Sheldon Casavant’s early appearances as a teenage magician ended with a bird pulled from a top hat. Today Casavant is a master of card tricks, levitation, flicking fire on his fingertips, and making objects disappear and reappear.
As a part of Alberta Culture Days, he will present an interactive comedy-magic show at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre on Saturday, Sept 26.
“I’m going to tell the back story of how I got into magic and how I learned magic using books in the library and practising. It’s about a 60-minute show and I’ll be using cards, coins and rope, among other things,” said Casavant.
In the past few years, Casavant has travelled across Canada, Mexico, Panama, China, Japan and the United States playing to audiences that varied from small, hospitable groups to crowds exceeding 25,000. Perhaps the most memorable gig was the 2010 Vancouver Olympics where he performed for competing athletes.
To refine his technique, the Edmonton based magician was a guest at the Hollywood Magic Castle and spent six weeks studying sleight of hand magic under Dale Salwak, the long-time director of the Chavez School of Magic. He also regularly travels to Vegas to sharpen his skills.
In the greater capital region, Casavant is the magic circuit’s go-to receiver, a performer of tricks that whisks between reality and imagination and keeps everyone guessing.
He’s been invited to most family festivals, is a favourite at St. Albert’s International Children’s Festival and has performed several times in Morinville.
“The Morinville Community Centre is a great space. What’s great is that there is a facility like that with a multi-use space in the town.”
“It works well for me because there is a proximity to the audience and it feels like an intimate setting. In my case, my show is very interactive and the closeness helps.”
Suitable for families with children ages four and older, the show starts at 3:30 p.m. Single tickets and family pack available. Call 780-420-1757 or purchase online at tixonthesquare.ca.
