Phil Hoffman in the Northwest News

From Northwest News:

Hoffman, who began performing the same year he first started learning magic, won the Under-18 Amateur Magician competition sponsored by Miracles and Magic, according to his mother.

In 2013, he was awarded a scholarship from Ultimate Magic Productions to attend the Sorcerer's Safari magic performance camp in Ottawa, Canada.  [Editor's note:  the camp is in Haliburton, ON.]

"He likes the idea of doing the magic right in front of someone," Mrs. Hoffman said.

"No smoke and mirrors," her son chimed in.

Has the teen found his life's calling?

"I think so," Hoffman said.

Read more.

Benevolence of Magic part 3

Dennis Schick's third annual Benevolence of Magic (in the December "Linking Ring" (v95,12)) features two Canadian projects.  From Dennis:

The first is magician Jeff Christensen from Vancouver. Each year he and his wife and daughter produce “A Magical Evening” in honor and memory of their son, Jonah, to raise money for their Celebrate the Child Foundation, which supports numerous worthy causes.


The other is John Kaplan, also from Vancouver, whose Fundraising Magic program raises money for organizations and communities across Canada.

Well done Jeff and John for your hard work to help others.

Thank you Dennis for sending this information my way!  


Previously featured "Benevolence of Magic" Canadian projects:

• Magicana: Sharing Wonder
• Mosquitoes Suck Tour
• Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp

Toronto: Win tickets to see Scott Hammell in "The Trick with the Gun"

This contest is now closed.  The winners have been announced at "Winners of tickets to see Scott Hammel in "The Trick with the Gun."

Updated November 15 at 11:20am to add:

• We're experiencing technical difficulties with the Rafflecopter widget.
• The contest remains open until Sunday November 15 at 11:59pm ET.
• If the widget won't let you enter, leave your entry in the comment form below.  You MUST include your e-mail address for your entry to be valid.
• Optional Twitter entries may also be included in the comment form below.  The URL to the required Tweet must be included for your entry to be valid.
• Apologies for the inconvenience.

I have been offered eight pairs of tickets to give away to my readers, to attend "The Trick with the Gun" at the Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. screening in Toronto, Canada.  (I understand that there's also a Q&A with director Michael McNamara and subjects Scott Hammell and Christopher Gudgeon.)

Did you know that Scott is a four-time Guinness World Record holder?  I know he's got the record for "Highest Suspension Straight Jacket Escape."  Can anyone let me know what the other three are for?

Watch the trailer at  Markham Street Films YouTube channel.

If you don't want to leave tickets to chance, you can either purchase them at the cinema box office, or have a look at this post in the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Markham Street Films is looking for three young magicians to perform close up magic on November 19, 2015 from 6:00pm-6:30pm, at the premiere of their film The Trick with The Gun.If interested please contact Hilary at 416-536-1390 ext 222 or email hmuth@markhamstreet.com for more information. 

(This is a volunteer thing. In exchange for some walkaround, you will get a ticket to the screening.)

I will be holding a random draw for each pair of general admission tickets.  (There will be eight winners. Each winner will receive a pair of tickets.)  The draw results will be posted on Monday November the 16th.

To enter:

1. Log into the RaffleCopter widget below, using Facebook or a valid e-mail address.
     
2. Mandatory: Leave a comment in the widget, telling me your favourite Scott Hammell memory (from a personal encounter, an interview, a performance etc).  (You do not need to be a magician to enter the contest.)(Your favourite memory could be entering this contest!)
     
3. Optional: For an additional entry:
   a) Sign in to your Twitter account
   b) Use the RaffleCopter widget to send this message to your Twitter followers:
   "Enter by Nov 15 to win 2 tix to see @scotthammell in "The Trick with the Gun" at @TheBloorCinema via @canadasmagic
   http://canadasmagic.blogspot.com/2015/11/toronto-win-tickets-to-see-scott.html"
   
   c) Enter the URL of your Tweet into the RaffleCopter widget to validate your entry.
       (The optional entry is only valid if the Tweet URL is included.)
     
