The Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is a Hollywood landmark. An authentic Victorian mansion built in 1908, Milt Larsen bought it in 1963 and converted it to its present state. The home of the Academy of Magical Arts, the Castle is chock-full of magical surprises including Irma, a piano-playing ghost that takes requests. The Magic Castle is also famous for its Junior Program (the Magic Castle Junior Group). This is an elite group of highly skilled young magicians, many of whom have gone on to become well-known performers and professionals.

Related Topics:
Hollywood - Victorian - Mansion - 1908 - Milt Larsen - 1963 - Academy of Magical Arts

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Perched on a hill just north of downtown Hollywood, the Castle is popular with magicians, local and visiting, and with others in the entertainment business. As a private club, it limits visitors to members and their guests. Visiting magicians can usually arrange admission. A strict dress code (coat and tie for men, cocktail attire for women) is enforced, but the atmosphere inside among magicians is not formal.

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One of the most famous members was the late Dai Vernon, an expert in sleight of hand, who 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.

Related Topics:
Dai Vernon - Sleight of hand

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Paid performers work in several different formats, including an intimate close-up room, a larger parlour, and finally a grand stage. The informal performances around the bar will appeal to many magicians, with the opportunity to learn from and impress peers. Members interested in magical research have access to a substantial library of resources. The performers are often graciously accessible to their peers.

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For a visiting layman (non-magicians), the fun begins at the entrance; the first room is small, lined with books, and has no visible exits. In order to enter the club, one must utter the words "Open Sesame" into a sculpture of an owl perched on a bookshelf. After doing this, a fake shelf slides away, exposing the entrance to the club.

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Next stop is the bar, where magicians are often eager to exhibit their latest miracles for a lay audience. Non-magicians may be accustomed to seeing a stage show full of illusions by the likes of David Copperfield, and Lance Burton on television. But many visitors find it astounding to see magic being performed right under their own noses. This is one of the many unique things a person can experience at the Magic Castle.

Related Topics:
Illusion - David Copperfield - Lance Burton

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