 of 3 

Behind the Scenes (Toronto, Dec 2025)

Every company member maintained hyper-focus during performances. The cast and stagehands, for obvious reasons. Technicians made real-time updates to the video based on volunteer input. In addition to being responsible for the atmosphere of the show, Sound, Lighting, and Automation, were also integral to making the magic happen. Losing focus is not an option. Twice I observed the crews’ hypervigilance come to the rescue.

Continue reading this password protected (clue below*) article.

* Password clue:

• Canadian magician who appeared on The Muppet Show
• Additional clue for our UK readers, this magician also ran as a candidate for the Natural Law Party in England in the early 90s.
• Format:  Firstname_Lastname
  
  
  

Need a refresher on the earlier parts?  Have a look at part 1 and part 2 (password protected with the same password).

 

For tickets and more information, visit ChampionsOfMagicTour.com 

 

 

Keep an eye out for Young & Strange this Fall on the AGT Quarter Finals! 

 

Post-script 

In 2026 the Champions team will present their biggest engagement to date, a summer residency at the Studebaker Theatre in Chicago. Alex, their producer, said, "Our run in Toronto was something of a test for this longer engagement. Taking away concerns of trucking and travel allows us to add even more magic and production, to deliver the greatest version of the show possible. The Studebaker is an ideal environment to present what we’ve been honing over the last 13 years, as well as some brand new illusions that we’ve been developing which can’t be done on a touring schedule."

Be sure to check out their show if you’re in the Chicago area this summer!  

Champions' Chicago residency was extended (for the second time) and will close September 2nd. 

 

 

From the July 24th Instagram post by Champions of Magic: 

Champions Of Magic now runs through September 2 — but that's it! There just isn't enough confetti left in the Midwest for the show to run any longer than that. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Champions of Magic (@championsofmagic)

 

 

An abridged version of this article first appeared in VANISH Magic Magazine.  Republished with permission. 

• Part 1 - May 2026 #142, pgs 48 - 53
• Part 2 - June 2026 #143, pgs 48 - 53
• Part 3 - July 2026 #144, pgs 66 - 71

 

 

 

Thank you to our August 2026 sponsors!

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Toronto: The Art of Magic by the Toronto Magic Company at the TD Music Hall [Sep 19]

Tickets to see Ben Train and Jonah Babins at the TD Music Hall. 

 

From the July 7th article "Massey Hall Brings Back 'The Art of Magic' to TD Music Hall After Sold-Out Run" by Sophie Mitchell at Wire Service: 

Following a successful series of sold-out performances earlier this year, Massey Hall is set to welcome back "The Art of Magic" for a one-night engagement at TD Music Hall this fall, underscoring continued demand for immersive, live entertainment experiences in Toronto’s cultural sector.

Strong Return After Sold-Out Performances
The show, which previously completed four sold-out performances at Allied Music Centre Theatre, will take the stage again on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at TD Music Hall, located at 178 Victoria Street. The return engagement reflects both the popularity of the production and Massey Hall’s commitment to curating diverse live programming in one of Canada’s premier entertainment venues. 

Read more. 

 

Found at the July 21st Facebook post by Ben Train. 

 

 

 

Vancouver: Science of Sleight [Sep 2]

Tickets at ScienceWorld.ca/visit-us 

 

From the July 30th Instagram post by Science World Canada:

You'll be questioning reality at After Dark: Science of Sleight – Magic Edition on September 2! 

Read more. 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 posts in July 2026

There were 26 posts at Canada's Magic this month.  Here are the top 5 posts in the previous 30 days:

        

5.  Billy Hsueh SAM 2026 Close-up winner!!! - Spoiler alert, Billy also won First Place and Peoples' Choice at the IBM convention!!

4.  Niagara Falls: A Sense of Wonder with George Marchionda and Ken McCreedy [Jul 18] - By all accounts, a fantastic event!

3.  Celebrating 6500 posts! - We don't feel a day over 5000!

2.  Random thoughts about Keith Brown's show "110% Wizard" at the Toronto Fringe - Catch 110% Wizard at the Saskatoon Fringe!

 

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1.  A Week in the Life of Champions (of Magic) -- part 2 of 3 -- "The Show" - An eye-opening behind the scenes look at the considerable effort involved in delivering a touring magic show full of grand illusions!  

 

 

 

 

Kameron Marshall advances to AGT Judges' Callbacks! (and interviewed at CHCH and CHUM-FM)

On Tuesday July 28th, Kameron Marshall was picked by Sofia to appear on the Judges' Callbacks episode of AGT!  Congratulations Kameron!!!

 

From the July 28th Instagram post by AGT Auditions: 

Which one of these acts will make it through to the live rounds? 🤔

Tune in on Tuesday, August 11th to find out ⭐️ 

Read more. 

 

From the July 9th post "AGT magician makes the impossible feel personal" at CHCH: 

With a reputation for making the impossible feel personal, it’s great to have magician Kameron Marshall to share his tricks. 

Read more and watch video. 

 

From the July 16th Instagram post by CHUM 104.5: 

From the first audition, to standing on stage, @KameronMarshall gives us the behind the scenes look into his @AGT Journey! 🤩🪄 

Read more and watch video. 

 

 

Halifax: Actual Wizard Tonight [Sep 5, 6 , 11, & 12]

Tickets at ActualWizard.ca

 

From the July 23rd Instagram post by Vincenzo Ravina:

ACTUAL WIZARD TONIGHT is a late-night talk show from an alternate dimension, hosted by an actual wizard. 

Read more. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billy Hsueh IBM 2026 Close-up winner!!!

Congratulations Billy on your well-earned recognition at IBM 2026!  (Right on the heels of THE SAME ACCOMPLISHMENT at SAM 2026!)

