Canadiana in the May issue of VANISH (#142)

Lots of Canadiana in this month's issue of VANISH (#142):

• Gracing the cover is Wes Barker, with accompanying 9 page feature,
• Connie Boyd writes about Josephine Lee and Femme,
• The first of a three part behind the scenes series with Champions of Magic in Toronto, and
• Our thoughts about Michael Close's class Explorer 2: Build Your Skills

Read about these and much more in the May issue of VANISH Magic Magazine!

 

Catch a sneak peek into the issue in the May 1st Instagram post by VANISH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mirrors vs video camera for practise -- a false dichotomy?

Last September we had the pleasure of listening to two well respected master card magicians speak.  Both of them touched on the topic of practise.  

• Magician A suggested that reviewing video recording of one's performance was optimal because among other things, magicians are unlikely to catch a poorly performed sleight in the mirror.*  
• Magician B suggested that performing in front of a mirror was the way to go, because you need to learn how to adjust in real time, if something goes wrong in the execution of a move.        

They both raised valid points.  We got to wondering how you, dear readers, practise?

In October, we asked the following on Facebook and Instagram:

What do you do when you practise?  Do you:
A. Use a mirror 
B. Video record the session 
C. Both of the above 
D. None of the above 
E. I don’t practise 

 

Seven people replied.  Two were 3-way mirror responses, two were video responses, we had two responses from those who do neither, and one of you have a very thoughtful practise involving both mirrors and video.  

The practise preference was divided along social media platforms. 

• Facebook preferred video,

• Instagram favours mirrors or neither. 

 (With N=7 it's difficult to draw meaningful inferences.  We found it interesting nonetheless.) 

From the April 27th Instagram post @CanadasMagicDotCom: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

A thought from the pro-video camp:

• Chris Yuill wrote: 
  " If you use a mirror but look down to look at the props you miss seeing what happened at that moment. Just my opinion.
  
  "PS if you video yourself to post on social media, watch the video first before posting. See too many crappy videos of crappy done magic on FB and the gram." 
  
  

 

A very thorough and insightful answer from Eric Bedard, who kindly took the time on October 2nd to write [emphasis added]:

"Mirror at home when first learning a new sleight or routine (3 mirrors one head on, two at 45 degrees on each side), also practice facing the mirror, then turn right angle to one side so you can see what people see over your shoulder or looking behind you, then repeat on the other side - when you are satisfied that you do not flash, then record at home several times while tweaking, adjusting blocking, checking script and timing, etc. and then definitely record the first time if it is a stand up routine. Close-up if you do all of the above, you should be bullet proof when you perform. However, you will continue to make adjustments and improvements once you have performed the first 100 times - in Martial arts it is said that you must do a move 10,000 times before you can start to really learn it - in Magic it is not 10,00 but definitely after you have field tested a routine, trick or sleight a minimum of 100 times, you can start to really understand the subtleties involved. Real world practice is best, just make sure you are bullet proof before you perform out in the world or you make us all look bad. Carry on......" 

 

We have nothing to add to Eric's excellent answer.  It seems that the method of practise is often presented as a false dichotomy.  One or the other.  In reality, a blend of both may be the recipe for optimal results.

In the comments, let us know whether you use mirrors or video or both in your practise!

-- 

* We have heard it said that when practising in front of a mirror, magicians are more likely to blink while performing the sleight, and therefore will be unable to see themselves flash or make a mistake.  We wondered if there was any literature to back this claim.  This is what we found: 

• From a 2022 paper by Anthony Barnhart [emphasis added]:
  "Indeed, magicians were more likely to blink when engaging in deceptive action than when not, and blinking was more prevalent when performing more difficult sleights. However, this tactical blinking was only evident in the performance setting." [1] 
  