4. If you win, you must be willing to provide your full name and contact information for me to share with Alex from the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

The fine print:

• To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.
• One entry per person.
• This giveaway is open to Canadian residents, excluding residents of Quebec. (Je m'excuse!)
• This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.
• If you experience difficulties leaving a comment, you may e-mail it to me for posting.  (I am not responsible if your e-mail is misdirected or gets stuck in my Spam folder.)
• This giveaway may be terminated or withdrawn at any time.
• You must be able to use the tickets as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the tickets.)
• Photo ID will be required to claim the tickets at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema box office prior to the show on your way into the screening.
• The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.
• Contest closes on Sunday November the 15th, 2015 at 11:59pm EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



With thanks to Alex from the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema for generously making these tickets available to you!

iTricks interviews Lee Asher

Listen to Lee Asher talk with iTricks about playing cards, Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Camp (the 20th anniversary, learning from the kids, the B4 class, Keith Brown, and women in magic), Greg Frewin, becoming a Canadian citizen, and Pulp Friction the book.

Toronto: Scott Hammell in "The Trick With The Gun"

Tickets are now on sale for the Toronto showing of Christopher Gudgeon and Scott Hammell's "The Trick With The Gun."  The trailer for the movie was previously posted.

From the Bloor Cinema:

Director Michael McNamara and subjects Scott Hammel and Christopher Gudgeon will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A. Don’t miss a special live magic act on stage. 

Co-presented by Sorcerer's Safari. [sic]

Visit the Bloor Cinema website to buy your tickets for the Nov 19 showing.

Scott Hammell in "The Trick With The Gun"

Watch the trailer for Christopher Gudgeon and Scott Hammell's "The Trick With The Gun."  [Warning: strong language.]

Some of it was shot during Sorcerers Safari at Camp White Pine!

From Markham Street Films YouTube channel:

Random thoughts from Sorcerers Safari 2015

• Mike and Jen Segal are totally awesome and inspiring people!
• It is tremendous that organizations such as Ellusionist support Sorcerers Safari. (Kids, did you remember to send a quick "thank you" e-mail to them for the generous gift you received?  Do it now!  -- Mom)
• The safety and welfare of the children is an absolute priority.
• Spotted: Mike and Jen Segal, Dan Wiebe, Eric Leclerc, Aaron Fisher, Dave Mitchell, Carey Lauder, Lee Asher, Dick Joiner, Steven Kline, Lisa & Michael Close, Shawn Farquhar, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Rosemary Reid, Marc Chalmers, Jonah Babins, Joan Caesar, Philip DaCosta, Mark Correia, Chris Westfall, Sheldon Casavant, Scott Hammell, Greg Frewin, Neil Croswell & Ashley Da Silva, Loran, Marion & Ted Outerbridge and special guest Daryl ... I'm sure there were more and I'm sorry if I missed you!
• If you haven't met Daryl yet, get thee to the Browser's Den for the Daryl Workshop or get to the Daryl Lecture.  He is fabulous.  You're welcome.
• Epic staff lip sync battle: Eric's "Blank Space" (Taylor Swift), Mark's "Independent Women" (Destiny's Child), Chris Mayhew's "Single Ladies" (Beyoncé), Rosemary & Chris Westfall's "Cheerleader" (Omi), Jonah & Jonah's "Love Is An Open Door" (Frozen), Michael's "Whip My Hair" (Willow Smith), Scott's "Ice Ice Baby" (Vanilla Ice), The Farquhar's "You're The One That I Want" (Greece), and Mike, Chris G, Steph, Jen & Lisa's "Mahna Mahnam" (Muppet Show).  Need I say more?
• Grand stage shows nightly including doves, big box illusions and multiple champions of magic!
• Beach party, cook outs, relay races, Food Chain, Capture The Flag, Dealer's Day, wrap party  fireworks, and swimming, swimming, swimming!  (Jumping in the lake is an experience like no other.)
• Carey Lauder is an incredible photographer. 
• Chris Mayhew shot some fabulous footage – I can't wait to see this year's camp video!
• Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp really does get better every year!
• Jen, Christina, Stephanie, Lori, and Lisa work super hard behind the scenes making sure that everything runs smoothly.
• Mike Segal and Mike Toal should be very proud of what they started together over 19 years ago.
• Sorcerers Safari is full of super nice, caring, talented individuals!

