Magicana
Encyclopedia
Magicana is a Canadian federally incorporated not-for-profit arts organization
dedicated to the study, exploration and advancement of magic
as a performing art. Magicana is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Julie Eng serves as Magicana’s Executive Director
and David Ben
as its Artistic Director
.
, Canadian broadcasting icon Patrick Watson, and documentary filmmaker Daniel Zuckerbrot. Magicana is funded by donations from private foundations and individuals; and from the sales of tickets and publications on a cost recovery basis.
Magicana received official status as a registered charitable organization in 2006.
is:
to educate and increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of the art of magic by providing performances of an artistic nature in public venues; to provide instructional seminars on topics related to the art of magic; to stage and produce exhibitions for the purpose of educating and advancing the public’s appreciation of the art of magic; and to educate artists through participation in such performances and exhibitions and related workshops.
Chairman: Tim Jackson
Board of Directors:
While the conference recognized giants of the magic community, it was also designed to offer promising young magicians a chance to meet and learn from magic legends. The attendees represented a who’s who of magic including Guests of Honour:
Magicana also publishes Magicol (ISSN 0460-5314), a quarterly journal on magic history and collectibles which has been in publication since 1950. Magicana began publication stewardship of Magicol in 2010 starting with issue No. 174.
for the program and continues to currently operate through funding from private foundations and donors.
In addition to outreach programming, My Magic Hands is also a longstanding program staple at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, specifically in occupational and speech therapy programs. The program is recognized and acknowledged by occupational therapists, staff and parents of clients as a unique, successful and motivating tool assisting clients to reach their therapeutic goals.
The program is administrated by Magicana and is a core activity of the organization.
The program is administrated by Magicana and is a core activity of the organization.
Not-for-profit arts organization
A not-for-profit arts organization is usually in the form of a not-for-profit corporation, association, or foundation. Such organizations are formed for the purpose of developing and promoting the work of artists in various visual and performing art forms such as film, sculpture, dance, painting,...
dedicated to the study, exploration and advancement of magic
Magic (illusion)
Magic is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means...
as a performing art. Magicana is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Julie Eng serves as Magicana’s Executive Director
Executive director
Executive director is a term sometimes applied to the chief executive officer or managing director of an organization, company, or corporation. It is widely used in North American non-profit organizations, though in recent decades many U.S. nonprofits have adopted the title "President/CEO"...
and David Ben
David Ben
David Ben is a Canadian stage magician, sleight of hand artist, illusionist, author, publisher, keynote speaker, magic historian, magic consultant, magic collector and former tax lawyer....
as its Artistic Director
Artistic director
An artistic director is the executive of an arts organization, particularly in a theatre company, that handles the organization's artistic direction. He or she is generally a producer and director, but not in the sense of a mogul, since the organization is generally a non-profit organization...
.
History
Magicana was founded in May 2000 by magician David BenDavid Ben
David Ben is a Canadian stage magician, sleight of hand artist, illusionist, author, publisher, keynote speaker, magic historian, magic consultant, magic collector and former tax lawyer....
, Canadian broadcasting icon Patrick Watson, and documentary filmmaker Daniel Zuckerbrot. Magicana is funded by donations from private foundations and individuals; and from the sales of tickets and publications on a cost recovery basis.
Magicana received official status as a registered charitable organization in 2006.
Objectives
The purpose of Magicana as stated in its Articles of IncorporationArticles of Incorporation
The Articles of Incorporation are the primary rules governing the management of a corporation in the United States and Canada, and are filed with a state or other regulatory agency.An equivalent term for LLCs in the United States is the Articles of Organization...
is:
to educate and increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of the art of magic by providing performances of an artistic nature in public venues; to provide instructional seminars on topics related to the art of magic; to stage and produce exhibitions for the purpose of educating and advancing the public’s appreciation of the art of magic; and to educate artists through participation in such performances and exhibitions and related workshops.
Board of Directors
Chairman Emeritus: Patrick WatsonChairman: Tim Jackson
Board of Directors:
- Michael Gillis
- Craig MacPherson
- Michael McLaughlin
- Bob Weeks
- Elizabeth Wilson
Productions
Magicana has produced a number of theatrical public performances on magic including:- The Conjuror’s Suite (2000) - The play - an exploration of parlor magic inspired by the work of Jean Eugène Robert-HoudinJean Eugène Robert-HoudinJean Eugène Robert-Houdin was a French magician. He is widely considered the father of the modern style of conjuring.-Early life and entrance into conjuring:...
