Showing posts with label Michael Kras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Kras. Show all posts

06 March 2024

Michael Kras in Intermission Magazine

From the March 1st article "Invisibility cloaks, cardboard rockets, and flying orbs of light: Here’s how Canadian theatre uses the art of magic" by Michael Kras at Intermission Magazine:

Cursed Child is hardly an isolated case for this hefty use of theatre magic. Plenty of prominent productions utilize magic design in considerable ways, including the current West End hit Stranger Things: The First Shadow (also featuring illusion design by Cursed Child’s Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher), which is already planning to hit more stages internationally, with little doubt that Canada will eventually be in the mix. Hit musical adaptations from the West End and Broadway like Back to the Future (illusions by Chris Fisher) and Beetlejuice (illusions by Michael Weber) are both slated for the forthcoming Mirvish subscription season.

Of course, a common thread here is that these are all imported, big-budget commercial properties. But the beautiful thing about magic is that a relentless spirit of ingenuity and creative problem-solving is far more important than a price tag. The entire job description is about making the impossible possible onstage, and the greatest magic is achieved by earthy, organic means rather than high-tech gadgets.

One such homegrown example is Young People’s Theatre’s Dora-winning The Darkest Dark, adapted by Jim Millan and Ian MacIntyre from Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion’s book of the same name. Canadian conjuror David Ben – who also staged the effects in the Stratford Festival’s Grand Magic last season — was tasked with crafting magic that had a childlike spirit of play and imagination, with sophisticated, memorable illusions built from humble cardboard boxes. On a smaller-scale indie level, Eric Woolfe’s Eldritch Theatre is also known to regularly feature sleight of hand in their spooky seasons of plays. 

Read more.





23 November 2023

Kickstarter: Synthesis & Secrets - A Magic Book in Four Acts!

From the November 14th Tweet by Michael Kras:

IT's HERE! Kickstarter now LIVE for my new limited release book Synthesis & Secrets: A Magic Book in Four Acts!

Only 500 clothbound hardcover books available. 20 tricks and sleights, 9 essays, 140 gorgeous illustrations.

Grab yours NOW!!!  

https://twitter.com/KrasMagic/status/1724429177896493093

 

 

 

 

28 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 11

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts.  We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

If you completed our survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment!  

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time.  The survey can be found here:  https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Thank you to all that contributed!


 

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

 

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari
<<  part 10  |  part 12 >>

 

Part 11 features:  Michael Kras, David Mitchell, Ray Anderson, and Jordan Murciano

 

  Michael Kras  
Theatre artist, playwright, director, magic director, MichaelKrasWorks.com.

Attended as a camper in 2006 and 2009.

 

Since his time at camp Michael has:

  • Had the privilege of serving as the resident magic associate for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Toronto and have directed and designed magic effects for multiple other theatre productions! On top of that, he's pursued a career as a playwright, achieving numerous professional productions and awards for his work.


In his own words:

  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • How do I pick only one??? I suppose one that sticks out to me was the time I put my stubbornness aside and committed myself to unlearning a sleight I had taught myself incorrectly and relearning the proper handling after an instructor pointed out my error. I then found that instructor at the end of the week and proudly showed him my progress. 
    • Either that, or Daniel Garcia phoning David Blaine for us!

  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • At Sorcerers Safari, I learned to always be learning. I've stayed a student ever since, less intent on settling and more intent on taking steps forward at all times, big or small. 

 

Sorcerers Safari took me out of my magic echo chamber and introduced me to a wider world of perspectives, debates, and life lessons. Magic camp made me a more rounded magician and artist, while also putting some much-needed cracks in my social shell.

 

 

  David Mitchell  
Tech for Ellusionist.com.

Attended camp from 2004 to 2006 as a counsellor, and from 2006 to 2015 as staff (except for 2008).


In his own words:

  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • My first year attending, being in initiated into the camp by the likes of Lee Asher and Steven Kline and accurately suspecting there would be some shenanigans during the event. 
    • Even though I had prepared ahead of time and thought myself to be smarter, I would be foiled by safety features of the swim docks. 
    • Thank goodness it was nighttime. 
    • In later years being able to participate in the now 'Formal' induction of new camp volunteers and staff into the Sorcerers Safari Family cemented the bond that we all shared.

  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • Though I haven't seen some of the staff and campers for a while, they are my partners in crime. We share a joy for a craft that can make the intangible a memory that lasts forever. While I only ever missed two years during my time associated with the camp (my daughter was scheduled to be born during camp week 2008, and we adopted my second daughter the last year camp ran. My oldest still remembers fondly the times she was able to go to camp and participate.
    • I also remember being able to assist in having Ellusionist donate decks and how the campers would always react to getting a new just released deck of cards that most people haven't seen before. The kids always showed their appreciation and made sure to thank myself and the owner of the company. 
    • Working for a Magic company has given me a unique perspective of the magic industry and the evolution of effects and the seasons of what is popular in magic.

 

I am honoured to have been a part of something that has impacted so many people in so many positive ways, and I am always thrilled to read about former campers now turned professional working magicians.

 

 

  Ray Anderson  
Professional magician, CoolMagician.com.

Attended camp during the first four or five years as counsellor and staff.

 

Since his time at camp Ray:


In his own words:

  • Being around those with the same mind set challenges us to be better.

  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • Watching the campers enjoy each and every day .. so many great memories

  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • Life changing!

