May 24, 2008 - SYM members from Philadelphia, PA and Stamford, CT came to New York to join SYM#69 in force and were an integral part of the day. They got to Mt. Sinai around 10 AM, bringing cold beverages (SYM #96) and cookies and brownies (SYM #42) along with big time illusions and a lot of talent. A PDF with full details of the event may be found by clicking here. Photo at right: Second Annual Day of Magic in New York a success. Performers from SYM 69,(NY) SYM 42 (CT) and SYM96 (PA) their bows. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted May 14, 2008 - Seventeen-year-old Monica from Makhaya in Khayelitsha is a very happy young lady when she was awarded 3rd place in the Teen Stage Magic Contest at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. Even more amazing was winning this honour in the male-dominated world of magical entertainment. She and a fellow magician, 16-year-old Mawonga, also of Khayelitsha, both won their way through to the semi-finals and were selected to compete in the prestigious finals event at the Orleans Hotel Theatre on Wednesday morning. Magicians from throughout the world participated.

Monica’s act had been developed over a two-year period. She plays the role of a ‘homeless child’ that has her life transformed by the wonder of magic. She received a rousing response from the audience, especially for her floating table illusion. Fifteen-year-old Alex of Rondebosch assisted her in the act. This is a fitting reward for a young lady who really worked at balancing the time of studying hard for her matric and perfecting her magical performance. Sixteen-year-old Michael of Plumstead was awarded 3rd place in the Close-up Magic Contest for his very unusual 'plumber'-themed act.

The magicians are part of a team of seven students of the College of Magic who attended the World Teen event in Las Vegas, USA. The World Magic Seminar is one of the 'grandest gatherings' of magicians from all over the world, featuring magical giants such as the dynamic duo Siegfried & Roy, David Copperfield, and Lance Burton. The College of Magic students have been rubbing shoulders with these magic celebrities over the past week, attending workshops and shows and experiencing the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Posted February 29, 2008 - South Carolina online newspaper "The State" recently published a full-length article about the S.Y.M. It was a great article and wonderful publicity for the S.Y.M. Read full text and see the pictures at http://www.thestate.com/living/story/307217.html Be sure to check out the "Extras" link where you can learn the secret to linking two paperclips without ever touching them!

Posted January 26, 2008 - At our October meeting, we were blessed with a visit from SAM president Maria Ibanez. Many of the members performed for her. Here is a picture of SYM members Josh Benforado and Marissa Zumbo as they perform a card effect. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted May 28, 2007 - Curtain call for all the participants of the May 26 Super SYM Party. Members of YM Assemblies 42 (Stamford CT), YM 96 (Philadelphia PA) and host Assembly YM69 (New York City.) Click to enlarge.

Posted April 30, 2007 - Members of YM96 pose wit Dean George Schindler and Nina. George lectured for them on April 26th. Photo by Kyle Peron. Click to enlarge.

Posted March 23, 2007 - Bruce Kalver working with one of the S.Y.M. youth in Indianapolis in March. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted March 3, 2007 - Pigeon Forge Tennessee - Ten-year-old Devon Owens (S.A.M Assembly #271), along with his assistant, eleven-year-old Glenna Beaty, attended The Winter Carnival of Magic, a stage magic contest. The contest was held during the weekend of March 1st through 3rd, in the Country Tonight Theater located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and is hosted by the International Brotherhood of Magicians (ring 58) from Knoxville. There, they performed their tribute to "The Most Famous Magician Ever, Harry Houdini," which includes a brief history about the man and his tricks. Devon performed two of Houdini's tricks, the Mailbag Escape and the Metamorphosis, and in his words, "The Metamorphosis gave Houdini his break. We've put a little twist to it, so today, hopefully it will give me mine." Devon and his assistant brought home the first place trophy, in addition to encouragement and the recognition of magicians from around the country. To see videos of their performance you can visit Devon's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/magicianboy or the Tennessee Magical Society's webpage at www.tnmagic.org. Click the photos to enlarge.

Posted March 3, 2007 - Newest Assembly members of YM136 (South Africa) meet at World Seminar in Las Vegas L to R: Craig Mitchell, Mfundo, Jann Goodsell, Simon, Trudie & Daniel. Click the photo to enlarge.

Posted February 21, 2007 - One of the members of our newest S.Y.M. Assemblies, Y138, located in Fort Myers, Florida, demonstrates her magical abilities. Click the photo to enlarge.