, Johann Nepomuk HofzinserJohann Nepomuk HofzinserJohann Nepomuk Hofzinser was a minor employee at the financial department of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy. He was never a doctor of philosophy; there is no such title in his working descriptions. He used the name Dr. Hofzinser as a stage name after retiring in 1865...
and Max MaliniMax MaliniMax Malini was a Jewish illusionist who at his peak performed for several US Presidents, had command performances at Buckingham Palace, and received gifts from monarchs across Europe and Asia. Magicians are said to revere him for his skill and bold accomplishments.Malini's performance style was...
- was originally mounted in 1999 at the Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall of the Royal Ontario MuseumRoyal Ontario MuseumThe Royal Ontario Museum is a museum of world culture and natural history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With its main entrance facing Bloor Street in Downtown Toronto, the museum is situated north of Queen's Park and east of Philosopher's Walk in the University of Toronto...
in Toronto. The show was remounted at the Confederation Centre for the Charlottetown FestivalCharlottetown FestivalThe Charlottetown Festival is a seasonal Canadian musical theatre festival which runs from late May to mid-October every year since 1965.Named after its host city, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, since its inception the festival has showcased Canada's most popular and longest-running musical,...
in Prince Edward IslandPrince Edward IslandPrince Edward Island is a Canadian province consisting of an island of the same name, as well as other islands. The maritime province is the smallest in the nation in both land area and population...
for the summer season of 2000.
- The Conjuror (2002) - The show - a theatrical recreation of a performance by a celebrated (but fictitious) Canadian conjuror at St. George’s Hall in London circa 1909 - was remounted in Toronto at the Isabelle Bader Theatre and ran for six weeks to critical acclaim.
- Tricks (2004) - Differing from its predecessors, Tricks - a post-modern show of classical magic - was designed as an intimate and interactive show involving a high degree of audience participation. The play was presented for four weeks at the Artword Theatre in Toronto.
- Max Maven: Thinking in Person (2006) at the Al Green Theatre (Toronto) - Magicana invited Max MavenMax MavenMax Maven is an American magician and mentalist. He often appears on television magic shows to perform "interactive" mind reading tricks that work for the television audience....
to present his one-man show for a limited, two-night engagement in August 2006.
- LuminatoLuminatoLuminato - Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, is a publicly-attended, multi-disciplinary arts festival held annually for 10 days each June in Toronto, Ontario, Canada...
2010 Masters of Magic series featuring: Juan TamarizJuan TamarizJuan Tamariz-Martel Negrón is a Spanish magician.He is an experienced cardician, a magician specializing in magic with playing cards, and well respected by his peers as an authority in the field of misdirection...
of Spain, Mac KingMac KingMac King is a comedy magician who has performed on television specials, often as a co-host. He has his own family-friendly show, "The Mac King Comedy Magic Show," at the Harrah's Las Vegas in the Clint Holmes Theater....
from Las Vegas, Max MavenMax MavenMax Maven is an American magician and mentalist. He often appears on television magic shows to perform "interactive" mind reading tricks that work for the television audience....
from Hollywood were presented at the Panasonic Theatre (Toronto); and Bob Sheets from Washington, DC performed in various Festival (free) venues around Toronto.
- LuminatoLuminatoLuminato - Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, is a publicly-attended, multi-disciplinary arts festival held annually for 10 days each June in Toronto, Ontario, Canada...
2011 Masters of Magic series featuring: Eric Mead in Toast of the Town, David BenDavid BenDavid Ben is a Canadian stage magician, sleight of hand artist, illusionist, author, publisher, keynote speaker, magic historian, magic consultant, magic collector and former tax lawyer....
in Natural Magick at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto; and The Great Tomsoni & CoJohnny ThompsonJohnny Thompson is a Polish-American Las Vegas illusionist who performs under the stage name The Great Tomsoni with his wife, Pamela Hayes. They have a comedic slapstick act with the well-dressed Thompson and his gum-popping assistant, Pam, performing illusions while enduring a series of mishaps...
(Johnny and Pam Thompson), Mike CaveneyMike CaveneyMike Caveney is an American magician, author, publisher, magic historian and collector. He is a life-member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood and a member of The Magic Circle of London. His work as a magician and publisher spans over four decades...
