Tickets at Magic Tickets.
From the October 20th Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:
Earlier this month the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians awarded Dustin MacMillan a GOLD MEDAL for his Parlour Magic performance. "Parlour" is a type of magic that is up close, within reach of the audience, leaving nowhere to hide. I won't share any spoilers, but will say that this act will leave your mind totally mixed up!
Those of you who subscribe to Ryan Pilling's Tips & Tricks for Magicians newsletter have already read about his Magic Library project. (If you don't subscribe, do so now at Tips & Tricks for Magicians. It's full of great content, written with heart, and it's FREE. There are no ads. Go ahead, we'll wait.)
What is Ryan's Magic Library project? Quoting from his July 31st Tips & Tricks for Magicians newsletter [emphasis added]:
The short summary: A public database to catlogue magic books and their contents. The distinction between this and other archives is that it is interactive, allowing you to add your collection and notes.
I've opened the doors, with the disclaimer that this is still a work in progress. It will feel a bit like walking into a giant empty building with a few books scattered here and there.
Take a look at MagicLibrary.org.
If you want to create an account, you can start adding things to your personal collection, and keeping track of your own magic homework.
Ryan's been noodling the idea for over a decade and it's taking shape beautifully!
From the June 12th Tips & Tricks for Magicians newsletter:
Too, I wish to emphasize I have no desire to compete with any other archive. I hope to collaborate with and support those existing resources. Actually, my personal project within the project is to create an in-depth research tool for The Linking Ring magazine (back to 1922) to solve that Marlo problem I mentioned. There's nothing like that anywhere.
Help Ryan build magic's biggest INTERACTIVE magic book indexing resource. It's free to join, free to participate, and ad free to boot!
Visit MagicLibrary.org to see it in action.
Tickets and more information at CabaretOfWonders.com
From the Cabaret of Wonders Facebook event:
September Special Guest: Ryan Pilling
Ryan Pilling is known for his creativity, quick wit, and original approach to magic. His hit show Wit & Wizardry has been a crowd favourite in Calgary AB, earning praise for its clever mix of comedy and illusion. Now he brings that same inventive energy to Cabaret of Wonders— Ryan is a longtime favourite of the Cabaret of Wonders and now you can find out why!
Tickets at Wit and Wizardry.
From the June 20th Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:
Last call for a magic show before summer break! Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret is next Wednesday in Calgary.
Special guest magician Rob Woodward.
Register for this meeting at Zoom.
From the June 12th Facebook post by the International Brotherhood of Magicians:
🎉Something new is launching at the International Brotherhood of Magicians!
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We’re thrilled to announce our brand-new Virtual Lecture Series – bringing top magicians and fresh ideas right to your screen.
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First up? The incredibly inventive Ryan Pilling!
The following is a guest post from Ryan Pilling.
Until the lathes stopped spinning in 2013 Morrissey Magic Ltd. was Canada’s top name in the manufacture of magic props. Known for their cups, pans, balls, and bowls finely crafted from Quebec aluminium, adorned with the red maple leaf sticker, and still found in prop cases around the world.
The Canadian magic industry is still alive and well, though more dispersed, with independent creators and makers working from kitchen tables and garages to make magic. Our aim here is to bring more awareness to magic being Made in Canada.
This list is a living document, and we’re hoping you can help us to track down any missing makers. To qualify, we’re using the “Made in Canada” definition of the Competition Bureau[1] that at least 51% of production costs are incurred in Canada, and the last substantial transformation occurred in Canada. For mail order, the product must be shipped from Canada. For digital products, the creative effort must come from a Canadian resident.
[1] https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/publications/product-canada-and-made-canada-claims#sec-3-2
Alberta
- Micky Hades - Calgary
Run by Micky's son Brian, PDF copies of Micky's lectures notes and books, among other offerings.
http://www.mickyhades.com
- Ian Pidgeon - Edmonton
TOXIC+ and iThump are apps for Apple devices to create amazing mentalism effects.
https://www.ToxicPlus.com
- Ryan Pilling - Calgary
Tips & Tricks for Magicians offers original digital products and a book Finding the Funny now printed in Canada.
https://MagicTipsAndTricks.com
British Columbia
- Shawn Farquhar - Maple Ridge
Palmer Magic manufactures and sells original products such as the Omni Deck and Sheer Luck Comedy Book Test.
https://PalmerMagic.com
- Paul Romhany - Vancouver
VANISH International Magic Magazine which is nominated for an online FISM award in 2025!
https://DigitalVanishMagazine.com
Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Nova Scotia
Ontario
- Michael Close - Mississauga
Ebooks and magic merch from the author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and more!
https://MichaelClose.com
- Ariel Frailich - Toronto
Author Sub Rosa, Reading Writing, and more!
https://ISawThat.com
- Gerry Frenette - Barrie Magic Makers is known as a builder of illusions to the biggest stars. Now semi-retired, but still making magic. https://MagicMakersIllusions.com
- Chris Philpott - Windsor Creator of 100th Monkey and more brilliant mentalism and magic.
https://www.MagicaOnline.com
- Chris Pilsworth - Ottawa
Creative consultant and maker of artisanal magic. You can order his PB&E (Paper Bag & Egg) and 2025 lecture book with an inquiry to
chris at borntoamaze dot com
- Jay Sankey - Toronto
Sankey Magic is home to Jay’s original and creative products.
https://SankeyMagic.com
- Steve Valentine - Toronto
His Magic on the Go video library offers deep dive instruction for classic sleight of hand magic.
https://SteveValentine.SquareSpace.com/magic
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
- Normand Beauchamp - Saint-Jérôme
Original ideas and props from Normek Magic & Illusion.
https://www.NormekMagicIllusions.net
- Michel Huot - Montreal
Order direct from the creator of SOCKS and Priceless.