Posted February 4, 2007 - Here are the pictures from our SYM assembly in South Africa! For more info see...
www.collegeofmagic.com/albums/view/Flash.view/cover.php?name=Society_of_Young_Magicians

Magic is alive in South Africa as our newest SYM Assembly the Society of Young Magicians opened in Cape Town in association with the College of Magic. Seen here are some of its latest members. In the photo on the bottom left are - Back row: Craig Mitchell, Sesethu, Mawonga, Simon, Front Row: Yanga, Erik, Marian Williamson (Assembly leader)

Posted January 21, 2007 - Here are the pictures from our SYM assembly for the First SYM Stage Contest that we had. The contestants were Robby, Rebecca, Ryan and Jared. For more info see www.gulfcoastmagicians.com/magicmeeting101806.htm

Posted January 14, 2007 - Franz Harary paid SYM 107 in Hawaii a visit. A great time was had by all, and here are a few pictures to comemorate the event. Click an image to enlarge it.

L-R: Terry Tsujioka, Franz, Taylor Komatsu

L-R Taylor Komatsu, Terry Tsujioka, Scott Tan, Murray, Cody Ishizuka, Tyler Yafuso, Christopher Vinca, Franz

December 20, 2006 - Camp Scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment. Funds are now available for the 2007 summer season. Click here for details.

December 20, 2006 - Young magicians ages 7-17 are invited to apply for paid performances at the S.A.M convention in Dallas, July 4-5-6-7. Click here for details

The members of Portland Assembly Y105 of the Society of Young Magicians (SYM) presented their annual Thanksgiving show at our November 22 meeting night. The kids provided a great evening of magic. Steven Dickerson served as M.C. for the event and did a few effects between acts as the show rolled along. The other magicians were Carolyn Dickerson, Ellen and Shanna Anderson, and Noah and Quinn Meihoff. The show included a wonderful display of parlor and stage magic. As always, this was the eve before Thanksgiving. Our local SYM group has provided this show for many years as a way to thank the SAM 59 members for their support, encouragement, and provision of certified adult leaders.

Posted December 9, 2006 - Left - More than 100 Guests attend for close up, lunch and a show. Right- Performers of SYM #42 and their Guests, SYM 69 (NY) take a curtain call. For full story and gallery of photos, click here. Click these images to enlarge.

December 9, 2006 - More than 100 youngsters and their parents were joined by New York"s Bob McAllister Assembly for a buffet, close-up and stage show. Photo depicts Kayla reading a Presidential Citation from Andy Dallas.

May 27, 2006 - SYM #42 member Graham Fishman had a front page photo in the Stamford Advocate along with a story about him and their leader Bill Andrews. Click the image to see a more detailed image.

The John Calvert Assembly Y029 held its November 10, 2006, meeting at Hank Lee's Magic Factory in Boston, MA. After the President's pre-meeting workshop, the "Chosen Ones" critique session, and pizza, the members and parents were treated to a great lecture by kidshow expert Mike Bent. Mr. Bent is a full-time professional, with vast experience in kidshows, comedy clubs, and television. Along with being very well known for his comedy magic locally, he has been on HBO and Comedy Central, has appeared at the White House, and is a regularly featured speaker at the annual "Kidabra" conference. Pictured are Mike Bent, adult leader David Oliver, and several members of the Assembly after the lecture.

October 31, 2006 - Old fashion Halloween Party featuring the Magic of S.Y.M. members Michael Michaelson, Brittany Lord, Kaitlyn Grassette and the Magic of Karen Seymour and Scot Grassette. Click either thumbnail below to read the press coverage they garnered!

Magic Week, 2006 - Rumford Community Home (24hr nursing care, Alzheimer's and long term care) SYM show featuring Kaitlyn Grassette, Jared Arsenault, Matt Mcpherson. MC'ed by Scot Grassette. Click the thumbnail images to view full size copies.

SYM Assembly 96 will be performing on December 10 at 2pm, at the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville, PA. Philadelphia, Delaware and other area magicians are invited to attend!

Posted September 26, 2006 - Dean George Schindler teaches SYM133 members a "sponge vanish" at their meeting in Austin, Texas. Attending members received gift copies of one of his books donated by SAM # 206. Click the images to enlarge.

Posted September 6, 2006 - S.Y.M. Jack and Nicholas Chow of Vancouver, Canada, each won gold at the recent Pacific Coast Association of Magicians convention held in Victoria, BC in August. Jack Chow at only age 9 won his fourth Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM) championship in three consecutive years with a gold medal in stage magic, plus two additional silver medals for close-up and most innovative act at this year’s convention held in Victoria, BC. Nicholas Chow, the youngest Pacific Coast Champion in the 73 year history of the PCAM last year at age 5, won his second gold at only age 6. The brothers learned their award winning skills from father, Rod Chow, who just won 1st place in the 2006 S.A.M. Contest of Close-Up Magic held in July in Louisville, Kentucky. www.rodchow.com Photo at right of Nicholas (L) & Jack (R). Click the image to enlarge.

