The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 6

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts.  We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

If you completed our survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment!  

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time.  The survey can be found here:  https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Thank you to all that contributed!

 

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

 

<< part 5  |  part 7  >>

 

Part 6 features:  Jennifer Antonio, Chris Pilsworth, and Jonah Babins. 

 

  Jennifer Antonio  

Professional magician, Brand specialist, Jentastic-entertainment-girl.business.site.

Attended camp: as a camper for 5 years starting around 2010.

 

Since her time at camp Jennifer has:

• Opened her own party magic business for kids!

 

In her own words:

• Sorcerers Safari helped me make connections with local entertainers ☺️
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Learning all the new card tricks and performing on stage in front of my peers.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Becoming confident in my abilities.
  

 

 

  Chris Pilsworth  

Professional magician, BornToAmaze.com, ChrisPilsworth.com

Attended camp as a Special Guest for three years.

 

Since his time at camp Chris has:

• Performed at the Magic Castle in the Palace and consulted in China on a 12 part TV series for 6 months.

In his own words:

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• I always enjoyed the show that the campers presented on the final night.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• I loved how the campers would grow as performers. The combination of teachers and also what the campers would learn from each other was a powerful mix.

 

I wish this type of camp was available when I was beginning to learn magic. 

 

 

  Jonah Babins 

Professional magician, TorontoMagicCompany.com

Attended camp for approximately 6 or years total as a camper, counsellor in training (CIT), and counsellor.

Since his time at camp Jonah has:

• Received the Allan Slaight award (Canadian Rising Star), 
• Continued work on the Discourse in Magic podcast, 
• Co-helms the Toronto Magic Company, and 
• Appeared on Penn and Teller: Fool Us.
  

In his own words:

• ALL of my accomplishments were made easier having gone to camp.
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Late night hangs with staff <3
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Skills honestly
  

 

We love Sorcerers!

 

Thank you Jennifer, Chris, and Jonah for sharing your memories!

Check back throughout the month to read updates from other Sorcerers Safari alumni and staff!

 

 Previously featured 

• Ben Train - part 1
• Brad Bond - part 2  
• Brett Chrest - part 3
  
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Cameron Dunlop - part 2
• Dennis Gorya - part 5
• Dick Joiner - part 3 
• James Carey Lauder - part 2
• Keith Brown - part 4
• Loran - part 5
  
• Mark Clearview - part 5
• Matt DiSero - part 3
  
• Sam Pearce - part 1
  

 

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

part 1 | part 2  | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12

 << part 5  |  part 7  >>

 

 

Zoom Illusion Fundraiser with Chris Pilsworth

From the September 2nd Facebook post by Chris Pilsworth:

I'm very excited to be a part of this fundraiser for Hamilton Crime Stoppers. Consider buying a ticket to the Zoom show to have a great evening and support a great cause. See you there!

 

 

UnConventional.Fun at Magicland [May 29 & 30]

Return to Magicland May 29th and 30th! 

From the Unconventional.Fun website, the virtual line-up includes:

• Caroline Ravn
• Sean O
• Mario "The Maker Magician" Marchese
• Chris Westfall
• Jeremy Griffith
• Steve Reynolds
• Xavior Spade
• Carisa Hendrix
• Avi Yap
• Danny Goldsmith
• Kevin Ho
• Dustin Dean
• Jay Sankey
• Wes Barker
• Spidey
• Chris Pilsworth
• Kaitlyn Chen
• Doc Dixon
• Noah Sonie
• Ryan Kane
• Jonah Babins and
• Ben Train

 

From the May 7th Facebook post by UnConventional.Fun:

After MONTHS of hard work, tickets to Magicland have finally gone live!!!
We put together a convention weekend packed with shows, lectures, jams, dealers, panel talks, and even games (with real world prizes!).
Head to www.Unconventional.Fun to see what we've got planned - then comment below what YOU are most excited for!
#VirtualMagicConvention #Magicland #TicketsAreNowLive!

