Seventh in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Scott Baird!
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Scott Baird: Inspirational Canadian Magician. |
Submitted by Gwyn Auger
Congratulations Scott! Keep up the great work!
Thank you Gwyn, for your excellent submission!
To learn more about Gwyn Auger follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Blackpool 2023 runs from the February 16th to 19th.
From the November 19th Facebook post by the Blackpool Magic Convention:
Gwyn Auger, the red-headed dynamo also known as "The Magic Assistant", has graced stages and conventions worldwide, winning both gold and silver medals for her assisting performances. Master Magician Lance Burton has referred to her as "The Most Enthusiastic Magician's Assistant". Gwyn can also be found online, providing helpful Marketing and Social Media advice for magicians in the magic publication "The Hermit". Gwyn is here to share that being a Magician's Assistant is more than just glitter, chiffon and a smiling face, and give you a bit of insight into all of the other aspects of her role.
Catch Gwyn’s lecture during Blackpool Magic Convention 2023
From the June 25th Instagram post by Gwyn Auger:
Well … it’s on the website and I keep pinching myself but it must be true! I’ll be giving a little talk about assistants at the @ibmmagic convention NEXT MONTH!!!! I still think I must be dreaming!!!!! Big big thanks to @magichampion for making this happen!
Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were
intended:
a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country!
This was the tightest race in the history of these awards. For the first time, we have a tie for first place! Thank you to everyone who made the effort to vote. Every vote absolutely mattered!
Here are the results of our sixth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational
Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Editor's note:
- Visit the Kickstarter for The Hermit Magic Magazine.
- Learn about The Hermit Magic Magazine.
"I would like to nominate Jean Deshaies.
"A
few years back, after doing magic as a hobby for some years, I went to
attend a 2h course in magic, along with my daughter and a few other
people in Québec City. The teacher was great, and made a strong
impression on me right from the start. He was patient, nice, skillful
& knowledgeable. But most of all, he showed a real passion for
magic. After the course, we chatted a little and I told him magic was a
fine hobby, but beside a select few, I thought no one could earn a
living doing that. I vividly remember him looking at me like I had 2
heads. He answered there were many ways and opportunities to make a
living in magic, if you really like it and put in the time and effort.
Afterward I gave that some serious thoughts, and not long after that, I
started doing magic professionally because of Jean's encouraging words
and attitude. Since then, whenever I needed clues about getting started
in different fields (strolling, table magic, zoom magic etc) he was
always willing to teach and help. I sometime sent him videos for him to
criticize or get his point of view.
"Furthermore, instead of
getting discouraged by the pandemic, Jean used the new medium of virtual
magic to great success, presenting zoom shows in schools all across
Canada.
Jean Deshaies is my mentor in magic and without his
inspiration, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today: still learning,
but happy to be a professional magician."
Editor's note:
- We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!
Website: JeanDeshaies.com
Editor's note:
- We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!
Website: ChrisGowen.ca
Paul Romhany
Nominated by Mike Norden who wrote:
"I nominate Paul Romhany!
"Paul is an amazing magician, and a wonderful human being.
"First - his Chaplin act is amazing. He’s toured the world with this act and that alone is justification for this award.
"Second
- he has produced dozens of books, tricks and routines for other
magicians! Some of the top names in magic use his methods or gimmicks
while they compete on shows like AGT or Fool Us!
"Third - He runs
Vanish Magazine! Have you read it? It was free for years and now cost a
few pennies lol - it’s filled with Canadians - half of the columnists
are local!!
"Fourth - He supports magic clubs, is on the board of
CAM, participates in conventions and lectures - and he is willing to
give his shirt off his back - genuinely - for someone in need. He’s the
real deal!
"He does so much for magic and does not seek the
spotlight - so let’s shine some light on him this year and vote for him
please!"
Editor's note:
- In addition to all of the above, Paul is also the booking agent for The Magical Mystery Show. (Details in the November special edition of VANISH Magic Magazine about an opportunity to work overseas with your own own 70 minute parlour style show!)
Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer (aka Big Trick Energy)
Editor's note:
- These newly minted "bad boys of magic" had quite the exciting year with the launch of their show "Big Trick Energy" (BTE) on truTV (and Netflix too).
