From Michael Close's May 6th Facebook post:
The cutoff date for submissions has been moved to June 30, 2026
Previously shared on Facebook May 6.
Showing posts with label Michael Close. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Close. Show all posts
12 May 2026
UPDATE about season 12 Fool Us applications
14 November 2025
Random thoughts about “Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic"
Micheal Close's Explorer 1
Teaching the magic beyond the tricks
Has your magic has plateaued in spite of owning shelves of magic books, a hard
drive full of instructional downloads, and drawers full of magic
effects? Enter “Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic” a 6 week online course
offered by Michael Close.
As you are likely aware, Michael is well known in the magic community for his
excellence as an author, a creator, a performer, and a consultant. For
those unfamiliar with Michael’s work, I encourage you to read Jamy Ian Swiss’
2018 article “The Paradigm Shift – Volume One & Volume Two by Michael
Close” at Magicana.
I participated in the beta testing of these classes, in addition to auditing the first run of the course. The classes methodically cover foundational sleights with both cards and coins. One of the biggest benefits to learning from Michael, a performer with decades of experience under his belt, is that he teaches fundamental material with an awareness as to how the skills will be applied as one advances their ability. In other words, the foundational sleights are taught in a versatile manner, ready for use in more sophisticated situations. This approach results in accelerated learning – you only have to learn a skill once!
Thinking outside the box.
Michael’s approach to teaching magic, mirrors in many respects, The Royal Conservatory of Music's approach to the method and practise of teaching music. (This comes as no surprise given Michael’s Masters Degree in Music Theory and Composition.)
What do I mean by this? A music teacher will introduce their student music theory concepts (such as a key signature, and rhythm), and provide them with a piece of music to practise which incorporates these ideas. As music students practise with the goal of performance in mind, the teacher will discuss musical technique, as well as introduce critical analysis of their student’s efforts.
On the surface, Micheal teaches foundational sleights, along with tricks which incorporate these fundamental skills. While the tricks are logical a vehicle to demonstrate the use of the newfound technical expertise, they more importantly serve as case studies for broader theoretical concepts important to maximizing the entertainment value of magic performance.
Simply put, the tricks are not the lesson. They are the springboards that permit Michael to introduce theory that elevates the performance of magic.
Michael presents his well crafted lessons in a manner which is clear and
easy to follow. Nuggets of wisdom gleaned from years of performance and
consulting pepper every session. The classes are a safe and nurturing
environment that puts the students at ease. In these classes, questions
in search of understanding are always welcome.
Michael provides a manageable amount of assigned and supplemental reading, invoking wisdom from magicians such as Jamy Ian Swiss, Juan Tamariz, Larry Hass, Jon Racherbaumer, and of course Dai Vernon.
As an added bonus, course enrollment includes exclusive, limited-time access
to the Ask Alexander Digital Library, provided
by the Conjuring Arts Research Center.
In keeping with the music class analogy, during the course Michael said this about foundational sleights:
“... one of the good things about developing a toolbox of techniques of sleights that you are competent at, is it makes reading magic books a lot easier. You're almost like musicians when they sight read a piece. If I have all my scales and my arpeggios and all these things under my fingers to a reasonable degree, then as I look at a new piece of music, I can get a sense of what that piece of music is as I sight read.”
Similarly, if you embrace the theoretical concepts, while also developing your analytical and critiquing muscles, you will be able to utilize this knowledge to enhance any magic performance, from close-up to stage.
I
had an overwhelmingly positive experience participating in these
classes. If you’re looking for a way to shore up your sleights, and
elevate your presentation skills, this is the course for you!
To
register, or for more information, visit Micheal's website at MichaelClose.com.
Disclosure: I beta tested and audited the classes as a guest. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.
08 July 2025
Update about Michael Close auction at The Browser's Den of Magic [Jul 20]
In June we mentioned that Michael Close will be auctioning some of his collection at The Browser's Den of Magic later this month.
Here are some updates from Michael's website:
This isn’t a yard sale of worn-out props and library magic books. You’ll find first editions, out-of-print gems, rare lecture notes, props, tricks, and so much more.
Highlights include:
- Books and manuscripts you simply won’t see again.
- High-quality props.
- Vintage magic ephemera and hard-to-find lecture material.
Come for the chance to own something that inspired me. Stay for the stories, magic, and camaraderie. I hope these items bring you the same joy they brought me.
Read more.
To see some of the items for auction and for sale, download the PDFs from Michael's website.
23 June 2025
Toronto: Michael Close is hosting a special auction [Jul 20]
For more information, visit the Browser's Den.
