Rick Merrill
Rick Merrill is just hitting his stride. A magician and comedian, Rick Merrill, holds the title of World Champion Close-Up Magic. Crowned in 2006 at the World Championships of Magic in Stockholm, Sweden he has since become a featured performer at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and performed in person and on television in more than a dozen different countries.
It was 2003 when Rick first began to develop the magic act that would eventually take him around the world. By 2004, Rick had won the top prize at national conventions of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. In addition to 1st Place, Rick brought home awards in Originality and Comedy. The biggest compliment, however, may have been the “People’s Choice” distinction awarded to him at both conventions.
After this national success, Rick prepared to walk onto the international stage. In 2006, Rick represented the United States at the World Championships of Magic in Stockholm, Sweden. Hosted by FISM (The “Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques” or the “International Federation of Magic Societies”), this event occurs every three years to select the best-of-the-best in the world of magic. When the dust settled, Rick was crowned World Champion in Close-Up Magic and became only the 4th American to win this award in the 60 year history of the event.
David Regal
DAVID REGAL is a television writer and magician. He is the author of the critically-acclaimed Approaching Magic, in addition to the best-selling Close-up & Personal, Constant Fooling (Volumes 1 and 2), and he was the subject of Star Quality – The Magic of David Regal written by Harry Lorayne.
He has performed at the Magic Castle hundreds of times, where he was named a trustee, and is a two-time recipient of the “Lecturer of the Year” award from the Academy of Magical Arts. He has written for shows ranging from Everybody Loves Raymond to Rugrats and currently has two original series in development with Disney.
Meir Yedid
Meir Yedid was the first person to win the Society of American Magicians' Close-Up Magic Championship more than once. He has since been voted as the Magician of the Year by the SAM Parent Assembly in New York City and was the Guest of Honor at the prestigious F.F.F.F. Close-Up Convention.
As a performer Meir has traveled the world presenting his unique brand of magic both live and on television. In addition to performing Meir has created and published several hundred magic routines which are regularly performed by some of the best in magic.
His creations are the basis of his popular and fun lectures where he shares his ideas. He currently operates MyMagic.com which produces some of the best magic products on the market.
Doug Conn
Doug has been a practicing magician for over 30 years. If there's a close-up / parlor venue that can be worked, chances are Mr. Conn has worked it. The phrase “been there done that” comes to mind; Amusement Parks, Restaurants, Bars, Casinos, Riverboats, Banquets, Trade-shows, Magic Shops, Meetings, Conventions & More.
These pursuits have produced a large body of original work, much of which has seen print in major magic publications (Magic Magazine, The Linking Ring, Modus-Operandi and Arcane.)
Doug has penned a few original manuscripts and has also contributed to several large book projects (CyberSessions, The Magical Cookbook, Best of All Worlds and more.) In 2000 Paul Cummins and his FASDIU press released “Tricks of My Trade – The Magic of Doug Conn” a 200 page hardcover book contained over 30 tricks and ideas. The book was met with high praise and quickly sold out. Doug Conn is a magician's magician and finds true joy in delving into our arcane craft.
He loves, studies and creates all types of magic and at the TRICs Doug looks forward to lecturing, sessioning & sharing some of his original material and thoughts on our art.
Andi Gladwin
Andi Gladwin isn't just a nerd. He's a nerd with social skills. And unlike other nerds, he doesn't just spend his days playing Donkey Kong and writing computer programs. Instead, he divides his time between being a professional close-up magician, magic creator, co-founder of Vanishing Inc. Magic and lecturer, having lectured throughout Europe and the USA.
His Master Pushoff DVD was a best seller and received rave reviews in all major magic journals. In his lecture, he will demonstrate the versatility of this incredible double pushoff technique, perform select effects from his professional repertoire, and settle the argument once and for all: Windows or Mac?
David Corsaro
David Corsaro has been a working magician for nearly 20 years. David performs for all audiences, from the Museum of Natural History to our Armed Forces and their families. He has performed his amazing feats of magic for fortune 500 companies including Wrigley's, Kraft, Panasonic, Nestle, and Viacom as well as top music acts such as "Chicago," "Earth Wind and Fire," and "The Milwaukees."
David also donates his talent for a variety of charitable organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and Lions International. David currently has been performing close-up and emceeing 2 of New York’s longest running magic shows; “Monday Night Magic” and “Magical Nights.”
In late 2010, David released his first instructional DVD to the magic community, teaching effects right out of his working repertoire. His DVD has received critical acclaim from the likes of Daryl, Boris Wild, Larry Becker, Peter Duffie (as written in MAGIC Magazine), Asi Wind, Jon Allen, Simon Lovell and many others. His online web show for magicians, “Time to be Awesome” (www.timetobeawesome.com) features interviews with some of the top magicians in our field like Michael Ammar, Paul Gertner, Josh Jay, Eric DeCamps and many many more.
Stephen Bargatze
As an internationally acclaimed comedian and motivational speaker with over 25 years’ experience, Stephen is a rare talent among entertainers. His genuine personality endears him to any audience, and he quickly develops a strong, positive relationship with them.
They find themselves caught up in the comedy and amazement of Stephen’s zany performance. His personal story of overcoming childhood abuse and an accident that left him with a speech impediment touches men and women on an emotional level, and his hilarious antics move them from tears of empathy to tears of side-splitting laughter in a few short seconds. In addition -
Stephen’s accomplishments within the magic community are many including . . .
International
Brotherhood of Magicians - First Place Close Up Award
Cover and feature
article in “Magic” magazine
Chosen to represent the
United States at the World Summit of Magic
Invited to perform on
the World’s Greatest Magician’s IV television special