, Tina LenertTina LenertTina Lenert is an American magician, mime and harpist. She has performed worldwide and is known for combining elements of pantomime and magic. For many years she has been a regular performer at the world famous Magic Castle, in Hollywood where she has been voted Stage Magician of the Year by the...
, Ardan James, Gaëtan Bloom in Vodavil' at the historic vaudeville Winter Garden TheatreElgin and Winter Garden TheatresThe Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres are a pair of stacked theatres in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Winter Garden theatre is seven stories above the Elgin Theatre....
in Toronto.
- Piff Paff Poof (2011) at the Lower Ossington Theatre (Toronto) - Magicana presented this new work for children to invite them to experience live theatre with their families. The show ran for the month of March 2011.
Exhibitions
Online exhibitions on magic and great magicians of yesteryear, developed, hosted and maintained by Magicana include:- Ross Bertram: Master Magician
- Sid Lorraine: The Magical Chatterbox
- The Life & Magic of Stewart James
- Postcards of Magic: The Msgr. Foy Collection
- Bert Douglas: A Family Remembers
Conferences, seminars and workshops
Magicana has hosted a number of artist workshops and seminars by several top-rated magicians and speakers across Canada including:| Norman Beck | Rafael Benatar | Gaëtan Bloom |
| Eugene Burger Eugene Burger Eugene Burger is an American magician. He was born in 1939 and is based in Chicago Illinois. He is reputed for his close-up skills and his work in mentalism and bizarre magic.He is also a philosopher and a historian of religion... |
John Carney | Jason England |
| Roberto Giobbi | Kostya Kimlat | Max Maven Max Maven Max Maven is an American magician and mentalist. He often appears on television magic shows to perform "interactive" mind reading tricks that work for the television audience.... |
| Eric Mead | John Mendoza | Patrick Page |
| David Solomon | Jim Steinmeyer Jim Steinmeyer Jim Steinmeyer is an internationally respected designer of magical illusions and theatrical special effects. His best known illusions include Origami, Interlude, and Walking Through a Mirror. He is also an author, consultant and producer.... |
Jamy Ian Swiss Jamy Ian Swiss Jamy Ian Swiss is an American close-up magician who works primarily with cards.-Career as a Magician:Jamy Ian Swiss is world renowned as a sleight of hand performer specializing in close-up card magic.... |
| John Thompson Johnny Thompson Johnny Thompson is a Polish-American Las Vegas illusionist who performs under the stage name The Great Tomsoni with his wife, Pamela Hayes. They have a comedic slapstick act with the well-dressed Thompson and his gum-popping assistant, Pam, performing illusions while enduring a series of mishaps... |
Richard Turner Richard Turner (magician) Richard Turner is an American playing card technician. Although an accomplished magician in his own right, Turner does not perform "magic tricks" in the true sense of the term - he has dedicated his life to mastering and demonstrating the moves used by cardsharps old and new to cheat the uninitiated... |
31 Faces North
From 2003 to 2010 Magicana hosted 31 Faces North, a four day think-tank of thirty-one of the world’s foremost magicians. The invitational conference was designed to bring sleight-of-hand experts, magic historians, and magic experts together to network, share, discuss and witness magic performances by masters of the art.While the conference recognized giants of the magic community, it was also designed to offer promising young magicians a chance to meet and learn from magic legends. The attendees represented a who’s who of magic including Guests of Honour:
- Jay Marshall (2003)
- Tommy Wonder (2003)
- Johnny ThompsonJohnny ThompsonJohnny Thompson is a Polish-American Las Vegas illusionist who performs under the stage name The Great Tomsoni with his wife, Pamela Hayes. They have a comedic slapstick act with the well-dressed Thompson and his gum-popping assistant, Pam, performing illusions while enduring a series of mishaps...
(2004) - Harry Riser (2004)
- Billy McComb (2005)
- Charles ReynoldsCharles Reynolds (magician)Charles Raymond Reynolds was a behind-the-scenes magician involved with virtually every elements of magic production—inventing illusions, producing and direction magic acts, helping performers perfect their acts, and writing on the subject.Reynolds was born in in Toledo, Ohio, and as a...
(2005) - Max MavenMax MavenMax Maven is an American magician and mentalist. He often appears on television magic shows to perform "interactive" mind reading tricks that work for the television audience....
