COLLEGE MAGIC

SA MAGIC CHAMPS

ofThe

2015

Dec.

‘I t’s been ten years – Let’s do it one more time’ – read the imposing SA

Magic 2015 poster. Ten years had elapsed since Craig Mitchell, in association with the College of Magic, had hosted a major magic convention in Cape Town. The long wait would be worth it – SA Magic 2015 exceeded all expectations!

Held at the multi-faceted GrandWest Entertainment Complex from 9th to 11th October, this three day event attracted more than one hundred delegates from throughout South Africa. What was the draw card – international guests ... not one, not two, not three ... but four of them! The initial line-up of headliners changed - Rob Zabrecky and Max Maven were unable to attend at the eleventh hour - and through a feat of magic (and many nerve-wracking hours), Craig Mitchell succeeded in conjuring up another two stars to take their place. Guy Hollingworth from the UK and Johan Ståhl from Sweden managed to rearrange their lives, hop on a plane and come to Cape Town to join Paul Wilson (UK) and

Fritz Alkemade (Netherlands) and together create three incredible days of magic.

Registration opened on Friday with each delegate receiving a smart customised bag filled with goodies and, of course, the jam-packed programme of events. It was to be non-stop magic for three days!

. SA MAGIC CHAMPS .PAGES 1-3

. HIGHLIGHTS .PAGES 4-5 & 10-11

. BIRTHDAY BASH .PAGE 6

. GRADUATION .PAGE 7

. PROJECT AMERICA .PAGES 8 & 9

. CLOSE-UP THEATRE .PAGE 12

. STARS OF COMEDY & MAGIC .PAGE 13

. TRAD. CHILDREN’S FEST .PAGES 14-15

. MAGIC CLASSROOM .PAGE 16

In ThisISSUE

The COLLEGE of MAGIC

P .O . Box 2479Clare inch 7740

Cape TownSouth A f r i ca

T : +27 21 683 5480F : +27 21 683 1970

E : i n fo@co l l egeo fmag ic . com

w w w . c o l l e g e o f m a g i c . c o m

35yea rs

9 11OCT

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There were many highlights:

THE INTERNATIONAL STARS OF MAGIC SHOW designed and directed by Chad Findlay featured the international guests alongside our own Colin Underwood and Olwethu Dyantyi in a knockout show.

THE LECTURES world class demonstrations, explanations and insights!

CLOSE-UP GALA SHOW top international stars in one room and close!

WALK-ABOUT/PARADE Fun entertainment for the crowds – even the young magicians got their chance to perform.

THE CHILDREN’S CONTEST the young ones packed the Roxy Review theatre for this line-up of top children’s entertainers.

THE CLOSE-UP CONTEST those that survived the all night jamming sessions were rewarded with inspiring first class Sunday morning close-up magic.

THE STAGE CONTEST Ten amazing acts - Everyone in the theatre was on their feet after Olwethu Dyantyi’s outstanding performance, caught up in this celebration of the art!

The awards ceremony (accompanied by hundreds of giant origami bunnies) formed part of the College of Magic’s 35th Anniversary Banquet at the Quarterdeck restaurant with loads of scrumptious food and good company – a perfect ending to an exceptional event.

CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENTSilver: Chris GoreBronze: Colin Underwood

MICRO MAGIC JUNIOR Silver: Aaron SimonBronze: Anelisa Ntlonti

MICRO MAGIC OPEN Gold: Stuart LightbodySilver: Colin UnderwoodBronze: Anele Dyasi

STAGE MAGIC JUNIOR Silver: Caitlin HutchisonBronze: Sonwabile Mekuto

STAGE MAGIC OPEN Gold: Olwethu DyantyiSilver: Luzuko BediBronze: Mawonga Gayiya

GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONOlwethu Dyantyi

The RESULTSThe Championship panel of judges coordinated by Marian Williamson, Saul Gerdis and Sesethu Ndengane comprised Jenna Bass, Dominic Lavin, Riaan Loubser, Jean-Pierre Murray-Kline and Gary Weedon.

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2015HIGHLIGHTSMEDIA MAGIC. Incredibly helpful computers installed in all teaching areas. Thanks to the International Brotherhood of Magicians Endowment and Development Fund our media capabilities have been significantly improved through new computers in all teaching areas.

THE COURSE ONE & TWO GRADUATION took place at Michael Oak School in Kenilworth. Course 1 Graduates proudly display their certificates of success at the June Graduation.

