Where in the world is Neil Croswell?

Upcoming ship dates for Neil!

 

From the April 16th Instagram post by Neil Croswell:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neil Croswell (@neilcroswell)

 

 

 

2022 Canadian Rising Star

Congratulations to Neil Croswell for winning the Allan Slaight Canadian Rising Star award!

 

From the June 20th article "Canadian Rising Star 2022" at Magicana: 

Past recipients of this award include Mahdi Gilbert, Luc Langevin, Eric Leclerc, Nick Wallace, Carisa Hendrix, The Sentimentalists: Mysterion and Steffi Kay, and Jonah Babins.

This year we are delighted to add NEIL CROSWELL to this bright list of rising stars. Watch the award video and meet this Toronto-based performer who has successfully turned what was a childhood hobby into a busy, thriving career as a touring illusionist.

Congratulations to NEIL CROSWELL, the 2022 Allan Slaight Canadian Rising Star recipient! Did you catch Neil's story on our site? Visit: https://t.co/c5kHz1OxjC and find out more about Neil, and this award, which comes with $5,000 from the Slaight Family Foundation. pic.twitter.com/iajDmpCVBa

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) June 20, 2022

 

 

 

Orillia: Neil and Ashley Croswell at Fern Resort

From the July 10th Facebook post by Neil Croswell:

The light at the end of the tunnel. After 16 months of not being able to perform live, in person shows here in Ontario, Ashley and I are super excited to be bringing our illusion show to the Bergwen’s Theatre at the Fern Resort in Orillia, every Saturday night for the rest of the summer. (July 17th-September 4th)

 

 

 

The Ontario Science Centre's show The Science of Magic

From the March 17th Facebook post by Neil Croswell:

The show explored the relationship between science and magic and we were joined by Illusionarium creator, Jamie Allan, as well as Richard Wiseman, psychologist and creator of Quirkology. These gentlemen joined us from their studios in the UK while my fellow cast mates, Cammy Gibson, Caitlin Mckeon and I, live-streamed directly from the Illusionarium in Toronto. 

Thank you to all involved! 

For those interested in all things science and magic it is a great watch and the recording of the event can be viewed back here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZPSWxWVdbg

 

 

 

 

Due to the notice from the Ontario Government on March 19th, Illusionarium will now open on April 3rd.

We are in the process off rescheduling tickets and reaching out to everyone affected.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times!

— Illusionariumto (@illusionariumto) March 20, 2021

 

Toronto: Illusionarium

Back in October, we posted an open call for Jamie Allan's "Magic Maze Live" which has rebranded as "Illusionarium." 

In the same theme as the "Immersive Van Gogh" experience, this exhibit boasts socially distant displays in multiple rooms.  It features 3D projections, immersive room effects, TV studio recreations, and live magicians.

Canadian talent includes: Neil Croswell, Sean Watson, Aaron Matthews (with Caroline Sauve), and Alex Kazam!

Also, involved is Cameron Gibson from the UK.

(We must be missing people ... who else is on board?)

From the Illusionarium website:

This holiday season you and your Magic Circle (of wizards you live with) will explore a labyrinth of mysterious rooms transporting you to different eras of illusion.

Take an immersive journey through the evolution of magic as the world’s most famous illusionists share their deepest secrets…

Using 3D projections, life-like holograms, and live magicians, this is the first time audiences can marvel at the greatest illusions up close – all in a socially-distanced setting.

Conceived by British high-tech magician, Jamie Allan (iMagician), this experiential exhibit blends Jamie’s encyclopedic knowledge on the history of magic with state-of-the-art-technology to bring illusions of the past into the 21st century.

Read more and buy tickets.

Illusionarium now onsale!
This holiday season you and your Magic Circle (of wizards you live with) will explore a labyrinth of mysterious rooms transporting you to different eras of illusion.
Space is limited.https://t.co/p5AeKSovd2#illusionariumTO #Toronto pic.twitter.com/gUH4pHiSkP

— Illusionariumto (@illusionariumto) November 14, 2020

2018 "Holiday Magic"

Dick Joiner is once again presenting "Holiday Magic" with performances in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Ontario.  This is a family style variety show raising much needed funds for the Shriners and their work for children's charities.

