When: Monday May 6th
Where: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road Admission:
FREE for members and $20 for non-members
Special Lecture!
Who
is Alexander Marsh? Well he is the pen-name and alter-ego of Alex McAleer and
he'd prefer it if you referred to him as Alexander Marsh online, or just Alex
is fine too. He thanks you for your understanding.
Under his
pen-name, Alexander Marsh has lectured at the prestigious Magic Circle;
contributed to publications by Jerome Finley, Elliott J. Bresler, and
Banachek; filmed two Penguin Live Lectures; released best-selling effects such
as Forgotten Princess and Thy Will Be Done; and with The 1914 Magic released a
masterclass on The Art of Stagecraft and the a 5 hour Masterclass on Billet
work.
We are excited to have snagged Alex to do a lecture for us
while he is in town performing at Lighthouse Artspace.
The lecture
covers Mentalism for stage, parlour, close-up, and casual. Topics covered will
include Billet work (peeks, predictions, more), ESP cards, an impromptu book
test, Mentalism with coins and cash, and much more.
The contest to win a pair of tickets to attend the world premiere of
Lost in the Shuffle is closed. Thank you to everyone who
played!
Shawn Farquhar and Michael Vincent at The Magic Circle
Pick a card, any card!
If you’re looking for
magic and mystery, then you’ll love the new documentary LOST IN THE SHUFFLE
which will be having its world premiere at the Hot Docs Film Festival
running from April 25 – May 5.
World champion magician
Shawn Farquhar delves into a medieval murder cold case among Jacks, Queens
and Kings as he devises a new trick inspired by the world’s best
sleight-of-hand artists.
The film will be playing at the TIFF Lightbox on April 29 and May 1st. If you love magic, then you’ll love this film!
We’ve got the trick to finding love -- you’ve got to go out and meet people!
And we get it. That’s not easy. Where can you go to meet awesome singles your age without the awkwardness of speed dating or the stress of approaching people you don’t know at bars?
We’ve got the answer - and it’s happening THIS THURSDAY (April 25th) at the incredible Super Wonder Art Gallery near Dufferin and Bloor!
We’re filling the place with interactive magic, music, and some of Toronto’s most eligible singles - people looking for a fun night and to connect with awesome people like you.
(For those in the know, rumour has it that Alexander Marsh will be giving a lecture hosted by Toronto's Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club -- IBM Ring 17. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.)
In addition to his participation in Champions of Magic, you may know Alex through:
his mentalism offerings (under the name Alexander Marsh and available at
The 1914
as well as other magic shops including
The Browser's Den of Magic), or
Our regular readers may recall that we were crushed when Alex
McAleer, due to circumstances beyond his control, was not available perform in Champions of Magic in Toronto last
December. Imagine our excitement when we learned that Alex is bringing his one-man show Alex McAleer - Mind Reader to Toronto in May!
We assume that you perform some pieces of your solo show as part of the Champions of Magic ensemble. How much of your solo show have we seen as part of the 2018 Champions of Magic experience in Toronto or the 2022 experience in Kitchener?
Yes, there’s a couple of things in the solo show that have been part of my work in Champions over the years - although the vast majority will be fresh stuff!
When you're part of an ensemble show, your performance drops into the overarching dynamic set by the show order and your co-performers' acts. Has that experience influenced how you structure the rhythm of your one-man show?
I’ve always liked to keep the structure of my solo stuff as dynamic as possible, like an ensemble show would be; so it’s not all too ‘samey’. I think one of the great things about Champions is that it wasn’t just the same sorts-of tricks over and over again. That can be trickier with a one-man mind reading show, but I keep the audience on their toes.
Alex McAleer (right)
The soundtrack for your show can definitely enhance the impact of your stage performance. (We particularly enjoy your use of Sing! Sing! Sing! in Champions.) From where (or from whom) do you get your inspiration for your music?
The only music in my show is as the audience walk-in and when they leave, but I pick vintage, up-beat music. Some are mid-20th century rock and blues, others are vintage covers of more contemporary songs. I find it sets the tone, the vibe as the kids say, for my style. Fun, playful, up-beat, retro but familiar.
We've seen you perform in large theatres and arenas. What modifications does a performer need to make in order to transition from performing in large arenas to playing small intimate spaces, such as Lighthouse ArtSpace?
Playing large arenas / spaces means a lot of subtlety is lost. I express with my face a lot, so in a big space that gets lost and I have to use my whole body to tell the audience what I’m thinking (ironically), but in a smaller space large gestures and reactions look a bit forced and unusual. A smaller space allows for a better connection with an audience, and for me that’s what it’s all about.
Will you be showcasing favourite effects or routines that don't play well large?
Yes I have a few favourites in the show that just wouldn’t really work in the fast paced, ensemble nature of a show like Champions. There’s a routine about my imaginary friend I had as a child, and and effect where the audience help take over control of a spectator.
Toronto won't be in the middle of winter when you visit this time! Is there anything in particular you're looking forward to exploring in the city in the (hopefully) warm weather?
I’ve never been to Toronto when it’s not been either very cold, or about to be very cold, so I’m looking forward to seeing it in a warmer light. I assume I’ll still have to bring a ‘toque’!?
What is the biggest change to your act, or change in your approach to your mentalism, since you joined Champions of Magic in 2013?
I’d say one of the biggest changes has been not needing to rely so heavily on the trick. Ten years of performing hundreds of shows, for all sorts of people in all sorts of venues, has taught me a lot about myself as an entertainer and performer.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s
Magic?