  
• A quote from Anthony from a September 2022 article [emphasis added]:
  "'While my magician participants were more likely to blink their eyes when carrying out deceptive action than when not, this tendency was increased in a performance setting without a mirror compared to a rehearsal setting with a mirror,' Barnhart explained to PsyPost. 'This was surprising and didn’t match the predictions from the world of magic.'" [2]

 
Other thoughts about practising in front of a mirror:

• "Do not watch yourself in a mirror as you practise. You cannot perform the action naturally if you divide your attention between what you do and how it looks. Moreover, mirror watching has a tendency to cause the eyes to widen; this is not attractive and can become a fixed habit." [3]

References: 

1. Barnhart, A. S., Richardson, K., & Eric, S. (2022). Tactical blinking in magicians: A tool for self-and other-deception. Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice, 9(3), 257. DOI:10.1037/cns0000321
   
   
2. Ellwood, B. (2022). Study suggests magicians unconsciously blink their eyes to manipulate the audience during difficult tricks.  PsyPost.
   https://www.psypost.org/study-suggests-magicians-unconsciously-blink-their-eyes-to-manipulate-the-audience-during-difficult-tricks/
   
   
3. Hugard, J, Braue, F. (1948). The Royal Road to Card Magic. pg 358

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Sleightly Sketchy -- First three words

Another in an occasional series of sleightly sketchy thoughts.

 

 

Previously shared January 14, 2024. 

 

 

 

 

A peek behind the curtain with Frances Morgan from Champions of Magic

We recently reported our random thoughts about "Champions of Magic -- Holiday Spectacular" in Toronto.  Frances Morgan, whose official role in the production is "Magic and Props Assistant," kindly agreed to do an interview with us.

 

Read our random thoughts about 
"Champions of Magic -- Holiday Spectacular"

Tickets at Ticketmaster.ca 

 

 

 

 

 

Based in Spokane, Frances:

• performed as a Magician’s Assistant at Silverwood Theme Park in 2022
  
  Read more (click to show | hide)

  At the theme park we did grand scale illusions as well as a few smaller illusions and routines. My favorite was our opening act that the magician and I created together (about a week before opening day!) I got hired quite unexpectedly, and had to jump in quickly. I was hired at the end of May and the full season started the first week in June. Before that, I had never been involved in a magic show in any capacity. So it was quite the adventure having to learn everything in such a short amount of time. That lasted a season before I moved on to starting my own show and forming my company, Inland Northwest Magic [INWmagic.com].
  
  
• debuted her first show as a magician in 2023, 
  
  
• won First Place in the Spokane Magic Club's Close-Up competition, 
  Read more (click to show | hide)

  For my first local competition, I did some simple card routines, but what I have always stood behind is even the most simple magic can be amazing with the right presentation. I had music playing in the background, chose my setup carefully and rehearsed until the last moment to make sure it was ready. It was my first competition and I had just debuted my first solo show a few weeks prior, so that October was a fun and busy month! Some of the card moves in the routine I performed were taught to me by the magicians I met through the magic club     
      
  
• and competed in the 2024 IBM Stage Competition.
  Read more (click to show | hide)

  At the annual IBM International Championship, I competed in the Stage Magic category. I had just joined the IBM as I had been elected Vice President of my local magic club and needed to join the IBM in order to do so. When I joined, I saw they had a convention coming a few hours away from me in Washington and knew I had to go. Magic conventions rarely, if ever, come to Washington or Idaho so I took hold of the opportunity and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. When I joined, I saw they also had a competition and figured I had nothing to lose so I sent in a video on the last day available for submissions. I had only been performing as a magician for a short while, so I looked at the show I had, took the routines I got the best reactions from and created a new sequence to make a roughly 8 minute routine. I went to a local park with my friend, we filmed it, went to a restaurant and uploaded it. 
  
