Thirty seconds with Lorena and Trevor Watters

This is the sixth in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

Lorena and Trevor Watters are professional magicians from North Delta, BC.  They both love the beautiful scenery and friendliness of Canada.  They first heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp when Magic Mike Segal and his wife Jen approached them at the World Magic Seminar.  This was  Lorena and Trevor's third year as camp instructors.

FUN FACT:
They're both big fans of the original Star Wars trilogy..

DID YOU KNOW?
- Lorena's most embarrassing magic moment was at the West Coast Fair when wind blew her skirt up!  (Apparently they had a much bigger audience the next day!
- Trevor's pre-show routine involves him doing push ups against a wall for 10 seconds to help him relax and psych himself up.

The Watters, like so many of the adults who pass through camp, wish that something like this was available to them when they were growing up.  When they think of camp they think of amazingly talented kids, fun times and unforgettable memories.  To them it's the perfect place to learn "magical performance arts."  They've loved camp since the first day and look forward to it yearly.  Lorena sums up one of their favourite things about magic camp, "It's awesome to watch how much kids grow (both physically and magically) in a year."

Trevor's first memory of magic goes back to the age of 12.  He remembers his dad coming home from Las Vegas with some magic tricks.  That's when Trevor fell in love with the craft.  As for Lorena, her first solid memory of magic was in the very early days of dating Trevor.  Trevor asked her if she'd like to come back to his place to see an illusion.  Lorena added, "He asked if I could fit into a box on the floor.  Then he said he was going to put 12 swords into it. The rest is history."

Lorena wishes that more people would think of magic as an art form.  Trevor agrees and would like people to respect magicians as much as they respect actors, or lawyers.  Both of them have the same advice for the young magicians out there:  Practise makes perfect.  Don't be afraid to fail; some of their best material comes from epic fails.

We wish them all the best as they represent Canada in the FISM World Championship held in Italy this July!

Visit their website at TrevorWatters.com .

From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:

Post by Fireside Productions.

Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train

From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Shawn Farquhar interviewed in Vanish

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Post by Shawn Farquhar.

Matt Disero interviewed by Adam Pal

(I haven't listened to this myself, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was NSFW.)

Rumour has it that James Alan does a cameo.


From PALmCAST Network's YouTube channel:

Thirty seconds with Ben Train

This is the fifth in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

Professional magician Benzi Train is from Toronto, Ontario.  Proud of his homecountry, Ben thinks of "poutine, maple syrup, and free health care" when thinking about Canada.  (Good thing for that health care too; poutine and maple syrup aren't good for you in large doses.)

FUN FACT:
Ben's a fan of Harry Potter, chocolate chip cookies and Netflix.

DID YOU KNOW?
Ben's most embarrassing moment was getting pantsed at camp last summer. (I think there's video footage of that out there somewhere.  Finding it will be left as an exercise for the reader.)

Ben first came to Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp loving the idea that two of his passions, magic and camping, could be experienced simultaneously.  He comes back because, it's "the most amazing place in the world."  The words family, fun, and magic come immediately to mind when he thinks about magic camp.    Last summer marked Ben's twelfth year at Sorcerers Safari.  He has attended as a counsellor in training, a counsellor and most recently as an instructor.

Ben's first memory of magic was seeing Triumph performed when he was 14 years old.  He hopes that magicians today adapt to, integrate, and utilize all of the new technology and platforms to their advantage.

Ben heads up Five Academy Magic and performs as well as lectures all over the world.

Visit Ben's website at bentrain.ca .

Ben will be appearing this coming Sunday at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) .


From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:

Post by Fireside Productions.

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Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman

From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Shawn Farquhar interviewed by Scott Wells

There are two parts to the interview!

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Post by Shawn Farquhar.

Ted and Marion Outerbridge on CBC Yukon

From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:

Post by Perfect Magic.

Thirty seconds with Alex Seaman

This is the fourth in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.


Alex Seaman is a university student and professional magician from Vancouver, BC. Alex's magic mentor, Shawn Farquhar, first tipped Alex to Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp many years ago.  Alex considers magic camp to be the "best week of the year" and can't wait to come back.  He says Sorcerers Safari is all about "sharing magic and experience."  Alex has been a camp counsellor for four years.

FUN FACT:
Alex takes Superman over Batman any day.

DID YOU KNOW?
This past summer, Alex was nominated to the Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and hopes to help nourish the growing strength in the community of magicians.

Alex's first memory of magic is seeing a magician at a birthday party when he was five years old. Alex received a magic kit as a gift and the rest, as they say, is history.  Alex hopes that the younger generation in magic will develop a strong sense of ethics in magical performance and display a greater willingness to credit the sources / resources upon which they draw.  He advises aspiring magicians to learn about the importance of performance over method, to cite sources, and to connect with their audiences.

