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!  

https://bit.ly/4amT2NN

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

 

 

 

 

 

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! 

https://www.ibmring17.com/events/year-end-gala

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hat & Rabbit Club, Toronto (@hatandrabbitclub)

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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. 

Read more.

 

From the December 11 Facebook post by Michael Close:

 

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. 

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:

 

 

 

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.

1. 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!
2. New episodes will begin to air on or about January 8, 2021.
3. Shooting with Covid protocols proved challenging but possible, and the show looks great – including our virtual audience.
4. International acts participated with pre-taped tricks and as "live remotes."
5. 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 

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!

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!

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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

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. 

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.

View this post on Instagram

From @joan.caesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks for sending Joan!): The OWOW Festival got off to a great start with sessions by @carisahendrix (Lucy Darling), @nickwallacelive and @therealjaysankey . At the end they gave Paul Romhany a birthday cake which we all shared. Tonight’s Gala show will be an outstanding all Canadian show with Lucy Darling, (winner of the comedy award in Melbourne Australia two years running), Jay Sankey, Nick Wallace and @gregfrewin .

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 25, 2019 at 4:09pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

More from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!): The Gala Show and close up were wonderful, both full of excellent magic and humour. Quite the night! @carisahendrix @nickwallacelive @therealjaysankey @gregfrewin @promhany @mikeclosemagic @ryanjoycemagic @owowmagicfest #OWOWfestival #owow

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 26, 2019 at 7:09am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Saturday afternoon from @joan.caesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!): Lecture by @promhany , session with Renee-Claude Auclair, Joan Caesar, and @mikeclosemagic , public children’s show staring @petermennie and Owen Anderson, with stilt walker Doug Hunt. Afternoon lecture by Michael Close. @OWOWMagicFest #OWOWfestival #owow

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 26, 2019 at 5:05pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Saturday gala photos from @joan.caesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!): [1/2] @ryanjoycemagic also presented Joan with an award last night. Congratulations Joan! @OWOWMagicFest #OWOWfestival #owow

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 27, 2019 at 8:48am PDT

View this post on Instagram

[2/2] Saturday gala photos from @joan.caesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!): @OWOWMagicFest #OWOWfestival #owow

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 27, 2019 at 8:49am PDT

(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!):

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

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 26, 2019

[3/3] More from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):

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

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 26, 2019

[2/3] Saturday afternoon from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):

... public children’s show staring Peter Mennie and Owen Anderson, @petermennie@OwenTAnderson@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/GJIuEKyhwU

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019

[3/3] Saturday afternoon from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):

... with stilt walker Doug Hunt. Afternoon lecture by Michael Close.@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/tMgBJyRMsc

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019

[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

CAM, Close, and Vanish

No, it's not the name of a new law firm.  It's all the reading there is to enjoy this weekend!



From Ryan Pilling's post in the Facebook group for the Canadian Association of Magicians:

September 2019 Northern Peeks published!

• CAM members should have received the latest magazine download link in their email this past week.
• Murray Hatfield remembers meeting the real Mandrake the Magician
• Joan Caesar shares the news about the OWOW Magic Festival coming up this month in Ontario.
• Renee-Claude Auclair tells us more about the FISM North America championship (and the Canadian Magic Championship) happening next year in Quebec.
• Mike Fisher writes about the Great Wizard of the North including his tours in Canada and the United States.
• Jason Verners shares some tips on productivity and how he has kept busy performing at music festivals all summer long.
• I write about my experience at the Ottawa Fringe Festival and lessons learned from producing and performing my new show.
• Gerry Frenette talks about the Too Perfect Theory and how the entertainment often comes out of the diversions from the straight path.