  I never actually expected to hear anything back, but about a month later, I saw an email in my inbox from IBM. The headline was simple “I.B.M. Contest”; the opening, polite “Thank you for sending your submission for the 2024 Tacoma I.B.M. Convention Competition.” Reading this, I fully expected it to be a polite ‘thanks but try again later’ kind of email, but to my surprise I read and re-read and for good measure read again the next line. “Congratulations, we are pleased to inform you that you have earned a spot in the finals of the Gold Medal Competition and will appear on the International Stage Championship”. I began to jump and run around the house in complete shock and happiness. That competition was my turning point as a magician. 
  
  Competing at IBM, I truly felt like I was a magician. This was not just friends and family, this was a panel of judges who looked at my performance and said ‘yes,  she can compete at this convention’. It truly is and was an honor to be there.
  
  I did a linking ring routine (which I started to perform at the request of my mom who has always loved the linking rings and which has since become a staple in my shows), a dream bag production, where I make flower boxes appeared; and a torn and transformed paper to kabuki effect.
  
  

 

I learned so much from performing at IBM, including the simple fact of taking a chance, because even if unlikely, you just might get the opportunity you were looking for. This same lesson led me to Champions of Magic! By asking, I was able to connect with the producer, who very kindly took time to answer questions I had about the business side of magic and eventually led to me being asked to come on tour.

 

 

 

What is your first memory of magic?

When I was about 3 I went to a theme park and there, I experienced my first magic show. My favorite routine was when the magician made a table float on stage and to my astonishment, proceeded to walk down the stairs into the audience with the table! Ever since then, the floating table has been one of my favorite illusions to perform. When I went to my first magic convention, I had the honor to meet the builder of the illusion, and have been performing it ever since. 

 

 

What genre of magic has your focus currently?

Everything! Different circumstances allow for different magic. My love of magic stems from my love of connecting people and bringing stories to life. I am working on a Valentine's theme show using both stage and close-up magic. The theme is a love letter to magic and wonder, and will be performed in a movie [theatre] that was first owned by a magician. I have the honor of being the first magician to perform magic there since him in the past 50 years! A show that gets to play with a history like that is such a thrill and an honor. 

I love the theatrics of stage magic and helping the audience get lost in the wonder and story of it. Theatre is my first love, having grown up performing since I was about 3 years old. Close-up magic is a new adventure and for me, the appeal lies in connecting with the audience in an up close manner. Having magic happen in your hands as an audience member is one of the most amazing things you can experience. I also love doing walk-around magic for events. I usually start with just conversing with people. Many people have at least some small connection with magic, and often I can utilize that when I perform magic for them. I get to have fun weaving their stories into the magic to create something personal for them and unique for me. 

 

 

Why did you want to become part of the Champions of Magic behind-the-scenes family?

I saw Champions for the first time in 2022. It was my first time seeing a magic show of that magnitude and I absolutely fell in love with it! My favorite part was the ensemble aspect of it. Magic usually features the solo magician but growing up in theatre, nearly every show I saw had an ensemble of actors working together to build a story. The ensemble aspect of Champions felt more natural and exciting to me. One of my favorite parts of theatre is getting to play off the other actors in a scene, and I got to see that same playful creativity with Champions. 

Magic has this amazing ability to bring the audience into its space. Unlike other forms of theatre, magic breaks the 4th wall and gets to incorporate the audience unlike anything else. Magic has all the wonderful qualities that I love about theatre and then some. It is more spontaneous and can connect with an audience in a unique way; Champions shows that in a wonderful and grand display. 



 

What are your roles on this tour?

I get to do a little bit of everything! My official title is Magic and Props Assistant. I work primarily with the props team and between the three of us we take care of over 200 props in the show, from sunglasses to a sparkly, metal moon. We build, repair, improve, set, strike and pack all the props every new show day. I also get the chance to be onstage as an Assistant for a few of the acts. For one routine, I get to wear the dress I wore as an Assistant in the theme park, so a fun personal call back, and I also wear a necklace of a snowflake that my family gave me for Christmas a few years ago. For me, it is a way to bridge my past experiences with this new chapter. 
 

