Showing posts with label Piff the Magic Dragon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Piff the Magic Dragon. Show all posts

28 January 2024

Niagara Falls: Piff the Magic Dragon [May 9 - 11]

Tickets at Fallsview Casino Resort.

 

Read our 2023 interview where we learn about Piff's:
 
- journey into magic
- studies in magic-adjacent disciplines
- self-care on tour, and
- show growth in 10 years

 

From the January 8th Instagram post by Piff the Magic Dragon:

New year, new show, new dates. 


 

 

 

 

 

24 September 2023

Piff the Magic Book Launch (virtual & FREE) with Penn & Teller, Shin Lim, Mac King, and more! [Sep 28]

Read our 2023 interview with Piff where we learn:
 
- what was instrumental to Piff becoming a magician
- magic-adjacent disciplines Piff's studied
- his self-care practice is on tour
- about his 2023 show  "2013 Piff" finds unbelievable, and
- when he got discouraged and think about quitting magic
Updated September 27th to add:
  • David Copperfield and John Lovick will be joining Penn & Teller, Shin Lim, Mac King, Mr. Piffles, and presumably Piff as part of the launch event!
     
 
A reminder that you can catch Piff the Magic Dragon on his mini-tour at:


From the September 20th Facebook post by Vanishing Inc:
 
The most pifftacular event of the year is coming! Clear your calendars now. You will NOT want to miss this.
So many epic surprises are planned, including the unveiling of the single most incredible deluxe version of a book you've ever seen.
Secure your free spot:
https://loom.ly/39bUbeg 


 
  

 
Catch Piff at:  

 

Learn more about Piff at his website PiffTheMagicDragon.com and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

08 April 2023

A peek behind the curtain with Piff the Magic Dragon [2023]

We were delighted to interview Piff the Magic Dragon ahead of his upcoming Canadian tour!


A peek behind the curtain with Piff the Magic Dragon 


Casino Nova Scotia [Apr 28]
Casino NB [Apr 29]
Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls [May 21 -23]
TCU Place, Saskatoon [Oct 10]
Casino Regina [Oct 12]
Club Regent Event Centre, Winnipeg [Oct 13]



Read our 2020 interview where we learn about Piff's:
 
- first memory of magic
- inspirations
- take on Canadian audiences
- connection to Canadian magic
- most memorable touring misadventure
- pre-show rituals, and
- mental health tips
 
Was there anyone or anything that was instrumental to you becoming a magician? 

My journey into magic was influenced by a combination of different factors. I was captivated by magic shows, books, and DVDs that I came across during my childhood. However, it was my chance encounter with a card trick performed by a fellow student at university that truly sparked my interest in magic. From there, I delved into magic books and sought advice from experienced magicians who became mentors, helping me develop my skills and hone my craft.
 


What magic-adjacent disciplines have you studied? 

I have studied several magic-adjacent disciplines, such as theater, voice, and acting. These experiences have greatly informed my stage performances by enhancing my stage presence, audience engagement, and storytelling abilities. As a result, I've been able to create a more well-rounded and captivating show for my audience.

 

What is your most important self-care practice while on tour?

My most important self-care practice while on tour is ensuring that I get enough rest. Traveling and performing can be physically and mentally demanding, so it's crucial to make sure I'm well-rested to maintain my energy levels and stay sharp. In addition, I also make sure to exercise regularly, eat healthily, and take time for relaxation and mindfulness.



Watch Piff's special 
on YouTube.

  

Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting magic?  
 
Of course, as with any creative pursuit, there have been times when I felt discouraged and considered quitting magic. But what encouraged me to continue was my passion for entertaining people and the desire to create unique magical experiences. Additionally, the support from my friends, family, and fellow magicians helped me overcome those moments of doubt.

What about your 2023 show would "2013 you" find unbelievable to imagine as your current reality?
 
If 2013 me were to look at my 2023 show, I think the most unbelievable aspect would be the scale and success of it all. Back then, I could never have imagined performing in front of such large audiences, collaborating with renowned magicians, and even having my own TV specials. The growth and evolution of both my act and character have been truly remarkable, and I am extremely grateful for how far I've come.

 
 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
 
I'd like to share that Mr. Piffles, the World's Only Magic Performing Chihuahua™, has been an essential part of my act and a constant source of joy and inspiration. We've built a strong bond over the years, and his presence has undoubtedly contributed to our success. Mr. Piffles is not just a canine sidekick, but a true partner in crime, and I couldn't imagine performing without him.

 

Thank you Mr. Magic Dragon, for making the time to answer our questions! 

 
Catch Piff at:  

 

Learn more about Piff at his website PiffTheMagicDragon.com and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg: Piff the Magic Dragon [Oct 10, 12 & 13]

In addition to Piff's East Coast and Ontario shows, in October you can catch him in Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg!

 

Casino Nova Scotia [Apr 28]
Casino NB [Apr 29]
Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls [May 21 -23]
TCU Place, Saskatoon [Oct 10]
Casino Regina [Oct 12]
Club Regent Event Centre, Winnipeg [Oct 13] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 February 2023

Moncton, Niagara Falls (and possibly Halifax): Piff the Magic Dragon [Apr 29, May 21 - 22]

Updated March 12th to add:

 

Tickets at Casino NB [Apr 29] and Fallsview Casino [May 21 -23].