 

 

  Mind Bender, aka Jordan Murciano 
Professional magician, MindBenderMagic.com.

Attended as a camper from 2011 to 2015.

Since his time at camp Jordan has:

  • Performed suspension straitjacket escape over a bed of nails, and 
  • Placed in a wooden crate then had the crate engulfed in fire. 
  • He also had the opportunity to film a TV show about his escapes.


In his own words:

  • Sorcerers Safari gave me the opportunity to meet real life magicians and escape artist from around the world e.g. Scott Hammell.  Spending the time learning about Escapology [with Scott] was an incredible opportunity.


  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • Late night jam sessions with the cabins!

  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • Skills, knowledge, experiences.

 

Magic camp allowed young performers to be as creative as possible while also giving them an extensive amount of knowledge.

 

Thank you Michael, David, Ray, and Jordan for sharing your memories!

Check back throughout the month to read updates from other Sorcerers Safari alumni and staff!

 

 Previously featured 

 

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

<<  part 10  |  part 12 >>

 

 

07 January 2023

Ones to watch: Carisa Hendrix, Savio Joseph, and Michael Kras

From the December 29th Instagram post by OneAheadClub:

These magicians will shape the future of magic. Be sure to check out the full list, the reasons they're on there, and the interviews. Should we keep our eyes on any performers for next year's list?



 

 

From the December 29th Instagram post by Michael Kras:

This made my entire day: Beyond James has named me one of their Five Hamilton Artists to Watch in 2023!  

Read more.

 

 

 

 

01 May 2022

Felix Felicis to Michael Kras!

From the April 18th Instagram post by Michael Kras:

I have some news! Today was my first day jumping into one of the most exciting (and terrifying) journeys of my career so far as I join the Canadian premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Mirvish as the Illusions & Magic Assistant.

I’ve been in magic even longer than I’ve been in theatre, and it’s a literal dream to be able to combine these two parts of my artistic identity by joining the creative team behind this international smash hit play that uses magic, illusion, and sleight of hand as a key piece of its theatrical language.

I’ve never worked on something of such immense scale, and I’d be lying if I said I’m not overwhelmed. But I’m also beyond excited to work with this unbelievable company of artists, learn on my feet, and hit the ground running. Let’s GOOOOO.

 

 

 

 

22 December 2020

Michael Kras: Playwright-in-Residence at Essential Collective Theatre

Congratulations Michael!

 

From the December 10th Instagam post by Michael Kras:

So very excited to announce that I will officially be the Playwright-in-Residence at @ectheatre for 2021!

ECT means a lot to me - they programmed and produced the world premiere of my play The Team last year - and I'm beyond excited to spend the next year developing and workshopping a brand new play with them.

Thank you to ECT for having me, and thank you to the @ontarioartscouncil for supporting this residency. I can't wait!


 

 

 

 

 

01 June 2020

Michael Kras in the Hamilton Arts Council Online Performance Series

From Michael Kras:
Exciting news!

I’m thrilled to be included as part of the @hamartscouncil Online Performance Series, for which I will be directing a special live-streamed performance of my play The Year and Two of Us Back Here starring the wonderful original cast of @hime.sarah and @stephenjamesingram!
The play was a hit when it premiered in 2018 and I’m so excited to reimagine it and restage it for a digital platform.

Don’t worry: we won’t just be reading the play for you over Facebook Live.
This is a chance to explore the exciting possibilities of staging a play on a virtual platform, and we can’t wait to try out some new ideas to bring this play to full life... even at a distance!





02 December 2019

Michael Kras: Playwright-in-Residence

From Michael's Instagram:
I’m VERY excited to officially announce that I’ll be the 2019/2020 Playwright-in-Residence at @roseneath!

I’ll be spending much of the next year developing my new play, The Boys, with Roseneath’s invaluable expertise and resources.

Endless thanks to Roseneath Theatre and Andrew Lamb for giving me and my play a home this season, and to the @ontarioartscouncil for their generous support of the residency. I can’t wait to get started!




24 August 2019

Michael Kras remembers "This One Time, at Magic Camp…"

From the August 15 article "This One Time, at Magic Camp…" by Michael Kras at Medium:
Imagine being a teenager. Imagine being a teenager whose peculiar passion is prestidigitation. Imagine being the only young person in your neighbourhood who cares about it the way you do. Now, imagine 100 other teenagers just like you, pasty and idiosyncratic with wildly varying degrees of social aptitude, coming together in your own little speck of the world for a week, each one of you suddenly somewhere you all belong. That was magic camp.


Read more.

30 July 2018

Review: The Year and Two of Us Back Here

From the Twitter feed of Michael Kras:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.



22 December 2017

Hamilton: Michael Kras' "The Year and Two of Us Back Here"

From the Twitter feed of Michael Kras:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

29 July 2017

Michael Kras wins the 2017 Voaden Prize

Congratulatiosn Michael!


From Michael Kras' Twitter feed:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.


12 February 2017

Michael Kras in Intermission magazine

From Intermission Magazine:
I get where they’re coming from; the buzz about my hometown hasn’t exactly been glowing in recent years. But Hamilton is going through a renaissance. We’re not “Steel Town” anymore. This little big city is a forty-five-minute drive down the 403 from Toronto; take that car another ten minutes off the highway and up James Street North, and a loud phrase painted across a stretch of sidewalk says it all: “Art is the new steel.”

Not too long ago, though, this wasn’t the case.

Read more.