 

 

 

What surprised you most about touring with this ensemble of magicians?

This is my first tour and I have an immense amount of respect for the stamina of this group! Especially the crew and the producer. Every person works incredibly hard and will jump in to help when needed. If one of us is sick or injured, or simply let something slip in the rush of the moment, we all try to pull together to help one another and give the best experience possible to the audience, while supporting each other as a team. 


 

 

Tell us about a highlight from this tour.

One highlight was at one of the shows, we invited a kid onstage and he had the best time! I got to interact with him and his mom off stage and his whole face lit up at being a part of the show. Getting to inspire people of all ages is just spectacular!


 

What compelling reasons are there to come see "Champions of Magic:  Holiday Spectacular"?

Theatre is magic when seen live, and a live magic show is theatre on another level. This show has something for everyone of all ages. One of my favorite aspects is the different genres that come into play. 

 

Some examples: we have a callback to old Hollywood detective mysteries, a sit-com holiday party, and a tribute to grand scale Las Vegas magic shows. We also get to bring a few people up on stage to witness the magic up close!

 

  Frances' connection to Canadian magic  

There is a podcast called Discourse in Magic that talks about the business side of magic as well as interviews with magicians, and it is run by Jonah Babins from the Toronto Magic Company! I have listened to many episodes of that podcast.

 

 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s Magic?

Happiness is magic. Keep sharing the magic. Join the email list of Champions of Magic and come follow along on the adventure! 




 

Thank you Frances, for making the time to answer our questions and congratulations on your recent achievements!
 

 

Learn more about Frances at her website INWmagic.com and sign-up to her email list.

 

 

  Champions of Magic Holiday Spectacular  

• In Toronto until January 4
  
  Tickets:  Ticketmaster.ca 

 

Read our previous interviews with the cast:

• Liberty Larsen  (2024)   
  
• Sam Strange  (2023) 
  
• Fernando Velasco (2023), and
• Richard Young  (2024)      

 
Learn more about Champions of Magic at ChampionsOfMagicTour.com and follow them on Facebook, and Instagram. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase summary

This concludes the 2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase (ICMS)! 

We hope you enjoyed reading about many of the talented magicians across the country.  Thank you for joining us on the journey.

A huge shout out to everyone who submitted names and supporting text to us last month.  Thank you for generously making the time to celebrate your peers!

   

We couldn't have done this without the help of:

• Alex Boyer  
• Chanelle Munroe  
• Ken McCreedy  
• Marc Trudel  
• Ryan Michael 
• Sean Watson 
• Tabraze Sheikh
  
• Mystery Magician, and
• Mystery Magician II!
  

Thank you for the thought and time involved in sending us your submissions.

 

Congratulations again to everyone featured.  Keep up the great work!

Be sure to click on the links below to find out what makes each magician inspirational in their own right.  The story isn't just about who was selected.  Of equal, or perhaps greater importance, is why they were selected!

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (alphabetical by first name):

Alain Choquette
Chris Gowen
Connie Boyd
 Dean Gunnarson
Ed Fernandez
Ian Stewart
Matt DiSero
Ryan Joyce
Stéphane Bourgoin

       

Ian Stewart: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Last, but certainly not least in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ian Stewart!

 

Ian Stewart: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

Canadian magician, hypnotist and multiple record holder Ian Stewart is an inspiration because despite his multiple achievements his pure love of magic is demonstrated by his unwavering support and mentorship of up and coming magicians. 

In his home of Nova Scotia he has been a constant source of help in supporting the local magic community. All the while asking for nothing in return -- just because of his love of magic. Ian also is constantly a source of encouragement for local magicians to push their own boundaries.

Submitted by Tabraze Sheikh 

Congratulations Ian!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Ian Stewart visit his website at WorldRecordMagician.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you to Tabraze, for your excellent submission!  

To learn more about Tabraze Sheikh, follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart
       

Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Next in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Chris Gowen!

