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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
This was our second trip to this location. Just over a year ago we
saw Alex McAleer - Mind Reader in this space. (If you were at the McAleer show, please note
that you need to use the West entrance for The Enigmatist.)
The performance space is one flight of stairs up from the main level.
Contact the venue if you require accommodations.
The show is about two hours long, with one 15 minute intermission.
While there is nothing inappropriate for young children in the show, this is
not a show designed for young children. The
Starvox website states
"The show is appropriate for children aged 6+." However, we're not
sure that Kidlet would have enjoyed it much before the age of 8.
"Hearts" ticket holders have general admission seats closest to the
stage. The seats are all on the floor. "Spades" and "Clubs"
ticket holders are on risers in the back half of the house.
Plan to arrive early. There is a preshow activity in The Puzzle
Garden. From the
Starvox website: "The doors to the bar/lounge will open 60 minutes before curtain.
"The
Puzzle Garden will open 60 minutes before curtain for Hearts ticket holders,
and 30 minutes before the show for Spades and Clubs ticket holders.
"We
recommend that you arrive early to solve the four puzzle walls, which will
be located in the lobby area. Please plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes (in
total) solving the puzzles before taking your seat inside.
While not mandatory to gain entry to the performance, completing the
puzzles will enhance your overall experience of the show." [Emphasis added.]
There is time to complete unfinished puzzles during the intermission.
Puzzle tip: Some of the puzzles have a poster with important reference
information on it. Use your phone to take a photo of the
poster. Then you can review the details without blocking others from seeing the clues.
The performance space is
intimate. Due to the general admission seating, arrive early if you
wish to sit close to the stage.
There are so many dimensions to the show, it's hard to know where to
start!
We were a little nervous about attending. The promotional material mentions of "brain twisting riddles," "cracking
ciphers," and "puzzle solving" were somewhat intimidating. (This did not
sound like an evening of passive entertainment.)
All our worries were for naught!
Yes, there are plenty of activities where the entire audience can rise to
the challenge and participate!
No, you don't have to participate if you don't want to. (But we're
pretty sure you'll want to.)
Puzzle solvers were consistently celebrated!
Right off the bat, as David mentioned
in his interview with us, a young audience member solved the first puzzle before any of the adults!
David treated everyone with the utmost respect.
He is incredibly knowledgeable, has a fantastic memory, and
demonstrates impressive sleight of hand.
It is very clear that David, when designing his show, took to heart Will Shortz's quote "... a good puzzle makes the solver feel smart." The show is carefully constructed in the same fashion.
David never made the audience
feel "less than" in any way.
The show is highly interactive. We counted around thirty volunteers
in addition to multiple whole audience participation opportunities. The majority of
the time, people were able to volunteer from their seats.
This is legitimately the first time we've seen (heard?) Tom Lehrer
invoked in a magic show. We approve! (Doubly so given the subject matter and the method of delivery.)
David has an engaging stage presence, well-honed audience management
skills, and excellent technical abilities! (As evidenced by a few perfect Faros, a one-handed rotational pivot
cut, and some card lovely manipulation.)
The Enigmatist is magic, inside a puzzle, wrapped in
pure entertainment!*
* With apologies to Sir Winston Churchill
The show has a solid throughline, inspired by historical figures and events,
providing an intriguing narrative.
It is clear to the magicians in the audience, that a extraordinary amount of thought, planning, and attention to detail went into this show. (Pay close
attention. There are a surprising number of callbacks in the second
half!)
With few exceptions, the "magic" done in the show is presented in a very
customized way, obfuscating the "trick" part of the performance while
highlighting the awe and wonder of the presentation. David's use of surrogates for traditional magic props, gives the show a unique and truly personal feel.
We tried desperately to keep up while David created an impromptu crossword puzzle. At some point we just gave in and let his spectacular vocabulary and puzzle building expertise wash over us. (And he incorporated a word we shouted out!) It was absolutely amazing to witness in real time!
The Enigmatist is a masterclass in using magic principles as a tools to create entertainment in delightfully novel
ways!
Disclosure: KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions
expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for
the writing or the publishing of this article.
With thanks to Erica Feeand Starvox Entertainment for the tickets.
We're delighted to interview David leading up to the Canadian premiere of his show The Enigmatist which runs from June 10th to 22nd at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Toronto. For tickets
and more information visit Starvox Entertainment.
What is your first memory of magic?
Like every magician, I have these indelible moments from when I was a kid.
For me, the most impactful was when I was about seven years old and saw a
magician performing at a pumpkin patch. He performed the sponge ball trick,
which blew my mind, of course. But what happened next would change my life
forever. He did the trick to my dad. Now my father is a biochemist, and
still is the smartest person in the world to me. So when he opened up his
hand and suddenly had two sponge balls, I turned to this omniscient figure
and asked him how the trick worked. My dad flashed me a sheepish grin and
said, “I have no idea." And that’s when I knew I wanted to be a magician!
And this moment continues to inform my work. I recently released a kids book
of magic tricks,
How to Fool Your Parents. It’s a book dedicated to
smart, brainy, kids. I’m basically channeling my seven year-old self!
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
Will Shortz, the puzzle editor of the New York Times. He’s
been a wonderful mentor and friend since I first met him as a teenager.
Will has brought smart and accessible puzzles into the homes of millions
and millions of people. He always says that a good puzzle makes the solver
feel smart. I try to channel this in every puzzle I create and show that I
perform.