From the June 19th Facebook post by the Browser's Den of Magic:
On Sunday, July 20 at 1 PM, Michael Close is hosting a special auction at Browser’s Den of Magic—and you're invited! He’s clearing out parts of his personal collection, and it’s full of rare and unique magic treasures.
Expect laughs, stories, surprises, and the chance to score some amazing finds. Whether you're a collector or just curious, it’s going to be a fun and relaxed afternoon with a bit of magic in the air.
27 December 2023
FREE: Master the Memorized Deck with Michael Close
From the December 15th Facebook post by Michael Close:
Members! Master the Memorized Deck with Michael Close
We're thrilled to offer our members a new FREE resource from Michael Close – and if you're not a member yet, don't worry, joining is completely free!
This Practice Drill Sheet is perfect for magicians working with the memorized deck, helping you improve memory retention, customize your training, and track your progress.
Sign up as a member, download your free PDF, and watch your memdeck skills flourish! www.MichaelClose.com
08 June 2023
Toronto: Ring 17 Gala dinner and show with Keith Brown, James Harrison, and Michael Close [Jun 15]
From the May 31st Instagram post by the Hat and Rabbit Club:
Join us on June 15 to celebrate the end of our season with an unforgettable evening of dining and entertainment at the Hat and Rabbit Club's Gala Dinner and Show!
Indulge in a delicious roast beef dinner (vegetarian option available) and experience magical performances by @keithhbrown and @pickpocketjames. Featuring music by that amazing jazz pianist (and all-around great guy) @mikeclosemagic! Plus a few other surprises!
Tickets for dinner and the show are $40 each for both members and their guests, be they spouses, partners, friends and/or family!
27 October 2022
Monthly get-togethers with Michael Close [Oct 30, Nov 27, Dec 18]
From the October 25th Tweet by Michael Close:
Attention members. On Sun., Oct 30 at 2PM I'll be hosting our first member group get-together. I'll be discussing False Shuffles. This will be a fun, informal magic session and you can get all the details on your members page here: https://loom.ly/oedD0UA
Attention members. On Sun., Oct 30 at 2PM I'll be hosting our first member group get-together. I'll be discussing False Shuffles. This will be a fun, informal magic session and you can get all the details on your members page here: https://t.co/N8JlBmFEsQ#michaelclosemagic pic.twitter.com/EK12gc8hFE
— Michael Close (@MikeCloseMagic) October 25, 2022
10 October 2022
Michael Close interviewed by Germán Arciniegas
From the October 6th Tweet by Michael Close:
Recently, I was interviewed by Germán Arciniegas, a magician from Colombia. Germán and I talked about my background in magic and music, my work on Fool Us, books, and much more.
https://pastomagic.com/2022/10/entrevista-con-michael-close-una-leyenda-de-la-magia/
Recently, I was interviewed by Germán Arciniegas, a magician from Colombia. Germán and I talked about my background in magic and music, my work on Fool Us, books, and much more. https://t.co/9O58tIXQCd#michaelclosemagic #magic #magicteacher #pastomagic #spanishmagicians pic.twitter.com/eTHcNlROLN
— Michael Close (@MikeCloseMagic) October 6, 2022
07 May 2022
Michael Close on Behind the Page
From the April 25th post "EPISODE 208: MICHAEL CLOSE TALKS ABOUT HIS WORK ON 'PENN & TELLER FOOL US' … AND CHAPTER 8 OF 'THE BULLET CATCH'" at Eli Marks Mysteries:
Magician Michael Close goes into depth about his work helping magicians do their best on “Penn & Teller Fool Us” … and then we jump into a reading of Chapter Eight of “The Bullet Catch.”
Chapter Eight of “The Bullet Catch” starts at 00:39:33
Listen to podcast.
Michael goes into depth about his work helping magicians do their best on “Penn & Teller Fool Us” - Listen here: https://t.co/fN4hBgFSSn#michaelclosemagic #magic #magician #magicconsultant #michaelclosemagic #pennandteller #pennandtellerfoolus #cwnetwork #elimarks
— Michael Close (@MikeCloseMagic) April 26, 2022
13 December 2021
Michael Close consulted for 'Nightmare Alley'
From the December 7th article "'Nightmare Alley' star says Guillermo del Toro brought an actual magician on set to help teach the cast illusions" by Libby Torres in Insider:
During a recent press conference for the film, Strathairn revealed that del Toro went the extra mile to make sure cast members in the carnival portion of the film had everything they needed for their performances.
"We had a magician on set who would help us when we had sleight-of-hand things, card trick stuff," Strathairn said, though his own character "never employed any of those" kinds of illusions.
