Toronto: Chris Westfall... & The Porcelain Princess

Thursday Juy 19th & Friday July 20th

From Eventbrite:

The Magic show that took Canada by storm is in Toronto for 2 nights ONLY and better than ever!

Chris Westfall... & The Porcelain Princess is a true magic theatre experience. It brings the arts of illusion, circus, improv and comedy together in one amzing show perfect for the whole family. It will baffle and amaze. Keep you on the edge of your seats at the top of your imagination. Watch Chris Westfall make people appear, diappear and float while laughing the entrie way through.

Read more and buy tickets.

Oakville: "Real or magic?" and "Westfall's World"

From Evenbrite:

Fri, 27 April 2018

What's included:
- 1 ticket to Ben Train's "Real or Magic" show - half comedy show, half mindreading show, and all amazing, you have to see what Ben can do to believe it!
- 1 UNLIMITED PLAY video game card, good for all the non-redemption games in the building until 2am!
- 60 credits for the redemption games
- 1 seat upstairs in the private theater, with full food and drink service available before and during the show!

There's no better way to have fun in Toronto on a Friday night- delicious food, fun games, and mind blowing magic!

Also from Eventbrite:

Sun, 29 April 2018

What's included:
- 1 ticket to Chris Westfall's "Westfall's World" show - half comedy show, half comedy show, and all amazing, it's fun for ages 3 to 103!
- 1 UNLIMITED PLAY video game card, good for all the non-redemption games in the building all day and night!
- 60 credits for the redemption games
- 1 seat upstairs in the private theater, with full food and drink service available before and during the show!

There's no better way to have fun in Toronto on a Friday night- delicious food, fun games, and mind blowing magic!

Ottawa: Chris Westfall at Magic Monday

From the Magic Monday Facebook page:

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Toronto: Westfall, Alan, and Babins at "Tricks in the Six"

From Eventbrite:

This month’s headliner Chris Westfall has to be seen to be believed. You can expect mind blowing magic, hilarious comedy and a guaranteed good time! Chris combines his incredible illusions with his unique humor that you DO NOT want to miss!

Opening the show is the sleight of hand artist James Alan. His one man shows, Lies, Damn Lies & Magic Tricks and The Uncertainty Project have been featured at the Summerworks Performance Festival (Toronto), The Hamilton Fringe Festival and The Wychwood Theatre. NOW magazine said he's "Truly Entertaining", I bet you'll say the same.

And hosting the show is TMC co-founder Jonah Babins. Jonah is one of Toronto's brightest magic stars and he's going to freak you out with his high energy magical style. He has over seventeen years of experience in entertainment making audiences gasp in astonishment, and you will too!

Read more and buy tickets.

From Chris Westfall's Facebook post:

Random thoughts from "The Newest Trick in the Book"

The Newest Trick in the Book is back Tuesday October 3rd, at 8:30pm, for a FREE Halloween themed show, with Benzi Train, James Alan, James Harrison, and Shamus Mac Gregor!

Last month, I attended the September 5th edition of "The Newest Trick in the Book," billed as "Toronto's ONLY magic open-mic."

I had no idea what to expect from a magic open-mic.  I thought it might be a slightly more dressed up version of watching folks jam at the club or the magic shop.  As it turns out I'd previously seen most of the performers on this program both jamming casually and performing professionally.  Would the evening be a repeat of stuff I'd already seen?

The verdict:  no.  Well, sometimes yes.  But not really.

Let me explain.

The event takes place at  See-Scape Toronto, a sci-fi bar and gaming café.  It's a cozy space filled with wonderful people.  (And lots of games.)

Great venue for "The Newest Trick in the Book"

Photo from Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/BhlotVQsDT

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

Everything about the place is interesting.

Do they use this during the show?

From "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/qdMgnAVJ5F

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

You were probably wondering about the show.

The evening was a TONNE of fun.  The performances were elevated well beyond a typical jam.  Each of the performers had an energy that was different from what I expected of them.  Perhaps it was the buzz of doing something in front of an audience for the first time? 