- As part of the BTE excitement, they appeared on Ellen, earned a Guinness World Record, and most importantly, they did an interview for Canada's Magic.
- You may also be aware that Chris makes opportunities to give back to the magic community. For example, a BTE episode features Quincy Li (owner of Clownin' Around), he's offering sponsorships through his 1STdotshop brand, and two years ago he offered to buy strangers anything they wanted from Magie Spectram!
Websites: Chris-Ramsay.com, EricLeclerc.com, WesBarker.ca, AlexBoyer.com, TruTv.com/shows/big-trick-energy.
Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)
Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"I'd
like to nominate Gwyn Auger, the Magic Assistant (@magicassistant on
Twitter and Instagram). Gwyn's petite frame can barely contain the
enthusiasm and passion she has for magic and the magic community. She is
great ambassador for magic locally in Calgary, in Canada and abroad."
Editor's note:
- Watch Gwyn's was recent interview with David Krychowski.
- Read Gwyn's marketing tips in The Hermit Magazine.
.
Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing) (aka Magicians Talking Magic)
Nominated by Anonymous and the Merchant of Magic who wrote:
"for the inspirational Magicians Talking Magic podcast" and for being all around fabulous people!"
Editor's note:
- In 2021, Ryan and Graeme produced 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including their two year anniversary, topical topics such as returning to live shows, news coverage about FISM, and plethora of guests which included Joshua Jay, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin Spidey, Boris Wild, Paul Royter, and Joe Diamond.
- Ryan and Graeme consistently demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism. We're lucky to have them as part of our community.
Nominations are closed and voting is now open for the sixth annual 2021 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Take a moment to acknowledge that this has been another extraordinary year. Many of you embraced new skills and a new performing landscape. Some of you took on work outside of performing. Some of you continue to struggle with the day-to-day. No matter your situation, give yourself a pat on the back. You've made it this far. To paraphrase Tom Brady, you didn't come this far to only come this far. You've got this!
(Also, wear your mask and get vaccinated. --Mom)
Congratulations to everyone for inspiring someone(s) enough for them to submit your name! (I'm always tempted at this point, to declare all of the nominees as winners and not bother with the voting part. However, a vote was promised and a vote there shall be.)
Voting will close on Thursday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST. Votes submitted after this time will not be counted. One vote per person.
To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll. (Click through the Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)
Let's have a look at the nominees (listed in alphabetical order by surname):
Editor's note:
- Watch Gwyn's was recent interview with David Krychowski.
- Read Gwyn's marketing tips in The Hermit Magazine.
Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.
Editor's note:
- Visit the Kickstarter for The Hermit Magic Magazine.
- Learn about The Hermit Magic Magazine.
Website: HermitMagic.com
Jean Deshaies
Nominated by Magicien Méphisto who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Jean Deshaies.
"A few years back, after doing magic as a hobby for some years, I went to attend a 2h course in magic, along with my daughter and a few other people in Québec City. The teacher was great, and made a strong impression on me right from the start. He was patient, nice, skillful & knowledgeable. But most of all, he showed a real passion for magic. After the course, we chatted a little and I told him magic was a fine hobby, but beside a select few, I thought no one could earn a living doing that. I vividly remember him looking at me like I had 2 heads. He answered there were many ways and opportunities to make a living in magic, if you really like it and put in the time and effort. Afterward I gave that some serious thoughts, and not long after that, I started doing magic professionally because of Jean's encouraging words and attitude. Since then, whenever I needed clues about getting started in different fields (strolling, table magic, zoom magic etc) he was always willing to teach and help. I sometime sent him videos for him to criticize or get his point of view.
"Furthermore, instead of getting discouraged by the pandemic, Jean used the new medium of virtual magic to great success, presenting zoom shows in schools all across Canada.
Jean Deshaies is my mentor in magic and without his inspiration, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today: still learning, but happy to be a professional magician."
Editor's note:
- We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!
Website: JeanDeshaies.com
Editor's note:
- We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!
Website: ChrisGowen.ca
Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing) (aka Magicians Talking Magic)
Nominated by Anonymous and the Merchant of Magic who wrote:
"for the inspirational Magicians Talking Magic podcast" and for being all around fabulous people!"
