Help us get to over 8,748 articles in 2024.

If you know of a magician not listed in MagicPedia, start a New Biography for them. Contact us at magicpediahelp@gmail.com

Difference between revisions of "Magic Castle"

From Magicpedia, the free online encyclopedia for magicians by magicians.
Jump to: navigation, search
(External links)
Line 9: Line 9:
 
In 2006, the Castle's president was [[Gay Blackstone]], widow of magician [[Harry Blackstone, Jr.]]
 
In 2006, the Castle's president was [[Gay Blackstone]], widow of magician [[Harry Blackstone, Jr.]]
  
 +
 +
== Junior Group ==
 +
The Magic Castle is also known for its Junior Program (the Magic Castle Junior Group). The Junior Group comprises highly skilled young magicians, many of whom have gone on to professional careers in magic. One week a year, billed as "Future Stars Week," performers from the Junior Group are showcased in evening performances in the Castle's showrooms.
 +
 +
== History of the Castle ==
 +
The building is an authentic Chateau-style mansion built in 1909 by banker and real estate developer Rollin B. Lane, originally constructed as a near duplicate of the 1897 Kimberly Crest House and Gardens in Redlands, California. Ownership of the mansion remained in the Lane family until 1955 when it was sold to Thomas O. Glover, whose family still owns the property. Contrary to many rumors, myths, and even some "tour guide" stories, it was never owned by actress Janet Gaynor. In September of 1961, the mansion was leased to Milt Larsen and Bill Larsen, Jr., who began converting it to its present state. One of the Castle's most famous members was Dai Vernon, who often sat in the bar area entertaining and teaching. Vernon was the Magician-in-Residence at the Castle for many years, up until his death in 1992. There is now an area in the Castle dedicated to the memory of Dai Vernon, where his ashes lie in an urn. Dai Vernon can be seen performing in the Castle on an episode of "The Magician", a 1970's TV series that starred Bill Bixyby.
 +
Other famous magicians who have been regular performers at the Magic Castle include [[Mark Wilson]], Jay Ose, Senator Crandall, Johnny Platt, [[Kuda Bux]], and [[Billy McComb]]. Many "celebrity magic hobbyists" have also performed at the Magic Castle, including Cary Grant, Steve Martin, Johnny Carson, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jason Alexander
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 17:52, 22 February 2011

The Magic Castle is likely the most famous magic night club in the world. It hosts nightly performances by the world's finest magicians, and it is considered an honor to perform there. It is also the private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA), an organization devoted to the advancement of the art of magic and its history, and it is a hang-out for the magic industry.

It is located in Hollywood, California and opened its doors on January 2, 1963.

It is a private club. Only members and their guests are allowed entrance, though courtesy invitations can be obtained by magicians visiting from out of town. During a typical evening there are numerous magic shows and historic displays, as well as a full service dining room and numerous bars. The atmosphere is reminiscent of classic night club days, and a dress code of fancy party attire is enforced.

As of 2006, the AMA has approximately 5000 members.

In 2006, the Castle's president was Gay Blackstone, widow of magician Harry Blackstone, Jr.


Junior Group

The Magic Castle is also known for its Junior Program (the Magic Castle Junior Group). The Junior Group comprises highly skilled young magicians, many of whom have gone on to professional careers in magic. One week a year, billed as "Future Stars Week," performers from the Junior Group are showcased in evening performances in the Castle's showrooms.

History of the Castle

The building is an authentic Chateau-style mansion built in 1909 by banker and real estate developer Rollin B. Lane, originally constructed as a near duplicate of the 1897 Kimberly Crest House and Gardens in Redlands, California. Ownership of the mansion remained in the Lane family until 1955 when it was sold to Thomas O. Glover, whose family still owns the property. Contrary to many rumors, myths, and even some "tour guide" stories, it was never owned by actress Janet Gaynor. In September of 1961, the mansion was leased to Milt Larsen and Bill Larsen, Jr., who began converting it to its present state. One of the Castle's most famous members was Dai Vernon, who often sat in the bar area entertaining and teaching. Vernon was the Magician-in-Residence at the Castle for many years, up until his death in 1992. There is now an area in the Castle dedicated to the memory of Dai Vernon, where his ashes lie in an urn. Dai Vernon can be seen performing in the Castle on an episode of "The Magician", a 1970's TV series that starred Bill Bixyby. Other famous magicians who have been regular performers at the Magic Castle include Mark Wilson, Jay Ose, Senator Crandall, Johnny Platt, Kuda Bux, and Billy McComb. Many "celebrity magic hobbyists" have also performed at the Magic Castle, including Cary Grant, Steve Martin, Johnny Carson, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jason Alexander

External links

Wikipedia-logo.png This page incorporated content from Magic Castle,

a page hosted on Wikipedia. Please consult the history of the original page to see a list of its authors. Therefor, this article is also available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License