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Becoming a Master Magician
Born in Sydney, Australia, James at the age of twenty-two quit his job as a body guard to embark on a journey travelling the world that would take three years, with the intention of finding his true calling.
During these travels he encountered strange and wonderfully inspirational people who led him to study transcendental meditation and metaphysics, before being seduced by the world of magic after a chance meeting in 1998 with veteran Las Vegas producer Peter Reveen. Peter introduced James to renowned Las Vegas magicians Siegfried and Roy. At their show Masters of the Impossible at The Mirage Hotel, (1994-2003 most visited show in Las Vegas) James fell in love with the art of magic and was left wondering how they made tigers appear and vanish and made an elephant appear seemingly from thin air. "I was in the front row and my eyes were wide open", James shares. Two hours of witnessing miracles was an incredible experience and the emotion of surprise has stayed with him ever since. James spent time with Siegfried who also shared a love of transcendental meditation and attended what was called at the time 'Desert Magic' (an underground magic gathering by invitation to magicians only), hence beginning his training in theatre production and the art of magic. |
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With such exceptional expertise to draw from during his early introduction to magic, James then went on to produce his first Magic show 'Beyond Belief' in 1999 and it was here that he worked with Las Vegas-based illusion designer Bill Smith.
James’ magic show included magic and illusions such as levitating his assistant, cutting a girl into four pieces, changing his assistant into a tiger and escaping from flames, only to reappear in the audience moments later. The magic and illusion show was an instant success and toured around Australia for a year receiving rave reviews.
James’ other works include 'Las Vegas, Chamber of Secrets' and 'Viva Lost Wages'. His magic cabaret act and roving magic repertoire has been consistently booked for over two decades.
James’ list of clients has included The Star casino, Slide Cabaret, Sydney Showboat, Carnival Cruises (Miami) along with numerous corporate companies / brands, such as BMW, NAB, 2UE, Apple, Revlon and media personalities such as the late radio icon Stan Zemaneck, Marcia Hines, Star Wars producer George Lucas, American R&B singer and seven time Grammy Award winner Toni Braxton and even Mr. Toyota Jnr. himself.
James’ magic show included magic and illusions such as levitating his assistant, cutting a girl into four pieces, changing his assistant into a tiger and escaping from flames, only to reappear in the audience moments later. The magic and illusion show was an instant success and toured around Australia for a year receiving rave reviews.
James’ other works include 'Las Vegas, Chamber of Secrets' and 'Viva Lost Wages'. His magic cabaret act and roving magic repertoire has been consistently booked for over two decades.
James’ list of clients has included The Star casino, Slide Cabaret, Sydney Showboat, Carnival Cruises (Miami) along with numerous corporate companies / brands, such as BMW, NAB, 2UE, Apple, Revlon and media personalities such as the late radio icon Stan Zemaneck, Marcia Hines, Star Wars producer George Lucas, American R&B singer and seven time Grammy Award winner Toni Braxton and even Mr. Toyota Jnr. himself.
'Australia’s own Siegfried and Roy. It’s Vegas-style magic – a must see' ( James Cockington, Sydney Morning Herald)
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James Karp is charismatic and conjures astonishment at will' (Renowned American magic magazine VANISH) James has also performed magic for his childhood hero, legendary comedian Jerry Lewis, (a magician himself in his youth) who described James as a 'sleight of hand merchant'. |
With Jerry Lewis (left)
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Producer
James’ introduction to producing came about when Sheikh Maktoum of Dubai approached him in 2005 to produce the opening ceremony of his international A1 Grand Prix in Sydney. James went on to then produce three more A1 Grand Prix opening ceremonies in Australia and one in China, all with television audiences of over seventy-million. James’ productions all comprised of song and dance, working with Australian singer / songwriter Ricki-Lee Coulter and Australian soul singer Jade MacRae as well as country music singer / songwriter Felicity Urquhart. The success of these opening ceremonies established James as a sought after producer, with projects including two book launches for Australia’s best-selling author, the late Bryce Courtenay (Sylvia & The Persimmon Tree), the official national launch of the movie Madagascar (Hoyts), also German Bank Bayern (Sybos event), French cologne Viktor & Rolf Australian launch and major events for advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi to name but a few. |
With Sheikh Maktoum of Dubai
A1 Grand Prix with Ricki-Lee Coulter
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Lecturing & Consulting
In 2008 James became the president of The Magic Academy (Australia) with the premise being to advance magic in Australia. James designed a learning magic program for children based on the principle that learning magic is fun and it builds self-esteem and develops confidence. This program has been taught to over 5000 children.
