Making Magic

Magic is the illusion of seemingly impossible feats. It’s a performing art, in which audiences are mesmerized by a series of tricks. Magic is effects created through the belief of supernatural means. Altogether, magic is ‘special effects meant to entertain the audience'.  It's a practiced deception.

This is the story of Norden and a hobby that became a passion and then a much loved profession.

Norden discovered a love of magic in 1999 at one of the most magical places on earth— Disneyland!  The magician stood behind the counter, entertaining the customers with tricks. Norden was instantaneously enthralled.

He watched the Master intently, paying close attention to every single move he made. Norden was determined to uncover the mystery of each illusion and figure out how each demonstrated trick was done.  Each trick had a price tag. Norden threw down his credit card, eager to learn and even more eager to master. This fascination didn’t stop in Disneyland though. Once Norden was back from vacation, he became a daily regular in the magic shops.

Magic can be mesmerizing.  Regardless of age, we can’t help but be entertained when someone pulls a quarter out of our ear or produces a colourful scarf from a seemingly empty hat. We have all fallen prey to the 'ooohs' and 'ahhhs' affiliated with the captivation of vanishing acts, escape feats, levitation and being sawed in half.

The allure of magic absorbed Norden. Channeling his inner child, as well as his inner Houdini, Norden began to amaze friends and family at every opportunity. His first show was for his nieces - Uncle Mike took the stage.

It wasn’t long before word of mouth worked its own magic and offers began to filter in, such as birthday parties, Cub Scout meetings and elementary school performances. The book ‘Seriously Silly’ changed his magic life and everything seemed to go up from there. Norden learned the power of packing small, playing big. He learned which tricks worked for which age groups and how one of his best stage props was just to be silly.

His rubber chicken, Rufus, definitely got Norden some media attention and it was through this magical partnership that he caught the attention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.  Connecting with like minded individuals took his magical talent to a whole new level and Norden became club president the following year.  Norden began the Fraser Valley International Brotherhood of Magicians in 2013, with 65 magicians, and is currently the Vice-President.

Norden has been the recipient of the Children’s Entertainer of the Year not once, but thirteen times. Though predominantly known as a children's magician, Norden possesses an artistic talent and a unique sense of humour that proves to keep adults equally as enchanted.  There is no one as humorous, charming, funny and magical, all at the same time.

The last year has been a struggle. The restrictions implemented due to the COVID-19 outbreak have forced limited gatherings and the cancellation of parties and festivals around the world. The art of live magic has almost vanished in a puff of smoke.

A magician’s job is to give the audience the illusion that absolutely nothing is impossible. The pure wonderment of magic works to make your worries disappear. That’s what this talented magician is set on accomplishing.

We can’t let the art of magic become a vanishing act.  To learn more or contact Norden,  visit www.magicshows.ca.

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Written by Joanna McBride of McBride Designs.