Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Carl Rheuban has been a Life Member of the Magic Castle for over 40 years.

The Magic Castle is both a building and a membership club in Hollywood, California that is devoted to the art and craft of magic as an entertainment vehicle.  Only members and their guests are allowed to enter this castle-like structure.  Inside you will find a Victorian décor.  Lots of velvet, torches and secret passageways add to the fun.  Bars and restaurants are in the castle as are many performance venues.  While there are many levels of membership, Magician Members are actively practicing their craft as a hobby or a career.  Every night that the Castle is open, you can watch members give performances.  The castle is actually organized around a non-profit academy devoted to the advancement of magic.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magic_Castle 
Image Source: wikipedia.org

To become a magician member, a person needs to apply, pay a membership fee and be able to demonstrate a knowledge of magic and perform an audition in front of an interview committee.  Carl Rheuban, who has practiced magic for 60 years, became a life member over 40 years ago. Since Rheuban specializes in close-up and parlor effects with coins and cards, he fits well into the Castle venue.  In fact, the structure contains venues specifically for close-up and parlor tricks.

http://www.magiccastle.com/about/virtualtour.cfm 
Image Source: magiccastle.com

One effect that Carl Rheuban likes to perform is one that he has up on YouTube, in which he changes five $1 bills into five $100 bills before your eyes.  He notes that viewers love this trick, wishing they could make it work for them when money is tight.  

Image Source: tripadvisor.com 

In addition, to receiving privileges to visit the Castle, members can bring guests and can access one of the world’s most extensive libraries on magic and related areas.  

If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Magic Castle, make sure you do so.  It is an experience you will not forget.

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