 

Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

Chris has been consistently increasing the quality, variety, and strength of his shows. He's been performing multiple times per week at the Rec Room in Edmonton, and selling out many of them. His dedication to creating original effects, always looking to improve, and constantly learning and putting on multiple shows per week is an incredible inspiration.

Submitted by Ryan Michael 

Congratulations Chris!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Chris Gowen, visit his website at ChrisGowen.ca and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.  

Thank you to Ryan, for your excellent submission!  

To learn more about Ryan Michael, visit RyanMichaelMagic.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.  

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart
     

Ryan Joyce: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Next in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ryan Joyce!

 

Ryan Joyce: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

Ryan Joyce for his continued leadership of the Canadian Association of Magicians.  Notably in 2025, Ryan championed the the launch of the "Canada Proud" deck of playing cards, which features his artwork on the backs.

Submitted by Mystery Magician II 

Congratulations Ryan!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Ryan Joyce, visit his website at RyanJoyce.com or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you to our anonymous Mystery Magician II, for your excellent submission!

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart

Stéphane Bourgoin: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Next in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Stéphane Bourgoin!

 

Stéphane Bourgoin: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

Stéphane has been a driving force in the Montreal magic community for years. 

He has been creating relentlessly and consulting on some of the biggest projects out there — from collaborations with Cirque du Soleil to theatre productions and television.

Just this year, he created the magic for Luc Langevin’s new stage show and consulted on the theatre adaptations of Dracula and Peter Pan, just to name a few of his projects. 

Always generous with his time and advice, he continues to be a vital part of our community.

Submitted by Marc Trudel 

Congratulations Stéphane!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Stéphane Bourgoin, visit his website at StephaneBourgoin.com or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you Marc for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Marc Trudel, visit MarcTrudelMagicien.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart
     

Ed Fernandez: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fourth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ed Fernandez!

 

Ed Fernandez: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

Ed has been an inspiration for me when I first met him in 1976 at a night club in St. Catharines. He was touring with Johnny Green and the Greenmen (the Jokers henchmen from the original Batman TV series).

He toured the world with his illusion show on premier cruise lines. He had the largest Illusion show of its kind in Santo Domingo. He was an act in Liberace's show in Las Vegas and appeared in many television talk shows. 

This past year he suffered a serious health scare and got through it with flying colours. We worked together in Quebec this past September. 

Ed performs Mentalism and Hypnosis these days. What an inspiration!

Submitted by Ken McCreedy 

Congratulations Ed!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Ed Fernandez, visit his website at FernandezHypnotist.com or follow him on Facebook.

Thank you Ken for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Ken McCreedy, visit KenMcCreedy.com and follow him on Facebook. 

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart
     

Alain Choquette: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fourth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Alain Choquette!

 

Alain Choquette: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

Alain Choquette embodies the spirit of Canadian magic with his unique blend of storytelling, wonder, and heartfelt connection to audiences. In 2025, his performances reminded me how magic can transcend language and culture, inspiring me to pursue creativity with authenticity and passion. He is truly one of the greatest entertainers to ever exist in the world of magic, and his career continues to show that true magic lies in touching people’s hearts. 

Submitted by Alex Boyer 

Congratulations Alain!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Alain Choquette, visit his website at AlainChoquette.ca or follow him on Facebook.

Thank you Alex for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Alex Boyer, visit his website at AlexBoyer.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart
     

Connie Boyd: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Third in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Connie Boyd!

 

Connie Boyd: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

Connie Boyd is my inspiration because she has broken barriers and redefined what it means to be a woman in magic. Her groundbreaking book, The Power of Magical Women — the first ever written by a female magician — has made history and continues to empower performers around the world. Connie’s passion, talent, and advocacy for women in the art form inspire me to pursue my own magic with confidence, creativity, and purpose. 