Editor's note:
- In 2021, Ryan and Graeme produced 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including their two year anniversary, topical topics such as returning to live shows, news coverage about FISM, and plethora of guests which included Joshua Jay, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin Spidey, Boris Wild, Paul Royter, and Joe Diamond.
- Ryan and Graeme consistently demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism. We're lucky to have them as part of our community.
Editor's note:
- These newly minted "bad boys of magic" had quite the exciting year with the launch of their show "Big Trick Energy" (BTE) on truTV (and Netflix too).
- As part of the BTE excitement, they appeared on Ellen, earned a Guinness World Record, and most importantly, they did an interview for Canada's Magic.
- You may also be aware that Chris makes opportunities to give back to the magic community. For example, a BTE episode features Quincy Li (owner of Clownin' Around), he's offering sponsorships through his 1STdotshop brand, and two years ago he offered to buy strangers anything they wanted from Magie Spectram!
Paul Romhany
Nominated by Mike Norden who wrote:
"I nominate Paul Romhany!
"Paul is an amazing magician, and a wonderful human being.
"First - his Chaplin act is amazing. He’s toured the world with this act and that alone is justification for this award.
"Second
- he has produced dozens of books, tricks and routines for other
magicians! Some of the top names in magic use his methods or gimmicks
while they compete on shows like AGT or Fool Us!
"Third - He runs
Vanish Magazine! Have you read it? It was free for years and now cost a
few pennies lol - it’s filled with Canadians - half of the columnists
are local!!
"Fourth - He supports magic clubs, is on the board of
CAM, participates in conventions and lectures - and he is willing to
give his shirt off his back - genuinely - for someone in need. He’s the
real deal!
"He does so much for magic and does not seek the
spotlight - so let’s shine some light on him this year and vote for him
please!"
Editor's note:
- In addition to all of the above, Paul is also the booking agent for The Magical Mystery Show. (Details in the November special edition of VANISH Magic Magazine about an opportunity to work overseas with your own own 70 minute parlour style show!)
Websites: ChaplinMagic.com and VanishMagic.com
Vote now!
Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were
intended:
a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.
Over 190 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest. You
all have a lot of devoted fans!
Here are the results of our fifth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational
Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Some general comments were submitted:
Editor's note:
- Gwyn was interviewed by Bruce Kalver last month, as part of the Backstage SAM Podcast series.
Editor's note:
- In the early days of The Great Pause, Ryan and Graeme hosted Magicians Pizza Party events to help the community feel less isolated.
- Ryan started The Elora Fergus Podcast to foster a sense of community in that area.
- Graeme hosted a free virtual magic show over the summer.
- Since March, Ryan and Graeme have produced over 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including a series devoted to skills development during lockdown.
(Yesterday they released their 100th episode!)- They had their first ever virtual OWOW Magic Festival, which boasted a Hallowe'en special featuring Nicholas Wallace, Joan Caesar, Graeme Reed, Mark Clearview, and Scott Hammell.
Website: RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.
Editor's note:
- The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
- They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
- Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.
Website: Magicana.com
Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:
"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1
media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP. But apart from that
he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for
sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity. He’s really
helpful to anyone who asks. Sitting down for a session with Phil is a
roller coaster of ideas. What if we do this, how about this or that
move. I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows
in his marketing and shows."
Editor's note:
- Phil is offering a free livestream magic show on December 13th.
Editor's note:
- To get a full appreciation for what Luiz hints at above, visit Romaine's biography at Genii Magazine.
Alex Zander
Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united
magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM
online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the
first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and
now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to
offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from
doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to
see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."
Editor's note:
- Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
- He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.
Website: GottaBeMagic.com
Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)
Nominated by Anonymous.
Congratulations to Carisa, Miranda, and Richard for winning the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Keep up the great work!
The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the fifth annual 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Take a moment to acknowledge that this has been an extraordinary year. Many of you embraced new skills and a new performing landscape. Some of you took on work outside of performing. Some of you continue to struggle with the day-to-day. No matter your situation, give yourself a pat on the back. You've made it this far. To paraphrase Tom Brady, you didn't come this far to only come this far. You've got this!