It was also clear to me, that the performers were having more fun than usual too!  I witnessed the child-like excitement of bringing a new idea to life, the brilliance of turning the tables on an old standard, freshening up a classic, and the general enjoyment of working things out in front of a safe crowd.  (I've heard more than one professional espouse the importance of having a "safe place" to try things out in front of an audience.  I better appreciate the wisdom now.)

If you're in the Toronto area, I encourage you to both attend and perform at "The Newest Trick in the Book."



Trivia questions: who said what?

1) Iä! Iä! Cthulhu fhtagn!	a) Sammy Jakubowicz
2) Mr. Harrison, it's time for your medication.	b) Chris Westfall
3) That's what I would do if I were in your position. But I'm a jerk.	c) James Harrison
4) I'm not a thief, I'm a magician.	d) James Alan

With thanks to the wonderful performers!

.@jonahbabins emcee, at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/WPjS0YyV2I

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

.@PickpocketJames schooling us at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/Jd7s3tDW0m

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

The super fast hands of @SurrealMayhew at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Oct 3rdhttps://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/mIgiNCmSRv

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

.@Doc_Sammy entertains at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/wQsWnBb7fe

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

Reminder to floss from @westfallmagic
at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Oct 3rdhttps://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/wO8OqRvVz0

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

Great show at by everyone at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/c8xrrgsh7k

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book

From the Toronto Magic Company's Facebook page:

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Mississauga: Chris Westfall at Boston Pizza

From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:


A note to subscribers: 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.

Toronto: "Cheap Tricks" impromptu magic competition

From Chris Mysterion's Facebook page:
A note to subscribers: 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.

7 magicians. One goal. Create the best routine on a budget in less then an hour to showtime. Inspired by real world "...
Posted by Chris Mysterion on Wednesday, 3 August 2016

Random thoughts on "Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess"

Last night I had the pleasure of catching "Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess" at the Papermill Theatre (part of Todmorden Mills on Pottery Road, tucked in next to the DVP).  It's a cozy theatre that seats approximately 150.  I'm guessing there's not a bad seat in the house.

Kidlet had this to say about the show:

• If you ask me what my favourite part is, my answer would be "the beginning to the end."

Kidlet's friend added:

• If I were half as good a magician as Chris Westfall, I'd call myself incredible!

Here are some random thoughts that came to mind about Thursday night's show:

• Ben Train kept the kids captivated in the lobby while we waited for things to get started.
• Chris made the kids laugh as he gave the audience a pre-show sneak peak at Bella. 
• From the beginning, Chris and Bella, deliver a very visual and high-energy show!
• Bella elegantly defied the laws of physics with, among other things, a crystal ball, rings, and a hula hoop.
• (Was I the only one tickled by the visual pun of the dolly being taken off stage on a dolly?)
• Chris masterfully executed illusions large and small.
• Mouth shuffling was unexpectedly entertaining! 
• A Pokéman Go player made a timely and unexpected cameo.
• This is a volunteer intensive show.  By my count there were eight delightful children and one good-natured adult brought up on stage.
• The volunteers were fabulous, and made the evening so much fun for everyone!
• Chris expertly engaged the children, and had them eating out of the palm of his hand (figuratively). 
• Hang out after the show for post-show photos, autographs, and a meet & greet!
• "Is it magic, or is it illusion?"

To learn more about this family friendly show, visit Chris Westfall Magic.  You can purchase tickets for tonight's show (Friday July 22) at Eventbrite.

Disclosure:  My family and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

Toronto: Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess

2 shows only - Thursday, July 21st & Friday, July 22nd, 2016

From Chris Westfall Magic:

Performed for packed houses across the country, families from all over Canada have enjoyed the tale of Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess.

With ONLY 2 shows playing in Toronto, Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess is a high-energy 90 minute magic extravaganza, with lots of interaction that's fun for the entire family.

From the large theatrical magic illusions that magician Chris Westfall performs all the way to Princess Bella, the porcelain doll who magically comes to life though jugging, theatrical dance, and illusions -- this show has entertained thousands of children and adults alike. Now it's your family's turn.

In addition to this unique magical experience, everyone gets an opportunity to meet all the performers in the lobby directly after the show. Receive an autograph and see more fantastic magic.

Read more and buy tickets.

