Academy of Magical Arts

The Academy of Magical Arts is an organization devoted to the promotion and development of the art of magic.

It was created by William Larsen, Sr. in 1952, and promoted by his two sons Milt Larsen and Bill Larsen into an international organization whose headquarters is the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.

History

The Academy of Magical Arts was started by William Larsen in 1952. It was first announced in an independent magazine of magic, of which all the suscribers became instant members. William Larsen died at the age of 48 in 1955. His wife and older son, Bill Jr. continued the printing of the magazine but the Academy, as an organization, was fading away. In 1961 William Larsen's younger son, Milt, took the job of taking a mansion and turning it into a magical castle. This castle would soon become the Academy of Magical Arts.

Becoming a Member

There are nearly 2500 magician members in the academy today. To become a regular member one must first be actively practicing or involved with magic as a career or hobby and audition before the Academy’s membership reviewing committee. Associate members are people who love magic and the academy. Most of the members are in the entertainment business, law, finance, and medical fields. Some of these associate members are friends of magician members who enjoy the atmosphere of the Academy. Associate Member applications must be approved by the Board of Directors. Honorary members and VIP members are presented by the Board of Directors to world famous magicians, celebrities and individual members of the Academy who have contributed to the advancement of the art of magic. It is also possible to become a junior magician if you are between the age of 13 and 20. Membership in the Junior Group is open to anyone seriously interested in magic and is from 13 to 19 years of age. One may apply if 20 years old, but must be able to be a member in the Group for one full year. These junior magicians are only allowed the limited use of facilities. You must be a talented magician who get accepted through audition.

Taking a Class

To take a class at the Academy of Magic you do not have to become a member. The Basic Magic class is designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to perform basic magic. The class combines instructor presentation, step-by-step explanation, hands-on instruction, group practice sessions and individual performance. Classes are held one night per week for six weeks, from 7:45PM to 9:45PM. During the six weeks the students shall receive a temporary six week pass that will grant the privileges of a regular member excluding magician member's lectures. They are allowed to bring four friends to stay at the castle but not to the classes. Men must wear a coat and tie and women must wear a dress or skirt, no casual wear is permitted.

References

* [http://results.factiva.com/index/index.aspx?ref=VARTY00020060918e29e000e3 Castle casts spell on Larsen clan; Founder tells his and club's history] , "Daily Variety", September 14, 2006.
* [http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/RDFB/lib00679,103BB36A906CA633.html Magic at the Castle this weekend] , "Redlands Daily Facts", July 1, 2004.

External links

* [http://www.magiccastle.com/ama/index.cfm Academy of Magical Arts] web page