Submitted by Chanelle Munroe 

Congratulations Connie!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Connie Boyd, visit her website ThePowerOfMagicalWomen.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you Chanelle for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Chanelle Munroe, visit her website at ChanelleMunroe.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart
     

Dean Gunnarson: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Second in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Dean Gunnarson!

 

Dean Gunnarson: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

Dean Gunnarsson was an incredible inspiration and mentor to me. His fearless creativity and dedication to the art of escape taught me the power of perseverance and showmanship. Dean always encouraged me to push boundaries, stay authentic, and believe in my own unique magic. His guidance helped shape not only my performances but also my confidence as an entertainer. 

Submitted by Sean Watson 

Congratulations Dean!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Dean Gunnarson, visit his website AlwaysEscaping.com or follow him on Instagram.

Thank you Sean for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Sean Watson, visit his website at SeanWatsonMagician.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart
    

Matt DiSero: Inspirational Canadian Magician

First up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Matt DiSero!

 

Matt DiSero: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

He’s a working pro who not only excels at the best gigs but also at some of the hardest. Growing up in a comedy club environment Matt knows how to work a difficult crowd or room. He is comfortable in any environment. Matt knows how to construct a routine for maximum entertainment, and can squeeze a LOT out of very little. He was recently interviewed on a podcast about the secrets of cruise ship magic and he wasn’t afraid to drop the real dirt. His experience and knowledge can be very helpful to magicians of any level. 

Submitted by Mystery Magician

Congratulations Matt!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Matt DiSero, visit his website MattDiSero.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you to our anonymous Mystery Magician, for your excellent submission!

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt DiSero
Dean Gunnarson
Connie Boyd
Alain Choquette
Ed Fernandez
Stéphane Bourgoin
Ryan Joyce
Chris Gowen
Ian Stewart
     

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

It's time for our third annual Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase (ICMS)!

Back in 2023, we reached out to magicians across Canada to see who inspired them. And then in 2024 we reached out to the 2023 nominees and asked them to pay it forward by generating a list of their Inspirational Canadian Magicians for 2024.

In October, we touched base with the magicians featured in last year's ICMS and asked them to write two to four sentences about someone in the Canadian magic community who inspired them in 2025.  (They were given the caveat that the magicians in last year's showcase were ineligible to be named in this year's showcase.)  Not all of last year's nominees were able to contribute to this year's showcase.

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be hosting a showcase of the submissions, in no particular order. 

We hope you enjoy!

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.
 

 

Note:  This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the inspirational things magicians are doing across Canada.  Instead, think of it as the community highlighting a random sample of excellence at a single point in time.

Random thoughts about “Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic"

Micheal Close's Explorer 1
Teaching the magic beyond the tricks

Has your magic has plateaued in spite of owning shelves of magic books, a hard drive full of instructional downloads, and drawers full of magic effects?  Enter “Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic” a 6 week online course offered by Michael Close.

 

As you are likely aware, Michael is well known in the magic community for his excellence as an author, a creator, a performer, and a consultant.  For those unfamiliar with Michael’s work, I encourage you to read Jamy Ian Swiss’ 2018 article “The Paradigm Shift – Volume One & Volume Two by Michael Close” at Magicana. 

 

  Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic  

Topics covered include:

• 12 foundational sleights with both cards and coins,
• 7 tricks that incorporate those sleights,  
• Relevant magic theory,
• Critical review of magic effects, 
• Finding your style,
• Insights in constructing and routining,
• Practise suggestions, and
• Presentation considerations.

 

I participated in the beta testing of these classes, in addition to auditing the first run of the course.  The classes methodically cover foundational sleights with both cards and coins.  One of the biggest benefits to learning from Michael, a performer with decades of experience under his belt, is that he teaches fundamental material with an awareness as to how the skills will be applied as one advances their ability.  In other words, the foundational sleights are taught in a versatile manner, ready for use in more sophisticated situations.  This approach results in accelerated learning – you only have to learn a skill once! 

 

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A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

Thinking outside the box.