From the December 11 Facebook post by Michael Close:
11 August 2021
Michael Close interviewed by Craig Petty
From the August 7th episode of Craig Petty's Magic TV, Michael Close - The Ultimate Worker talks Reviews, Close Up Magic, Fool Us & More | Talk Magic #89:
In this interview Michael looks back at his career. He talks about getting into magic, the purpose of writing The Workers series, working on Penn & Teller and more. Along the way he offers advice and guidance on subjects such as creativity, trick and routine selection, performing magic, creating a product, reviewing magic, Penn & Teller and more.
03 May 2021
Michael Close lecture [May 4]
Updated at 9:20am to add the following from Lisa:
- "Just for clarification, it's not really a lecture but more of a discussion of magic, Fool Us, and other magic related topics."
Tuesday May 4th. Hosted by Tin City Magic.
From the May 1st Facebook post by Mike Segal:
05 December 2020
Penn and Teller: Fool Us casting for season 8
From the November 18th Facebook post by Michael Close:
Well, here's some fun news for all of you from the executive producers of Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
- We just finished shooting the second half of season 7 at the (empty) Rio in Las Vegas, for a total of twenty-six episodes this year, including our one-hundredth episode. Go Magic!
- New episodes will begin to air on or about January 8, 2021.
- Shooting with Covid protocols proved challenging but possible, and the show looks great – including our virtual audience.
- International acts participated with pre-taped tricks and as "live remotes."
- The CW just can't get enough Fool Us. We are CASTING SEASON 8 now! Tell your friends. Tell yourself. Tell anyone with cool magic even if they are not your friend! Please send submissions to fooluscasting@gmail.com.
All the best,
Andrew Golder and Lincoln Hiatt, Executive Producers
04 November 2020
Celebrating 10 years of Canada's Magic with a 10% discount from Michael Close
This month Canada's Magic celebrates its 10th blogiversary!
Throwing an anniversary party is challenging at the best of times. Given the current situation, it's almost impossible.
So we're bringing the celebrations to you! Throughout the month we'll have special offers and giveaways from our sponsors to thank you for your readership and support!
Kicking off our 10th anniversary celebrations, Michael Close Magic is offering our readers 10% (ten percent) off any Michael Close downloadable ebook products (up to a maximum of $200 per person) at MichaelClose.com
- The coupon code is valid for a single use per person and cannot be combined with any other promotions at Michael Close Magic.
- The coupon code will expire on November 30, 2020.
Use "CANADASMAGIC" (without the quotes) at checkout over at Michael Close Magic to redeem this offer!
Thank you Michael for making this available to the readers of Canada's Magic!
22 May 2020
Penn & Teller: Fool Us, winter edition
From Michael Close:
Here's some fun news from Fool Us executive producers Andrew Golder and Lincoln Hiatt:
Penn & Teller: Fool Us has been rewarded with a pickup for a winter edition on the CW Network.
We encourage you to spread the good word. We are beginning to look at submissions for another taping this year as soon as conditions allow. Shoot dates are uncertain, of course, but think September/October-ish. We will do this, however we do it, in a safe and prudent way.
Remember, originality is important, being entertaining is everything, and fooling Penn & Teller is icing on the magic cake. Fool Us alumni are welcome to submit tricks, too.
Submissions/magicians should use our casting email address:
fooluscasting at gmail dot com
Thanks again and warm regards! Send us your friends! Send us your tricks!
14 December 2019
OWOW Recap by Ryan Joyce
From the December 7th article "Magic festival appears in Fergus Ontario" by Ryan Joyce:
We organized a three-day magicians convention, produced a four-day festival featuring five stage shows, two parlour shows, and first-ever Livestream Magic Special during the seven days.
The OWOW Festival scheduled magicians performing table-to-table at local restaurants, secret sessions for magicians, world-class gala magic shows at the Fergus Grand Theatre and exclusive private events around town.
This year we featured twelve internationally acclaimed magicians, Stephen Bargatze, Michael Close, Greg Frewin, Carisa Hendrix, Rick Merrill, Paul Romhany, Jay Sankey, Nicholas Wallace, Owen Anderson, Ryan Joyce, Cody Moynihan, Peter Mennie, Graemazing Reed and Ed Stone.
Read more.
07 December 2019
ICYMI: Unsolicited Advice for performing on Penn and Teller Fool US
Matt's blog post (below) is also quoted in the Looper article "The untold truth of Penn & Teller: Fool Us" by David Lebovitz. (The article also has a nice shout out to Michael Close.)