COURSE TWOs with their class instructors Mawonga Gayiya, Kabelo Moreheng and David Gore and Chair-man Bruce Hutchison – Judha Davids, Zion Slaverse, Asiphile Ngcagawule, Phamahle Ntlombe, Brandon Sanders and Zukhanye Wellem, Cole Fourie, Michaella McKinley and Dale McManus.

06JUN

CONJURING COURSE CONTESTS. The College of Magic hosted various contests during 2015 where students were given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in sleight-of-hand, stage illusions, juggling, mime, clowning, puppetry and ventriloquism. Starting with the Close-up Magic Contests in March up until the Puppet Idols Finals in October, 40 judges were involved with more than 160 participants competing – amazing talent!

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP. Graduate Mzukisi Lembeni travelled to the USA in October to spread the word about his entrepreneurship projects in SA – and introduce them to his Tourism company Imzu Tours.

GARDEN PHASE 2 DEVELOPMENT: COMPLETED. The Garden continues to flourish with a new fountain area recently being completed The fountain is surrounded by a lovely seating area which has become a popular new venue for socialising.

STUDENT REGISTRATION. 18 new students enrolled on their magical journey in July 2015. Here they are seen at the Annual Graduation at Rondebosch Boys’ High school on 21 November.

Here they are seen with teachers Sesethu Ndengane and David Gore BACK Liam Weir, Liam Wertheim, Samkela Sephula, Liam Jeynes, Stuart Everson, Mikey Hartman, Kholiswa Bence, Sandiso Mbili, Jonah Poole, Qhama Kotsele and Joshua Grace SEATED Mbalentle Mahlasela, Logan Idas, Chairman Bruce Hutchison and Daniel Broomhall FRONT David Hansen, Hlumelo Nocanda and Tom Rutherford.

LADIES IN MAGIC. The lady magicians had a rip roaring time at their annual Ladies in Magic function in August. The fun socialising, delicious snacks, exciting boisterous games, creative cupcake decorating, and tasting, of course, topped off with ‘mini-magic-costumed-dramas’ kept the ladies entertained! Michelle Gore and Linesri Thaver were once again making the magic happen behind-the-scenes, with Linesri flying in especially for the event from her medical residency in Johannesburg. Girl power to say the least!

08AUG

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BIRTHDAYBASH“ARR” pirates and so much more at the 2015 ‘Disney’ themed Birthday Bash, held to celebrate the College’s 35th Birthday in February. Graduates excelled themselves conjuring up an exciting variety of show to entertain students and their families. The brilliant lighting effects and fire show, the fancy dress, illusion show and Jen’s beautiful birthday cake clinched the celebrations!

21FEB

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NEW MUSEUM

The all-new Museum, renovated under

Chad Findlay’s watchful eye, is the welcoming pièce de résistance that meets visitors as they enter the College of Magic Centre. It is wonderful to be able to display some more of the special collections of magic that we have inherited over the years – thanks to all of our generous donors …

LADIES ARE ‘TOPS’“And the winner is …” All eyes

are glued to the screen as the 2015 award winners are revealed in live action. Two young ladies took top honours in the 2015 Annual Graduation Ceremony. Emma Hutchison was named Junior Student of the Year and Amy Franz won the coveted Senior Student of the Year title. These were among a host of gleaming trophies, sealed graduating certificates and elegant prizes awarded by chairman, Bruce Hutchison, at this smart affair.Silver Medallions, the College’s highest accolade, were awarded to: Luzuko Bedi, Xolile Dyani, Vuyolwethu Foslara, Chris Gore and Josh Stein. Staff members Michelle

Gore, Siphiwe Fangase and Mawonga Gayiya received their gold stars for 5 years’ service. Carlo Penso and Steve Sandomierski received special awards for 10 years and 20 years loyal service respectively. Parents, family, friends and invited special guest and sponsors applauded the well-deserving students of the College and enjoyed the various entertainments on offer. The Course 6 class imagined their annual act in an interesting restaurant setting, becoming a highpoint of the proceedings.Months of preparation go into staging this event. Coordinator, Michelle Gore, with her horde of helpers, once again pulled the proverbial ‘rabbit out of the hat’ creating a classy, glitzy celebration.

21NOV

THANK YOU to SAM BURROWSA massive photography w w w . s a m b u r r o w s . c o m

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PROJECT: AMERICATravel opens up vistas like nothing

else - unbelievable encounters of the most amazing kind … life changing moments that will never be forgotten. “Project: USA 2015” delivered this and so much more for a group of six College of Magic students who embarked in September 2015 to the bright lights of Las Vegas and the fantasy world of Orlando.