https://MichelHuotMagic.com
- Steph Lac - Montreal
Slim Card Gaffs & Magic is creating gaff cards in a traditional, handcrafted way.
https://www.SlimCardco.com
- Richard Sanders - Montreal
Sanders FX is the home of worldwide hits such as Fibre Optics and Extreme Burn. https://SandersFX.com
- Marc Trudel and Sophie-Ann Vachon - Montreal
Conundrum Magazine is a unique publication in magic.
https://www.ConundrumMagazine.com
Saskatchewan
- Lisa Krol - Saskatoon
Magic By Lisa is handcrafting magical bags and other props to make things vanish or appear.
https://www.MagicByLisa.ca/basic-bags (password: Vernon)
Yukon | Nunavut | Northwest Territories
For corrections or additions please contact Ryan Pilling at
ryan at MagicTipsAndTricks dot com
Note: this list does not include retail magic dealers, but we strongly encourage you to also support our Canadian magic shops.
--
Thank you Ryan
for creating this valuable list and guest posting at Canada's
Magic!
Tickets at Magic Tickets.
From the January 27th Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:
Here's the deal, you can show up at the next Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret in a dreadful mood. You can grumble about our free parking, use bad language with our box office volunteer, and be a right miserable bugger. I'll allow it this time, because I'm about to release the secret weapon...
[Previously shared at Canada's Magic Facebook page on January 28.]
Get your Magic Tickets.
January Special Guest - Comedian Ben Cannon.
From the January 15th Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:
Big announcement, by popular demand! Here's some of the places I will not be this month!
I've had to postpone one of my stay-at-home days to attend Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret on Jan 22nd. Maybe you should ALSO leave the house and come hang out with me.
From the December 4th Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:
There's also this one from the December 22, 2022
Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:
And last but not least, our favourite from the December 22, 2022 Facebook post
by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:
Tickets at Magic Tickets.
From the December 22nd Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:
This Saturday, Dec 28th in Calgary! Comedian Ben Cannon joins me as the special guest star at Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret.
A performer with a knack for blending self-deprecating wit with keen observational humor, Ben has graced stages at prestigious events like the YYComedy Festival. He also produces Ducking Comedy at Ducky’s, a local favorite that showcases some of Calgary’s top comedic talent. Whether he’s headlining shows or producing his own, Ben’s commitment to uplifting the local comedy scene is undeniable.
Ben’s material often reflects his Métis heritage, Calgary roots, and the hilarious awkwardness of navigating life’s twists and turns. With an easygoing charm and a genuine connection to his audience, he’s a comedian who leaves every crowd both entertained and wanting more.
It will truly be an evening featuring both Wit annnnd Wizardry, as I'll be hosting the show and bringing a few minor miracles to warm your winter. See you there!
Next up in this year's
Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Scott McClelland!
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Scott McClelland: Inspirational Canadian Magician. |
Submitted by Ryan Pilling
Congratulations Scott! Keep up the great work!
To learn more about Scott McClelland, visit his website at DiabloManor.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you Ryan, for your excellent submission!
To learn more about Ryan Pilling visit his website WOWRyan.com, sign up for his newsletter at MagicTipsAndTricks.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
From the September 10th Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:
Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret is kicking off season two with special guest Malcolm Russell - magician. YOU WILL BE CHARMED AND AMUSED OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES!
Calgary's only monthly amazing magic show is ready to chop... er... knock your socks off with jaw-dropping tricks, stunts, and laughs.
Try this coupon code for a special price on tickets:
https://magictickets.ca/event/wit-and-wizardry?promo=charm
From the July 25th
Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:
Casual Card Magic Course Teaser
I've been working on a course for Casual Card Magic, which means performing in a relaxed manner, without tension, seemingly without care. It covers foundational sleight-of-hand technique from the past to be in control of cards without raising suspicion.
In a world obsessed with advanced technique and nuance, this is my case study for the strength of competent intermediate card skills. It's better to do an easier move well than a difficult move poorly.
The teaser video shows some moves and magic from the first six lessons, and there's plenty more Casual Card Magic yet to come!
It's all available for free (registration required) because I don't want a payment to stop you from improving your magic.
From the January 15th Facebook post by The WhoKnows Variety Show:
The last Tuesday of the month will be a night to remember!
Magic, poetry, one man band, Nigerian Jazz, ukuleles…what more could you ask for?
Fun times for sure Calgary! Jan 30th. call the Ironwood Stage & Grill for reservations.
From the January 16th Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:
I'm casting a spell to cure cabin fever in Calgary. Join me at Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret appearing Jan 31st. Advance tickets on sale now for an affordable night out.
From the December 17th Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:
This project has been whispers on the wind, but it's time to break wind and release the whispers! Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret is *appearing* in Calgary at the end of January.
I'm at my best in a small theatre venue, so you'll get to see me at my most magical, along with some equally astonishing friends. ("What, Ryan has real friends? I'm astonished!")
I will be promoting this relentlessly, forevermore, so you might as well give up now and hop aboard the Wizard Train™. Choo choo, muggle huggers.
More details are available at the Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret Facebook event.
This concludes the 2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase!
We hope you enjoyed reading about many of the talented magicians across the
country.
A huge shout out to everyone who trusted us enough to
submit names and supporting text last month, even though you didn't know exactly how it
was going to be used.
We couldn't have done this without the help of:
Thank you for the work involved in sending us your submission.
Fifteenth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ryan Pilling!
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Ryan Pilling: Inspirational Canadian Magician. |
Submitted by Alex Zander
Submitted by Mystery Magician 2
Congratulations Ryan! Keep up the great work!
Thank you to the Alex and Mystery Magician 2 for your excellent submissions!
To learn more about Alex Zander, visit his website AlexSeaman.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
