I had no idea where to post this. If there is a more appropriate section please feel free to move it.

Anyway, is anyone here a member of the Magic Castle out in Hollywood?

It looks like a cool place. I live nowhere near it, unfortunately, but I just wanted to see how many here are members and what's it like there?

Thanks

Take a look at:

http://www.magiccastle.com


JMT

Danno:
I just had the pleasure of going there for the first time. It's a great place to visit, and it's a joy to meet so many folks that you've conversed with here on the Cafe. I had the opportunity to take in several shows the night I was there...but the best part was talking with some of the members, about specific moves, and the thinking that goes into their magic.

Of course, it wasn't too bad when I passed by a room and Milt Larsen and Bruce Cervon were inside.

Hope this helps!

I'm a member, and it is a very special place. I'm not currently living in Los Angeles, but everytime I'm at the Magic Castle, its staff and members always make me feel at home.

If you're over 21, you can visit the Castle on a guest pass, or by showing proof of membership of your out-of-town IBM or SAM, and come in for dinner and the shows. Make your reservations in advance. For families and younger magicians, the Castle is open for Sunday Brunch and shows, when accompanied children are welcome.

Non-resident membership is possible, and I highly recommend that if you are serious about magic you apply. It is a great opportunity to progress in Magic, attend world-class lectures, and to study. Even if your travels take you infrequently to Southern California, it is also an exceptional value. Check the Magic Castle website for further information, or you can PM me if you have a specific question about joining. Our own Joe Marotta has been an integral part of the Membership Development Committee for the Academy of Magical Arts.

Yea, I can’t afford to be a member (like a lot of magicians) but I have been there. It is a great Victorian style theatre with a restaurant upstairs. There are 3 rooms for stage, close up and parlor and there are usually at least 3 guest performers a week.

That is where I met Billy McComb and Shimada!

Great place!

I have driven by it on vacation in Los Angeles. Does that count?

Hi Danno,

Joining the Academy of Magical Arts Inc was the best investment I've made. There is no other place in the world like it. And no other opportunity like it. Seven days a week of the best magic in the world. Inside the Castle you'll find wonderful, friendly magicians who are happy to meet you and willing to share some tips if you ask.

Yes, I'm a proud member of the Academy.

Membership is very affordable too. You live in Boston, Danno? You would qualify for the 'non-resident magician' membership. If you joined in January, your first year's dues would be $292. Annual renewal is $127. Is that too much to pay to be able to sit with Joycee Beck, share a slice of cake, and learn to do a one-handed Farrow (she was so patient with me but I just couldn't do it), or to ask Shoot Ogawa for personal help with my coin work? And this just happened last night (Wednesday)! These opportunities are available every night at the Castle! It's hard to put a price on that!

As a magician member of the Academy you gain access to: the Castle building and all showrooms, the dining room (awesome meals), the Castle's website 'members only' section, the Castle's 'member's only' on-line discussion board (chat with Aldo Colombini, Jonathan Levit, Bruce Cervon, Andrew Goldenhersh, Shoot Ogawa, and many other Castle members), the Castle's private magic library, the Sunday magic lectures, Sunday brunch for members and their guests, magic classes, special events, swap meets, our Newsletter, secret special-effects inside the Castle, an unlimited supply of guest cards to hand out to your friends,... (okay I'll stop the commercial).

If you are serious about your magic, you will seriously consider joining the Academy.

Steve: Glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Castle. So, shall I send you a membership application?

Victor: What a great answer. There is room on my committee for you if you are interested!

Brian: Next time you're in Los Angeles, call me. I would love to take you to the Castle as my guest.

Just for clarification, the name of our club is "The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc". The 'Magic Castle' is the name of our clubhouse building where the Academy members meet.

Come and Join Us!!

Joe Marotta
Chairman, Membership Development Committee
Academy of Magical Arts, The Magic Castle

Hi,
I am self taught, magic set - books and later lectures I have been in magic for around 30+ years the first 20 I never knew any other magicians, even now I do know several. My only contact is aprox 3 conventions a year. I have just started lecturing this year so I meet some there too.

I've been to the Magic Castle several times and it's always a great time. My favorite is the close up room. I like how everyone is there for the same thing. Magic. Sometimes you can go into the basement area and someone will start up some impromptu magic. If you ever get a chance to visit the Castle I would definitely recommend it.

What is the policy relative to bringing guests as a visitor or as a member?

I consider myself very lucky.. not only do I live about 10 mins. away from the Castle, but I've been taking classes there which (awww, shucks) mean I have to go there on a weekly basis. I've posted elsewhere that I'll be auditioning for a full membership in a few weeks... I think it's December 2.

That's one of my all time favorite aspects -- they don't require you to be a full time magician or even a veteran. Relative newcomers who can show their enthusiasm and at least SOME ability can get in with a decent audition. You just have to show that you can and will continue to learn and grow while you are there.

To ramble on, I had the privelege of taking a friend to the castle last weekend while he was on vacation from London. I ran into one of the Castle's house magicians (that is, he's there on a regular basis, wandering the halls and doing tricks wherever, not necessarily on a stage) and told him I was going to audition.

So he had me sit down and we swapped tricks. That is, he did 50, and I did 2. Actually, one of the two I had just learned a few days earlier, and when I blew the result, he just did a few tricks for me and had me do mine again. (I got it right the 2nd time, and was able to figure out what I had done wrong the first time, so it was a very valuable learning experience.)

The point is, everyone I have met there has been wonderfuly nice, encouraging and several magicians have let me try out some of my tricks for them and have given some great pointers. And the best feeling of all was when I did one trick that the house magician had not seen before, and by the time I looked up, I realized there was a crowd of about 20 people that had been watching all along. What a great rush!!

OK, rambling is done. I can not say enough great things about the Castle, the classes there, the teacher, students, members, etc. Here's hoping my practice pays off come December 2nd...

Oops, and to answer your visitor question... (this is the policy as I know it, though it could be a bit off on a few points.)

As a member, you can give out guest passes, which allow people in with a modest cover charge.. I think $15/person, which gives access to all the shows. The other option is to go with your guests, in which case everyone gets in free.

Dinner, especially on weekends, usually requires an advance reservation, but I've also gone in just to see shows. Which translates to: bring a few guests and walk on in, no cover charge, no reservation required. Can't beat it!

I lived in Orange County, about 1 hour from the Magic Castle, my whole life and have been interested in magic that same amount of time. I was transfered to St Louis and found that now I have the time to dedicate to magic. Yea, now that I live 1700 miles from the Magic Castle. How I wish I had gotten involved in magic sooner and had gotten the opportunity to visit the Magic Castle. I still travel to LA and hope to someday visit just for the purpose of getting into the Magic Castle!