Budding magicians around the world can now enrol for an online distance-learning diploma in magic.
The Cape-based College of Magic has been offering in-depth training in the art of magic for the past 24 years and is offering the diploma online for the first time this year. The course runs over six years and costs R2000 for South African residents (or $350 for those living abroad) for the first year, says distance learning director Craig Mitchell.
"The fee includes all the equipment and props necessary for the course, and can be paid online. Thereafter, students will be invited for the second year depending on how they progress."
Students are also given a programme pack, which includes a course reader as well as weekly assignments: Magic tricks that must be performed in front of at least one person, says Mitchell. "This person will then fill out a form and send it to our campus, so we know where the student might need assistance."
Mitchell adds that the Internet provides the ideal platform for student interaction. "Students have a chat room where they can share ideas and information. The Internet is perfect for facilitating communication and interaction. The college is also looking into offering web camera interaction in the future."
At present there are 150 aspiring magicians registered for the distance learning diploma, but Mitchell expects the number to increase over the next few months. "Judging by the number of interested candidates I have been liaising with, the number should increase to around 250."
Significantly, only 25% of the students are situated in South Africa. "Sometimes South Africans are blas'e, or maybe they simply are not aware of the course." He says the most interest has come from the United States, and also from eastern countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
College of Magic Director David Gore believes this speaks volumes about the interest in such a course: "We have people learning magic in nearly every major country - it truly is a universal language!"
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