Welcome to the Hat and Rabbit Clubs Events Page.
Events run typically on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Steve Beam Lecture
Date: Monday, April 20th, 2026
Time: Doors open 6:30 PM / Event Start 7:00 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - Fairview Branch - 35 Fairview Mall Drive, North York
Tickets: Free for Members / $25 for non-members
(e-transfer to ibmring17@gmail.com)
From the man who brought you the Trick that Could Not be Printed, the Flaming Heckler Illusion, and the Vanishing Earthworm, you are now about to be subjected to Magic with No Entertainment Value. Also known as Lecture #17 (and the only one he does) it features some of the finest in comedy magic direct from the instigator.
You will find more usable and practical material in this one lecture than you culled from your entire photocopy of Greater Magic. (Photocopies of Greater Magic will also be available at the lecture.) Best of all, remember Steve’s motto regarding his lecture: Less than 3% filler.
The father of modern magic, Robert Houdin, once said of Steve’s lecture, “La pluie D’or Enchante le vase ou le Genii des roses tourerelles lorgnette de mysteriux.” (English translation: “I enjoyed it about as much as I enjoyed The Unmasking of Robert Houdin.”) And, if Bob Houdin liked it, you know you will get a kick out of it.
Beam has lectured all over North America and Europe. His lectures feature the latest in sleight of hand interwoven with the hottest semi-automatic magic from the guy who coined the term. The magic is designed and presented with the audience in mind – magic that will enthrall and entertain.
Attendees learn clever principles, witness devious subtleties, and experience eye candy with apurpose. All of this while seeing how these ingredients can form more than just tricks.
Beam has created more than a thousand magic effects – and re-invented thousands more. In addition to publishing The Trap- door for 15 years (1983- 1998) he authored 12 volumes of his influential Semi-Automatic Card Tricks series and has published numerous articles in magazines throughout the world.
He not only creates and publishes his own magic, he also performs and teaches it. So, pull up a chair, sit back, and prepare to be amazed.
• Author of the best-selling, 12-volume Semi-Automatic Card Tricks series from 1993 - 2020.
• Editor of the underground journal, The Trapdoor (1983-1998).
• Recipient of the 2013 Literary Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts.
• Monthly columnist for Magie, the magazine of the German Magic Circle (2017-2019).
• 1 of only 2, two-time winners of the Lou Gallo MVP award at Fechter’s Finger-Flinging
Frolic. 2011 Guest of Honor.
• Internationally acclaimed performer, lecturer, and author of over 25 books.
www.stevebeam.com - Where “quality” is more than just a two-syllable word.
Jared Kopf WORKSHOP
Jared Kopf WORKSHOP
Date: Friday March 20th, 2026
Time: Doors open 6:30 PM / Event Start 7:00 PM
Tickets: $100 - space is limited
Location: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road
(Use the side entrance by the parking lot)
True mastery isn't found on a stage under a spotlight—it’s forged in the quiet moments behind the curtain. And in our craft, who you study under defines the magician you become. That is why we are so incredibly proud to welcome Jared Kopf back to Toronto on March 20th. As a protégé of Bob White and Johnny Thompson, Jared Kopf has spent his career refining the flawless technique and deep philosophy inherited from the Vernon and Miller traditions. Since his last visit in 2019, Jared has further evolved into one of the most unique and powerful performers of his generation. This is not a session on "tricks," but a deep dive into the deliberate, elegant architecture of high-level sleight-of-hand and mentalism, led by one of the finest artists in our craft today – an invitation to sit at the table with the very best of our lineage.
On March 20th, Jared will lead an exclusive, single-session workshop designed specifically for the serious practitioner. This unique intensive will bridge the gap between traditional magic and mentalism, followed by a casual Q&A session where no stone will be left unturned regarding his technique, repertoire, and philosophy. Because this is an intimate learning environment, spaces are extremely limited and reserved strictly for magicians.
Don't miss this opportunity to refine your craft under the guidance of a true modern master. We look forward to seeing you there.
To secure your spot for this rare event, please send an etransfer for $100 to ibmring17@gmail.com.
