The College of Magic in Cape Town, South Africa, is a non-profit performing arts training center. Founded in 1980, today it is home to more than 150 students of all ages. A team of 20 volunteers—professional magicians, schoolteachers, and local performers—carry out training in both English and the local indigenous language, Xhosa. The curriculum includes various aspects of magic, illusion, and stagecraft as well as juggling, ventriloquism, mime, and clowning.

To learn more about the College, visit their Website at www.magic.org.za.

 

THE SARMOTI GRANT

In 1997 the Siegfried & Roy SARMOTI Grant was established enabling disadvantaged young people to join the college and experience the world of magic. Delivered in person by their emissary and coordinator, Lynette Chappell, the Siegfried & Roy SARMOTI Grant heralded a new era for the College of Magic.

Called the Magic in the Community project, it allows a group of students to be transported for weekly lessons from their destitute homes in the Cape Flats to the fantasy-fulfilling world of the college. It is through the generosity of people such as Siegfried & Roy that these young people are able to escape their hardships and explore their imagination. "Magic is so great; I feel so lucky," says a student, "This is like a dream come true."

Situated in a large two-story Victorian building, the college’s Magical Arts Center is complete with library, museum, theatre and magic shop. Students have access to a treasure trove of new resources allowing them to turn their ideas into magical reality whether it is in the illusion workshop or outside in "The Secret Garden." The SARMOTI "Tree of the Future," found at the entrance to this tiny retreat, is a reminder for all to let the magic enlighten not only their lives, but also those around them.

"Siegfried & Roy’s SARMOTI Grant is making magical training possible for numerous deserving students and is promoting the art of magic among our students and staff with our, now, much improved resources." says College of Magic director David Gore. "It’s great to have the support of these incredible entertainers, and even more gratifying for us to have their genuine and personal interest and friendship. It means so much for each of us, staff and students alike, to have these world renowned icons share our dream."

2004 WINNER

The recipient of the 2004 SARMOTI Grant is 14 year old student, James Clarke. James is one of the College of Magic’s up and coming young stars having performed in numerous championship contests with his unique brand of magic and showmanship. "Siegfried & Roy have long been my heroes," says James. "My dream is to ultimately follow in their footsteps. But first, I’m hoping to compete in the 2005 World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas and hopefully meet them in person... what could be greater than that?"

The College of Magic celebrated its 24th anniversary this year. To mark the event, the College of Magic is set to open its very own Imagination Centre and Secret Garden in honour of the master illusionists. With the magic of SARMOTI alive at the College, who knows what the future will bring?