Catching up with Discourse in Magic

Jonah Babins and Tyler Williams have been steadily producing podcasts since their launch in April.  Have a look at what they've released so far...


From Discourse in Magic:

Welcome to the Discourse in Magic podcast! This is where we tackle magic’s hardest issues, theories, philosophies, discussion, and more to help you explore.  We jump into all sorts of resources and most importantly actionable tips to help better the art and become a killer performer!

• Episode 11 – How to be a Great Teacher, Mentor and Student of Magic with Aaron Fisher and Adam Grace
  June 16th, 2016
• Episode 10 – Playing Card Innovation and Economy in the Era of Crowdfunding with Lee Asher June 9th, 2016
• Episode 9 – Community Month: Introduction Magic Shops, Camps and Friends June 2nd, 2016
• Episode 8 – Performing Tips for the Working Magician, From Restaurants to Big Illusions with Chris Westfall May 26th, 2016
• Episode 7 – Ethics and morals for the modern magician with Ben Train May 19th, 2016
• Episode 6 – Creating a fictional premise with conflicts and twist endings that rock May 12th, 2016
• Episode 5 – Designing magic for the screen and the stage with Patrick Kun May 5th, 2016
• Episode 4 – Improv and being open to change with Chris Mayhew April 29th, 2016
• Episode 3 – Personality, character and connecting with your audience with Eric Leclerc April 27th, 2016
• Episode 2 – Going viral, the Reddit secret, and Rubik’s cubes with Steven Brundage April 23rd, 2016
• Episode 1 – Introduction Episode April 20th, 2016

Read more and listen to podcasts.

20 magical memories from Sorcerers Safari

Almost 20 years ago, armed only with the idea of making magic more accessible to kids who want to learn magic, "Magic Mike" Segal opened the doors to Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp.  Sorcerers Safari is Canada's only sleepaway magic camp, hosting up to 150 campers a year.

Words fail to adequately describe the phenomenon that is Sorcerers Safari.  Everyone comes away from camp with their own unique experience.  To mark their upcoming 20th anniversary, here’s a list of:

20 magical memories from Sorcerers Safari (in no particular order):

1. My favourite camp memory would have to be when I first went to Sorcerers Safari. I saw all of my idols in magic and there were so many magicians that I had watched on TV and on YouTube. It was brilliant to see them perform and not only to see them perform but just to have a normal magic or even non magic conversation with them was amazing to me. It was literally like a dream come true!
   
   Brad B.
   Camper: 2014-2015
   
   
   
2. The first year I ever attended I recall walking down a wooded path and seeing Michael Ammar talking to a group of campers who were seated under the shade of a huge tree.  Michael was talking about choosing magic as a career and I could see the look in all the campers eyes as I eavesdropped.  I knew in that very moment I would return to camp as often as I could as I felt something I’d never felt before.  Not sure how to describe it, but it was just so special.
   
   Shawn Farquhar (magichampion.com)
   Instructor: 2008-2013, 2015
3. A favourite memory was making a card flourish duel that appeared in the 2013 camp video.
   
   
   Eric S.
   Camper: 2007-2014
   
   
   
4. I was overwhelmed by the quality of instruction and the dedication of Mike, Jen and the entire board and staff. It was without doubt one the finest experiences I've had in my almost 40 years in the Magic business.
   
   Phil Matlin (PerfectMagic.com)
   Guest: 2014
5. I would have to say that my favourite memory at camp would have to be after Brett C. and I performed the “cube in cube out” stage illusion. It was a huge relief that the whole thing went successfully and it was also the first routine that Brett and I created together.
   
   Holden L.
   Camper: 2008-2015
   
   

6. Many of my favourite memories at Sorcerers Safari come from the late night jam sessions in the campers' cabins.  You never know what newest tricks or guest magicians you'll find.
   
   For example, a few years back, I witnessed Tyler Wilson sharing the longest and most entertaining card revelation I've seen. Over the course of about 45 minutes, the cabin filled with campers as they watched him attempt to find the card.  Pure suspense. Needless to say, he had no idea what the card was, and was playing us the entire time.
   