Jared Kopf - A Private Performance in a World of Wonders
SOLD OUT!!! Jared Kopf - A Private Performance in a World of Wonders
Date: Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Time: Doors open 7:30 PM / Event Start 8:00 PM
Location: Prehistoria Museum & SkullStore Oddity Shop - 333 Yonge Street, Second Floor, Toronto
Tickets: SOLD OUT!!! $30.00 - Via Eventbrite or send etransfer to the Club at ibmring17@gmail.com
“Jared Kopf is my favorite magician, maybe my favorite person.”
- Jesse Eisenberg (star of Now You See Me)
Warning: This is not just a regular magic show.
Forget the traditional theater; this performance takes place deep within a hidden museum of skulls, dinosaur bones, and occult treasures. It is the ultimate atmospheric sanctum for an evening of high-level magic, where every shadow holds a piece of history and every corner whispers a secret.
Who is Jared Kopf?
Jared learned the craft in the ways of old, apprenticing under the legendary underground magician Bob White. Today, he has forged his own path, blending classical magic with ancient mysticism and modern philosophy to create an experience far greater than the sum of its parts.
On the Now You See Me 3 set, Photo by Katalin Vermes for Lionsgate
His expertise is sought after by the highest levels of stage and film; he most recently served as a consultant for Now You See Me 3. He was also among the first magicians invited to appear on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, earning a rare glowing endorsement from Penn Jillette: “His handling of the cards is flawless, and his tricks are killer... His sleight of hand is perfect. I love him. I have just a mad, wild crush on Jared.”
Our Venue - Prehistoria Museum & SkullStore Oddity Shop
Note: Unfortunately the venue is not wheelchair accessible as it is the third floor of the building and there is not an elevator.
Jared Kopf Lecture
Jared Kopf Lecture
Date: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Time: Doors open 6:30 PM / Event Start 7:00 PM
Location: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road
(Use the side entrance by the parking lot)
Tickets: Free for Members / $20 non-members (pay at door or e-transfer)
NOTE: We are also trying to schedule a private Workshop and a public performance with Jared. Stay tuned!
Jared Kopf is one of magic’s finest artists. As a young man, he built a reputation on his flawless technique and massive repertoire of classics, executed to perfection. It didn’t hurt that he studied under master magicians Bob White and Johnny Thompson. Over the ensuing years, he’s also proven himself to be a master performer, and is considered among the cognoscenti as one of the greatest magicians of his generation.
His lectures always cover a variety of topics:sleight-of-hand card and coin magic, classical magic (Cups & Balls, Linking Rings, etc.), mentalism, and “readings” with various symbols, especially the Tarot de Marseille. The lecture’s thesis argues for a unified theory of Magic as a natural phenomenon.
Jared has done incarnations of this ever-evolving lecture for Conjuring Arts University and across North America, Europe, China, Hong Kong, and Japan, spreading the word that Magic is real—even the fake kind.
For more information visit his website - https://www.jaredkopf.com/
Michael Kras Lecture
Michael Kras Lecture
Date: Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Time: Doors open 6:30 PM / Event Start 7:00 PM
Location: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road
(Use the side entrance by the parking lot)
Free for Members / $20 for Non-Members
Michael Kras is a Hamilton-based magician, writer, and theatre artist. He is known for directing and designing magic & illusions for stage productions internationally, including the Canadian premiere and North American tour of the global sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
On top of writing plays that have received national awards, Michael is the author of Synthesis & Secrets: a magic book full of tricks, techniques, and essays. The book was released in a limited edition print run in 2024 and quickly sold out in magic shops around the world.
Currently, Michael is designing and directing original magic for two major Toronto stage productions in 2026 and is writing and creating Love Me Back – a solo play with sleight of hand – under commission by Green Light Arts. Learn more about his work at michaelkrasworks.com!
THE LECTURE
Michael’s lecture will kick off with a lesson on his Kras Change: a colour change and utility move that allows you to transform a card visually or switch it covertly. After learning the Kras Change, Michael will walk you through a few of his favourite effects utilizing the change, plus a handful of close-up tricks that don’t use the change at all.