Read A peek behind the curtain with Piff the Magic Dragon) where we learn about Piff's:
-
first memory of magic
- inspirations
- take on Canadian audiences
- connection to Canadian magic
- most memorable touring misadventure
- pre-show rituals, and
-
mental health tips

 

This January 24th Tweet by Piff may also be of interest:

 

 

From the January 27th Facebook post by Conjurers' Court:

 

 

From the February 7th Tweet by Fallsview Casino:

 

 

21 September 2020

Random thoughts about "Piff Live from Las Vegas"

Last Saturday, my family participated in "Piff Live from Las Vegas."  I say "participated in" because it is a truly interactive experience!

Piff with A, a very happy volunteer.
I think I heard A say,
"This is so cool, he picked me!"
Photo credit: Piff






Here are some random thoughts that came to mind while watching "Piff Live from Las Vegas":
  • It is an unexpected treat to see Piff perform live from Vegas, without having to shell out for airfare and accommodations.
  • Great view of the show, no one kicking my seat from behind, adjustable audio, no traffic, and free parking!
  • The show is suitable for the whole family.
  • It is packed with comedy, mentalism, and magic!
  • Jade works really, really hard!  
  • So do Francis, Alex, and of course Mr. Piffles.
      
  • The show takes audience interaction to a whole new level!  
    • There's an increased likelihood of spending time on the big screen if:
      -
      your preschoolers / puppets / stuffies / dragons / pets like dancing to Funky Town!
      - you choose to participate in the scavenger hunts
    • There's the standard interaction of volunteers to assist with tricks.  
    • Combined with the excitement of a scavenger hunt.  
    • Plus trivia (for iPhone users).  
    • Top it all off with the roving fan camera concept done at sporting events, where anyone with their camera on can be featured on the "big screen!"
       
  • Never fear, no one is forced to participate.
  • There are sometimes prizes for volunteers!
  • Volunteer selection is done very creatively.
  • Volunteers appear "up on stage" with the dragon himself.
  • For the magicians:
    • Piff weighed in on "art vs craft".
    • Quick demo of a recent release by Richard Young. 
    • Increased shot at prizes if you know your David Copperfield and / or Piff trivia.

  


Here's what others had to say about the show:




 

 

 

Disclosure:  My family and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

 

 

 

29 April 2020

A peek behind the curtain with Piff the Magic Dragon

A peek behind the curtain with Piff the Magic Dragon 
I was delighted to receive an invitation to interview Piff the Magic Dragon!

You can watch Piff, Jade, and Mr. Piffles on PiffTV, where Piff has magicians and comedians on as guests, does some magic, and has little video features.  Episodes are uploaded M-F at 10am and 5pm PST.



Who inspires you magically?

Penn & Teller. The greatest of all the great.

What magical effect would you have shown me had I been there to interview you in person?  
None. Save it for the stage is my golden rule.


What is your first memory of magic?
I think I was around 8 or 10 and I helped someone do the linking rings. I was pretty convinced I had magical powers. So when I bought a set years later I was disappointed to find they were broken. One had a hole in, one was already linked. Very upsetting.


Who inspires you that is not a magician?

Jerry Seinfeld.

Had you not shown up at a fancy dress party in your sister’s dragon costume, what type of magic show do you think you’d be performing now?

Something really not worth watching.


Have you experienced anything specific about performing for Canadian audiences in particular?  
You have the optimism of the Americans and the sarcasm of the British. A great combination.


Piff’s connection to Canadian magic?
  

Rick Bronson, who runs the Comic Strip in Edmonton, was the first to book us out there. We sold out 12 shows in a week. A record! I love Rick Bronson!
Life on the road isn’t all glory and glamour.  There are tight schedules, never-ending bus rides, questionable accommodations, missed connections, and broken or disappearing props.  Tell us about your most memorable touring misadventure.
The dog once defecated all over Jade live on stage, to our mutual horror. By mutual I am referring to Jade and I. The dog felt only relief. I was so appalled I gave a play by play commentary over the whole event as Jade left the stage dripping. Offstage she shed and burnt a few hundred dollars of feathers and returned looking thoroughly nauseated and depressed. After the show the meet and greet line was longer than ever before with people petting, holding and even kissing the dog. Turns out the audience thought it was just a hilarious bit. None of them took it seriously at all. That was until round two started... 




If you could be endowed with the talent to take on any Broadway role past or present, who would you pick and why?
 

The narrator from Shockheaded Peter. My favourite show.
So as to not scare off any aspiring performers, please share with us your favourite thing about touring.
Doing the show. That's the only part of this whole enterprise that makes it worthwhile, and I love it to pieces. If you don't like the show part, then quit immediately and start making some real money.



Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share with our readers?
I try and do nothing ritualised so that I don't have to do it every night. Once I had a lucky t-shirt. I lost it and the next gig went very badly. I swore off talismans after that.



Do you have any tips for keeping up one's mental health during quarantine?

Quarantine is tough on everyone. Be kind to each other. And make sure you eat well.



Is there anything else you’d like to share about you or Mr. Piffles with our readers?
A dog is a great business partner. Just find someone else to clean up after him.





Thank you Mr. Magic Dragon for making the time to answer our questions!

You can watch Piff, Jade, and Mr. Piffles on PiffTV, where Piff has magicians and comedians on as guests, does some magic, and has little video features.  Episodes are uploaded M-F at 10am and 5pm PST.