   The jam sessions offer a great opportunity to see the campers' talent and creativity.  In 2015, Philip B. and I posed an Ambitious Card challenge to the cabin.  They split into 2 teams to work together to create an Ambitious Card routine from scratch.  This impromptu competition went on for close to 2 hours and was a blast to watch!
   
   Sheldon Casavant (SheldonCasavant.com)
   Camper: 2003, Counsellor: 2004 and 2007, Instructor: 2015
   
7. 

   Trying to find only one Sorcerers Safari good memory is impossible because there are so many!  So let’s say that one of them is when Anders Bjorkman, Johnny Toronto, and I did a “fire trio act” together on the beach during the party night. I believe it happened in 2010. We literally had a blast!!!
   
   Loran, (LoranIllusion.com)
   Instructor: 2000 - 2015
   
   

8. a) The first time (repeated over the years) that all the campers hit the stage on the final night to present their interpretation of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” ... (always a fun moment).
   b) Seeing the "shy and timid" take the stage for the first time in front of their peers and proudly present an effect they have learned at camp.
   c) The meal times with the table banging under the direction of Lee Asher.
   d) Seeing a camper on TELEVISION presenting magic... and only a few years earlier not being able to communicate...
   e) Year after year - the reunions. Campers emailing each other to make sure they would be in the same dorm.
   f) The chant of "we love Dick, we love Dick."
   
   Dick Joiner, (DickJoiner.com)
   Instructor: ~2001-2015
   
   
   
9. Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp was the first time I ever went to camp. I'm in my seventies and it was fun and exciting. I loved the enthusiasm of the kids and their teachers, who were the best. We met old friends and made new ones. Keep up the good work and thank you Mike for inviting us.
   
   Evelyn Matlin (PerfectMagic.com)
   Guest: 2014
10. I have so many wonderful memories of camp that it's near impossible to choose just one. But a camp classic that we continually reminisce about all the time happened on my first year when Rob 'Fish The Magish' Fishbaum secretly hid in the woods during the middle of the night, waited until I walked by, then jumped out making a loud squealing pig noise. I shrieked like a little girl, jumped into Steve Kline's arms completely terrified, and almost crapped my pants.
    
    It was an amazing moment. It's also when I knew these people would be part of my family for the rest of our lives. The best part, scaring the newbie staff has since become a long-standing camp tradition.
    
    Lee Asher (LeeAsher.com)
    Special Guest: 2001, Instructor: 2002-2015
    
    
    
11. Lip Sync Battles
    
    

    

    
    

    

      
    
    Jeff P.
    Counsellor in Training: 2015
    
12. When the whole camp did a one camera take lip dub! That was so exciting and EVERYONE had a part and nailed it! The video was a hit and definitely one to be remembered.
    
    Watch the 2011 Sorcerers Safari Lip Dub on YouTube:
    
    
    
    Lorena Watters (TrevorWatters.com)
    Instructor: 2010-2014

13. a) I remember one night at the nightly stage shows in the Pinetages theatre:  the air was hot and thick… the performers were breaking a sweat after literally 30 seconds on stage.  And out of the blue we see Lee Asher come out and perform a trick (and a dance!) in a massive eggplant costume! It was epic.
    
    b) One year we decided to do a lip dub. It was amazing to see everyone come together and participate with such passion and precision. Check out the video it took us about a half-day to film. It was truly awesome.
    
    Eric Leclerc (EricLeclerc.com)
    Instructor: 2008-2015
    
    
    
14. My favourite memory from camp was probably performing for Michael and Lisa Close's daughter on stage. I was able to use her last name to do a hilarious bit for the entire camp while poking fun of their last name.
    
    Chris Westfall (ChrisWestfallMagic.com)
    Instructor
    
    
    
15. One of my favourite memories would be Eric Leclerc and a few of us attempting to scare RJ late at night with a bunch of scary halloween masks and then RJ wouldn't wake up. I have the video footage of it, but it is one of those bits that never made it into the annual Sorcerers Video, but was very funny to observe at the time.
    
