09 April 2013

Ryan Pilling lecture at Magician Village

From the Magic Lecture Series Facebook page:
Until April 21st

MagicianVillage proudly presents our next "Magic Lecture Series" Backstage Access Member Exclusive Event with our very own Ryan Pilling!

Read more.
 
From Playing Big Magic's Facebook page:
I created a video magic lecture for members of the MagicianVillage which is live this week. (part of their once-a-month lecture series for just $25 bucks a year... good deal!) Here's one review:
"Just watched Ryan Pilling's lecture in the [members area]. Great lecture. Lots of good advice on scripting, improvisation, thinking about magic and making it your own. Concrete advice on taking a trick, deconstructing it and turning it into a workable, effect. As a mentalist, his prediction 'Suitcase of Wonders' effect is a common sense knock-out prediction (think Master Prediction System) that could save you anywhere from $1000 to $3000 dollars. And he gives you three different methods!"
- Christopher Faria
Read more.
 
Ryan is one of our generous sponsors, the mastermind behind Calgary's Magcial Arts Festival - WowFest and the author of Finding The Funny.



08 April 2013

Broken wand: Peter Reveen

From Reveen's website:
Reveen had great respect for his audiences and became lifelong friends with many of the people who attended his shows.   He will be remembered for his extraordinary sense of humor, his willingness to share his knowledge and advice without expectation of something in return, his generosity and his humble dedication to charity. His incredible memory provided him with an endless supply of stories and jokes that he enjoyed sharing with friends and family.

 
The Reveen family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace.  We are proud to have shared him with countless fans, friends and family around the world and we are incredibly grateful for the kind words of support from the many people whose lives he touched.
A memorial service is being planned to honour the great entertainer.

Read more.

From the CBC:
Reveen the Impossibilist, a master hypnotist and illusionist, has died.

Born in Australia in 1935, Peter Reveen passed away Monday morning in Las Vegas. He died as a result of complications due to diabetes and dementia, according to the obituary posted on his website.

He was well-known throughout Atlantic Canada, presenting shows for decades in cities across the East Coast. Over his 50-year career he presented 6,000 live performances throughout Canada, the U.S., Australia and the United Kingdom. 

Read more.
 
From the Winnipeg Free Press:
After immigrating to Canada from Australia in 1961, he began his career knocking on the doors of businesses in small towns in British Columbia, offering free tickets to shop owners if they put up his poster in their windows, she said.

As a youth he was a stage magician, but he later studied hypnosis and developed a show that emphasized audience engagement.

He performed in front of packed theatres and campus audiences around the world. But Cathy Reveen said he was particularly fond of entertaining audiences in small communities in Atlantic Canada, where he made his final tour in 2008.

Read more.

From the Merlina mailing list:
Peter J. Reveen (born 1935 in Adelaide, Australia - Died 8 Apr 2013) was a stage hypnotist and illusionist who performed mainly in Canada. He was the "Impossibilist". Mr. Reveen toured as a performer for over 35 years. He came out of retirment in 2007 with a mini-tour which he called The Return of Reveen. He was a founding member of The Magic Castle, was awarded the DRAGON Award in 2000, was manager to Lance Burton and his biography of accomplishments goes on and on. He was married to Coral and had 4 sons, Wayne, Tyrone, Calvin and Peter Jr. His passing leaves a huge void in the world of magic and entertainment. May he Rest In Peace.


Our thoughts are with his sons Wayne, Tyrone, Calvin and Peter Jr as well as extended family and friends.

Toronto: "Reading Writing" book launch

From The Browser's Den:
Book-Signing Event by Author, Ariel Frailich!

READING WRITING, Handwriting Analysis for Magicians & Mentalists’ Book

Sunday, May 5 from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at Browser’s Den of Magic

SPECIAL PRICE FOR BOOK ($45 instead of $55), COFFEE, SNACKS

BONUS: FREE TICK SHEET TEMPLATE FOR THOSE WHO BUY THE BOOK OR PICK UP THEIR BOOK ON THIS DAY.

Dear Magicians & Mentalists,

You are invited to attend the book launch party at the date and time above.

Mr. Ariel Frailich author of past best-selling magic books has finally finished his latest work after almost 4 years of work.  It is one of the most unique books for magicians, mentalists and hobbyists I have ever seen. READING WRITING is hardcover and 196 pages in length and loaded with illustrations.

Read more.

07 April 2013

James Randi speaks about Penn and Teller

Randi's comments on Penn's tribute to him .....

From the James Randi Educational Foundation:
I can’t tell you how proud I am of The Guys. If I had anything to do with their worldview or their stunning success, I will only say that without their personal integrity, and their adherence to the best principles of both show business and fair treatment of their audiences, they could not have received this very prestigious honor. They are among the leading voices for rationality in the world today, and I know they will continue speaking truth through the Bullshit — hey, that’s a good name for a show! They have never disappointed me, they have never let me down in any way — something I cannot say about all those persons to whom I have reached out — and I am confident not only of their continued success, but of their ability to delight me in all ways. My personal love and congratulations.

Read more.

Toronto: Dan Hauss and Brent Braun lectures

From Morrissey Magic:
Dan Hauss Lecture at Morrissey's Saturday May 4th 2013

Dan Hauss, the creator of Flow, Rattled, Lit and Sleeping Queen (just to name a few),has a wealth of unpublished underground magic to share with you!

His creative talents have been a secret source for many top magicians including David Blaine and Paul Harris. With many more exciting creations soon to be launched, Dan Hauss will let you into his world of magic. He will show you how to use magic in your everyday life to give you a social edge, meet people, and be the life of the party.

Read more and buy tickets.


Also from Morrissey Magic:
Brent Braun Lecture at Morrissey's Saturday May 18th 2013
A professional performer for over a decade, Brent Braun creates exceptionally visual magic that is both pure and entertaining. During his years as a magic dealer, he came to understand that many of the effects released into the market today are “pipe dreams”, and are deceptively advertised. Due to this realization, Brent has a firm commitment to only release products that he has tested and used in the real world, in “under fire” situations. Each detail in his effects has been thought out and worked out. Details such as angles, practicality, and impact have always driven Braun's creativity. Every mistake that could be made has been made, analyzed, and corrected. You can be assured that any effect by Brent Braun is thorough, proven, and powerful.
Read more and buy tickets.
 
Check out Morrissey's website for information on their Combo Lecture Pass.

06 April 2013

Toronto: The Business of Auditioning

From the Tent Talk in the Lab Facebook page:
Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Tent Talk in the Lab - April edition!
THE BUSINESS OF AUDITIONING

You are the product.

But you are also the Marketing Director. And the Brand Advisor. And the Executive Director of your acting career. So how do you wear all these different hats when auditioning as a theatre artist? And how do you leave those other roles at the door when you walk into the audition room?

Read more.
 

[via: Deborah Fallick]

James Alan on Daytime Toronto

Daytime Toronto recently aired a segment with James AlanWatch James impress host Val Cole!