Then, Michael will talk you through his career as a magic director & designer for theatre productions, including his time on the illusions team with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. He’ll demystify what it means to make story-driven magic in stage plays and musicals, and discuss the ways this work has informed his own approach to effective magic performance.
👉 👉 👉 NOTE! Michael has about 20 copies of his limited release book Synthesis & Secrets left: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/card-magic/synthesis-and-secrets/
This was a run of only 500 copies of a clothbound hardcover, each one individually numbered. These are sold out everywhere and never to be reprinted in this format. He plans to bring the remaining stock to Ring 17 in case any members would like to nab one of the last copies. It's $100 CAD plus HST and he can waive the tax for anyone who pays in cash.
Movie Night - The Life and Strange Genius of Stewart James
Movie Night - The Life and Strange Genius of Stewart James
Date: Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Time: Doors open 6:30 PM / Event Start 7:00 PM
Location: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road
Free for Members / $10 for Non-Members
Join us for a special screening of the documentary "The Life and Strange Genius of Stewart James" with writer/director Daniel Zuckerbrot in attendance. We’ll have a Q&A about making the documentary on the reclusive and inspiring magical thinker extraordinaire. And we are asking members to show off their favourite Stewart James’ tricks! Please reach out to us at ibmring17@gmail.com if you are game to join the Stewart James Show & Tell.
Stewart James was one of the most prolific producers of magic tricks in history. He was an illusionist extraordinaire and inventor of over 1,000 unique tricks, all created with the use of mathematical and scientific principles. Some of his best-known pieces are “ Further Than That,” “Miraskill” and the famed “51 Faces North” plot. James’ book on magic, published in 1989 by long-time friend Allan Slaight, is still the largest book of magic tricks ever printed.
James was born in Courtright, ON in 1908 and lived there until his death in 1996. The youngest child of John W. James, a Welsh-born tinsmith and superintendent of the Stewart Presbyterian Church Sunday School, and Annie L. Stewart, known as an extremely strict and humourless woman who dominated her son’s life until her death in 1972, James had an extremely isolated childhood. His parents kept him out of school for many years and the young boy would spend his days on the verandah of his family home, Aberystwyth, dreaming up magic tricks with three imaginary friends, known as ‘The Deepsters’, named Rigonally, Faxton and Khardova.
- ✶ - 🎩 🐇 - ✶ -
Rick Holcombe
Rick is primarily a coin magician, but he loves all magic and does a variety of material. He has released some of my work independently through his website and through Copeland Coins.
Steve Valentine
We are so excited to have Steve Valentine give us a special lecture this season.
David Ben
We’re thrilled to welcome David Ben as our special guest for the launch of the 2025-2026 Hat and Rabbit Club season. David is a master magician, author, and co-founder of Magicana, a performing arts organization dedicated to the advancement of magic as a performing art.
The sole protégé of Ross Bertram and a renowned authority on Dai Vernon, David has performed internationally, written extensively on the history and theory of magic, and curated major exhibitions and theatrical productions.
His depth of knowledge, artistry, and passion for magic make him an inspiring figure. A recent recipient of the Order of Canada, David is the perfect guest to help us kick off a season focused on performance, mentorship, and community.
Jeff Hinchliffe Lecture
I've been involved in magic for nearly 30 years, and yet in those 3 decades I had never put together a complete show. In the summer of 2024 that finally changed. With the encouragement of our own Mahdi Gilbert, I set out to create my first show. A show about how and why I became a magician.
In my lecture this month I'm going to dissect my show for you.
I'm going to talk about how and why I chose the material I did, and how I changed and adapted them to suit the particular performance environment. I'll discuss how I changed or adjusted the presentations so that the tricks feel more like they're following a through-line as opposed to just a random assortment of magic. I'll also talk about changes I'm considering making to the show, and ideas I'm still struggling with.
In addition to that, I'm happy to take any questions about my show that I haven't already covered, and I will also talk about material I'm working on outside of my show.
Alex Linian Lecture
Alejandro Linian has been studying, performing, and developing Magic for over 20 years. He is the first Peruvian magician to appear on PENN & TELLER: FOOL US on The CW, has won the Latin American championships of Magic, and appeared on South American television, radio, and newspapers. He has been featured in the top trade journals in the Magic industry, and his inventions are sold in magician shops around the world- David Blaine even performed one of them in a prime-time TV special!