Posted August 21, 2006 - Each year, The Society of Young Magicians gives a cash award of $25 to those Assemblies who have had the greatest percentage of growth in their category, based on the number of members at the beginning of the year (beginning in July). This year, the following Assemblies received this award: Y093-Phoenix, Arizona; Y004-St. Petersburg, Florida; Y009-Kansas City; Y046-Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Y042-Stamford, Connecticut; and Y112-Concord, California.

All of us involved in the S.Y.M. salute these Assemblies and most especially their leaders. Thank you for Sharing Your Magic!

Posted August 4, 2006 - Story by Bob Steiner, PNP.

On July 24, I went to the S.Y.M. 112 meeting at Winslow Center. That is an excellently run organization under the leadership of PNP Loren Lind, current President of S.A.M. 112, assisted by Bob Holdridge, Past President of No. 112. It was such a joy to attend the meeting and to enjoy the enormous magical talent presented by the young folk who are members of the S.Y.M. It is clear that the members are learning well under the mentorship of Loren Lind, Bob Holdridge, and, until recently, Tim Ferreira.

When I arrived, I asked Loren if there would be a meeting (other than performing magic) that evening. He assured me that it would be a meeting of the S.Y.M. I requested permission to say a few words, and Loren granted my request, but it was obvious that he was curious about what I would say to the S.Y.M. group. He did not ask, and there was no way that I was going to tell him in advance.

When he recognized me, I announced, with pride, that S.Y.M. Assembly 112 had earned the Herman Hanson Award for membership growth. This was presented at the national convention in Louisville, Kentucky, and I had accepted it and promised to present it personally at the next S.Y.M. 112 meeting.

And so I did. The award was a check for $25!

May 27, 2006 - Aleshia is a 4th generation member of the Watson family of New Zealand to become a magical performer, following mother Melanie, grandfather Alan and great-great-great Uncle Oswald into the magic industry. She is seven years old. Click the image to see a more detailed image.

April 25, 2006 - On Saturday, April 29th, "Canada’s Youngest Magic Duo", The Magic of Jen and Zac, will take the stage at the beautifully renovated Ellice Theatre at 585 Ellice Ave, Winnipeg, MB. Jen and Zac’s show, titled "The Temple of Benares", promises to be a full production magic show with live rabbits and live colorful doves. Watch Jen transform a toy doll into a real live human. Can Zac really ride a flying carpet? Do not be fooled by Jen and Zac`s young ages, as you truly won’t believe your eyes. Special guests include Darcy Oake, who has performed in Las Vegas and recently at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. Also performing is Canada's Funniest Ventriloquist Act, Dave Dixon and his Puppet Pal Louie. Jen and Zac are graciously donating all proceeds from the show to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Great family entertainment!

April 18, 2006 - This year, for the first time, The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund is proud to announce that we have joined with The Magic Circle to provide a way for a very special and deserving youngster by the name of Joshua Miller, from Cambridge, England, to attend a magic camp located in Toronto. The young magician is receiving a full tuition scholarship for his tuition to attend Sorcerer’s Summer Safari magic camp in Toronto, Canada, and his travel expenses from England to Canada.

Josh Miller is 15 years old, attends Swavesey Village College, and is a member of Peterborough Magic Club and The Young Magicians’ Club in London, which he attends monthly, although it is a two-hour trip each way. He has appeared on several TV shows, such as on a 10-week series called Tricky TV with Stephen Mulhern, which was shown on CITV in September 2005. He has won several magic competitions; and in 2004, at age 13, he was the winner of the ITV’s Ministry of Mayhem Junior X-Factor competition, whose finalists were judged by Simon Cowell. He has also performed before literally thousands of people during two weeks at Marvin’s Magic Shop located in Hamleys of Regent Street, the largest toy store in the world. Joshua also contributes his time very generously to various charities and fund-raising events.

We are particularly proud to contribute to Josh Miller’s chance to travel to another continent to broaden his magical experience and develop his expertise in magic at a young impressionable age.

This year, The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund intends to provide four other full tuition scholarships with travel expense to Sorcerer’s Summer Safari magic camp in Toronto, and to Tannen’s Magic Camp in New York. Applications can be obtained by writing to the above address or sending a request by email to KapsMagic@earthlink.com.

Posted January 8, 2006. By Trigg Burrage, performer at last Summer's "Stars of Tomorrow Show": Over the Christmas holidays I was invited to and traveled to Anchorage, Alaska to perform in the Anchorage SYM's Holiday Magic Extravaganza. We performed 9 shows (2-3 shows per day) from Dec. 26th -29th. Each show had a packed audience. The show is an annual event put together by the SYM 120's "Magic Kids". The director of the show is magician Don Russel. The show consisted of many individual and unique routines performed by each of the magic kids. In the show they also performed several illusions that were created, constructed, and performed by the magic kids. I was the special guest performer in the show. What a fun experience! The magic kids work year round to put together these shows and I think they really deserve some recognition for all their efforts.