As the magic capital of the world, Las Vegas is a pilgrimage for any aspirant performer. Between fairy tale castles and exploding volcanoes, lies some of the most incredible live entertainment to be seen. Anywhere. From the comedic antics of Mac King to an unforgettable evening with world-famous ventriloquist Terry Fator –the College of Magic team got to see it all. And then some. Add a private tour of Siegfried & Roy’s famed Secret Garden, front row seats to the spectacle that is Cirque du Soleil, an incredible behind the scenes look at the mindblowing production of Le Rêve – and a dash of the sublime Penn & Teller. This is inspiration that lasts a lifetime.

And that was just for starters.

Still to follow was the gathering of the world’s best at the Genii Conjurors Convention, and a VIP visit to the mindblowing home of creativity - Disney World!

The College team didn’t just get to visit Disney– they experienced it like no other. Monday September 28th 2015 was officially declared “College of Magic Day” by Mayor Sunny Burbank at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! What an honour! A team of incredible performers and top Broadway creatives

led the College group in a one-of-a-kind performance workshop that was beyond all expectation. When last did you get to play Wizard Wars – have a private meeting with Mickey Mouse himself - and learn from the very top creative professionals in the Disney empire? And let’s not forget the VIP viewing of the Fantasmic spectacular or discovering the secrets of what it takes to mount such an epic performance … This is insight that lasts a lifetime.

And still the best for last.

The Genii Conjurors Convention … 3 days of lectures, performances, hands-on instruction and learning from some of magic’s finest performers. Richard Kaufman, Josh Jay & Andi Gladwin outdid themselves with a feast for the senses. Ideas were exchanged, friendships made and the joy of magic re-discovered. This is learning that lasts a lifetime.

The impact of this incredible journey lingers large … not just for the students but the ripple effect it creates in the communities from which these young people are drawn. The experiences they bring home with them and the message of ‘dreaming big’ last forever.

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us do the impossible and create miracles in these young people’s lives. None of these opportunities – none of these horizons – could have ever been made real without your support.

THANK YOU!

26SEP

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WEARING A DIFFERENT HAT. Vuyo, Liam and Dougen try out their new fashion sense.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, MICKEY! The maestro himself, Mickey Mouse, made a surprise visit during the special performance workshop!

OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN GOES TO Glenn Alai, Michael and Hannah Ammar, Ed Bastian, Terry Fator, Chris Frisella, Andi Gladwin, Melody Hitzhusen, Josh Jay, George Kalogridis, Mac King, Richard Kaufman, Lisa McAnallen, Penn and Teller, Tom Vazzana, Brooke Wahlquist and Elaine Wynn.

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU BUD! Vuyo gets into the action on the magical streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the hilariously incomparable Terry Ward!

CONVENTION MANIA. Josh Jay and Andi Gladwin, co-organisers of the Genii Convention along with Richard Kaufman, share some secrets with the gang.

MAKING THE MAGIC. Vuyo and Asiphe present a magical gift to Elaine Wynn and her team.

MASTER OF THE SUBLIME. Teller of ‘Penn & Teller’ takes a selfie with some of the team – Liam, Michael, Aaron, Dougen and Amy.

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HIGHLIGHTSCONTINUED

FESTIVAL FEATS Stuart Lightbody and Mawonga Gayiya have both excelled at recent festivals. Stuart Lightbody’s show ‘Devilish’ won an ovation award at the National Arts Festival. He directed Mawonga’s new show ‘Astonish’, which also played to critical acclaim at the festival. Both went on to perform at the Cape Town Fringe Festival.

ANELE WINS BRONZE IN BEIJING! Josh Stein and Anele Dyasi were invited to perform at the International Junior Close-up Contest held in Beijing, China. They both wowed the auspicious panel of judges with Anele being awarded a coveted bronze trophy.

OLWETHU BACK IN CHINA. Olwethu Dyantyi was invited back to perform at the Happy Valley Theme Park Magic Festival in Tianjin, China from 28 Sept. to 8 Oct.

