- Mike Segal - He inspired a generation of young magicians to turn their hobbies into careers. Magic Mike gave us a space, a special club and to some, a family where we could explore our creativity and expand our knowledge with like-minded people. Magic Mike is not only an amazing mentor but he is also a fantastic performer. Whether he’s teaching a class or performing in front of a huge crowd, he’s always giving 100%. He is known in the magic community for his positive attitude and he will stop at nothing to lend a helping hand. If that doesn’t deserve recognition, I don’t know what does! #MagicMike2018
- Carisa Hendrix - Multifaceted magic, bubble and sideshow performer. Co-founder in 2018 of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete.
- Jonah Babins - Magician, podcast host, and neologist. Cofounded the Discourse In Magic Podcast, now with over 130 episodes. Host of The Newest Trick in the Book, Canada’s only open mic magic show."
- James Alan - "In the past year he's helped numerous performers make their acts better, has participated in leadership roles on several major magic projects (including TMC, Hat and Rabbit, Magicana, etc). He's lectured on his original magic, he's supported the community..."
- Kent Wong - "I nominate KENT WONG from Edmonton. He is one of the most giving an talented magicians in Canada and his shows are extremely well written, rehearsed and thought out. His unbelievable attitude to help magicians and people in general is un heard of and he never asks for anything in return. His door is always open for anyone to use. He uses his magic to raise money for charities, feed the homeless, gloves and coffee for the homeless all through magic shows and when he is not doing that he is performing for children at the hospitals. Kent does this while having a family, and a very busy full time job. He knows all aspects of magic, psychology, timing, misdirection and history. Im glad he is my friend in magic." and"I too nominate KENT WONG from Edmonton. Kent had a fundraiser for the non profit organization Adarius 4 Autism. He took the time to set it up, and spent the whole day doing shows and donated all the profits. The event raised $1300. All the attendees were very entertained."
Updated November 22 to add the following nominee:
- Greg Frewin - "In 2018 I was inspired when I saw Greg Frewin at his theatre in Niagara
Falls. I was there on a cold day in the off-season. My first visit to
Niagara and all I saw was empty streets and mostly closed attractions.
On top of it all it was a Wednesday night. I had tickets to the show
that night and was expecting the worst... an awkwardly empty house, and a
lackluster performance.
Instead, what I got was a wonderful show with a performer who shared his passion for magic, and playing to a very full house! It was an inspiration to see one of Canada's best magicians still being amazing two decades after I first saw him, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of Greg and his team to have such a well running theatre."
Updated November 21 at 8pm to add the following nominee:
- Jeff Christensen - "I would like to nominate Vancouver magician Jeff Christensen for using his magic to conjure up a better world. Jeff has faced loss in his life but has turned the darkness into light for so many others through his magic and fundraising. He has raised more than $100,000 for a variety of local and international causes. He has done this in a variety of ways such as through the sold out charity show “”A Magical Evening” and his foundation, Celebrate the Child (CtC). CtC has built a school in Kenya, and worked on freshwater in Ecuador. Jeff has gone further to raise money through performances for a health centre in India. His heart is good and so is his magic. He received an invitation to attend the very exclusive 4F Close-up Convention….a sort of “Willy Wonka” ticket that every magician would love to get. Invitation is not random, however, and is generally given in recognition of expert magical skill. I know Jeff from our learning and work at the McBride Magic & Mystery School. Jeff received the title of Ambassador from the School this fall at our annual gathering in recognition of his work to further meaningful magic. Please give him your fullest consideration!"
Updated November 21 to add the following nominee:
- Ryan Brown - "Ryan Wonder Brown is a rising star of magic from the Toronto area. He should be considered for these bragging rites."
The Canada's Magic "2018 Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award nominations are now open.
You may nominate living Canadian Magician(s) of your choosing by leaving their name along with a short note about how they inspired you in 2018, in the comments below. (Or you may email me your nomination.)
Nominations will be accepted up until 11:59PM on Thursday November the 29th. I will contact the nominees via email and give them one week to accept or decline their nomination. The full list of nominations will be published and voting will commence in December. (Canada's Magic is not eligible for the award, nor will it be participating in the nomination or voting process.)
This is a "bragging rights" only contest. There is no cash value for this award.
Individuals and groups can be nominated.
I look forward to seeing your nominations!
In the spirit of celebrating all Canadian magicians, last year's winners of the Readers' Choice award (Benzi Train) or the Editor's Choice award (Julie Eng) are not eligible for nomination in 2018.