 

Michael’s approach to teaching magic, mirrors in many respects, The Royal Conservatory of Music's approach to the method and practise of teaching music.  (This comes as no surprise given Michael’s Masters Degree in Music Theory and Composition.)

What do I mean by this?  A music teacher will introduce their student music theory concepts (such as a key signature, and rhythm), and provide them with a piece of music to practise which incorporates these ideas.  As music students practise with the goal of performance in mind, the teacher will discuss musical technique, as well as introduce critical analysis of their student’s efforts.  

On the surface, Micheal teaches foundational sleights, along with tricks which incorporate these fundamental skills.  While the tricks are logical a vehicle to demonstrate the use of the newfound technical expertise, they more importantly serve as case studies for broader theoretical concepts important to maximizing the entertainment value of magic performance. 

Simply put, the tricks are not the lesson.  They are the springboards that permit Michael to introduce theory that elevates the performance of magic.

 

Michael presents his well crafted lessons in a manner which is clear and easy to follow.  Nuggets of wisdom gleaned from years of performance and consulting pepper every session.  The classes are a safe and nurturing environment that puts the students at ease.  In these classes, questions in search of understanding are always welcome.

 

  Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic  

1. A foundational sleight is expertly taught
2. An effect is introduced using the newly learned sleight
3. Michael’s Secret Sauce:
1. Insights are given about the effect’s construction, 
2. Thoughts are added about routining to elevate the spectator’s experience,
3. The effect is critiqued in a constructive and informative manner with the goal being an improved effect,
4. Presentation considerations are discussed, and
5. Related reading material is assigned, providing a greater depth of knowledge about the topic from other experts in the field.

Michael provides a manageable amount of assigned and supplemental reading, invoking wisdom from magicians such as Jamy Ian Swiss, Juan Tamariz, Larry Hass, Jon Racherbaumer, and of course Dai Vernon.

As an added bonus, course enrollment includes exclusive, limited-time access to the Ask Alexander Digital Library, provided by the Conjuring Arts Research Center. 

 

  Nuts and bolts  

• This is a 6 lesson course.  Classes are delivered weekly.
• The class size is capped at 12.  This allows for personalized attention during class.
• Classes are virtual and they are recorded.  
• If you have a conflict preventing you from attending a class, you can watch the recording at a later date.  
• If you’re having difficulty mastering a sleight / effect, you can re-watch class video as required and even slow it down if needed.
• Michael encourages members to ask questions during and between classes.  
• He also encourages students to submit videos of them performing the class material for him to critique.  
• On its own, the opportunity for personal evaluation, is worth the cost of the course!  (Compare the cost of the course, to the price tag of a Michael Close private session.)
• Michael also offers great suggestions about how to creatively make an effect your own.
• There is no requirement for students to perform during class.
• To get the greatest benefit from the course, it is recommended that you set aside a minimum of 15 minutes a day for practise.  (Michael provides practical practise tips which deliver meaningful results.)
• Explorer 2 will be the next rung on the course ladder, and it builds upon the skills mastered in Explorer 1.

 

In keeping with the music class analogy, during the course Michael said this about foundational sleights:

“... one of the good things about developing a toolbox of techniques of sleights that you are competent at, is it makes reading magic books a lot easier.  You're almost like musicians when they sight read a piece. If I have all my scales and my arpeggios and all these things under my fingers to a reasonable degree, then as I look at a new piece of music, I can get a sense of what that piece of music is as I sight read.”

 

Similarly, if you embrace the theoretical concepts, while also developing your analytical and critiquing muscles, you will be able to utilize this knowledge to enhance any magic performance, from close-up to stage.

I had an overwhelmingly positive experience participating in these classes.  If you’re looking for a way to shore up your sleights, and elevate your presentation skills, this is the course for you!

To register, or for more information, visit Micheal's website at MichaelClose.com.

Disclosure:  I beta tested and audited the classes as a guest.  The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.