talkmagic.co.uk

Hi, i am new to this forum, i was so surprised when i first found it, i think it is awesome that there's a forum just for magicians.

I am 19 years-old, still a student and live in toronto, ontario. I was first hooked on magic when i was around 14 years-old. learned some magic from books and videos, and been to a couple magic lessons. i even had a little magic box to store all my magic things.

i've stopped doing magic for a while now, and i think i've forgoteen almost all my magic... .... i would like to pick it up again, because i love magic, and always have that weird, envy feeling when i see someone else doing magic.

i would consider myself a beginner, so does anyone know of magic clubs in downtwon toronto? and that accepts beginners?

thanks so much!

The only magic society I know in Toronto (Toronno) is the IBM ring 17. If nothing else they would know if there were any other societies.

http://ibmring17.homestead.com/

There's also a "Canadian Association of Magicians".

http://www.canadianassociationofmagicians.com/

Although as far as I know they don't have any clubs or meetings. It runs a convention every two years. I believe it was cheifly formed to give Canadian performers a way to enter FISM.

There are magic shops in Toronto though...

There are actually 3 magic clubs in Toronto. The Hat and Rabbit club is the main one. (which I call the Rotten Habit club on account of all the bad magic which you get in any magic club)

There is a newly formed Ring 99 club which has caused consternation and disapproval from Ring 17 (Hat and Rabbit) since they don't understand hwo there can be two IBM rings in the same city.

There is also a sort of magic club run by the Browsers Den of magic. I think this caters more to beginners and young people although I may be wrong.

The Hat and Rabbit club is going through some sort of revolution at the moment. Up to now this club has been doddering along for at least 50 years and probably longer maybe even 75. It has always been a bit sluggish and full of the usual old dodderers. However recently a very dynamic 85 year old joined the committee and the club has had a membership increase of enormous significance in the last few months and has attracted the biggest names in magic to lecture there including Darwin Ortiz and Chuck Hickok.

This 85 year old is one of those odd seniors who do daft things like parachute jumping and mountain climbing. He used to be an insurance salesman and that is where his drive and enthusiasm comes. He has revolutionised the club.

I've been looking into joining a magic club myself but I keep chickening out. The requirements like being a member of good standing of the IBM and being involved in magic for two years put me off a bit.

As a student, I don't really have the money to pay for dues for many different clubs, so I have yet to join the IBM. I mainly just want to meet with local magicians every now and then.

I've also only been actively involved in magic for about a year - but I have been studying and practicing intensively within that year, not just playing around now and then. Does that count?

I shouldn't worry about it. I can assure you that you will be no worse than the old dodderers that inhabit these clubs. And they don't have to know how long you have been in magic. Just say that you have been doing it for two years-they won't know the difference. You can do the coin roll-90% of them can't.

I think Jeff has some sort of club that meets in his shop. Just ask him. He is usually very helpful to his customers.

90% can't do the coin roll? I would have thought that was a standard in magic. Or maybe it's just that it's the first thing I mastered, so I just have a soft spot for it.

Jeff is definitely a friendly guy. I spoke to him and John for a couple hours two weeks ago and within minutes, I was a converted customer. I also went to the anniversary party. It was definitely a good crowd! It was nice to actually meet with other magicians, yourself included Mark (and you have some amazing tricks. I've been working on my card spring near constantly since last weekend) Very cool.

Jeff did mention that people tend to meet in his shop on Saturdays to share a few tricks. I am definitely going to go check that out, once I survive the essay crunch of this semester.

I guess I'm just being paranoid. I do tricks for people all the time but the idea of performing in front of magicians is somehow infinitely more terrifying.

You will indeed find magicians a dreadful audience. And I suspect that some of the young ones you will meet may say things to sap your confidence. Ignore them.

Learn from those who have something useful to impart and just ignore the rest.

I lam a student in toronto also and just joined the site although i've checked it out for a while... kinda in the same situation as TOjennie being that i've been doing magic for about a year... whats the best place to check out some tricks between magicians in toronto?

As I mentioned on another thread the Browser's Den of Magic is the best place to get started. Bathurst and Eglinton. A very well stocked and busy magic shop. The owner (Jeff Pinsky) will guide and help you. The phone number is 416-783-7022. Tell him I sent you.

Sweet I think I'll go take a look sometime soon.