MEF Grant for the COSMIC UNDERGROUND THEATER
The MEF Trustees are pleased to honor Kayla Drescher and Harrison Lampert a grant toward the cost of opening their new Chicago Magic space, the Cosmic Underground Theater. Not only will this location feature magic shows and improv comedy shows, but the theater will also be home to The Magic Institute - the most comprehensive magic program in the United States. This is one of the few magic training program for adults focused on building an understanding of magic foundations and applying them in performance. Students will develop their own unique style in a supportive environment where they're encouraged to experiment, be themselves, and most importantly, have fun. The Magic Institute also focuses on inclusion and equity from the beginning to welcome students. With a two-year successful program run at a different location in Chicago, this 5-level program approaches magic from the perspective that anyone, regardless of identity and ability, can perform magic. Harrison and Kayla are both life members of the S.A.M. Find out more at: cosmicundergroundtheater.com
Kristin Bedford's New Project:
I SEE YOU
The MEF trustees are pleased to announce a grant to Kristin Bedford for a photography book, I See You, that visually explores the work of living women magicians, born before the 1950s, and deceased women magicians dating back to the late 1700s. She will photograph living women magicians from the USA, the UK and Germany. Additionally, relevant magical arts collections will be included. Some of the expected subjects include Francis Willard, Charlotte Pendragon, Dorothy Dietrich, and Ann Myrece Schwartz James in the USA. She also plans to include, Betty Davenport, Elizabeth Warlock, Shirley Ray and Fay Presto from the UK; and Fee Elisa, Gerda Roeder and Hexy from Germany.
Known for her quiet portraits of American cultural movements, Kristin Bedford’s new work, Cruise Night, is an intimate and unstaged exploration of Mexican American lowrider car culture in Los Angeles. From 2014 to 2019 she attended hundreds of lowrider cruise nights, car shows, quinceañeras, weddings and funerals. See more at: kristinbedford.com
Shin Lim wins America’s Got Talent - TWICE!
Shin Lim, “I was privileged to be the recipient of a Harry and Trudy Monti College Scholarship through the Magic Endowment Fund. The scholarship helped me further my education in magic and business, leading to a career in the performing arts. The MEF has also provided scholarships to my compeers to assist in their growth as young adults and provide a foundation in the wonderful world of magic. I encourage all to donate to the MEF to help grow the art of magic. Thank you.” Shin Lim twice won in America’s Got Talent Franchise: in 2018 AGT Season 13, and AGT: the Champions in 2019. Shin Lim now has a long term residency in Las Vegas headlining his own show at the MGM Mirage.
The Houdini Gravesite
A group of S.A.M Members gather in 2023 in memory of Houdini's passing on Oct 31, 1926. The Houdini Grave site, the final resting place for Houdini in Machpelah Cemetery, is located in Queens, New York. He purchased the burial plot in 1916 for his family. His parents and brother (Hardeen the magician) are interred there, as well as other family members. Over the past 100 years the monuments and grave markers on the site have come into disrepair. The MEF, in conjunction with the Society of American Magicians and Parent S.A.M. Assembly #1, has undertaken an effort to fund the restoration of the monuments and continue to fund the maintenance of the site. We look forward to a complete restoration of these monuments.
S. A. M. Magicians Volunteer Program Brings Magic to Children in Hospitals
Entertaining children is especially rewarding. A magician performing for a hospitalized child can make their day a lot better. For a few moments the magic helps them enjoy the wonder and surprise of a well performed trick, and brings a smile to their faces. The MEF is honored to support the S.A.M. Magic in Hospitals program.
EPIC Foundation (Educate, Protect and Invest in Children) in Honolulu, HI
EPIC Foundation (Educate, Protect and Invest in Children) in Honolulu, HI in 2018 Summer Journey program students sending their Mahalo to the MEF for the magic supplies for their summer magical journey.
Permission to post was granted by Kathy Awaya, Director of EPIC Foundation
MEF Provides Scholarships to 2022, 2023 and 2024 Magic Camps!
Tannen’s Magic Camp is located on the enchanting grounds of Bryn Mawr College, approximately nine miles west of Philadelphia. Young magicians from 11 to 20 years old, from around the world with a shared interest in the magical arts, come together and create lifelong friendships. The MEF provided four full scholarships each year to the magic camps.
NY Yankees Donate to Honor Magician
On the third day of HOPE Week in 2019, the New York Yankees Foundation honored Olmedo Rentería, better known as "The Great Olmedini," with a $10,000 check to the MEF. Olmendo has been performing magic tricks on the NYC subway for 30 years. Though a stroke robbed him of his vision 10 years ago, he still ventures out to perform for wide-eyed tourists and commuting New Yorkers alike.