Congratulations to everyone for inspiring someone(s) enough for them to submit your name! (I'm always tempted at this point, to declare all of the nominees as winners and not bother with the voting part. However, a vote was promised and a vote there shall be.)
Voting will close on Wednesday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.
To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll. (Click through the Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)
Let's have a look at the nominees (listed in alphabetical order by surname):
Editor's note:
- Gwyn was interviewed by Bruce Kalver last month, as part of the Backstage SAM Podcast series.
Editor's note:
Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.
- Carisa wrapped up the second season (and is co-founder) of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that "hopes to make itself obsolete."
- In March, Miranda invited Carisa to stay with her and Richard for a couple of months. They opened a window into their lives and their coping mechanisms (and entertaining antics) during the early days of The Big Pause, from The Star Ship Quarantine on Twitter.
- Miranda did a fabulous escape on Fool Us (season 7, episode 4).
- Carisa was the recipient of the recipient of the 2019 AMA Stage Magician of the Year award and was featured on the May cover of Genii.
- Carisa also started up the Spark Creative Facebook group last spring in an effort to help keep people focused and creative.
- They offered free shows (May 15th live stream and Lucy Darling's Halloween Spooktacular Extravaganza), in addition to their widely acclaimed virtual shows. (Did I mentioned Neil Gaiman gave them a shout out on Twitter?)
Editor's note:
- In the early days of The Great Pause, Ryan and Graeme hosted Magicians Pizza Party events to help the community feel less isolated.
- Ryan started The Elora Fergus Podcast to foster a sense of community in that area.
- Graeme hosted a free virtual magic show over the summer.
- Since March, Ryan and Graeme have produced over 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including a series devoted to skills development during lockdown.
(Yesterday they released their 100th episode!)- They had their first ever virtual OWOW Magic Festival, which boasted a Hallowe'en special featuring Nicholas Wallace, Joan Caesar, Graeme Reed, Mark Clearview, and Scott Hammell.
Website: RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.
Editor's note:
- The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
- They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
- Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.
Website: Magicana.com
Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:
"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1
media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP. But apart from that
he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for
sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity. He’s really
helpful to anyone who asks. Sitting down for a session with Phil is a
roller coaster of ideas. What if we do this, how about this or that
move. I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows
in his marketing and shows."
Editor's note:
- Phil is offering a free livestream magic show on December 13th.
Editor's note:
- To get a full appreciation for what Luiz hints at above, visit Romaine's biography at Genii Magazine.
Alex Zander
Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united
magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM
online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the
first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and
now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to
offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from
doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to
see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."
Editor's note:
- Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
- He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.
Website: GottaBeMagic.com
From the Backstage S.A.M. podcast website:
A boxjumper is a magician’s assistant that willingly goes into boxes to get cut up, transformed, or levitated. How does one become a box jumper? What training does it take? Are there any accidents that happen?
Bruce Kalver interviews Gwyn Auger, a box jumper for hire, and Marion Outerbridge, the one-half of The Outerbridges - a well-known Illusion show.
a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.
Editor's note:
- The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
- The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October
Editor's note:
- In case you missed it, Carisa is the co-founder of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."
- In June of this year, she received the Magicana's Allan Slaight award for Canadian Rising Star.
- Carisa lectured and performed at the first OWOW Magic Festival this year.
- Carisa Hendrix LIVE ACTS (Penguin Live).
Editor's note:Website: RyanJoyce.com
- In addition to launching the first ever OWOW Magic Festival, Ryan co-hosts the podcast "Magcians Talking Magic," and does a lot of travelling for shows.
Editor's note:
- Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge!
Editor's note:
- After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!
Edtitor's note:
- Anastasia has over 30 implants.
- You can read more about her biohacking in the September 6th article "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and magnets in her body" by Rebecca Robbins in Stat News.
- Jonah Babins interviews Anastasia in the September 19th episode of Discourse in Magic, "Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn."
Editor's note:
- Ted and Marion lectured and performed at The Browser's Bash this year.
- They moved to Smith Falls, ON earlier this year and created an opportunity for themselves to have a very well received standing show at their local theatre!
- Ted and Marion are in the process of restoring their new home, the "Keyhole House." They've found a note dated 1892 and signatures that date back to the year the house was built, 1897.