Alex has empowered new students through the art of magic in his after-school programs and lessons across the school district. Leading by example, at only 19 years old Alex became the President of the Vancouver Magic Circle (I.B.M. Ring #92), making him the youngest Ring President in the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

When not engrossed in magical activity or his university studies, Alex spends his free time as a Scout Leader.

Visit Alex's website at:  GottaBeMagic.com .

Here's a picture of Alex doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at camp from Carey Lauder's Facebook page:

Post by James Carey Lauder.

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Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close

From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Thirty seconds with Lisa Close

This is the third in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

Former professional magician Lisa Close is a Toronto, Ontario native who thinks about family when she thinks about Canada.  She has a fondness for both camping and magic, so when she heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp (from chatting with Magic Mike Segal at The Browser's Den of Magic), she knew she had to try it out.  Lisa has been a part of Sorcerers Safari for three years.

FUN FACT:
Lisa prefers "Harry Potter" to "The Lord of the Rings" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" to "Star Wars."

DID YOU KNOW?
- Lisa is the graphic designer for M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians.
- Lisa also loves to crochet.  You can purchase some of her creations at her Etsy shop.

Lisa loves the whole experience of magic camp.  Especially the cooperation, camaraderie and fun had by everyone.  The "back to nature" setting is a big plus.  Lisa really enjoys watching campers see a magic trick they can't explain.  To her, magic camp means reuniting with old friends, eating together and watching kids take to the whole experience.

Her first memory of magic was when she was nine years old and her dad showed her a silk vanish.  She hopes that the young magic enthusiasts won't forget the importance of reading about magic and learning from books.  Her advice for aspiring magical youth:  "Come to Sorcerers Safari!"

Lisa loves watching movies, especially comedies, when taking a break from magic.

From The Browser's Den Twitter feed:

Hey hey @magikgal, guess who just #GotCooped? YOU!! It's all in celebration of the #BrowsersBash2015 on 4.12.2015! pic.twitter.com/UzzaCiWtPa
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) January 28, 2015

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Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc

From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Thirty seconds with Eric Leclerc

This is the second in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

Eric Leclerc is a professional magician from Ottawa, Ontario.  He loves the beautiful scenery of Canada and especially the friendly people.  Eric first saw information about Sorcerers Safari at a convention and decided to investigate further.  He thinks magic camp is fabulous because it's about guiding and mentoring.  "Most importantly," Eric said, "it's about showing that magic isn't all about the tricks; it's about soft people skills like how to approach people."*  He comes back to camp every year to see the kids progress year over year.  He loves that there's a place where a "group of geeks / people just like us" can get together.  Eric's attended camp for six years as a counsellor.

FUN FACT:
While a fan of Superman, Eric prefers the Marvel world to DC comics.

DID YOU KNOW?
- You can see Eric on the National Geographic show Brain Games which has over 100 million viewers in 45 languages.  The opportunity came about because of Eric's YouTube video project 365 interactive card trick.

- Some of his project 365 episodes are also appearing on BBC One's "Now you see it!"

- Keep an eye out for Eric on YTV in September.   He's got his own 20 episode show of hidden camera magic!

Eric's first memory of magic was a hat tear performed at the annual Veterans' Christmas party he'd traditionally attend with his grandfather. He thinks that the instant access of so many magic effects today is a double-edged sword. On one hand there's greater variety and ease of access. On the other hand, there isn't the "gate keeper" of a magic store owner to help filter things for kids based on appropriateness and/or skill level. When asked for advice he'd give aspiring magicians, Eric offers up some tips he was given when he was starting out: "Work on your people skills, not just the technical side of the effects. Take marketing and business classes. Learn about promotion and book keeping and everything else you can learn."

When not honing his magic skills, Eric enjoys video editing.

Visit Eric's website at EricLeclerc.com

From Fireside Productions Facebook page, Eric entertaining a volunteer:

Post by Fireside Productions.

From the Brain Games Facebook page, Eric and some chicks:

Post by Brain Games.

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* I've had the pleasure of seeing Eric perform his "Rocky Raccoon" routine a number of times.  Enough times that I have a good feel for his script, rhythm, and pacing.  One day I saw a young child, six or seven years of age, watch with rapt attention as Eric worked with Rocky.  Eric began to focus the presentation to the child, much to their delight!  This time, however, Eric left out the part of his routine that generally gets the biggest laughs.  I asked Eric about the script change, and he said it was his opinion that the child may not have reacted favourably to the missing bit.  I also chatted with the child's father, who agreed with Eric's assessment that including the left out bit would likely have led to tears.  Knowing "how to approach people" is a big deal indeed!


Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:

Dan Wiebe

From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Shawn Farquhar and Ice McDonald Live Video Q&A with Full Circle Magic

From the Full Circle Magic Q&A YouTube channel:

Thirty seconds with Dan Wiebe

This is the first in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds.  Little did they know ...