    Chris Mayhew (ChrisMayhewMagic.com)
    Videographer: 2013-2015
16. a) Performing on the camp stage. The first time I worked a stage, wore a mic, stood in front of the lights, and performed for a "big" crowd all came at camp. I'll never forget the love and support people showed me, and it's probably a major reason why I'm still getting up there today!
    
    b) Watching my campers grow up.  I still maintain relationships with campers I had a decade ago.  Some have become better performers than I would have ever imagined. Some are even better than I am... which is both awesome and infuriating!  One that stands out to me is Nathaniel Rankin.  I watched him grow from a cute, but shy, juggler to a world class magician performing on cruise ships around the world.  I don't take credit for his success -- that was all him -- but I'm glad to have been a stepping stone on his path to finding something that makes him so happy.
    
    Ben Train, (BenTrain.ca)
    Counsellor in Training: 2000-2001, Staff: 2002-2015
    

17. This memory is from 2006.  For the end of the week camper show, Sami S. and I decided to dress up like veteran campers and counsellors, Kelvin and Dustin.  Every year, this eccentric duo would perform the “one-handed card trick” in which they are Siamese twins, joined at the hip where each only has the ability to use only one hand.  2006 marked one of the first years Kelvin was not at camp (but Dustin was) so we did not get to see their jubilant routine.  Instead, Sami and I dressed up like the duo and impersonated them and the one-handed card trick.  It was really goofy, not many people understood what we were doing.  But I distinctly remember Scott Hammell and Magic Mike in the audience laughing uncontrollably.
    
    This memory isn’t about the moment itself, but about the inside joke shared with the other veteran campers and staff that makes it stand out so strongly in my mind.  The inside jokes are what I remember now; nonsense jokes told around the campfire (knock-knock jokes will always be the funniest for me because of camp), and ridiculous one-liners.  There are moments with sugar shots, fruit stickers on our foreheads, crocket, fridge box racing, pushing Steve Kline in the lake and so many defining “coming of age” moments that bring me back to camp.  There are too many small memories to put one as the best, but the inside jokes between fellow campers and life-long friends are something I hold onto very dearly.
    
    Lauren Proctor
    Camper: 1999-2008
    
18. My favorite memory is when Magic Mike told us that the visiting volleyball camp found an (invisible) deck, and not knowing what it was straightened all of the cards for us. I retell that story to magicians all the time.
    
    
    Jonah Babins (JonahBabinsMagic.com)
    Camper, Counsellor in Training, and Instructor
    

19. Playing capture the flag with the kids during active time, then one of them realizing that I was the entertainer he watched on stage the night before! He was so excited, then I noticed a few more kids running around with me to beat the game!
    
    Trevor Watters (TrevorWatters.com)
    Instructor: 2010-2014
    
    
    
    
20. I have so very many memories of camp, having been the guy who started it, and having attended every year, that it is hard to pick just one. There really are so many in the 20 years… but one stands out, and is particularly appropriate for this summer.
    
    I remember the summer 15 years ago when we switched our host camp after 5 years at another camp.  It was an amazing summer, as everything felt new again. The energy (which is never lacking at Sorcerers Safari) seemed to be ramped up that summer in everyone, staff and campers. Exploring the new grounds, and meeting new challenges really made everyone bring their ‘A’ Game. It was great.  The move was extremely positive, making me that much more excited to see what our move will bring this summer.
    
    Magic Mike Segal (SorcerersSafari.ca)
    Camp Director: 1996 - 2016

The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016.  For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 7

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A camper's notebook.

Day 3: Sunday August 16th (cont)*

9pm
Dinner was good but the ice cream pie was AMAZING!

At the theatre they said Chris Mayhew is making a video of camp.  I can’t wait to see that!  Rosemary said she runs the Sorcerers Safari social media accounts and will help promote events that campers are involved with.  Impressive.  I don’t get the sense that people here think they’re better than anyone else -- they all just want to see everyone succeed.  Just like our moms and dads.  But WAY cooler. 

Mike Close played some beautiful piano before the show.  (Is everyone here crazy talented?)  The lip syncs were extra funny tonight. Rosemary (singer) and Chris Westfall (background cheerleader) did “Cheerleader" by Omi, and Jonah (with Jonah supporting) did a duet -- "Love Is An Open Door" from Frozen.  HYSTERICAL!!!!

Found myself a cheerleader!

Jonah backing up Jonah.