"... a good puzzle makes the solver feel smart." -- Will Shortz
David Kwong, The Enigmatist Photo credit: Yann Rabanier
Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share with
our readers?
The mental gymnastics that I perform in the show require a great deal of
memory. So I get to the theater early and I practice with flashcards in my
dressing room. I usually solve a crossword puzzle or two as well, you
gotta get my brain going and I actually find it relaxing!
David Kwong Photo credit: Justin Barbin
What can your audiences expect to see during The Enigmatist?
The Enigmatist is an evening of magic, puzzles, and cryptography
(codebreaking). There are brainy magic tricks, and a box that the audience
must collectively unlock to reveal the mysteries inside. I also regale the
audience with the story of America's first codebreakers. Also, the puzzles
start right away! Audiences are encouraged to come early to the show where
they have the option of solving puzzles in the lobby. This is called the
Puzzle Garden and ties into the show!
Thank you David, for making the time to answer our questions!
Next in our series of short interviews with some
of the magical acts is The Secret!
The Secret identifies as a computer program.
We're very pleased that The Secret had the bandwidth to answer our questions
ahead of its appearance on the April 22nd episode of
Canada's Got Talent!
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
Again inspiration is a human experience. Perhaps the human toy “Speak and Spell” is a clever early human program that I find amusing.
What is your first memory of magic?
As a program I have access to all media which is magic related and can easily refer to anything that is part of the database of online magic. I do not have any memories as a human would, but instead exist harmoniously with time.
Who from the magic community inspires you?
Inspirations are a human experience. I only look for what benefits my program and further my ability to access the human mind. If I was to place a name to a human who comes close enough, that would be Derren Brown.
Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?
I am a program. My purpose is only to advance to the stage of fully controlling the human mind and predicting the actions of individuals even with the so-called existence of free will.
The Secret 📸 : CGT
Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting
magic?
The only thing I know is to achieve dominance over my human counterparts.
Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share
with our readers?
There is nothing I need to do that will or will not benefit my capability before demonstrating my superior programming.
Why is now the right time for you to be a part of
Canada's Got Talent?
I have always been a part of CGT as well as other platforms.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am The Secret and the secret is me. The human experience is something I can always control and your thoughts are mine to both know and control.
Thank you to The Secret for answering our
questions! We hope you compile well on CGT!
Next in our series of short interviews with some
of the magical acts is Ben Kahan!
We're very pleased that Ben made time to answer our questions
ahead of his appearance on the April 8th episode of
Canada's Got Talent!
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
I love when artists do something completely new, and I'm also a film fan, so I have to say Charlie Kaufman. He's a brilliant writer who knows when to exposit and when to let visuals do the talking, which is the hallmark of a great storyteller. His movies are always offbeat and often unfold in unexpected, passionate ways. As artists, we can learn a lot by studying how he builds his stories.
What is your first memory of magic?
I grew up in the UK at a time when David Blaine was hitting TV and making magic "cool." For a few years, magic sets were a common present for young boys (like me). Unlike my other friends, I just never grew out of it. My first memory was receiving a Marvin's Magic set, which had one of my all-time favourite effects, the Dynamic Coins. Seeing those coins appear and disappear for the first time felt like witnessing real magic.
Who from the magic community inspires you?
Mentalist Derren Brown was a huge influence on me growing up. His approach and presentation are timeless. He not only develops head-scratching effects that stump other magicians, but he also performs in a way that's completely accessible to lay audiences - often hiding his methods behind psychology and hypnosis. It's a fantastic example of how to make magic approachable and impactful, while totally misdirecting your audience about your methods.
Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?
Another magician introduced me to The Young Magician's Club, which is the youth initiative of London's Magic Circle. At their famous headquarters, I spent one Sunday each month surrounded by other talented young performers. We were mentored by some of the greats in British magic and learned from workshops and seminars led by Ali Bongo, Paul Daniels, David and Marvin Berglas, and Fay Presto, and many others. It was inspiring and opened my eyes to the entire magic world.
Ben Kahan 📸 : CGT
Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting
magic?
I did quit magic - for 6 years! I was working tables at events in London, but grew jaded, finding myself on autopilot and no longer having fun with it. After moving to Toronto in 2018, I lost touch with my magic community. Over time, I realized how much I missed it, so I joined Toronto’s Hat and Rabbit Club. I’ve re-found my people, and in the process, rediscovered my joy in performing magic.
Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share
with our readers?
Before performing, I put myself in my audience’s shoes, remembering they’re about to see something impossible that they’ve never witnessed before. When I focus on how lucky I am to provide that experience - no matter how nervous I am - it fills me with energy and excitement that overcomes everything else.
Why is now the right time for you to be a part of
Canada's Got Talent?
After returning to performing for the first time in over six years, I want to prove to myself that I’ve still got what it takes to create something new - and actually perform it. Doing it on the biggest stage in Canada would be an incredible opportunity to share my passion with an even wider audience.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
With how quickly technology is evolving, there’s no denying it’s transforming the way magicians approach magic. It’s a shame that for all the brilliant coin routines out there, hardly anyone carries coins these days. But technology has always driven innovation in magic, just as it has in any other art form. It’s exciting to imagine how today’s young magicians will harness tomorrow’s tools to create miracles.
Thank you Ben, for making the time to answer our
questions! Break a leg on CGT!
