Cape Town’s teenage magicians honored as magic students of the year during National Children’s Month

A whirlwind year of incredible theatrical performances, charity shows, learning, and excellence in the mysterious art of magic culminated in winning the Student of the Year awards during National Magic Month. child for Cape Town’s most magical teenagers, Ruby Park and Sesona Gagana at Rondebosch Boys. ‘ High School, Saturday, November 16, 2019.

The formidable duo, students of the College of Magic in Cape Town, were honored alongside their classmates at two dazzling graduation ceremonies. The Student of the Year trophy is awarded to two students who have a record of excellence and participation in College activities throughout the year.

Park (13), from Constantia and one of the few young female magicians, has captivated her instructors and audiences with her impressive magical abilities at several competitions, the Winter School Vacation Program, the Children’s Traditional Magic Festival 2019 and as a co-director of the College of Magic’s annual Artscape Theater show last year.

Park was thrilled to receive the 2019 Junior Student of the Year award:

“I love creating performances and being creative with my acts. I’ve worked so hard and it’s amazing to be recognized for it. The College of Magic offers so many opportunities to learn from instructors and fellow students. and I look forward to the next phase of my magical education.”

Receiving the 2019 Senior Student of the Year award is the pinnacle of Gagana’s final year at the College of Magic as he graduated from the sixth year of the course. An incredible all-rounder in magic and its allied arts, including juggling, puppetry, mime and clowning, this wonderfully skilled 16-year-old performer from Makhaza has represented the College and South Africa as part of a delegation of young adolescent magicians to the United States. United States in 2018. In 2019, he was voted Best Street Magic Performer at the 2019 Western Cape Junior Magician Championships.

Gagana reflects on her lovely time at the College of Magic and earning this prestigious honor:

“Since joining the College of Magic in 2013, learning to be the best in all aspects of magic has been my motivation. Perfecting my craft day after day, year after year, will help me achieve my dream of to be a professional magician when I grow up. To receive this award as I graduate is a huge honour!”

The graduation ceremonies also honored the staff and this year’s recipient of the David Berglas Millennium Award for Outstanding Contribution to the College of Magic is Santika Naidoo, a graduate and volunteer instructor with the organization.

Established in 2000 by world-renowned magician, David Berglas, the Millennium Award is given annually to the person who has made a significant contribution to the College of Magic.

Naidoo, who recently led the College’s annual magical extravaganza, the World of Magic! at the Artscape Theater in October, was recognized for her acclaimed staging of the world of magic! show, her generosity in volunteering her time, her dedication to improving the College of Magic, her tireless efforts to promote and support young women in magic, and help the College roll out its new digital platforms and online communications.

Naidoo is delighted to receive her award:

“Wow, what an honor to receive this award! It has been an incredible year of hard work and immense growth for me at the College of Magic and I thank them for this recognition.”

Discover the impossible at College of Magic in 2020:

The College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organization, will celebrate its 40th anniversary by welcoming a new generation of budding magicians in February 2020.

The first course will see magicians-in-training explore the world of magic through an exciting and intensive 15-week course that includes rope magic, card tricks and coin effects as well as an introduction to related arts, namely juggling, mime, clowning. and the puppet.

This entry-level course is suitable for learners aged 10-13. The first class will be held at the College of Magic, 215 Imam Haron Road (formerly Lansdowne Road) in Claremont every Saturday for six months starting Saturday February 1, 2020 with classes at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The fee is R3,200 and includes all equipment and course notes, as well as participation in any or all of the related arts on offer.

Registration for the first College of Magic 2020 course is now open. Call +27 (0) 21 683 5480 or email info@collegeofmagic.com to secure your reservation.

For more information on the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.