College of Magic, Cape Town South Africa

I had the pleasure of spending a few days at the College of Magic in Cape Town, South Africa. I was there for the Joshua Jay visit. Joshua was doing a number of volunteer workshops for the kids and lecturing for the adults.

For me it was a chance to meet up with Joshua and finally see what the College of Magic was all about.


Joshua Jay with students during a workshop at College of Magic

I was completely blown away by the College. This is the closest thing to Hogwarts on the planet. Picture an old mansion that has been turned into a magic school. The space feels a bit like The Magic Castle in Hollywood. There are happy smiling kids running around everywhere.. On a Saturday morning you can pop your head into almost any room and find a class full of fascinated young magicians. I peeked in on a class learning rope magic, went up the stairs and found a class learning lapping, walked around the corner and found a class learning basic coin magic, ventured across the hall and sat in on a class on showmanship, went downstairs and juggled with the juggling class, and still had time to catch the end of a class on mime.

This is one of the best places on earth to learn to be a magician. But the amazing thing is everything else that takes place here.



South Africa is a deeply divided country. 10% of the population is rich and white. 90% of the population is poor and "black" or "coloured". Since 1994 South Africa has been a democracy, but before 1994 legally institutionalized segregation kept the people living in very different worlds. It was illegal to drive in a car with people of a different race.

Enter College of Magic. For 29 years the College of Magic has been quietly breaking down racial and class boundaries. Since its founding, College of Magic has accepted students of all races, regardless of their ability to pay.

It's a beautiful and colorful place. It was a real treat to see kids from all different backgrounds just being kids... laughing and smiling and practicing their magic.

Studying magic has so many positive side effects. The kids are confident and well spoken. They're not afraid to get up and try something... even if it may fail. They experience a clear correlation between hard work and improvement. They develop a way to earn money on the side. They have an interest and a skill that makes them unique in their peer group. They have an extended community of people who care.

The activities of the College aren't limited to the 160 regular students. The College hosts thousands of school children each year. The children come through on field trips where academic lessons are taught with a magical twist. The subjects don't have to be taught in a boring way. This is as important for the teachers to see as it is for the students.

The College also gives an opportunity for several students to travel to Las Vegas each year to compete in the World Magic Seminar Teen Competition. This is an enormous opportunity. For many students that trip is a twinkle in the eye for years before it actually happens.



One of the coolest things about the College of Magic is that the teachers are pretty much all former students. This is a group of some of the nicest guys and girls you could meet. They love the college so much they've come back to teach and contribute after they've graduated.

This is all a testament to David (the founder), Marian (his longtime partner) and Michael (their longtime colleague). These are three of the loveliest people I've ever met. Their passion for College of Magic shines more brightly than the South African sun. This is their life. And what a wonderful life it is.

I highly recommend a visit to College of Magic. If you can't visit, take a minute to get to know them. Send them a letter of support. Donate them a copy of your favorite magic book. Send them a prop you love but aren't using. This is an organization that deserves it. Click here for info on how to get involved!


Maxwell Murphy (center) with a small group of students from College of Magic.

In closing, I need to say a special thanks to Craig Mitchell. Craig is the international outreach person for College of Magic, and he put the whole trip together. Craig is a former student and now a successful entrepreneur. One morning in the car I asked Craig a question, "What is your favorite thing to do in the world?" I was thinking of sailing or snowboarding or surfing or maybe putting on a big show. Craig said, "Saturday mornings at the college."

And that says it all.