To support the show or to attend, tickets are available at 1-844-878-5271 (or last minute at the door if seating is available).  Doors for all shows open 30 minutes prior to curtain time.

The main show format features Neil Croswell and Ashley (just back from six months of cruise ship work), Craig Douglas our comedy juggler (a client favorite) and Ivan who will be presenting a Chair Stacking act + the Cyi wheel.  All shows are hosted by Dick Joiner.


Show dates and cities for this year:

•     Nov 2nd 7pm -- Savoy Theatre, Glace Bay.
•     Nov 3rd 1pm and 4pm -- Theatre in the square, New Glasgow.
•     Nov 4th 1pm -- Cobequid Education Centre Theatre. Truro
•     Nov 5th 7pm -- Capital Theatre, Moncton.
•     Nov 6th 7pm -- Horton High School Theatre, Wolfville
•     Nov 7th  7pm -- The Y'Ark Playhouse Theatre, Yarmouth
•     Nov 8th 7pm -- Bella Rose Theatre. Halifax.
•     Nov 9th 7pm -- Le Carrefour Theatre, Charlottetown PEI.
•     Nov 10th 1pm -- Bathurst High School Theatre. Bathurst.
•     Nov 11th 1pm -- Bernard- Poirier Theatre, Fredericton.
•     Nov 12th 7pm -- Imperial Theatre, St John
•     Nov 21st 7pm -- Capital Theatre, Windsor.
•     Nov 22nd 7pm -- Sarnia Lib. Theatre. Sarnia
•     Nov 23rd. 7pm -- Forest City Church Theatre. London
•     Nov 24th 1pm -- Humanities Theatre, Kitchener.
•     Nov 24th 1pm -- Sanderson Centre, Brantford.
•     Nov 26th 7pm -- Capital Theatre, Chatham
•     Nov 27th 7pm -- Mowhawk Theatre, Hamilton
•     Nov 28th 7pm -- Seneca Queen Theatre, Niagara Falls.
•     Nov 29th 7pm -- Georgian Theatre, Barrie.
•     Dec 4th 7pm -- Empire Theatre Belleville
•     Dec 5th 7pm -- Rose Theatre, Brampton
•     Dec 10th 7pm -- 34 Catharine St. St Catherines.

A smaller show consisting of Dick Joiner, Craig Douglas and Magic Mike will be offered on the following dates and venues:

•     Nov 20th 7pm -- Masonic Centre, St. Thomas
•     Dec 6th 7pm -- Market Centre, Woodstock
•     Dec 7th -- Avondale Church Theatre. Stratford.

FOR TICKETS call: 1-844-878-5271


[with thanks to Dick Joiner for sending this information along]

2017 Readers' Choice award results

Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:  a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the fabulous talent in our country.

One hundred and seven votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  This year there was an option to add a comment to your vote.  My favourite comment?  "I hope no one can see I voted for myself..."  (Bonus points to you if you can guess who wrote that.)

Here are the results of our second annual  "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Ryan Brown
Nominated by dmdlfyer.

It is clear from his multiple nominations that Ryan has worked hard to get this far in his career.  He is an inspiration to the students at his alma mater.   Ryan continues to stretch himself by seeking opportunities to learn with and from world class magicians.

Website: RyanBrownMagic.com

Neil Croswell
Nominated by Anonymous.

In 2017, Neil appeared on "Masters of Illusion" and performed across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka.

Neil's Asia appearances include the "Knights of Illusion" magic show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Michael Finney and Xavier Mortimer.  He also performed 32 stage shows in Beijing, China at the annual "Happy Valley International Magic Festival."  This year, Neil performed over 300 shows across five countries.


Website: NeilCroswellMagic.com

Caiden Finch (12 yo)
Nominated by Phil Matlin.

Caiden was the youngest nominee in 2017.  It is clear to me that he is on a similar trajectory as the others nominated this year.  He is a hard worker, who actively seeks out feedback, and implements advice received.  I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016.  I have no doubt we'll continue to hear wonderful things about him as the years progress!

Website:

• Read more about Caiden at the Perfect Magic Facebook page and the Perfect Magic blog.

Murray and Teresa Hatfield
Nominated by The Magic Demon.

The Hatfields had another amazing year! Murray and Teresa Hatfield starred in and produced their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. It was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen.

Additionally, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever." Murray is also the President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com

Editor's Choice

Julie Eng
Nominated by James Alan.

Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," in 2017 Julie was also a major driving force behind the publication of "The Magic of Johnny Thompson," Magic Live (as performer, presenter, and host), Magicana's Magic Collectors Weekend, Magicana's A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities (as publisher, project manager) and the CBC's show Magic and Science.  I'm exhausted just thinking about it all!

Somehow, while doing all of that, Julie still found time to be the Executive Director at Magicana.


Website: magicienne.com

Readers' Choice

Benzi Train
Nominated by Ari.

Congratulations to Benzi for winning the 2017 Readers' Choice award!

Keep up your great work with the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, Newest Trick in the Book and Toronto Magic Company!

Vote now for the 2017 Readers' Choice award

 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the 2017 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!  Voting will close on Saturday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll.  (Unfortunately, the poll does not appear in the mobile version of the site.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (in no particular order):

Caiden Finch (12 yo)
Nominated by Phil Matlin.
"He has performed on stage for paying audience and I might say he was great. His magic was excellent. He was dressed for the occasion. He had a themed routine and what I really liked was that came in [to Perfect Magic] about week before the show and asked for some advice. I talked, he listened and implemented 95% of it in his show."

I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016.  He's a fine young man with a bright future ahead of him!

Website:

• Read more about Caiden at the Perfect Magic Facebook page.
• Read more about Caiden at the Perfect Magic blog.

Ryan Brown
Nominated by dmdlfyer.

"Ryan started performing magic very early in school. While he was in my class, he would bargain his work completion in order to go to the kindergarten class and perform his latest trick. He continued to perform and cam back several years to perform free at our school's fun fair. True school and community spirit. Ryan has inspired many of the students to believe in their dream and to work hard to achieve it. He continues to seek advancement in his craft by seeking peer help and taking classes taught by more experienced magicians. In 2017 Ryan performed at Screemers at Exhibition Place Toronto in October. Great show Ryan!!  Increased his knowledge of magic by taking classes in Las Vegas with the master of masks and magical knowledge, Jeff McBride earlier this year."

Supporting information from Patricia Silver:

"Ryan Brown is an example of a young man who knew what he wanted to accomplish, kept focused under difficult conditions, and has achieved it - a life in magic. Not only is he talented, he is a joy to work with, both personally and professionally. My agency had the pleasure of mentoring and booking Ryan from early in his career. He takes his magic very seriously, and is constantly working to raise the bar on his show and learn from others. He is worthy of an award."

Supporting information from Anonymous:

"The magic or Ryan Brown. I have known Ryan for many years and not only is he a close friend but amazing magician who is dedicating his life to magic and works extremely hard so he definitely deserves an award."

Supporting information from Anonymous:

"I'd like to nominate Ryan Brown ("The Magic of Ryan Brown"). I've known Ryan since he was a youth and was shown his first magic tricks. From that point on, Ryan became dedicated to learning the craft, and perfecting tricks and routines. He recently won a scholarship to an exclusive magic school in Las Vegas where he had opportunity to perfect his craft further. Ryan creates routines to amaze his audiences with thought to ages he he performing in front of. He continues to create illusions himself. Seeing a performance by Ryan is nothing short of amazing. "

Supporting information from Unknown:

"I second all these nominations of Ryan. I have worked with as his assistant. And he is always improving and raising the bar, trying and accomplishing new tricks and striving to be the best magician he can be. "

Supporting information from Anonymous:

"I nominate Ryan Brown because having known him since he was 15, I have seen him hold fast to his dream of being a professional magician in the face of having his mother suffer a devastating illness when Ryan was age 11.

As a result Ryan had to grow up in a blue collar single parent household in a low income area, having to overcome many obstacles in order to be where he is today."

Supporting information from Anonymous:

"Many years ago, I gave Ryan Brown his first opportunity to perform professionally. Seeing his accomplishments to date astounds me, just like his magic does.

Ryan continues to diversify his act. In 2017 he added new stage illusions and executed them flawlessly in his own style. As Ryan moves to the next phase of his career, I can't help but be inspired by his daily dedication to the craft of magic. New wardrobe, new card manipulation, new stage illusions, he's been hard at work this year.

On a personal level, 2017 was an extra challenging year for Ryan, with the passing of his father. Ryan's first performance on a Las Vegas stage this past September would have made him very proud.

It is for these reasons that I nominate Ryan Brown for "Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year"."


Website: RyanBrownMagic.com

Neil Croswell
Nominated by Anonymous.
"I would like to nominate Neil Croswell. I have watched Neil devote his life to magic from a young age and he has stuck to his vision from day one. His determination and work ethic over the years make him an inspiration as well as his countless awards and international TV appearances (Fool Us, etc.). In 2017, he appeared on "Masters of Illusion" , completed 250+ shows on a cruise in the Bahamas, and performed internationally across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka. To accomplish what he has at his age, I believe, is an inspiration to Canadian magicians with goals of a professional career. "

Neil's Asia appearances include the "Knights of Illusion" magic show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Michael Finney and Xavier Mortimer.  He also performed 32 stage shows in Beijing, China at the annual "Happy Valley International Magic Festival."  This year, Neil performed over 300 shows across five countries.


Website: NeilCroswellMagic.com



 

Julie Eng
Nominated by James Alan.

Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," this year Julie has had a few other things on the go!
 
"The Magic of Johnny Thompson": Julie has been project managing the production and publication of "The Magic of Johnny Thompson." Her roles include: photographer, photo editor, and editor.

Magic Live - performer, presenter, and host: Julie was invited back (for the third time since 2015!) to co-host all the general sessions with Jonathan Levit. Sometimes hosting meant interviewing interesting magic characters, like the one-and-only David Williamson, or being part of something like a “show and tell” with Levent (where he talked about 3D printing).

Magicana - Magic Collectors Weekend - producer, host, project manager:  As part of Magicana, Julie staged and produced a Magic History Conference called the Magic Collectors Weekend in Montreal (first time out of the USA).  It coincided with the opening of Illusions: The Art of Magic poster exhibition featuring some of the top-drawer posters from the newly acquired Allan Slaight Collection of posters.

Magicana - A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities -  publisher, project manager: This year, Julie also worked closely with Dr. Eddie Dawes and his family to start the process of publishing the historical series A Rich Cabinet of Curiosities (published in the Magic Circle’s organ the Magic Circular). Magicana will produce and release Dr Dawes's collected monthly series in an epic, multi-volume compendium spanning forty years, of over 450 articles. The first volume is now in the works and with hopes of getting an edition out by the late fall of 2018 or perhaps early 2019.

Magic and Science - performer, host, presenter: Julie was included as part of the Magic and Science special, one-hour documentary for CBC’s "The Nature of Things: which will air sometime in the early part of 2018. Julie acts as “host” and helps to link the segments together, performing a bit of magic along the way. This is Julie's first major television piece.

Somehow, while doing all of that, Julie still found time to be the Executive Director at Magicana.


Website: magicienne.com

Murray and Teresa Hatfield
Nominated by The Magic Demon.
"The Magic Demon nominates Murray and Teresa Hatfield for starring in and producing their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. For the second year in a row, it was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen."

In addition, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever." Murray is also the President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com



 

Benzi Train
Nominated by Ari.
"I nominate Benzi Train because of his tireless work over the years to promote the performance of live magic in Toronto and his efforts at the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club and bringing in of top quality lecturers to our community. His (and partner Jonah Babbins) show Newest Trick in the Book gives any magician a venue/opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. He has inspired many magicians to challenge themselves creatively or to even perform live."


Supporting information from Steven Lafond:
"I second the nomination for Ben Train for his incredible work with the Toronto Magic Company. He is an amazing performer and producer and has worked very hard to keep magic alive in the Toronto performing arts scene."


Supporting information from Natasha:
"I’m nominating Ben Train for all the work he’s done for the Toronto magic community. Besides becoming one of the most popular performers in the city, Ben also founded the Toronto Magic Company and produces different magic shows every week across the city. Whether working with aspiring young magicians to give them the confidence to go on stage, provide professionals with new opportunities to share their magic, or bringing the best magic in the world to Toronto for public shows and lectures, there isn’t anyone in the city doing more for magic than Ben."


Website: BenTrain.ca




Cast your vote now at Poll Junkie!

2017 "Holiday Magic"

Dick Joiner is once again presenting "Holiday Magic" with performances in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Ontario.  This is a family style variety show raising much needed funds for the Shriners and their work for children's charities.

If you would like to attend one of the shows, please call 1-877-948-6626 for ticket availability and information.

The East Coast Tour features:

• Dick Joiner as host and M.C.
• MAJINX, performing magic and illusions.
• Greg Tarlin, juggler.
• Sasha Arestov, acro.

The Ontario Tour features:

• Dick Joiner as host and M.C.
• Ted and Marion Outerbridge, performing magic and illusions. (Note: Neil Croswell and Ashley will appear on December 8th and 16th)
• Greg Tarlin, juggler. (Note: Craig Douglas will appear on December 8th and 16th)
• Sasha Arestov, acro.

Scroll down to see the show dates (or download the PDF from Philae-Shriners.com):

East Coast:

• Nov 4th 1pm show. Gwendolyn Kent Auditorium. Bathurst N.B.
• Nov 5th 1pm show. Bernard Poirier Theatre. Fredericton. N.B.
• Nov 6th 7pm show. Capitol Theatre. Moncton. N.B.
• Nov 7th 7pm show. Horton High Theatre. Wolfville. N.S.
• Nov 8th. 7pm show. Th'Yark Playhouse Theatre. Yarmouth. N.S.
• Nov 9th. 5pm and 7.15pm shows. Bella Rose Theatre. Halifax. N.S.
• Nov 10th. 7pm show Savoy Theatre. Glace Bay. N.S.
• Nov 11th. 1pm and 4pm shows.Glasgow Square Theatre New Glasgow. N.S.
• Nov12th. 1pm and 4pm shows.  I'Isle-Saint-Jean Theatre. Charlottetown . P.E.I.
• Nov 13th 7pm show. Cobequid Ed Centre. Truro N.S.
• Nov 14th 7pm show. Imperial Theatre. Saint John N.B.

Ontario:

• Nov 18th 1pm show. Catherine Street Auditorium. St. Catharines.
• Nov 20th 7pm show. Capital Theatre. Windsor.
• Nov 21st 7pm show. Kiwanis Theatre. Chatham.
• Nov 22nd. 7pm show. Library Theatre. Sarnia.
• Nov 24th. 7pm show Forest City. London.
• Nov 28th 7pm show. Empire Theatre. Belleville.
• Nov 30th. 7pm show. Rose Theatre. Brampton.
• Dec 1st. 7pm show. Sanderson Theatre. Brantford
• Dec 2nd. 1pm show. Humanities Theatre. Waterloo
• Dec 8th. 7pm show Seneca Queen Theatre, Niagara Falls
• Dec 16th. 1pm and 4pm shows. Meadowvale Theatre. Mississauga

FOR TICKETS call: 1-877-948-6626. 

[with thanks to Dick Joiner for sending this information along]

Neil Croswell on "Masters of Illusion"

Watch Neil's appearance on last week's episode of  "Masters of Illusion."

From Neil Croswell's Facebook page:

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Canadians on Masters of Illusions 2017

Updated June 28th to add Billy Kidd at the bottom of the post!

Roll call, please!

So far I've got Neil Croswell and Shawn Farquhar.  Who am I missing?


From Neil Croswell's Facebook page:

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From Shawn Farquhar's Instagram account:

Excited to announce I'll be featured on this years amazing series! Check it out. #magic #farquharfun #shawnfarquhar #mastersofillusion

A post shared by Shawn Farquhar (@magichampion) on Jun 23, 2017 at 5:00pm PDT

From Billy Kidd's Twitter feed:
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New Series of Masters of Illusion starts this Friday on the @TheCW network. @cw_illusion A quick show with very quick magic. #magic pic.twitter.com/KgqFsWL5PF

— Billy Kidd (@Billykiddshow) June 28, 2017

Neil Croswell's 2016 Fall tour

From the Facebook page of James Carey Lauder:

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Neil Croswell on "Penn and Teller Fool Us" Season 3

Continuing the theme of Canadian magicians on "Penn and Teller Fool Us," have a look at Neil Croswell's recent appearance.

From the YouTube channel of Neil Croswell Magic:

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[Guest post] Can Canada's top mentalists fool Penn and Teller?

The following is a guest post from Clive Court.

-- 
MEET THE EVASONS---THEY READ A LOT OF MINDS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. BUT CAN THEY FOOL PENN AND TELLER?

TORONTO,Ont--(Sept.1)   The Evasons are a Toronto couple who make a good living reading the minds of corporate and political leaders on the U.S. East Coast.

On Wednesday, Sept.7, at 8pm.ET, they will challenge the famous Las Vegas magical duo on Penn and Teller:Fool Us! the popular primetime series on the the CW Network.

Recognized as one of the world's top mentalism acts, The Evasons appear to be part of an emerging trend which is bringing more magical and visual entertainers to primetime TV audiences in the United States.

Network TV series like NBC's America's Got Talent, CW's Masters of Illusion, and Penn and Teller:Fool Us! are introducing a greater number of magical and visual entertainers to North American viewers.  This, in turn, has meant more exposure for Canadian magicians.

Why is this?  Because Canadian magical entertainers are ranked among the best in the world by other nations. The Evasons are known worldwide for their second-sight act where a blindfolded Tessa describes in intimate detail the personal items held up by members of the audience.

Although based in Toronto and Annapolis, Maryland (just outside Washington,DC) Jeff and Tessa are in demand around the world as entertainers for major corporate and international conventions.

Born in Toronto, Jeff met Tessa in the early 80s while hosting a fashion show where she was a model. Tessa was working part-time while studying at Ryerson University. They have been together since 1983.



--

                                 
For further information, photos and video:  Please go to www.evasons.com.