 

From the July 26th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

Congratulations to Billy Hsueh on winning First Place and People's Choice awards at the IBM Convention in St, Louis!

Read more.

  

 

 

 

 

 

Carisa Hendrix interviewed by Gill Deacon on CBC's Q

ICYMI, Carisa's taping her comedy special in Chicago Sept 23 - 27.   

 

From the July 24th article "Some run away and join the circus. Carisa Hendrix built her own" in CBC Arts:  

Guest host Gill Deacon speaks with the multi-talented Hendrix as she prepares for a performance at Just for Laughs Montreal. She talks about finding a community of magicians in Calgary, breaking into the male-dominated field of magic, and the unlikely journey from sideshows and circus stages to the Guinness World Records and the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood. 

Read more and listen to the podcast.

 

 

Found at the July 24th Instagram post by CBCQ. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Buster Canfield & His Industrious Fleas! [Aug 13]

Tickets at TicketCcene.ca/events/64193 

 

From the July 14th Instagram post by Eldritch Theatre: 

Eldritch Theatre is proud to present an entire Big Show in Miniature! An evening of circus magic, feats of derring do, and death defying displays of dangerous wonderment, performed entirely by Buster Canfield’s masterful menagerie of highly trained fleas!

Suitable for ages 4 to 444! 

Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint John: Magic at The Fundy Fringe [Aug 17 - 22]

Edited July 25th to add:

• Wayne Hansen also has a show, "The Journey," in The Fundy Fringe.

--

The Fundy Fringe (Aug 17 - 22) is fast approaching!

 

From the July 20th Facebook post by the Fundy Fringe Festival, here are the magic show listings at this year's Fringe:

• Mind Reading, Marriage & Other Milestones 
  Tabraze & Robin
• Postcards From a Magician 
  Bill Peterson 
• The Journey 
  Wayne Hansen

 

Found at the July 20th Facebook post by Bernard Cormier at the Magic Circle of St. John Facebook group.

 

What'd we miss? 

 

 

 

Saskatoon: Magic at The Saskatoon Fringe [Jul 30 – Aug 8]

The Saksatoon Fringe (Jul 30 – Aug 8) is fast approaching!

 

Here are the magic show listings at this year's Fringe:

• 110% Wizard 
  Keith Brown
• Anything Boys Can Do
  MagicByLisa

 

What'd we miss? 

 

 

 

Edmonton: Magic at The Edmonton Fringe [Aug 13 – 23]

The Edmonton Fringe (Aug 13 – 23) is fast approaching!

 

Here are the magic show listings at this year's Fringe:

• 110% Wizard 
  Keith Brown
  
• A Magician 
  Jordan Rooks
  
• Great & Powerful Tim: Magic Bachelor 
  Tim Hoffman
• Houdini 
  Brett Oddly 
• Just Felice Makes Friends 
  Felice Ling

 

And not a show, but the Edmonton Fringe Magic Jam [Aug 17] hosted by Jay Flair! 

 

What'd we miss? 

 

 

 

Montreal & Brossard: Luc Langevin [Aug 15 - 16, Oct 4]

Tickets at TicketsOnSale.com 

 

From the July 17th Instagram post by Luc Langevin: 

L’impossible prend vie bien avant l’ouverture du rideau!!!

Chaque détail est pensé pour créer un moment dont vous vous souviendrez longtemps. 

Read more. 

 

 

 

 

NS, QC, & USA: Tabraze & Robin on tour! [Aug 4 - 9]

Found at the July 5th Facebook post by Tabraze & Robin: 

Tickets on sale now!

• Aug 4 - The Grace Arts Centre, Tatamagouche NS 
• Aug 5 - The Bus Stop Theatre Co-op, Halifax NS 
• Aug 7 - Derry Opera House, NH 
• Aug 8 - Le Théâtre Centennial / Centennial Theatre, Sherbrooke, QC
• Aug 9 - Harbor Theater, Boothbay Harbor, Maine  

Read more.

 

Previously shared on Facebook July 5. 

 

 

 

Winnipeg: Speakeasy Magic [Jul 31 & Aug 1]

Tickets at The Basement.   

 

From the June 26th Instagram post by The Basement Winnipeg:

Be prepared to have your mind blown by incredible master magicians, Patrick Gregoire and Brett Oddly! 🪄  

Read more. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating 6500 posts!

This is our 6500th post at the Canada's Magic blog!

Whether you've read all 6500 posts over the past 15+ years, or you are stopping by for the first time, thank you for visiting!

Niagara Falls: A Sense of Wonder with George Marchionda and Ken McCreedy [Jul 18]

Tickets at Eventbrite. 

 

From the July 6th Facebook post by Ken McCreedy: 

I will be appearing in George Marchionda show called “SENSE OF WONDER” on July 18 at Johnny Rocco’s in Niagara Falls. 

Read more. 

 

Previously shared on Facebook July 6.

 

 

Ramara: Neil and Ashley Croswell at Fern Resort [Fridays until Sep 4]

From the July 3rd Instagram post by Neil Croswell:

Estactic to be performing with @ashleycroswell at Fern Resort all summer long, every Friday night July 3rd - September 4th. 

Read more.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Kameron Marshall's AGT Audition

From the July 8th Facebook post by Reid Ferry: 

Check out Kameron Marshall’s FULL America's Got Talent audition! 

Read more. 

 

From the July 7th upload "How Did He Do That?! Kameron Marshall’s Impossible Card Magic" at the America's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Magic is alive! Kameron Marshall shocks the judges with impressive card tricks that end with a jaw-dropping reveal. Mel B calls it "brilliant" and Sofia Vergara names it her favorite audition of the day! 

Read more and watch video.

  

Previously shared on Facebook July 8.