Alejandro's Magic prominently features the culture, history, and traditions of his native country of Peru. In addition to his live performances, his virtual shows have allowed him to reach audiences all around the world, performing for companies in six different continents- sometimes all at the same time!
Chung & Slim Lecture
Chung has been a magician for over two decades with a love for close-up and cards. Though he's mostly stayed out of the spotlight, he has played a big part in crafting the Montreal magic scene into what it is today. He's had three wildly successful Fringe festival shows. And his ideas have appeared in books from the likes of Caleb Wiles, Steve Beam and Bob Farmer, just to name a few. Jared Kopf has said of Chung’s work, "His card tricks are subtle, powerful mysteries."
Slimis the founder of the Slim Card Co. In 2012, after meeting with a retired Las Vegas hustler who showed him the works on card trimming, he started making gaff playing cards and dice for magicians who needed that little extra special for their performances.
Part-time magician but full-time obsessed with gambling gaffs and memorabilia as well as gambling sleights, he makes all types of gaffs with dice and cards, including a wide array of stripper decks like belly strippers, His work has been lauded by the likes of Sal Piacente, Jason England and the late Fast Jack Farrell.
Their work has appeared in the UK magazine Operandi, and they were both featured in Issue 1 of Conundrum.
You won't want to miss this one. As we were organizing this event, Chung said to us recently, “I don't want to give full details because like a magic show, we like to build a little mystery into the thing.” Shhhhhhhh!
Chris Pilsworth Lecture
Chris Pilsworth Toronto Lecture
Chris Pilsworth has earned his living as a full-time magician for over 35 years. He has performed at private functions, cocktail parties, colleges and universities, fairs and festivals and on cruise ships and in theatres.
This lecture will feature close-up and parlour magic that is hard-hitting and practical. All the material has been refined over hundreds and thousands of performances. The magic has been designed to be performed under most conditions.
There is card and coin magic, but also magic with bubbles and sand. The skill level varies from easy to moderately difficult. There will be some fabulous magic for all performers.
Chris will also include in this lecture his version of the egg bag, released in 2014 through Bill Abbott Magic. This unique version has sold over 2000 units worldwide.
Chris will share some of his favourite mysteries that have been crafted with care by a magician, but also a university-trained product designer. This lecture is the one Chris presented in six cities in China, in April of 2024. Come out and be inspired!
January: LANCE BURTON
LANCE BURTON!!!
We have a special Zoom call set up to meet with the one and only Lance Burton!
It’s going to be INCREDIBLE!!! He is a Master Magician who has performed FIFTEEN THOUSAND shows in his career.
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to hear from Lance.
November: Movie Night! LOST IN THE SHUFFLE
Popcorn and Magic! This month our Event is a screening of the documentary Lost in the Shuffle featuring a post screening Q&A with Director Jon Ornery.
October: Chris Philpott Lecture
Chris will be lecturing on mentalism, card magic and how to make effects you do now more meaningful, personal and powerful. Chris will use his years of training as a screenwriter to point out common scripting mistakes magicians make, as well as demonstrating the way to give your magic more impact. He will teach easy-to-do effects that pack a major punch. He will also touch on magic theory, but in a way that will give you practical tools to improve your magic.
September: Michel Huot Lecture
Michel Huot is a Canadian magician known for his exceptional skills in corporate magic and mentalism. Based in Montreal, Huot has made a name for himself through his innovative and entertaining performances that blend humour, psychological insight, and sleight of hand.
June: Year End Gala
Note: Be sure to get your tickets ASAP to help us with a head count for our reservation. If you can't pay online, please contact us.
You are invited to join us for our Year-End and Annual Dinner Get-Together at The Mandarin Restaurant, located at Yonge and Eglinton in Toronto. Free parking and it is right by the subway at Eglinton Station.
This special event will take place on Thursday, June 20th at 7:00 pm and promises to be an evening of tasty food, camaraderie, building community and fun entertainment.