Michael Close's October 2019 newsletter

Just finished reading the August newsletter from Michael Close.  You may be interested in:

• Great summary of his recent Toronto lecture, a complementary eBook, a look ahead to the Ontario Week  of  Wonder  Magic  Festival (talent includes Steve  Bargatze,  Rick  Merrill,  Jay  Sankey,  Greg  Frewin,  Carisa  Hendrix,  Nicholas  Wallace,  and  Paul  Rohmany), and Penn & Teller Fool Us season 7.
• Michael Close has a podcast for subscribers, titled "Conversations with Close."   This month's guest is Ryan Joyce.  
• Review of Paul Wilson's "Just Think.
• A playing card patent article by Lee Asher.
• The Magic of Science by Tina Hesman Saey
• The Art of Conjuring by Mick Ayres.
• 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.  

 Vanish magazine, October 2019, Edition 63

• Articles by Peter Mennie, Colin Underwood, Louie Foxx, Joe Ledoux, Ben Robinson, Tod Karr, Thomas Swieclack, Felicity Field, Nick Lewin, Hal Meyers, and Jeff Christensen.
• Read and subscribe at VanishMagic.com

Richmond Hill: Fool Us coaching session

From Michael Close:

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

Saturday, October 12, 2019. 10AM-3PM

Whether you are full-time professional magician, a part-time pro, or an enthusiastic hobbyist, having an experienced performer analyze and evaluate your act can produce astonishing results. Fool Us champions like Paul Gertner, Doc Dixon, David Parr, and Mahdi Gilbert have all benefited from Michael Close’s coaching. Now you can take your own routines to the next level by participating in one of our intensive coaching sessions.


Read more.

Ontario: Win your OWOW registration & over $600 in magic gifts

The OWOW Magic Festival will run Oct 25, 26, 27, 2019.


From the OWOW Magic Festival:

Win Your Registration & over $600 magic gifts for FREE!

Register for the OWOW Magic Festival before Oct 4th for your chance to win over $600+ magic goodies & swag, courtesy of Lee Asher, Paul Rohmany,& Michael Close!
​

​REGISTER NOW & GET A CHANCE TO WIN OVER $600+ FREE MAGIC!!!

• ​​    OWOW Registration Fee ($145 value!)
•     OWOW VIP Festival Swag ($75 value!)
•     Michael Close: Teaches Crafting Workable Magic Masterclass ($45 value!)
•     Lee Asher MEGA PACK of magic goodies ($95 value!)
•     Paul Rohmany Custom BOR Marketing DVD!! ($250 value!)

Win your registration and festival swag!  PLUS incredible magic bundle from Lee Asher, learn how to polish your magic with Michael Close and Paul Rohmany gives you the best tool to make more money from every show!

Read more and enter.

From the OWOW Magic Festival Twitter feed:

MAGICIANS!! Win a FREE registration to the OWOW Magic Festival Oct 25, 26, 27 and over $600 worth of magic goodies from @LeeAsherMagic, @paulromhany and Michael Close!!! All crazy details here: https://t.co/0G9KLeuhVM ENDS Oct 4!!! #owow #magicfestival @ryanjoycemagic pic.twitter.com/cmiEZRGe6r

— OWOW Magic Festival (@OWOWMagicFest) September 24, 2019

Lucy Darling on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us"

Carisa Hendrix will appear as Lucy Darling on "Fool Us" later this month!

From Michael Close's Facebook post:

MONDAY 9/23 8PM “Magic Is Bad For Your Health”
Lucy Darling
Nestor Hato
Alfonso Rituerto
Keelan Leyser and Matt Daniel-Baker

From the September 6th article "Scoop: Coming Up on a New Episode of PENN & TELLER: FOOL US on THE CW - Monday, September 23, 2019" by TV Scoop on Broadway World:

BILLY THE MIME - Aspiring magicians are invited to perform their best trick to try and fool the world-famous team of Penn & Teller, who will get to see the trick only once and have to immediately try to work it out. Anyone who succeeds wins the right to perform with Penn & Teller in their celebrated show at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The live studio audience and the TV audience watch along with Penn & Teller as they try to figure out the secrets. THE MAGICIANS featured in the episode include Lucy Darling, Nestor Hato, Alfonso Rituerto and Keelan Leyser and Matt Daniel-Baker. Alyson Hannigan ("How I Met Your Mother") serves as host (#612). Original airdate 9/23/2019.

Read more.