Shore City Magicians Club

The Shore City Magicians Club Inc is a magic club based in Auckland, New Zealand. Its members range from beginners through to full time professional entertainers. Although based on Auckland's North Shore, the club has members from all over the Auckland region.

One of the largest magic clubs in New Zealand, the Shore City Magicians Club Inc (SCMC) has a focus on young magicians and fostering the future of magic in New Zealand. Each year the club produces the "Shore Is Magic!" family comedy magic show.

The Shore City Magicians Club hosted the 30th New Zealand International Magic conventions|Magicians Convention in June 2010. This has been the largest New Zealand magicians convention to date.

Patron of the club is Richard Webster, internationally recognised mentalist and one of New Zealand's most successful authors.

Paul Romhany was made an honorary life member in March 2013.

History and objectives

The club was formed in April 1974 by Percy Dawson, Stan Hull and Ron Mogridge with an objective to foster the arts and traditions of magic, with a primary focus on young people. The club disbanded twenty-two years later in 1996 due to lack of interest. Shortly after this the club was overhauled and reformed by three of the remaining members including professional performers Bruce Allan and Mick Peck. Each year the club presents trophies to the most-improved magician and to the member who has contributed the most magic at meetings throughout the year.

Meetings

The club meets at Takapuna once a month. Meetings typically begin with club business, followed by performances by members that wish to perform a trick or routine. Club evenings usually have a theme, e.g. sleight of hand techniques, children's magic, quiz night, "A Trick I Don't Do Because ..." etc. Guest lecturers and performers also appear at SCMC meetings throughout the year.

Lectures and guest performers

Guest performances and lectures presented during SCMC meetings and events have included:

• Michael Ammar (USA)
• Paul Daniels (UK)
• John Carney (USA)
• Darren Carr (Australia)
• DeLarno (Burns Scandrett) (NZ)
• Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster (Australia)
• Michael Finney (USA)
• Charles Gauci (Malta/Australia)
• David Ginn (USA)
• Whit Haydn (USA)
• Gary Animal (UK)
• Alan Martell (UK)
• Ken Ring (NZ)
• Wayne Rogers (NZ)
• Paul Romhany (NZ/Canada)
• TC Tahoe (USA)
• Sean Taylor (UK/Australia)
• Steve Valentine (USA)
• Alan Watson (NZ)
• Richard Webster (NZ)
• Jon Zealando (NZ)

"Shore Is Magic!" Comedy Family Magic Show

Each year the SCMC runs a series of comedy magic shows open to the public, held at several theatres in Auckland. The show also acts as an opportunity for the youth members of the club to gain practical experience of how a professional production is scripted and put together, technical design, backstage, advertising and publicity etc.

27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2004

In 2004, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the SCMC, the club hosted the 27th New Zealand International Magic Convention in Takapuna. The event was well-attended and received positive feedback, especially in regards to the overseas talent who performed and lectured at the event.

Overseas guests included Michael Ammar, Michael Finney, Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster, Charles Gauci and David Ginn.

30th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2010

The 30th New Zealand International Magicians Convention was held over Queen's Birthday Weekend June 5th-7th 2010. Headliners for the event were Paul Daniels, John Carney and Whit Haydn along with special guests Darren Carr, Debbie McGee and TC Tahoe. The headliners of the convention appeared in two sold-out public shows called the International Stars of Magic show.

External links

• Shore City Magicians Club, Auckland, New Zealand - Official Website
• The Shore Is Magic Family Comedy Magic Show
• The 30th New Zealand International Magicians Convention
• "Use Your Illusion - A Visit To An Auckland Magicians Club" Article, Metro Magazine 2007
• Mick Peck's interview with David Hartnell about the SCMC and the 2010 Auckland Magicians Convention
• "Hey Presto! An Interview With Four Auckland Magicians" Article - New Zealand Herald Canvas Magazine 2011