(2006) - Bob White (2006)
- Roberto Giobbi (2007)
- Stephen Minch (2007)
- Ton Onosaka (2008)
- Herb ZarrowHerb ZarrowHerb Zarrow was an American magician influential in the profession for his inventions of unique sleight of hand and card tricks. His skills were held in the highest regard in professional magicians' circles....
(2008) - Michael Weber (2009)
- Bob Sheets (2009)
- Gaëtan Bloom (2010)
- Jim SteinmeyerJim SteinmeyerJim Steinmeyer is an internationally respected designer of magical illusions and theatrical special effects. His best known illusions include Origami, Interlude, and Walking Through a Mirror. He is also an author, consultant and producer....
(2010)
Magic Collectors Weekend
Since 2010, Magicana has been responsible for the programming, administration and execution of the Magic Collectors Weekend - an international conference on magic history for 200 participants held in Chicago. The MCW has been staged annually since 1969.Publications
Magicana’s publications include:- 2006: Dai Vernon: A Biography – Artist, Magician, Muse Vol. 1, Chicago: Squash Publishing. Toronto: Magicana. ISBN 978-0974468150
- 2007: The Essential Stewart James by Stewart James. Toronto: Magicana. ISBN 978-0978067526
- 2008: Spins and Needles: The Magic of Allan Slaight by Allan Slaight. Toronto: Magicana. ISBN 978-0978067533
- 2008: How Gamblers Win by a Retried Professional. Toronto: Magicana. ISBN 978-0978067540
- 2010: A Grand Expose of The Science of Gambling by An Adept. Toronto: Magicana ISBN 978-0978067588
- 2011: A Cut Above by Msgr Vincent FoyVincent FoyMonsignor Vincent N. Foy is a Canadian Roman Catholic cleric and theologian.He is particularly prominent as a critic of artificial contraception and what he perceives as acceptance of it by the Catholic hierarchy .He is the former head of Toronto's archdiocesan marriage tribunal.-Bibliography:* ,...
, Toronto: Magicana ISBN 978-0978067595
Magicana also publishes Magicol (ISSN 0460-5314), a quarterly journal on magic history and collectibles which has been in publication since 1950. Magicana began publication stewardship of Magicol in 2010 starting with issue No. 174.
Scholarships and grants
Magicana provides grants and bursaries related to the study of magic.- The Tony Eng Youth Fund was developed in memory of the late Canadian magician Tony Eng. The TEYF provides financial assistance for young magicians (ages 13 to 18) to attend lectures, conferences, workshops, or acquire books or apparatus related to the performance of magic.
- The Edwin A. Dawes Award for Magic Scholarship is a bursary designed to provide doctoral students financial assistance toward the cost of materials and research pertaining a thesis related to the art of magic.
Community programs
Magicana developed and runs two, community outreach programs: My Magic Hands and Senior Sorcery.My Magic Hands
My Magic Hands, originally launched in 2005, uses the art of magic as a teaching vehicle to reach children in disadvantaged communities in order to build self-confidence and essential life skills such as communication, critical thinking and problem solving. Using the theatrical process involved in staging a magic trick, the program provides a cost-efficient and systematic way for children to learn about the arts in communities that do not normally have access to quality arts-related programming. Magicana received seed funding in 2005 followed by a multi-year grant (2006–2008) from the Ontario Trillium FoundationOntario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation , is an agency of the government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading grantmaking foundations. It was created in 1982...
for the program and continues to currently operate through funding from private foundations and donors.
In addition to outreach programming, My Magic Hands is also a longstanding program staple at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, specifically in occupational and speech therapy programs. The program is recognized and acknowledged by occupational therapists, staff and parents of clients as a unique, successful and motivating tool assisting clients to reach their therapeutic goals.
The program is administrated by Magicana and is a core activity of the organization.
Senior Sorcery
Senior Sorcery, launched in 2006, is designed to bring live theatre in the form of magic shows to the senior citizen community, particularly to isolated seniors in remote residences and/or community centres. The program engages seniors by breaking the "fourth wall" of theatre and involving their participation in the magic. The program also empowers by giving seniors the ability to invite their family and friends to a special event. The program also aims to bridge or connect generations by offering a group activity that all can participate in, enjoy together and to discuss afterwards.The program is administrated by Magicana and is a core activity of the organization.