Don't just take my word for it, here's what other people had to say about this summer's magic camp experience:

Goooooooood morning campers! First full day, let's rock it! #magiccamp #camplife #ss2015 pic.twitter.com/1aP7IsPvHu

— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) August 15, 2015

Camp life is calm. Oh, there's a lot of card tricks too. #bestyearever #Farquharfun #sorc… http://t.co/Xw5qMt09eU pic.twitter.com/vDBl17TTbv

— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) August 15, 2015

Show ended a bit early tonight so managed to get my first real sunset of Sorcerers Safari 2015 Day 3 #bestyearever
Posted by James Carey Lauder on Sunday, 16 August 2015

Yesterday was Dealer Day at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp. A great way to see a lot of magic and we had so much fun to...
Posted by Marion Outerbridge on Tuesday, 18 August 2015

We are officially over 1000 likes on this page! We had a $10 000 prize for our thousandth liker but unfortunately you're...
Posted by Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp on Monday, 17 August 2015

Camper: "I wish I could sleep for 360 days. So I could miss the school year and when I wake up it would be time for camp again."

— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) August 19, 2015

Today marks the last day of the 19th year of @SorcerersSafari. I'm sad to be leaving but I'm excited to get home and share what I learned!

— Ben Train (@ErdnaseinTO) August 20, 2015

Wanted: Counselors in Training (CIT) for Sorcerers Safari

Sorcerers Safari currently has openings for male Counselors in Training (CIT) for this upcoming session.  Being a CIT is a required stepping stone towards becoming a full Sorcerers Safari Counselor.  The best part is, once the cabin is settled, you get to jam with everyone else!

If you're 16 years of age or older and interested in learning more or applying for a CIT position, please contact Jen at info [at] sorcerers-safari [dot] com .

Mike Segal in Purple Hill

From Purple Hill:

Set unassumingly in a sleepy North Toronto bedroom community is one of Canada’s most extensive collections of vintage and antique magic paraphernalia and posters.

The collection belongs to Mike Segal, a veteran Canadian magician who amassed this rare and unusual trove during his 30 plus year career in magic.

Read more.

Toronto: Daryl and YOU!

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

WHO: Daryl and YOU!
WHAT: The Daryl 4FXII Lecture
WHERE: Eglinton Public Library // Yonge & Eglinton Public Library (Northern District) 40 Orchard View Blvd Toronto, ON M4R 1B9
WHEN: Saturday August 22nd, 2015 - start time: 1PM
PRICE: Only $20

Daryl comes to Toronto! With the help of Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp, the Browser's Den is proud to offer you the opportunity to spend an afternoon with the world's best Magician's Magician - Daryl. 

Even more so than usual, Daryl's sleek special lecture 4FXII (Four F Twelve) contains a wide variety of practical and PERFORMABLE magic for you. If you're into close-up, stage, magic that's impromptu, angle-proof moves, quickly resets, finishes clean, easy to perform, etc. - THIS LECTURE IS FOR YOU! 

Unlike other talks, The VAST MAJORITY of the magic performed & explained by Daryl in this lecture uses simple ordinary objects - with no need to buy anything!

Read more and buy tickets.

Mark Correia in Alice in Wonderland

From the Sorcerers Safari Facebook page:

Check out this clip of a production of Alice in Wonderland that our camper-turned-staff Mark Correia was a part of and...
Posted by Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp on Saturday, 30 May 2015

Sorcerers Safari Supports I.B.M. Youth Contest

From the IBM website:

Mike and Jen Segal have donated a registration to the Sorcerer’s Safari Magic Camp as a prize for the first place youth close-up winner! THANKS MIKE AND JEN!!!!

The camp will be held Friday, August 14th through Wednesday, August 19th at Camp White Pine located in the Haliburton Highlands about 2 ½ hours north of Toronto, Canada. The camp registration includes transportation between the airport and the camp, sleeping quarters, all meals, classes, workshops, fun and LOTS of MAGIC! The winner will be responsible for his/her own transportation between home and Toronto.

Sorcerer’s Safari is now in its 19th year of operation. At the Sorcerer’s Safari Magic Camp, campers learn magic while having fun. Campers will learn new magic skills while polishing old ones. Although all required materials are provided for planned workshops, campers are encouraged to bring magic items if they have a special interest they are working on.

Read more.

Daryl Easton Special Guest at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp

From Sorcerers Safari:

Daryl Easton, The Magician's Magician, Special Guest at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp this Summer


Toronto, Ontario. - May 17th, 2015 EST - Amidst rampant magic forum speculation, Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp announced it is bringing in the world famous Magician's Magician as the special guest at Magic Camp this summer.

