TEEN wizards will be locked in the ultimate battle of the wands at the 2016 Western Cape Junior Magician Championships today.
The competition will take place at Milnerton High School.
The show is hosted by the College of Magic, a city-based magical arts organisation and the championship is billed as the “ultimate battle” testing the mettle of young Harry Potters in the quick-fingered art of close-up magic.
Contestants are vying for the 2016 Western Cape Junior Magician title, top honours and opportunities to perform at international magical events. The Weekend Argus spoke to five of the competing magicians.
Grant Best, a Grade 9 Fairbairn College pupil, said he enjoyed performing stage illusions, especially those that included special sound and lighting effects.
The 14-year old from Goodwood has been studying magic for four years. “I enjoy doing magic right but someday I would like to own an event co-ordination company.”
Caitlin Hutchison, 15, from Claremont has been studying magic since she was 10 years old. The Westerford High Grade 10 pupil also enjoys music and singing. “I’d love to perform in some way in the future.”
She said her parents were supportive as her father had trained as a magician too.
Xolile Dyani, 19, from Khayelitsha is an intern at the College of Magic.
He has been a magician for six years. “Magic is my passion but I would to become a successful entrepreneur.”
Bulumko Secondary School pupil Dion Wabanie, 18, from Khayelitsha, graduated from the College of Magic in last year. He enjoys entertaining children.
Wynberg Boy’s High Grade 11 pupil Husain Jaffer, 16, has studied magic since he was 10.
“My future career will be something cool that helps people”, he said.
“The championships event is a fantastic platform for our young magicians to get a taste of what it is like to compete professionally. I’ve had a sneak peak at the creative acts our contestants are preparing and they are incredible. Join us and see them for yourselves” said College of Magic director David Gore.
l The close up event is at 2pm and the stage contest at 4pm.
Tickets start at R100 and are available at www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets