Broken wand: Paul Wildbaum

Updated August 18th to add:

• Alex Kazam has a wonderful 3 part tribute to Paul on Facebook.  Part 1, part 2, and part 3.
  

 

More information will be posted as it becomes available.  Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at this difficult time.

From the August 15th Facebook post by Peter Loung:

I am not one to throw the word genius around lightly, especially when referring to an individual. However, in this case that term cannot be more apt of a description for this genuinely beautiful and ridiculously talented soul. Paul Wildbaum was, and forever will be, the measuring stick in which other circus folk measure their skill. For over two decades I have had the honour and privilege to share both the stage and in-depth conversations, ranging the gamut from existential thought to the efficacy of wearing a clown nose, with this legend. To quote William Shakespeare, he was “…a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy…” and he was my friend. I am truly saddened to my core to hear of his passing yesterday, and no amount of words can impart the loss that I, and indeed the world, has suffered.

RIP Paul Wildbaum, you will be sorely missed.

My dear dear friend, mentor and veritable genius in all things circus and clown, Paul Wildbaum has passed.

I missed him after I moved away from Toronto and now won’t get another moment with the master. Rest In Peace sweet clown prince. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AUjNEALaLx

— Bill Abbott (@billabbottlive) August 15, 2020

View this post on Instagram

Sad to report the passing of Paul Wildbaum. Paul was unquestionably a unique performer in Toronto, blending magic with clowning, mime and an assortment of allied arts. He was an inspiration and mentor to many. He will be deeply missed. (Photo: Seen here as Doctor-Professor Faux-Pas, performing the Human Glockenspiel at the Year-End Banquet, June 2012)

A post shared by Hat & Rabbit Club, Toronto (@hatandrabbitclub) on Aug 15, 2020 at 4:58pm PDT

  

Random thoughts about 90th birthday parties

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending two 90th birthday celebrations, both for Toronto's very own Gordon Precious.  Gordon is an absolute gentleman in every sense of the word.  I've known Gordon for close to 20 years and in that time he's been consistently positive, welcoming and encouraging.  He's younger at heart than many people of my generation.  Simply having Gordon in your life, makes you a better person.

First up was the Browser's event:

• The event was extremely well attended.  There were people in attendance that I didn't see that day -- it was that packed.
• It was fabulous showing of friendship from the magic community.  (Folks drove in from Kitchener, Hamilton and Ottawa!)
• No one does the the Vanishing Birdcage like Gordon.
• David Merry did a set that kept everyone in stitches.
• Jeff always throws wonderful celebration parties!
• I am incapable of entering a magic shop without leaving with a purchase.
• Read more about it (and see pictures) at the Browser's Den blog.

And later in the week, a celebration by Ring 17 at their year end banquet:

• The banquet was also very well attended.  (Folks also drove in from Kitchener, Hamilton and Ottawa!)
• Gordon did a wonderful set, entertaining young and old alike!
• There was a Zig-Zag illusion that went off without a hitch.
• I had no idea Gordon could breathe fire.
• Paul Wildbaum and Bill Abbott were entertaining, as always. 
• See photos at the Ring 17 Facebook group.

Wonderful celebrations for a wonderful person!  Happy birthday Gordon!

Toronto: Red Nose District show

From the Red Nose District Facebook page:

Today (April  19)

The Red Nose District show was created to provide a space for new clowns, returning clowns and veteran clowns to create and hone new material in front of a supportive audience. The Red Nose District continues in the tradition of classic Toronto clown shows such as Space Night, Cirque du Poulet and Clown Chowder.

With hosts:
Desolita & Clarence!
(Nicole Ascroft & Sean Michael)

With special guests:
Paul Wildbaum
Carina Gaspar & Stephen La Frenie
Dana Fradkin
Wesley JB
Sketchy the Clown & Light Switch
Cerise Noir
Daniel Girard
Mitzi Reinsilber
Scarlet Black

Read more.

[via: Deborah Fallick]

Toronto: Paul Wildbaum workshop at Clown Alley

Paul Wildbaum Workshop Meeting-  May 22, 2012
Doors open at 6:45pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Location: Herbert Carnegie Centennial Centre, 580 Finch Avenue West
(West of Bathurst on North Side) ... in the Skaters Lounge


[h/t: Deborah Fallick]

Rounding the Ontario rings in February

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
  

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Got Talent night
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Magic Olympics
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- annual DVD night
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Memorial Night / Classic Magic
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- comedy workshop (panelists: Matt DiSero, David Merry, Glenn Ottaway and Paul Wildbaum)
Woodstock, ON	CAM 1 (Friendly City Mystics)	- N/A

 
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Paul Wildbaum: Movement Comedy Workshop

From Paul Wildbaum:

This class focuses on developing physical comedy. You will discover the natural comedic impulses within you by working through commedia, mime and clown style improvisational exercises. (All the “Mime” you'll ever need to know.)

The workshop helps you explore spontaneity, timing and the basic fundamentals of physical comedy. Drawing from the traditions of LeCoq, Pochinko, Polivka, Carlos Climente and other masters, I have created a 1 day 8 hour developmental intensive. You will find that this workshop is beneficial to performers and teachers of all levels of experience.

The workshop will be held at:

Studio G at the Centre of Gravity
1300 Gerrard St E., Toronto
Sun. 23 Oct 9:30-6:30

Contact Paul directly for questions about the workshop.

Paul Wildbaum: Movement Comedy Workshop

From the Facebook Page:

This class focuses on developing physical comedy. You will discover the natural comedic impulses within you by working through commedia, mime and clown style improvisational exercises. (All the “Mime” you'll ever need to know.)

The workshop helps you explore spontaneity, timing and the basic fundamentals of physical comedy. Drawing from the traditions of LeCoq, Pochinko, Polivka, Carlos Climente and other masters, I have created a 1 day 8 hour developmental intensive. You will find that this workshop is beneficial to performers and teachers of all levels of experience.

Read more.

The workshop will be held at:

Studio G at the Centre of Gravity
133 Gerrard St E., Toronto
10am-6:30pm Sunday September 25th.

Visit the Facebook page to for prices, registration information or to confirm details.


[h/t: Deborah Fallick]

Morrissey Magic: 52 years wonderful!

A great time was had by all at Morrissey Magic's 52nd Anniversary Party yesterday!  At the open house we were treated to a close-up show featuring Bill McCourt (Ring 17 past president 73/74), Luiz Castro (doing a side-splitting impersonation of Juan Tamariz), Christyrious and Dan Morrissey! The afternoon stage show, emceed by Glen Ottaway, showcased the talent of Michael Collins, Danny Hammil, Alex Kazam, Bill Abbott and Paul Wildbaum (who conducted a beautiful impromptu bell choir).

The day was filled with laughter, amazement and friendship.  Thank you Dan and Phoebe for hosting this wonderful day!