WHO IS BRYAN MILES? This well known College of Magic graduate has written a book on magic and filmed a television se-ries. Both will be released in 2016. During 2015 Aidan produced the wonderful latest College of Magic documentary for the Spon-sor-a-Student Programme, also known as the ‘Minion Project’ which can be viewed at YOUTUBE.COM/COLLEGEOFMAGIC

CHARITY SHOWS Course 6 students perform their end of year children’s acts at one of the many outreach shows staged in 2015 co-ordinated by Ayesha Janodien.

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THEATRE PRODUCTION COURSE.Starts new Lighting module. In 2015 Steve Sandomierski, inspired Theatre Production Course students by championing a fresh new approach and curriculum.

JABULANI! Jabulani Clowns Sinethemba Bawuti, Monwabisi Mbobo and Carlo Penso seen here with Reach for a Dream co-ordinator, Bronwyn Feldwick-Davis. They uplift the spirits of children in various hospitals and homes through their entertaining visitations.

SOCIAL MATTERS. Two workshops were held by our social workers students from UCT during the year – ‘Pack of Cards’, which tackled the issues of diversity and ‘Take the Lead and Be Inspired to Inspire’ which dealt with peer pressure and role modelling.

FOND FAREWELLS. Visha Govender, our dedicated Office Administrator, is relocating to Gauteng in 2016. We have appreciated the exceptional service rendered by Visha. We welcome Dawn Hillman, who will be assuming her important role.

Nomaseti Alfred left the employ of the College of Magic in April to pursue a career in nursing. Here she is seen with her son Gift who joined Course One in 2015. Ncumisa Nomkoko has taken on the duties of keeping the College ship-shape.

MAGIC FOR EVERYBODY. Steve instructs a group of adults in sleight of hand. This was one of three courses, including the all-new ‘Mentalism Course’, held in 2015.

26FEB

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BIG MAGIC THEATRE‘Big Magic for Little Hands’ is a fabulous

new book … Little did the College of Magic students know that on the fourth of April 2015 they would each be presented with a gift copy of this Big Book by the author himself, USA Magician and author, Joshua Jay, visited Cape Town with his fiancé, Anna (married in August!) and surprised each of the students who attended a special day of magic with this amazing gift, courtesy of Workman Publishers and CourierIt.

Joshua Jay is no stranger to the College of Magic having visited twice before - but 2015 was to be a distinctive year. Joshua, who started doing magic when he was seven and was named champion at the World Magic Seminar by the time he was sixteen, worked a little more Big magic than expected!

He and his business partner, Andi Gladwin of the UK, together with the support of their international company Vanishing Inc. and customers conjured up sponsorship for the refurbishment of ‘Houdini’s Chamber’ transforming it into the new ‘Vanishing Inc. Close-up Theatre’.

The idea is that we want to help you create a safe and whimsical environment for the kids to perform in.

Chad Findlay championed the project providing design, sourcing materials and contractors and making it happen! Isaac and Steve provided invaluable help stripping, painting and preparing the room for its ‘make-over’. Graduates, Luzuko Bedi and Carol Williamson contributed carpentry and sewing

skills respectively. The contractors then got to work demolishing, plastering, installing electrical fittings, bespoke wallpaper, charcoal carpeting with gold trim, automated plush velvet curtains, new elegant burgundy fixed theatre seating and a beautiful illuminated display cabinet. Cabinet maker, George Williams from Woodspec, donated a further cabinet which now adorns the upper hallway.

When you visit the theatre be sure to look closely at the special wallpaper designed by Chad with illustrations from Professor Hoffman’s Modern Magic and printed by magician, Greg Kaylor. The walls and cabinet boast a number of treasures Joshua managed to secure from generous people around the world. These include original Doug Henning memorabilia plus a large Henning poster, donated by Chip Romero; John Woolley’s artwork, presented to the Project USA team in Las Vegas by the artist himself; two exquisite original Blackstone pieces, donated by Gabe Fajuri, Potter and Potter. Retro lighting donated by Guy and Ploy van der Walt of Hoi P’loy complements the elegant mood of this theatre.

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STARS of

COMEDYand MAGICONCE AGAIN AT ARTSCAPE, this year’s Stars of Comedy and Magic proved another sell-out hit. Young audiences were mystified and enthralled with two shows of the Children’s Magic Spectacular taking place in the morning and featuring a hardworking group of current students and graduates. The evening held more excitement with a packed evening show in the theatre. College graduates Sinethemba Bawuti, Olwethu Dyantyi, Mawonga Gayiya, Conrad Koch, Stuart Lightbody, Riaad Moosa, Stuart Taylor, a select group of College students, along with special guest artists Andre the Hilarious Hypnotist and phenomenal juggler Louis Cason held the audience enthralled. The shows were well-received and proved to be a much needed fundraiser for the organisation. How will we ever manage to top it in 2016!