Daryl Easton travels all the way from Northern California to the Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp in Ontario, Canada. (Daryl comes for the kids, but stays for the magic; "Love it," say Sorcerers Safari staffers.)

With a record number of best selling DVDs & books, having traveled the world several times over, winning the card category at a FISM, and probably sitting on a ton of great unpublished ideas – Daryl has lots to offer the campers. He's famous for his decades of innovative thinking behind sleight of hand, which has garnered him international acclaim. Now imagine what it would be like to spend a camp session with this guy?!

The inspiration for asking Daryl to spend time at magic camp, recalled Mike Segal, owner of Sorcerers Safari, "He simply loves magic and would be a perfect fit for camp and the kids," Segal said. "And there is no better way to spend time immersed in the art of magic than with one of your heroes from all those videos and DVDs you own. Who doesn't love Daryl? He's awesome!"

The idea of having celebrity magic stars as special guests at camp is always one of the hot debates at the annual executive staff meetings. (Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp chooses only the best of the best to come up as special guest.) After unanimously agreeing Daryl was a perfect fit, we asked and he gladly accepted.

"Daryl is going to have a great time at magic camp, and so are all the campers and staff. Imagine all of the experiences he can recount about performing on HBO's Magical Moments with Dick Cavett, sessioning with Dai Vernon & Larry Jennings at the Magic Castle, headlining at Caesar's Magical Empire, and the rest of all the legendary things he's done in his life," said Browser's Den of Magic owner, Jeff Pinsky. "This is going to be magic camp's 17th year in operation, and I can't remember a time when everyone was so excited about a special guest like Daryl."

Pinsky adds, "I've always admired Daryl for his skill and showmanship and now it’s nice to see him sharing with the youth of magic, as well as the local Toronto magic community."

According to Mike Segal, magic camp is growing exponentially with a high rate of return campers and return staff. With luck, Daryl will love camp so much, he too, will return repeatedly.

Are you ages 8-20 or know someone who is and would benefit from a week at Sorcerers Safari?

Learn more about attending Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp with Daryl this year - please visit: http://sorcererssafari.ca/about/register-for-magic-camp-2015/ 

Sorcerers Safari Open House at The Browsers Den of Magic

From the Sorcerers Safari Facebook group:

Hey All!! With the weather finally getting nice, we are gearing up for another AMAZING summer at magic camp (Aug. 14-19).

And, to get things offically started, we are holding our annual Open House at The Browsers Den of Magic in Toronto, on MAY 17th from noon until 3pm.

We hope to see many of you there. New campers and staff, and all the returning friends. We'll have some annoucements (Who is the special guest this year?) and prizes and fun.

Thirty seconds with Steve Valentine

This is the last in my baker's dozen 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 actor and magician Steve Valentine was born in Scotland and currently resides in LA. Love and happiness are the things that come to his mind when he thinks of Canada; his wife, Inna, is originally from Toronto. Steve met Magic Mike Segal at a chance encounter at The Browser's Den of Magic. After hearing Mike talk about Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp, Steve said that he'd "like to help out if he could in anyway." And so, Steve attended magic camp last summer.

FUN FACT:
Steve would rather watch Dr. Who than either Star Wars or Star Trek.

DID YOU KNOW?
- Steve's life motto: "Always do everything you want and love to do, to live a fulfilling life. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
- Steve was named the Magic Castle's Close-up Magician of the Year two years in a row.
- You may have seen Steve in on TV on shows such as Crossing Jordan, House, NCIS, and The Big Bang Theory.

Here's what Steve had to say about Sorcerers Safari: "It's fun! It's a bunch of magic nerds getting together." He also expressed a little bit of jealousy. Like many of the adults who have been to magic camp, Steve wishes something like this was available to him in his youth.

Steve's first memory of magic has him at six years of age in a playground in England and involves a vanishing knot. It was around that time that he also learned an important show business reality – if there's no publicity, no one will show up.