 

 

Magicians Talking Magic with Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed

Ryan and Graeme have been super productive since quarantine began.  Have a look and a listen to the podcasts (including an interview with Chris Pilsworth) they've recorded since early March:

• #34 - How to Structure a 15-minute magic/mentalism set
• #35 - Magicians Coronavirus Impact
• #36 - Coronavirus Stay Home Part I: “Why Magicians Must Write More”
• #37 - Coronavirus Stay Home Part II: “Guide to Content Creation”
• #38 - Coronavirus Stay Home Part III: “Essential Website Checklist 2020”
• #39 - Coronavirus Stay Home Part IV: "Side Hustle! Ideas in the Era of Livestreaming”
• #40 - Coronavirus Stay Home Part V: "Scripting, Research & Developing A Show”
• #41 - Coronavirus Stay Home Part VI: "Social Media: YouTube & TiK Tok”
• #42 - Comedy Writing & Tips for Better Jokes
• #43 - MAGICIAN FLASHBACK: Ten Influential Moments from the Golden-Age of Magic
• #44 - Beginning a Five-Part "Reinventing Yourself in 2020" Series
• #45 - 6 Stay Home Productivity Tips for Magicians | Reinvent Yourself Part I
• #46 - We CREEPED 16 Magician Websites! Here’s what we discovered...
• #47 - (Interview) Ryan Kane, Magician & Author, "Out of Stock: A Magician’s Guide to Writing Your Own Lines"
• #48 - Landing Pages: The most important page on your website
• #49 - (Interview) Chris Pilsworth "Creating Magic"
• #50 - Why entertainers need to up their graphics game
• #51 - (Interview) Magician Joel Meyers
• #52 - Virtual Shows! How Entertainers Survive & 10 Things We Didn’t Expect!
• #53 - Josh Janousky Magician, Animator "Creating Visual Magic"

Montreal: Chris Pilsworth lecture

February 11

From Chris Pilsworth:

Looking forward to sharing my magic in Montreal. I'll also be sharing thoughts about how to make your magic better. These are techniques I've used when consulting in China on the Amazing Magicians series, Rick Wilcox and Mac King in Vegas. If you're from Montreal, I hope to see you there.

Toronto: Chris Pilsworth, Jason Palter, Jonah Babins, and Ben Train

From Eventbrite:

Thu, 31 January 2019

In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 75 tickets are available for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!

Now, without further ado, let’s meet the performers.

Chris Pilsworth
Chris Pilsworth knows how to entertain. Since becoming a professional magician over 30 years ago, Chris has performed thousands of shows all over the world, including headlining at the Magic Castle in Hollywood and performing for millions of people on live TV. New York Times Best Selling Author Stephen Dubner says that "Chris Pilsworth is better than advertised: a great illusionist, yes, but with a heart and mind that match it." We couldn't agree more.


Jason Palter
Jason is a comedian, an award winning magician and one of Toronto’s top professional speakers. He has spent the last 20 years performing his original magic and illusions all over the world, including hundreds of live shows as well as numerous television and corporate video appearances. He is an "Entertainer of The Year" recipient, as presented by the Canadian Event Industry Awards, and just appeared on last month's season finale of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us". With Jason one thing is for sure - you’re going to laugh and be fooled at the same time!


Jonah Babins
Jonah is one of the founders of the Toronto Magic Company as well as the host of Discourse in Magic, the #1 rated podcasts for magicians on the planet. He has performed all over Toronto, L.A, and New York for celebrites, influencers, and private events - not to mention the 100+ show summer tour every summer. Jonah is a rising star in the world of magic and is not to be missed!


Ben Train
The host of The Art of Magic and one of the founders of the Toronto Magic Company, Ben is one of Toronto’s busiest entertainers. He has performed all over the world, including Canada, the United States, as well all across Europe, and he has a weekly show at Dave and Busters Oakville. When Ben isn’t on stage he’s busy creating magic for other magicians with 2 books and 3 DVDs of original magic for sale all over the world.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Ben Train's Facebook page:

Rounding the Western rings in January 2019

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- N/A
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- N/A
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- N/A
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- General meeting.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- N/A
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- Annual banquet featuring Chris Pilsworth
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Round table - Annual banquet featuring Chris Pilsworth

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Ottawa: Sky High Magic

From Ingenium:

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is proud to present the line up for this year’s Sky High Magic Series!

Prepare to be mesmerized by amazing visual illusions. These talented, high-energy magicians will perform inexplicable feats of magic, mixed with a whirlwind of comedy. They’ll tickle your ribs and leave you baffled!

Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Thanksgiving: Sunday, October 7
“Quicker Than the Eye” with Ian Quick

National Child’s Day: Sunday, November 18
Master Illusionist Chris Pilsworth

Family Day (ON): Monday, February 18
The Magic of MAJINX!

March Break: Sunday, March 10
“A Magic Explosion” with Erick Elektrik!

Read more.

[With thanks to Ryan Pilling for letting us know!]

Toronto: Garrett Thomas announced for Browser's Bash 2018

  

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Dear Denizens,

We are very happy to announce that Garrett Thomas will be joining us at this year's Browser's Bash.

You read that right! Magician Garrett Thomas Thomas will be at this year's 'Browser's Magic Bash'.

Mr. Thomas is known for being an innovator as well as one of the top card, coin, and ring sleight of hand men in the world. His numerous releases include Imagination Coins, Banded, Stand-Up Monte, Speedreader Deck and Ring Thing.

His original effects, extreme technical skills and keen understanding of human psychology culminate in highly visual, entertaining and enlightening routines. Garrett was a stand-out artist in the close-up show at the last Magic Live!

Garrett's dedication to the art of magic manifests not only in his performances but also in his strong commitment to teaching the science and psychology of magic to other magicians.

Garrett Thomas is joining Jay Sankey, Dick Joiner, Pop Haydn, Michael Close, Chris Pilsworth, James Alan, Nicholas Wallace and many others to help make Browser’s Magic Bash 4 the best Bash yet!

Hard to believe, but The 'Browser's 2018 Magic Bash' is now only three months away.

Tickets are still available. And we would love to have you join us for the day.

For full details on Browser's Magic Bash 2018 or to Buy Tickets please visit http://www.browsersden.com/bash/

Thank you for your kind support
Old Jeff, Young Jeff, John Talbot & The Browser's Den Team

Read more and buy tickets.

Names announced for Browser's Bash 2018

  

From Jeff Hinchliffe's post at the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Dear Denizens,

The launch of the Bash 2018 tickets was our most successful yet!

Thank you to all who have already purchased a ticket. We appreciate your kind support of this event!

Of course there are still plenty of great tickets available. Remember the earlier you buy the closer you will be to the stage!

And now...Bash Drum Roll please....Here are some of the talented performers who will be taking the stage at the Bash 2018. We will announce more big names soon!

DICK JOINER - Emcee
Joining us again in 2018! He will share his infectious hysterical laugh, fun-loving zany manner and high paced interactive comedy magic. With Dick Joiner returning as emcee we know that Bash 2018 will be another fun day!

MICHAEL CLOSE- Miracle Worker
Michael Close has a worldwide reputation in the magic community as an author, a creator, a performer, and a consultant. His specialty is sleight-of-hand, close-up magic, but he also has extensive experience in stand-up magic. He has lectured and performed for audiences around the world!

NICHOLAS WALLACE - Practitioner of the Art of Astonishment
Nicholas has been receiving rave reviews from both critics and audiences for his one-man stage shows. His most recent production "Séance" received glowing reviews from the Toronto Star, Now Magazine, The National Post, Torontoist and more.

JAMES ALAN - Blindfolded Card Magic Extraordinaire
One of Toronto's busiest working pros. His one man show Magic & Martini continues to fill the house each night leaving his audiences stunned, perplexed and entertained. We are pleased that James will be joining us on the Bash stage.

CHRIS PILSWORTH - Mixing Magic & Art
A rare breed of magician. A performer who stays true to his strong beliefs about magic as an art form yet always entertains his audiences. And always with a twist of originality. A Canadian hidden treasure.

And we have more big names to announce!

TO BUY TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BASH 2018 please follow this link: http://www.browsersden.com/bash
 
Thank you
-Jeff Pinsky, John Talbot, Jeff Hinchliffe & The Browser's Den Team

Rounding the Central rings in March 2017

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Free form first Fridaze. - Second Saturday night special. - Mid-Month meetup. - March Madness. - Montreal's 1st IBM Magic Jam. - Instagram Tuesday.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- TBA.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Kind of Magic dealer demo.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- TBA.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Chris Pilsworth lecture.