09MAY

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MAGIC FESTThe 2015 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival

took place during the first week of the July school holidays at the College of Magic Centre. A new record attendance of over one thousand patrons made it the largest festival yet, raising R57 000 for College funds.

More than one hundred students, graduates and staff joined the colourful cast and support team for the festival. Special guests included: Craig Mitchell, Chris Gore, Marcel Pretorius and Monwabisi Mbobo. The theatre show was a highlight of the festival. Expertly produced and directed by Chad Findlay, this team comprising mostly Course 6 students presented a highly enjoyable show.

Marian Williamson rewrote the story ‘The Mahobahoba Tree’ for theatrical purposes. A large cast of students presented the legend, featuring graduate Anele Dyasi, in the Imagination Centre. Upstairs, the Course 5’s Children’s Theatre and downstairs the various Carnival Games all proved to be popular attractions. The ‘Upside Down Room’ was a big draw card with exciting photo opportunities. Ann Pawley once again manned the ever-popular tuckshop provided delicious snacks and everyone went home with a goodie bag which included a specially printed boomerang card magic trick!

01JUL

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Your funding keeps the magic alive! 2015 has been a year of hope for

the Sponsor-a-Student Programme as more friends, parents and graduates have come on board to sponsor the students in need.

We look forward to growing this programme

further next year so that we can give more young South Africans the opportunity to join our magical family … and a chance to transform their lives. It’s a tough world out there and YOU can make the difference!www.sponsorastudent.co.za

A Big THANK YOU toALL

our

SPONSORS!

MAGIC CLASSROOM

SPONSOR aSTUDENT

THANK YOU!

Magic Classroom got a huge boost at the beginning of 2015 when

the CECD and the Cape Town Museum of Childhood joined our sponsors HCI Foundation to promote the ‘Young Minds Awake’ Project.

The ‘YOUNG MINDS AWAKE’ Project sets out to stimulate the learning potential of school children and to awaken in them a realisation of the wonders and an appreciation of our wonderful world. In the older grades the programme inspires learners’ interest in and understanding of Science, Technology

and Mathematics through interactive, curriculum- based activities in an exciting and stimulating environment.

Teachers are inspired by the methodology used in the ‘Magic Classroom’.

In 2015 the project got a huge response from pre-schools. Record numbers of more than 4700 learners visited this year. Thanks to the help of HCI Foundation and the Golden Arrow Community Transport Support Project, many marginalised schools from even as far afield as Darling, were able to participate.

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS FOR YOUR CARING SUPPORT: to our wonderful College of Magic family, friends and funders – you are the magic – the staff, the voluntary CoM teaching staff, the Board of Trustees, Contest Judges, CPUT and UCT Interns, Guest Lecturers, Stars of Comedy and Magic, International Stars of Magic, Kathryn Algie, Michael Barta, Jonathan Beare, Phillip Boruchowitz, Sam Burrows, Caitlin Day, Ralph De Hahn, Jack Diamond, Michael Fenwick, William Fern, Azriel and Moyra Fine Foundation, Trudie Fourie, Bertil Fredstrom and Fantastic Magic Camp, Terry Godfrey, Bridget and Simon Gore, Matthew Gore, Reg Grant, André Grove, Lee Hathaway, Bruce Hutchison, Vincenzo Janne, Clare Jeffrey, Anon DK, Hymie and Shirley Kaplan, Greg Kaylor, Shelley Knyvet-Knivitt, Petra Krupp, Leander Lacey, Jeremy Lawrence, Lewis Stores, Gay Ljungberg, Makido Filmproduktion, Charles and Emily Mattox, Dave McLaren, Gudrun and Wolfgang Messelken, Angela and Nick Miller, Brooke Neilsen, Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation, Ann Pawley, Elke Prinz, Wolfram Prinz, Fred Rasmussen, Dave and Kathy Robins, North Haven Rotary, Brian Segal, Pippa Shaper, Siegfried and Roy, Tore Skyten, Wendt Saurma-Jeltsch, Pam and John Sharp, Ryan Sharp, Markus Stipp, Chris Strangways-Dixon, Robert Townsend, Guy and Ploy van der Walt, Mandy Watson and friends, Becki and Bill Wells, Gabrielle Westvig, George Williams and Barry Williamson.