I'm looking forward to being back in Canada and I hope your readers can make it to my show!
Thank you Alex, for making the time to answer our questions!
Our regular readers may recall that we were crushed when Alex
McAleer, due to circumstances beyond his control, was not available perform in Champions of Magic in Toronto last
December. Imagine our delight when we heard that Alex is bringing his one-man show Alex McAleer - Mind Reader to Toronto in May!
Accomplished magician, lecturer, and author, Quebec illusionist Loran is
thrilled about sharing the secrets he has accumulated over a lifetime with you
and offers a most inspiring lecture.
With over 30 years of
experience, Loran has amazed thousands of spectators around the world. He has
collaborated on stage and films with the Rolling Stones and AC-DC, Allan
Rayman, and Jackie Chan.
Loran has presented his magic on
English-language screen TV networks, CTV, CBC and City TV, as well as the
national French-language networks, TVA, and Radio-Canada. His acting and
consulting skills have been seen in a wide variety of Canadian and American
movies, and television series, notably; Relic Hunter, The Tuxedo and Terror
Train (Remake 2022).
THE LECTURE Covering a vast array of
topics on the art of illusion, Loran guarantees that no matter what your
current skill level is, you will come away with knowledge that can be
immediately implemented in your current presentations.
Loran
presents and explains many of his original effects using various objects such
as cards, spoons, scarves, and T-tip for close-up and stage magic performance.
Most of the effects are commercial routines that include the complete
presentation. Here are some of the effects.
Mirrorize” A mystifying coincidence with mirrors.
Unreal Silk” The scarf that penetrates matter.
The Nostradamus egg” Is it an egg or a prediction?
Card-Trap” A dangerous game with a mousetrap.
A part of the lecture is also devoted to the technical aspects of stage
performance. This includes subjects like how to create a good cue sheet and
technical requirement document, how to manage your music, what type of
microphone and road case you may need. This segment will benefit both the
seasoned professionals, as well as the novice beginner, and is indispensable
if you are performing for school, on small as well as the large stage.
The
knowledge that is shared with you by Loran, has been obtained over decades
spent in real stage situation experience.
We look forward to seeing
you all at what will be an incredible lecture!
You LOVE auctions! We LOVE auctions...So it is our time for our annual
spring auction!
For those who would like to bring in
'magic' (props large or small, books, videos) to be auctioned off you may
start dropping them off now.
We have been doing these
auctions since 1975. Auctions are a lot of FUN!
For those who have never attended one of our auctions, you are missing out
on tremendous bargains as most of the magic sells for at least
half their regular prices. Plus, often there are props, books that are
no longer readily available.
What do you get when you combine a Comedy Mind-reader, an Award-Winning Magician, and a world-class sleight of hand expert into a single 90-minute show?
Answer: an amazing night of fun for YOU!
Jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing magic, this show is perfect for a night out with friends, a date, or just because you need a break from your annoying kids.
Featuring Ben Train (Penn and Teller’s Fool Us), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Award Winner), and sleight of hand artist James Alan, it’s all happening Sunday March 10th at Yuk Yuk’s Toronto.
Sick of boring speed-dating events and terrible dating apps? Looking for an ACTUALLY fun way to meet Toronto singles?
Good news - we've got you covered! A kick-ass magic show designed SPECIFICALLY for Toronto singles aged 25-45!
Join us on February 22nd at The Super Wonder Art Gallery for an extraordinary experience that will not only leave you spellbound - but might even get you some digits!
Kendrick “Ice” McDonald Workshop Friday February 16 Browsers Den
Learn from a true master with a passion for perfection who has earned an international reputation for excellence. He has done it all, illusions, trade shows, closeup. He’s been seen on most major US networks.
Ice’s workshop will focus on trade show work, parlour, close up magic and more. Members $75, guests $100. To secure your spot, message Ian Crawford.
“When ICE takes center stage, he displays a patent passion for perfection.” Lee Earle, World Class Mentalist
�“It’s not often I write reviews on magic lectures but just lately the standard has been so high that I have felt compelled to put pen to paper… Ice set the tone for the evening by stating that this was a lecture designed for magicians who are serious about their art. Which it was but put over in a fun and entertaining way. In fact it’s hard to do justice as to how good a lecture this was or be able to mention all of the subjects covered…” UK Guild of Magicians
When: Thursday February 15th Tickets: Free for members and $10 guests Where: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road
In celebration of Black History Month, we proudly presents the Toronto Premiere of "The Quiet Masters - The History and Relevance of the Black Magical Artist." The director of the film, acclaimed magician Kenrick McDonald will be with us LIVE to host this exclusive event.
TORONTO - I’m coming to the @factorytheatre for 4 shows Feb 23 - 24. It’s been a few years since I’ve done a public show in Toronto, and I would really love to fill these seats - so if you can please spread the word!!
From the January 17th Facebook post by Khang Pham:
Sin City Illusions: Featuring Aaron and Caroline Matthews. Sunday January 28 at 7pm! Join us at the iconic Rec Room in the heart of downtown Toronto for an incredible magic show, with Toronto's best performing magician couple!
From the December 28th Facebook post by David Merry:
Looking forward to sharing the stage with my pal Alan Frew Saturday Feb 17th at the Opera House. One of the best voices ever and legendary lead singer from Glass Tiger and recent addition to Canada's Walk of Fame.