It's Steve's observation that the kids today are learning at an exponential rate given the easy availability of magic videos to consume. He hopes these kids will also make a point of exposing themselves to more of the history of the craft and rounding themselves out as individuals. Steve thinks that we're at a great place in magic, in that there's a new generation of audiences available who are not jaded by the "old shtick." He's especially happy that audiences are really accepting and enjoying close-up magic. Steve's advice for aspiring magicians: "Learn and read as much as you can – old books especially (fewer people know about this stuff)."

When Steve's not being magical, he loves being an awesome dad to his beautiful daughter, Evie. (Evie is a celebrity in her own right at magic camp. As near as anyone can tell, she never had to stand on her own because all of the campers were lined up to carry her!)

Visit Steve's website at: SteveValentine.com


From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:

Steve Valentine kills ...
Posted by Fireside Productions on Friday, 5 September 2014

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael Close | Chris Pilsworth | Chris Mayhew | Simon Waring

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 Simon Waring

This is the twelfth 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.

I remember sitting at the Pinetages Theatre waiting for the evening show to start.  Lee Asher's "B4" card class was tasked with approaching people in the audience (before the main show) and performing some close-up magic for them, while paying close attention to audience reaction.  While the majority of the class made a beeline to their friends, Simon made his way to me. I had the pleasure of watching him perform three wonderful card tricks.  Keep up the great work Simon!

Simon Waring is an aspiring magician from Gerogina, ON.  He thinks Canada is the best country in the world because it's such an accepting place, there is so much freedom and it's home to many great accomplishments.

FUN FACT:
Simon prefers chocolate chip cookies to Oreos.

DID YOU KNOW?
Simon's biggest influences are his parents, "the two best people in the world.

Simon's first memory of magic dates back to when he was six years old.  He remembers performing a children's vanish with Playmobil and a Toys'r'Us magic kit.  Simon first heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp at Morrissey's Magic shop in 2009 when he was ten years old.  Simon's attend camp as a camper for six years.  He comes back to camp because the activities are so unique and interactive.  He hates the thought of missing out on something wonderful.  He's made great friends at camp and keeps in touch with them throughout the year.

Simon hopes that magic isn't losing its roots and that that people realize the value of reading books, going to lectures, and learning in person.  He suggests that young performers "practise, practise, practise."  He also encourages them to be creative and think about what enhances effects.  One last tip from Simon: "Take good care of your cards."

Simon's favourite non-magic activity is talking with friends about history.





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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael Close | Chris Pilsworth | Chris Mayhew

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 Chris Mayhew

This is the eleventh 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 Chris Mayhew, originally from Calgary but now living in Toronto thinks that Canada is a friendly place to be.  He first came to Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp in 2013 with the task of creating the official camp video.  He did such a great job, that he was back in 2014 as official camp videographer.

FUN FACT:
Chris prefers Oreos to store-bought chocolate chip cookies, but would take homemade chocolate chip cookies over Oreos any day!

DID YOU KNOW?
Chris considers himself to be shy.

Chris' first memory of magic is as a young teenager of 13, seeing the sign at the Vanishing Rabbit Magic shop in Calgary.  It's not surprising that when he thinks about Sorcerers Safari, he thinks of magic!  Chris encourages performers to take the time to make routines their own, and wishes that there weren't so many people out there spreading bad magic.  His advice to aspiring magicians:  "Learn what you can and make it work for you.  Be sure to add yourself."

When not thinking about magic, Chris is likely thinking about videography.

Chris contributes to Five Academy Magic, has a solo lecture / show "MAYhew, MAYhem" and is also part of a comedy duo show "Sketchy Magic" with Chris Westfall.  You can catch Sketchy Magic every Tuesday in April.

From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:

The best way to love is to laugh together. It's not a magic show, it's a #sketchymagic experience. Save a date. April 7,14,21 or 28! An amazing deal from feb 1st-14th. Stay posted for info #saveadate
Posted by Chris Westfall on Thursday, 29 January 2015

Visit Chris' website at: ChrisMayhewMagic.com .


From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:

© Rebecca C. Wells 2014
Posted by Fireside Productions on Wednesday, 3 September 2014

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael Close | Chris Pilsworth

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 Chris Pilsworth

This is the tenth 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, Chris Pilsworth is from Ottawa, Ontario.  Magic Mike Segal, Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp founder, put the magic camp bug in Chris' ear some time ago.  Finally Chris' curiosity got the better of him.  He loves the positive atmosphere of camp and that it's not too intensive (it includes playtime!).  He thinks it's especially great that the kids get to rub shoulders with high quality performers. He has attended Sorcerers Safari for four years.