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions

Bill Abbott: The Secret to Successful Weekly Shows, Magic Monday, and lecture

From Well Attended:

Bill Abbott discusses his weekly theatre show at Dave and Busters, why having a quality show matters, how he decides where to perform, and how he uses a custom backdrop for photo opportunities to help promote his show.

Read more and listen to podcast.

From Steven Lafond's Facebook page:

Ottawa: Chris Pilsworth at the Education for Africa Family Variety Show

See Chris Pilsworth on October 18th at the 5th Annual Education for Africa Variety Show.

From Barry Finlay's Facebook photo:
The content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

Posted by Canada's Magic on Friday, 18 September 2015

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

Canada at Magi-Fest 2014

Canada will be well represented at Magi-Fest 2014!  Both Chris Pilsworth and Ben Train are listed as performers.  In addition, a crew from Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp will be there including: Magic Mike Segal, Jen Segal, Steven Kline (event production and late night lecturer), and Eric Leclerc.

I hope one of you will be sending me a trip report!

Ottawa: Chris Pilsworth

From Canada Aviation and Space Museum:

October 27   

Come in costume for this special Halloween-themed magic show. Ghosts and goblins of all ages will enjoy magician-illusionist Chris Pilsworth's amazing wizardry and hilarious antics in a fast-paced, fun-filled performance. 

Read more and buy tickets.

[via Perfect Magic] 

Chris Pilsworth: Rotary Club fundraiser

From Nepean/Barrhaven EMC:

Magician Chris Pilsworth performs at the Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata's annual Rock the Boat fundraiser at the Holiday Inn on Kanata Avenue on March 22.
Read more.

Chris Pilsworth: One in a Million

From the Ottawa Citizen:

OTTAWA — In his signature trick, Ottawa magician Chris Pilsworth starts with a cactus and a balloon, and ends up with the cactus inside the balloon.

Its genesis occurred when he saw a photograph of comedian Steve Martin in Esquire magazine. In the photo, Martin held a balloon on one arm and a cactus on the other, and Pilsworth thought, “What if?”

Read more.

We think he's one in a million too!

Links for 2011-Sep-08

• From Browser's Den: "Nathan Kranzo Mentalism Lecture", "New Card College Clinic", "Auction and Grand Opening party", "Giant Shop Auction"
  
     
• From Jay Sankey: "Orchestrating Focus", "Vivid Language", "The Magic of Gimmicks"
• From Perfect Magic: "Super Stars David Acer and Richard Sanders"
• Lecleric Show episodes on YouTube (I haven't been able to keep up with viewing, but here are links to the last few weeks worth of videos):
  227. Any Card Named Envelope - DAY 227
  228. Magic Live 2011 Convention - DAY 228
  229. Walter Blaney - Day 229 of 365
  230. Predicting the Lottery - Day 230 of 365
  231. No Sleep Makes Eric Go Crazy - Day 231
  232. Learn the ''4 Criminals'' Card Trick!
  233. Eric Lanthier's 30th! - Day 233 of 365
  234. Coin and Card Quickie - Day 234
  235. Impossible Vanishing Silk - Day 235
  236. Vanishing at IKEA - Day 236
  237. Mind Reading Madness - Day 237
  238. Impossible Bottles - Day 238 of 365
  239. Epic Card to Pocket Reactions! - Day 239
  240. Wedding Ring Magic - Day 240 of 365
  241. Live Mathamagic - Day 241 of 365
  242. Dental Floss Boss - DAY 242 of 365
  243. Cabin # 2 Magic! - Day 243 of 365 - on location at Sorcerers Safari magic camp
  244. Bubble Rehab - Day 244 of 365 - with Chris Pilsworth on location at Sorcerers Safari magic camp
  245. Eric Jones' Silver Coins - Day 245 of 365 - with Eric Jones on location at Sorcerers Safari magic camp
  246. Wayne Houchin Burning his Hand!!! - on location at Sorcerers Safari magic camp
  247. Lee Asher's ''Continental Divide'' - on location at Sorcerers Safari magic camp
  248. Pure Smoke - DAY 248 of 365
  249. Industrial Penetration - Day 249 of 365
  250. Win A PS3!!! - Day 250 of 365