As we celebrate another successful year together, we look forward to sharing a few stories, a little laughter, and a bit more magic with all of you.
Please mark your calendars and prepare for a great night filled with wonderful food, good company, and a few surprises that are sure to captivate and amaze. We look forward to seeing you there!
Price is $60.00 which includes the meal, GST and gratuity and a small fee for our entertainers.
Please email your payment to via e-transfer to: ibmring17@gmail.com
June: Hat & Rabbit Meet-Up
Join us for food, drink chat and MAGIC JAMS! Bring your cards, coins, silks, ropes or whatever you use. Share a trick, routine, move, or a story!
And if you have any magician friends who aren't members who are curious about the club, invite them! Happy to have non-members sit in and learn what the club is about.
May: Mentalism! Alexander Marsh Lecture
Who is Alexander Marsh? Well he is the pen-name and alter-ego of Alex McAleer and he'd prefer it if you referred to him as Alexander Marsh online, or just Alex is fine too. He thanks you for your understanding.
May: Hat & Rabbit Meet-Up
Join us for food, drink chat and MAGIC JAMS! Bring your cards, coins, silks, ropes or whatever you use. Share a trick, routine, move, or a story!
And if you have any magician friends who aren't members who are curious about the club, invite them! Happy to have non-members sit in and learn what the club is about.
April: Chris Mayhew Lecture
Chris Mayhew enters. And magic mayhem follows. He will disarm you, charm you, and make you laugh out loud with his uniquely entertaining brand of magic.
April: Hat & Rabbit Meet-Up
Join us for food, drink chat and MAGIC JAMS! Bring your cards, coins, silks, ropes or whatever you use. Share a trick, routine, move, or a story!
And if you have any magician friends who aren't members who are curious about the club, invite them! Happy to have non-members sit in and learn what the club is about.
March: Pro-Panel 2024
Prepare for a fun and interesting step in to 185+ years of experience for an eye opening, insightful and fun panel discussion featuring Toronto Ring 17 members and long-time pros: Wij the Magician, Buck Macleod, Glenn Ottaway, and Dick Joiner. Let’s peel back a few layers on the craft as these seasoned performers share their unique perspectives, recounting challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned during their magical journeys.
Annual General Meeting 2024
The board invites eligible members (fully paid members of the Club AND members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians) to attend the annual meeting on March 21st from 6:30PM to 7:15PM.
March: Hat & Rabbit Meet-Up
Join us for food, drink chat and MAGIC JAMS! Bring your cards, coins, silks, ropes or whatever you use. Share a trick, routine, move, or a story!
And if you have any magician friends who aren't members who are curious about the club, invite them! Happy to have non-members sit in and learn what the club is about.
"The Quiet Masters - The History and Relevance of the Black Magical Artist." A special screening with Kenrick “Ice” McDonald in person
In celebration of Black History Month, we proudly presents the Toronto Premiere of "The Quiet Masters - The History and Relevance of the Black Magical Artist." The director of the film, acclaimed magician Kenrick McDonald will be with us LIVE to host this exclusive event.
February: Hat & Rabbit Meet-Up
Join us for food, drink chat and MAGIC JAMS! Bring your cards, coins, silks, ropes or whatever you use. Share a trick, routine, move, or a story!
And if you have any magician friends who aren't members who are curious about the club, invite them! Happy to have non-members sit in and learn what the club is about.
January: Gerry Frenette Lecture
Be sure to catch Gerry Frenette's lecture "THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MAGIC." It's about misdirection, subtleties, and logic, as they pertain to all forms of magic.
January: Hat & Rabbit Meet-Up
Join us for food, drink chat and MAGIC JAMS! Bring your cards, coins, silks, ropes or whatever you use. Share a trick, routine, move, or a story!
And if you have any magician friends who aren't members who are curious about the club, invite them! Happy to have non-members sit in and learn what the club is about.
December: Hat & Rabbit Meet-Up
Join us for food, drink chat and MAGIC JAMS! Bring your cards, coins, silks, ropes or whatever you use. Share a trick, routine, move, or a story!
And if you have any magician friends who aren't members who are curious about the club, invite them! Happy to have non-members sit in and learn what the club is about.