Semi-professional magician, Dan Wiebe, from Winnipeg Manitoba, is one of the first faces I remember meeting at my first visit to Sorcerers Safari.   Dan is super friendly and has a great sense of humour.  His son Graham previously attended camp for over half a dozen years.  Dan's been an instructor with the camp for seven years.

FUN FACT:
Dan would rather watch Star Trek: The Next Generation, than Star Wars.


DID YOU KNOW?
Dan's most embarrassing magical moment was during a performance as "Alex R. O'Leif," when he blanked on the script after recognizing a student as an audience member.

Dan loves that Sorcerers Safari as a fun place to be.  He's a big part of making it that way.  His classes are practical, patiently taught, entertaining and creative.  For the very young kids with shorter attention spans, he'll sometimes get them to do a little craft that gets incorporated into the routine he teaches.  While helping set-up last year's camper show, he made sure that all of the kids would be showcased and their talents highlighted in a lighthearted and entertaining way.  (Who can forget the sight of one of the smallest performers choosing what had to be the tallest volunteer?)  Dan's first memory of magic dates back to about ten years of age, when he watched someone make an "invisible flea" fly onto a piece of paper.

Dan is a 13 year instructor with the Society of Young Magicians (youth chapter of the Society of American Magicians).  His advice for young magicians:  "Practise."

When not in a magical mood, you're likely to find Dan at a computer.

From Becky Wells' Facebook page:

Post by Fireside Productions.

For more information about the Society of Young Magicians in Winnipeg:

Post by James Carey Lauder.

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Jamie D. Grant joins Dodd Vickers' Year in Review

From Dodd Vickers' Twitter feed:

It should have read: : Talking magic with @DanSperry we are joined by @Jamie_D_Grant - Genii Magazine COVER BOY! http://t.co/M0PxmOp0FT
— Dodd Vickers (@thewizard) January 9, 2015

From the Magic Newswire:

In this episode of the MagicNewswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast, we take a look back at 2014 and a peek ahead at 2015.

Genii Magazine Associate Editor Dustin Stinnett leads the way with his always amazing recaps of the previous year of magic news in review, but we are also joined by many special guests along the way. My cohosts are Chase Goforth, Cameron Ramsay, and David Kaye. Special Guests include Dan Sperry, Jonathan Pendragon, Mike Caveney, Tina Lennart and more. Happy new year everyone!   

Read more and listen to podcast. 

Alex Belfield interviews Murray SawChuck

From Alex Belfield's YouTube channel:



[via iTricks]


From the KTNV Channel 13 Action News YouTube channel:



[via iTricks]

Spellbinding Science and Magic

While it's too late to see Rob Testa and Baldini at the Ontario Science Centre, you can still book them for your school!  Spellbinding Science and Magic offers a lunch and after school program as well as an anti-bully show.


Watch on Rob Testa's YouTube channel, Rob and Baldini on CP24:




Watch on YouTube how Rob says no to bullying... magically:

FCM Q&A with Shawn Farquhar and Ice McDonald

From Daz Buckley's Facebook photo:

Post by Daz Buckley.

Shawn Farquhar interviewed by Kris Sheppard

From Kris Sheppard's Twitter feed:

I recently interviewed @magiChampion! Learn an awesome business card hack & how he only does business w/ friends! http://t.co/aXtcNVP7mv
— Kris Sheppard (@KrisSheppard) December 19, 2014

Dave Attwood interviews Paul Gertner

 From Attwood Magic:

DAS-October 23th, 2014 Paul Gertner

This week we were able to catch up with Angel after her lousy camping trip. Our guest this week was Paul Gertner reknown for his version of the classic magic routine cups and balls but done with metal cups and metal balls.

Read more and listen to interview.

Dave Attwood interviews Steve Hignett

   From Attwood Magic:

DAS-October 19th, 2014 Steve Hignett

This week Angel was away on vacation and we were so lucky to have Victoria Magic Circle President, Steve Hignett, join us again in studio to talk about attacking people with magic and the infamous bullet catch.

Read more and listen to interview.

Luc Langevin en France

I will never look at an orange or a block of ice the same way again!

From Luc Langevin's Twitter feed:

1er passage sur un plateau français pour mes spectacles là bas en 2016. J'y fais 2 illusions...la glace est brisée https://t.co/eoI8rs9Mpr
— Luc Langevin (@LucLangevin) October 1, 2014

Dave Attwood interviews Arthur Trace

  From Attwood Magic:

DAS-October 11th, 2014 Arthur Trace / Steve Hignett

This week Angel was away and we were so lucky to have Victoria Magic Circle President, Steve Hignett join us in studio to talk about how important 'plactice' is. Joining us from LA was IBM Gold Medal winner, Arthur Trace, to talk about his life in magic and acting and his goals in the art of magic.

Read more and listen to interview.