Toronto area magicians. Who would like to be part of “Cheap Tricks” part 3
If you are not familiar, this is a live show where the “contestants” draw a
style of magic (illusion, mentalism, in the style of copper field etc) a
money envelope with $0-40 and a location in the vicinity of the venue to buy
and create a 5 min show performed that evening on live stage.
What would you do with $7 at the drug store in the style of horror
mentalism
Just announced! I just added a few all new shows for 2024! Presale starts TOMORROW morning, using code HUMANS, so grab the best seats before the on sale. Visit my site for details!
Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS! Check the
Champions of Magicwebsite
for updates.
We're delighted to interview aerialist, and serial big box illusion victim, Michelle Mazzarella ahead of her Canadian
Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour dates!
What is your first memory of magic?
Growing up, my father was a Magician Member at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, so we would occasionally head there for Sunday brunch and a show. While I was really young at the time, I still remember details like the secret bookcase entrance, the portraits whose eyes would follow you, the iconic owls, the red velvet showroom curtain, and of course, all the stairs.
What surprised you most about touring with magicians?
This one’s hard for me! Alex, Young, and Strange did a really great job of managing my expectations before I joined the tour. I knew that every day was going to be so wildly different from the next, and I really appreciated their transparency. It helped me figure out that I really wanted the job, and it has been quite an adventure!
Michelle on the Silks
What is the most annoying thing about touring with magicians?
I would call it more fascinating than annoying, but everyone talks about magic… a lot. Coming from a non-magic background, I often have no clue what they’re talking about, but I’ve been enjoying piecing things together over the months, and I’m learning a ton.
Have you learned how to do any magic since you joined Champions of Magic?
Ha, yes, but only the basics… I actually have a silly secret goal of learning at least one trick per tour leg, and all my friends at home are enjoying the results.
How do you keep your skills fresh and performance ready?
In every new city, if time allows, I make an effort to connect with the local circus community. Sometimes they have open gyms, or I’ll even teach workshops. When we’re in hotels, I try to take advantage of their Fitness Rooms, or I’ll do a little workout on a yoga mat in my dressing room. Unfortunately, it’s hard to train Silks without actually being on a Silk, so the skills do ebb and flow a little bit, but they always come back.
Michelle preparing to descend
Do you have any guilty pleasures while on tour?
I actually went to boarding school in British Columbia, and I really miss some of the old snacks I had, like poutine, Aero Bars, Sour Jubes, and Beaver Tails. I try to grab some whenever I can, but really any delicious food will do it for me.
One imagines that it’s sometimes hard to leave the comforts of your home
for a lengthy tour. Do you bring a special something from home with
you?
I actually had a friend attend one of my first shows with Champions of Magic. She asked me the night before what my favorite colors were, and she crocheted me a little jellyfish! I named him Squort and he has stayed in my crate ever since, often hanging on my dressing room lights or sitting nearby.
Michelle and Squort
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s
Magic?
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at a show!
Thank you Michelle, for making the time to answer our questions!
Toronto’s most MIND-BLOWING COMEDY SHOW is back November 19th at @yukyukstoronto.
Starring Ben Train (as seen on “Penn and Teller’s Fool Us”), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Rising Star of Canadian Magic Award winner), and all the way from the UK illusionist Steve Jones.
Now all we need is people who want to laugh their faces off. People like YOU.
A quick reminder of our earlier Mail as Medicine request for Katie Hunt. If you have the time, Katie and Doug would both benefit from hearing from their friends!
