A new crop of magicians are emerging in Bermuda...most still under the age of 16!

Interest in the art of magic was sparked last summer when Bermuda Magic held its first workshop, which was followed up by a three-day show "Illusions 2002" late last month at City Hall.

In association with the Bermuda Department of Cultural Affairs, and under the direction of Master Magician Victor Cephas, who was here last year for the workshop, a second event is planned for August.

Cephas lives and performs in Las Vegas, but Bermuda Magic gave him his first opportunity to teach on a formal basis and he is looking forward to his return to the Island.

Two week classes will be held, from August 5 to 16, at the Youth Library in three categories.

Class A for beginners, from eight years old to adult, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, while class B for intermediates (those who took last year's workshop) will run from 2 to 5 p.m. Another beginners' class (class C) for 16 years and up will run from 6 to 9 p.m., for those unable to attend during working hours.

Producer O'Brian Roberts expects interest to continue to grow, especially after last year's workshop, which produced a keen group of new magicians and then the recent show which was well received.

"It was a good turnout, we always have new people coming out and re-exploring magic...young, old and different cultures," explained Mr. Roberts who, interestingly, is not a magician himself. He was co-producer of five shows dating back to the mid-1990s and the producer of two shows under the Bermuda Magic banner.

"I'm not saying I don't have any interest (in learning), it's just the time commitment and there is an extreme time commitment in terms of administration of the show and workshop itself.

"I read all the magic magazines, but it's just the time that you have to put in to learn."

However, there are some keen students of magic in Bermuda as he has found out.

"The talent is very good," said Mr. Roberts. "Victor Cephas was here last summer and is coming back again and he realised we had a group of raw, talented youngsters which, with the correct training, can go as far as they want to."

"There are a lot of opportunities for young people all over the world, really, in terms of workshops and conventions. The sky is the limit. Without the support of the parents this wouldn't be possible.

"What we encourage is that the youngsters learn as much as they can first before they take it on the road, because once you get out on the road people are going to challenge you. Of course they work on their own also."

Mr. Roberts praised the Bermuda Youth Library and the Department of Cultural Affairs for supporting the workshops.

"The Bermuda Youth Library have the correct environment to study and to practice, and have several books at the library," he explained.

"The Department of Cultural Affairs has been a part of the magic workshop from its inception and actually encouraged me to start it up, under Dr. Gary Burgess. We have interest from some parents who want to learn also."

Lori Moniz's 13-year-old son Roger is one of the youngsters taking a great interest in magic. He was a part of the group that performed at City Hall recently.

"My son got a lot more self confidence and he really enjoyed the show, and I asked him if he wanted to do it again and he said 'definitely'," explained Mrs. Moniz.

"I think it's good that he's interested in something very positive and not wanting to hang out on the streets. At least I know he's in front of the mirror practising...constantly!"

Roger takes pride in baffling family members.

"He does it to everyone, his grandparents," said his mother. "Anyone who walks in the door has to see magic. He's very good at cards." Roger's mother said it was up to him as to how far he wanted to develop his interest in magic. She was also looking at the possibility of sending him to a camp in Islip, Long Island this summer.

"We're not pushing him, we're letting him do what he wants as long as it's fun," she said. "He's interested in coming back with Victor, he really enjoys Victor's camp. Victor did mention he is very good with his hands, that if he keeps practising he could go far with it.

"What I'm looking for more is if he enjoys it, it is something that he could do for other children at parties and things like that as he gets older."

Others youngsters who have taken an interest in magic and were a part of the recent show were Thomas Gutteridge, Kyle Monkman, Andy Minton, Jennifer McCall-Daniels, Kylisha Julio, Max Greig and Jasmyn Tucker.

"It was strictly by invitation and because they wanted to do it, we didn't make anybody be a part of the show," explained Mr. Roberts.

Lucy Monkman has seen positive changes in her son, Kyle, since he attended the workshop.

"It brought him out of his shell, before he was very quiet," she revealed.

"He loves it, comes homes and practices every weekend. He really has come a long way, it started within two days of the workshop."

Kyle will be attending the second workshop in August.

"It's so good, in the summer it is so difficult to find something different for them to do," says his mother. Kyle's seven year old sister Courtney has now caught the magic bug and can't wait to be old enough to attend the workshop for beginners.

'She can't wait," says her mom.

The cost for the two-week session is $200 per person or $150 for just one week, with the price including all magic supplies.

Techniques to be taught include; card magic, coin magic, the history of magic, ropes and other magical moves and how to put it all together. The course is geared towards the amateur magician.

A $75 deposit is required upon booking and full payment is due by July 1. There is a limited number of spaces in the classes so prompt reply is encouraged. The one prerequisite is a genuine interest in the art of magic.

More information can be obtained on the website www.bermudamagic.com or by contacting O'Brian Roberts at 537-1991 or on e-mail bermudamagichotmail.com