Tonight’s show was called the “World Champion Show” and featured three award winning magicians!  I got to see Greg Frewin, Shawn Farquhar, and Daryl all on the same stage.  I bet that the evening shows alone are worth the price of camp.

Greg Frewin.

Shawn Farquhar.

Daryl.

Rocket popsicles for bedtime snack!  (The sugar will help keep me awake for cabin visits!)  Eric came and gave us all mouth coils to try.  (I thought they would never end!!  We’re going to decorate the bunks with them tomorrow.)  Lee Asher showed us some super cool tricks with cards and then he showed us specialty decks we’d never heard of.  They looked really fancy.

Eric sharing secrets.

Goodnight.

To be continued ...


--
The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016. For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca

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* The “Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie” is primarily based on the 2015 camp season.  It is an aggregate of many perspectives, and at times includes events from previous years.

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 6

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A camper's notebook.

Day 3: Sunday August 16th*

Morning comes too early.  I’m tired.  Started the day with scrambled eggs and cereal (no sugary cereals here… boo!).  Card class was great.  Dick Joiner taught us how to do an effect called “Hotel.”  I’m amazed at how it works!

Card class with Dick Joiner and Ted Outerbridge.

I heard that some of the more advanced kids need to get some card tricks ready to perform walkaround magic in the audience before the camper show.  I’m glad I’m just a beginner!

Camp stretch.

Field activity was a game called “Food Chain.”  The rules were a little complicated, but it was fun.  One kid hid under the mess hall stairs to try and “survive” longer in the game! 

There's always time to squeeze in some more magic!

5pm
Fueled up at lunch with meatball sandwiches and corn!  Apparently Joan Caesar, the founder of the Canadian Association of Magicians, is here visiting today.  And Bill and Becki Wells from the International Brotherhood of Magicians are here all week.  Wow!  More great electives to choose from (camper show walk through, impromptu magic, classic force, balloons, stage presence / performance tips, elastic thread, the business of magic, and necklace magic). 

The balloon elective was tonnes of fun!  Balloons kept popping all the time.  It was crazy!   Even the instructors, Carey Lauder and Chris Westfall, were surprised at how much they kept popping.  We learned some easy things like dogs but also some more complicated things like flowers and ladybug bracelets. 

Before the camp swim, they got EVERYONE in the camp together to take the camp photo at the dock.  I took forever to get everybody organized.  I can’t wait to see it.  I learned an important lesson too:  never be late for the camp photo!  There were a few stragglers and boy did they get get in trouble.  Not only are they not in the photo, but now they have to clean up ALL THE TABLES at dinner tonight! 

2015 camp photo! (Scroll to see everyone.)

Turns out that Carey is also the official camp photographer.  During camp swim he did something called “Levitation Photos.”  We all got to pose for a photo either levitating someone, being levitated by someone or both!  (The line got longer by at least 20 people when Neil’s assistant was being levitated!)  I posed for pictures with one of my new best friends.  I can’t wait to see them!  (Diary, you’ll have to understand if I don’t reveal the secret here.  I’d hate for it to fall into the wrong hands if I happened to lose you!) 

Levitation photos!

The big kids looked like they were having so much fun jumping off the tall platform.  The lifeguard did some trick flips too!  I want to try jumping but it looks scary.  I don’t like heights.

In performance workshop we played a game called “Freeze Tag.”  That was hilarious.  It was improvising and then anyone could call out “freeze” and tag someone out, take their spot, and change the entire setting!  It’s supposed to help with thinking on the spot, playing characters, and doing scene work, but I just think it’s great fun!

Mark Correia and Chris Westfall make improvising fun!

To be continued ...


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The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016. For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca

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* The “Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie” is primarily based on the 2015 camp season.  It is an aggregate of many perspectives, and at times includes events from previous years.

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 3

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A camper's notebook.

Day 1: Friday August 14, 2015 (cont)*

11pm 

After dinner we went back to the cabins to get some rain gear -- the weather report said it was going to thunderstorm.  We headed off to the “Pinetages Theatre.”  The theatre is about the size of my school gym, maybe a little smaller but with a bigger stage. 

The Pinetages Theatre.