FUN FACT:
Chris prefers chocolate chip cookies to Oreos.

DID YOU KNOW?
Chris is really happy that magic found him and / or he found magic!

Chris' first memory of magic involves his brother and magic books from the library.  Chris is fascinated to see the evolution of magic.  When asked his thoughts on the current state of magic he replied, "The world is changing and magic is changing.  Magic's been around for a long time and will continue to be."
When asked about advice for aspiring magicians, Chris replied, "Enjoy the process.  Be curious about becoming better.  Be original.  Try your best to express who you are through the medium of magic – don't be a direct copy."

When not immersed in magic, Chris enjoys reading, movies, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee.

Visit Chris' website at borntoamaze.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
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael 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 Michael Close

This is the ninth 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.

I remember sitting at a picnic table outside the Mess Hall.  Michael was chatting with a group of campers and showing them some fabulous effects.  He then kindly agreed to let me interview him.  At the conclusion of the interview he said, "I've given you my time for your interview.  In return, you need to give me some of your time so I can show you something."  (A price I was only too happy to pay!)  Michael illustrated for me the interconnectedness of all things as not one, but two decks of cards mysteriously divined a card I'd previously selected.  Our time ended with a delightful discussion of probability and statistics. 

Professional magician Michael Close was born in Cleveland, raised in Indiana, lived and worked in Las Vegas for twelve years, and now lives in Toronto.  Michael first learned about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp from his wife, Lisa.  He enjoys the location of the camp, the relaxing environment and especially that the instructors are always available to interact with the kids.  He likes how the camp setting breaks down barriers and gives kids access to the pros.  Teaching at Sorcerers Safari gives instructors a chance to offer to the young magicians, viewpoints grounded in classic principles.

FUN FACT:
Michael prefers "The Lord of the Rings" to "Harry Potter" and the original "Star Wars" movies (IV-VI) to "Star Trek."

DID YOU KNOW?
Michael is currently the editor of M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians.

His first memory of magic is as a five year old.  He still remembers every trick Dick Stoner performed at his school in Fort Wayne Indiana.  Michael is concerned that the approaches and principles of magic are being forgotten because the kids today aren't being exposed to them.  He hopes the young magicians of today will learn to value secrets, respect history, and to value the experiences of those who came before them.  His advice for aspiring magicians:  "1) Don't forget that magic performance requires engaging people, it's not just performing for a camera. 2) Be well rounded and interesting to people outside of magic. 3) Learn to be engaging without doing a trick. 4) Read."

What is Michael's favourite non-magic activity?  Being an awesome dad, of course!

Visit Michael's website at MichaelClose.com .


From Sorcerers Safari's Facebook page:

Post by Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp.

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder

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 Carey Lauder

This is the eighth 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.

Carey Lauder, is a magician from Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He likes that Canadians, in general, are nice and willing to share.  Carey is an executive member of the Winnipeg Society of Young Magicians (SYM) which is the youth program (7-16yo) for the Society of American Magicians.  He's been involved with the SYM for 20 years.

FUN FACT:
Carey prefers Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter.

DID YOU KNOW?
Carey's favourite non-magic activity is photography.  You can see his photos over at MyToba.ca .

He first learned about Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp from reading an article about it in IBM's Linking Ring magazine. Carey is a talented photographer, and a natural fit to be the official camp photographer when he's not teaching magic.  He's spent 16 years at camp as a magic camp instructor.  When asked his thoughts on Sorcerers Safari, Carey highlights the niceness of the participants, and thinks all of the sharing, jamming, and supporting is fabulous!  I asked what brings him back to camp year after year, and without hesitation he replied, "How can't you come back?"

Carey's first memory of magic is as a pre-teen (10-12 years of age) seeing Martin Nash at the Edmonton Klondike games.  He hopes that in spite of the volume of magic out there, people still remember that the magician needs to be part of the magic.  Carey recommends aspiring magicians read as much as they can and they find themselves a mentor.  He has one more piece of advice, "Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things."

Carey teaches photography at the high school level and is delighted that his photography is able to both benefit the camp and help to showcase kids to promote themselves.

From the FiresideProductions Facebook page:

Post by Fireside Productions.

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia 

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