From the November 25th blog post "Unsolicited Advice for performing on Penn and Teller Fool US, a repost" by Matt DiSero:
From the November 25th blog post "Unsolicited Advice for performing on Penn and Teller Fool US, a repost" by Matt DiSero:
Regarding the actual shoot. Look, I’ve been a full time act since I was 16. I’ve never had a day job. I’m a lifer and as a result, like many of you, the social aspect of being on a multi person show is huge. It IS the juice. I have better sets when I’m joking around with the other acts before I go on. It helps me get into the zone. This will NOT happen on Fool US. When you shoot you’ll be isolated from the other acts.
You can’t watch them do camera block, tech rehearsal or shoot the live show. You can’t be in the audience. You literally sit in a little room waiting to be called to go out and tape. After make up you’re kind of in a jail cell. If you’re hoping to hang with the acts backstage, forget it. Afterwards in the bar yes, but during the show, no. It’s hard to be alone and not get to chill with the acts especially on such a high pressure shoot. Be aware of that and get ready for it.
Read more.
16 November 2019
Merry Fool Us and Masters of Illusion Christmas Magic
From the November 12th post "Penn & Teller: Merry Fool Us: CW Announces Holiday Episodes and Specials" by Regina Avalos in TV Series Finale:
also ...
From Michael Close's Facebook post:
It is about to look real holiday like on The CW. The network announced for all their upcoming holiday specials, and it looks like Penn & Teller: Merry Fool Us will help kick things off. A new holiday special featuring the pair will air on November 29.
also ...
The CW will broadcast the holiday special MASTERS OF ILLUSION: CHRISTMAS MAGIC 2019 Wednesday, December 18 (9:00-10:00pm ET). This special from Associated Television International and hosted by Dean Cain features some of today’s hottest magicians. An encore presentation of MASTERS OF ILLUSION: CHRISTMAS MAGIC 2019 will air Tuesday, December 24 (8:00-9:00pm ET).
Read more.
From Michael Close's Facebook post:
10 November 2019
Michael Close's November 2019 newsletter
Just finished reading the November newsletter from Michael Close. You may be interested in:
- A couple of Stephen Bargatze stories that are very entertaining, especially if you hear Michael's voice reading them to you!
- Michael tips us to a film to begin shooting in Toronto and Buffalo next year.
- Michael Close has a podcast for subscribers, titled "Conversations with Close." This month's guests are Merrill and Bargatze.
- Michael wrote up a fabulous review of the recent Ontario Week of Wonder Magic Convention.
- From the playing card patent files by Lee Asher.
- The Magic of Science
- It's Not Magic... But
- The Art of Conjuring by Mick Ayres.
- A nice shout out to Jonah Babin's Discourse in Magic interview with Ryan Hayashi.
- A Ricky Jay tribute by Tom Zito.
- Technically Speaking by by Bruce Kalver.
- and many other newsworthy tidbits from the magic community!
Sign-up at MichaelClose.com to receive Michael's newsletters.
28 October 2019
Ontario Week of Wonder recap
With thanks to Joan Caesar for sending us updates and photos from the first Ontario Week of Wonder!
Congratulations to everyone involved. It looked like a fabulous event.
Special congratulations to Joan, who received a special Lifetime Achievement Award at the Saturday night gala show.
(Click on each photo to see at full size)
Congratulations to everyone involved. It looked like a fabulous event.
Special congratulations to Joan, who received a special Lifetime Achievement Award at the Saturday night gala show.
(Click on each photo to see at full size)
[2/2] At the end they gave @paulromhany a birthday cake which we shared. Tonight’s Gala show will be an outstanding all Canadian show w/ Lucy Darling, (@CarisaHendrix is winner of comedy award in Melbourne Australia 2 yrs running) @jay_sankey @nickwallacelive & @GregFrewinMagic pic.twitter.com/kBY14CRIHf— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 25, 2019
[2/3] More from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 26, 2019
The Gala Show and close up were wonderful, both full of excellent magic and humour. Quite the night!@jay_sankey@GregFrewinMagic@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/JP1j10BaGq
[3/3] More from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 26, 2019
The Gala Show and close up were wonderful, both full of excellent magic and humour. Quite the night!@CarisaHendrix@paulromhany@MikeCloseMagic@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/9oMyXvUn8X
[2/3] Saturday afternoon from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019
... public children’s show staring Peter Mennie and Owen Anderson, @petermennie@OwenTAnderson@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/GJIuEKyhwU
[3/3] Saturday afternoon from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019
... with stilt walker Doug Hunt. Afternoon lecture by Michael Close.@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/tMgBJyRMsc
[2/4] Saturday gala photos from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/o4hNoVdHCY— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019
[4/4] Saturday gala photos from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):@paulromhany@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/jBZz2GSVN3— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019
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