Each cabin did something for “cabin intros” under the guidance of the counsellors (Philip Bowser, Greydon Gilmore, Jonah Babins, Tyler Williams, Mark Correia, Nathaniel Rankin, Rosemary Reid, and Sam Segal).  Cabins did really clever things including impersonating well-known magicians (like Penn & Teller and David Blaine), miming deliberate misinterpretations of magic terms (like overhand shuffles and dribbling), a version of the TV show “Fool Us,” and magic effects performed using people instead of things (linking rings, sliding knot on rope, and cups & balls).  I was sooo nervous.  I took some deep breaths and I didn’t mess up!  It feels amazing to be on stage and hear everyone clap and cheer for you. 

Cabin intros.

More cabin intros.

Rosemary announced that they were going to do a lip sync competition all week.  She started it off and then Eric did “Your Name” by Taylor Swift.  Hilarious!  It rained really hard while we were in the theatre.  (Glad I brought rain boots!) 

Rosemary singing.

Eric channeling Taylor Swift.

Daryl did amazing rope magic. Ben Train did a wild book test.  Phil DaCosta did more fun rope magic.  Chris Westfall and Chris Mayhew made everyone laugh so hard.  They even threw some “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Llama” shirts into the audience.  I wish I got one.  At the end we all got brand new decks of really cool cards that Dave Mitchell got donated from Ellusionist.  They look so nice, I don’t want to use them!

Chris and Chris bringing the laughs.

It is soooo dark here at night.  I can see more stars here than I knew existed!  At our cabin we had a “cabin visit” from Chris Westfall. He showed us AMAZING tricks using cards, rubber bands, and coins!

Chris Westfall being magical.

I feel a little sad.  I miss my home and my bed and my room.  And especially my family.  Everyone here is super friendly and nice though.  And this place is so much fun!  I’m super excited about tomorrow.

We all got ready for bed.  I tried to go to sleep without writing here.  But I just couldn’t.  That’s why I’m writing here so late.  Tired now.  G’night.

To be continued ...


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The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016. For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca

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* The “Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie” is primarily based on the 2015 camp season.  It is an aggregate of many perspectives, and at times includes events from previous years.

Toronto: Chris Westfall at "Magic Tonight" (new location)

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

This Sunday:  Chris Westfall


Upcoming:  Michael Ross, Phil Pivnick, Nicholas Wallace




James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



Please note the new location:

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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Chris Westfall's "15 second miracles"

Join Chris Westfall as he begins his Project 365 (+1) on Instagram!

From the Chris Westfall Magic Facebook page:

On January 1st I will begin a 365 day + 1 leap year day project of 15 second Instagram videos of Magic Tricks, Sketches, flourishes & skits. The project is called #15secondmiracles and you can follow this adventure on Instagram @ChrisWestfallMagic

Review: Chris Westfall's "Porcelain Princess tour"

From XM 105 FM:

Chris Westfall brought his Porcelain Princess tour to Whitecourt last night, at the St. Joseph Community Hall. He definitely delivered! Between over-the-head discreet adult jokes, a flashy & fun persona for the kids to enjoy, diverse stage props, to the actual illusion & fun of a magic show, this was a great night. Chris had 2 personas on-stage. One was a mad scientist trying to capture & outwit a beautiful onstage dancer/magic assistant, to the actual Chris Westfall who left children & adults alike in awe.

Read more.

Toronto: Chris Westfall at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Toronto (Sun):  Chris Westfall








James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Random thoughts from the Ring 17 year end banquet

• The year end comes far too quickly.
• People drive a long distance to come to these events.
• A group of magicians is very good at entertaining themselves and each other during delays.
• The young people today spell llama differently than I was taught.
• The even younger people have a totally different approach to llamas.
• La llama es una quadrupido
                                                 ... but I digress.
• In their show "Sketchy Magic," Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall give a crazy and high-energy performance as one would expect with individual lecture titles like "Calculated Chaos" and "Mayhew Mayhem."
• Rumour has it that Chris Harvison, Andrew Goss and James Alan are back on the executive next year.  And that Phil Pivnick will be joining them.
• Next season opens with a David Ben lecture.
• Thank you Ring 17 for another great season!