NB.  A great example of a Canadian magician appearing on a US network primetime show was Winnipeg's Darcy Oake introducing guest artists from The Illusionists (on Broadway) on the August 31 edition of America's Got Talent.  Among the other Canadian magicians appearing on US primetime TV this summer were: Shawn Farquhar, Murray SawChuck, and Vitaly Beckman (from Vancouver); Mahdi Gilbert, Neil Croswell, Ryan Joyce, and Matt DiSero (from Toronto); and world-champion magician, Greg Frewin, from Niagara Falls.


~~~~

Thank you Clive for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

20 amazing alumni from Sorcerers Safari

No matter how you slice it, camp just wouldn’t be camp without campers!  It shouldn’t surprise you that Neil Croswell (gold medal ‘Magic of China, International Magic Championships” 2015), Bill Cook (three-time award winner at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas), and Kelvin Kwong (first place Magi-Fest junior close-up, second place IBM junior close-up) have all attended.  Without a doubt, Sorcerers Safari attracts multi-talented and amazing youth.  To mark their upcoming 20th anniversary, flip to page 108 of the 26th edition of VANISH magazine and have a look at "20 amazing alumni from Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp."




--
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 Sorcerers Safari

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 5

|< page 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 -5- 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - next >

A camper's notebook.

Day 2: Saturday August 15th (cont)*

5pm
Camp swim is so much fun!  We get to use huge inner tubes to float in the docks at the lake.  Eric Leclerc went out of the designated area in an inner tube, to get a ball that floated away.  It was funny to watch him try and paddle with his hands!  There’s a slide that goes into the lake and a super high platform that you can jump off of too.

Inner tubes are fun!

Squeezing more magic in before the swim.

We had “performance workshop” where some campers performed something and everyone got to tell them what they liked about it and what they thought could be improved.  Some kids got up and did things that we just learned at electives today!  Everyone seems really supportive and encouraging here.  No one was mean about it.  

Then we played the “Umm” game.  It’s where you have to talk as long as you can about an assigned topic (think unicorns, chocolate, soccer, etc) without saying things like “umm” or “ahh.”  It’s hard!  (And fun to watch!)  Now I know that I need to script my performances because I’m not so good at improvising!

Performance workshop.

10pm
What a night!  We ate chicken burgers and chocolate mousse!  At the theatre we watched video messages for us from magicians from Las Vegas and other places in the US.  Apparently there’s a camper show later in the week.  I wonder if I have anything good enough to do for the show...

The evening performance was mind blowing.  Mike Close, Eric, Sheldon Casavant, Scott Hammell, Neil Croswell and Ashley Da Silva are all fabulous.  I got to see dove magic live for the first time.  Neil made birds appear out of NOWHERE. 

Mike Close.

Eric Leclerc.

Neil Croswell and Ashley Da Silva.

Rosemary Reid, Mark Correia, and Chris Mayhew did lip syncs tonight.  I laughed so hard when Chris “blah, blah, blahed” his way through "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé.

Chris Mayhew channeling Beyoncé.

After that we had a beach party -- wait for it -- on the beach!  There was fire floating in the lake (I’d never seen that before).  We had fries and chicken nuggets and fried zucchini for snack.  Phil DaCosta, the DJ, had everyone moving and doing the limbo and forming conga lines.  I liked it when he played the “Cha Cha Slide” and “Uptown Funk.”  I complained when my counsellor said I had to leave early ‘cause I’m so little.  Secretly I’m glad I’m back at the cabin.  I’m pooped.

How low can you go?

Beach party!

More beach party!

 
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

|< page 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 -5- 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - next >

* 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.

Congratulations to Neil Croswell!

From Clive Court's Facebook page:

Post by Clive Court.

Charlottetown: Neil Croswell

From Clive Court:

This illusion is a modern variation on the Broomstick suspension which actually dates back to Robert-Houdin, the founder of modern stage magic. and beyond. It has it's origins in Asian priestcraft and street magic. Last New Year's Eve Neil appeared on the world's leading TV variety show from Paris, Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. 

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Watch Neil Croswell perform the Microphone Stand Suspension in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island:

Croswell and Forget on Le plus grand cabaret du monde

From Magic Stripped with Richard Forget's Facebook page:

What are ya doing New Years Eve? If you get channel TV5 in your area watch Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. It will be a four hour extravaganza of the best variety acts from around the world. There's even a countdown. I know because we did it at the beginning of this month!! 

This was my third time on the show and definitely my most favorite. Check it out.
On the show I performed my classic act, An Urban Phantasy.  

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From Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde:

Visuels :
Neil Croswell : magicien colombes
Richard Forget : magie avec feu 

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Shrine Fantasy Show

It's the time of year for the Shrine Fantasy Show!  From their website:

The Shrine Fantasy Show will amaze, surprise, and entertain the entire family when it comes to your town this autumn. This magical extravaganza which includes magic, illusions, juggling acts, comedy, and more, is filled with imagination and showmanship. 

For years the Shrine Fantasy has toured the country entertaining thousands with new acts.

What’s more, just by coming out to share in the fun and excitement, you will assist in creating true magic in your community through support of worthy causes. A portion of all proceeds from Shrine Fantasy will benefit the many Shrine activities.

Participating talent includes:  Dick Joiner, Patrice Meunier, Fantasy Circus, Neil Croswell, John Park, Johnny Toronto, Michael Bourada, Sheldon Casavant, Greg Tarlin, and Damien James (performers vary by province).

Schedule and ticket information at the Shrine Fantasy Show website.