James has been approached on many occasions to mentor children who have experienced bullying or have had low self-esteem. “I find it my moral passion to use magic to help kids. It is a very beautiful experience to witness a change in their behaviour and to see them start believing in themselves and realising that they can do amazing things”.
James has also produced for other magicians. In 2017, James directed Magician Shin Lim's application show reel for entry into Americas Got Talent. Shin Lim went on to be the winner of 2018 Americas Got Talent
In 2008 James became the president of The Magic Academy (Australia) with the premise being to advance magic in Australia. James designed a learning magic program for children based on the principle that learning magic is fun and it builds self-esteem and develops confidence. This program has been taught to over 5000 children.
James has been approached on many occasions to mentor children who have experienced bullying or have had low self-esteem. “I find it my moral passion to use magic to help kids. It is a very beautiful experience to witness a change in their behaviour and to see them start believing in themselves and realising that they can do amazing things”.
James has also produced for other magicians. In 2017, James directed Magician Shin Lim's application show reel for entry into Americas Got Talent. Shin Lim went on to be the winner of 2018 Americas Got Talent
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Beyond the magic industry James’ creativity has been recognised by other genres of the arts: As a presenter to corporate audiences, the University of Sydney and the University of Chicago, James has provided insight into 'how magicians fool the human mind'. This formed part of the research and development for Australian author Diane Armstrong’s book 'Empire Day' with its main character being a magician. |
Professional Speaking Engagement
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Actor Jackson Gallagher (Home and Away) with his love of magic, utilised James' skills to teach him and with these skills he gained, Disney produced a feature story at the Magicians Cabaret venue. |
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James produced the magic effect to be taught to radio personality Emma Freedman to present to international magician Dynamo for his 2016 Australian tour promotion; Choreographer James Taylor (Royal Ballet of London, Sydney Dance Company) enlisted James' guidance to incorporate magic in his latest production 'Risque Revue for Slide Cabaret'. Fox Sport Australia cast James' magic and venue in the 2019 A league Finals launch which was viewed in over seventy countries.
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Cultural and Tourism Entities
2014 to 2018 James was the producer and artistic director of the annual Bastille Food, Wine, Art Revolution Festival (formerly known as the French World Festival) that attracts half a million audience to its opening Grand Cabaret Shows, which features Parisian Cabaret. The festival has featured on Channel 7 The Morning Show, Channel 9 The Today Show and French television networks. "Simply Beautiful" Channel 9 The Today Show The Magicians Cabaret Theatre Restuarant In 2010 James created The Magicians Cabaret Theatre Restaurant which encases a classic 1920’s box office, a Parisian style cabaret room with a proscenium arch stage, and a secret New York underground bar called the Top Hat Bar. Karp has produced three major Parisian Cabaret Cabaret show; La Fortuna, La Lumiere, Cabaret La Belle Rose and a Burlesque show; The Underground Burlesque Dinner and Show and two magic parlour shows, Tails of Trickery and An Intimate Evening of Magic. Over twelve years these dinner shows have sold over 80,000 tickets making The Magicians Cabaret the longest running Cabaret venue in Australia. The Magicians' Cabaret has received both local and international critical reviews "best in the biz" Channel 7 The Morning Show, Simply amazing, unpredictable, and enchanting” USA Celebrity Magazine Cliché; and voted best 3 things to do in Sydney after dark” It was flaming great”– Fox Sports Australia; “Enchanting” Dion Beebie feature movie “I am Woman” and Oscar winning cinematographer. “delivers both a bundle of emotions and a mesmerising night out” Stage Whispers.
Resident cabaret dinner show La Fortuna played continuously for five years.
Sydney Arts Guide wrote 'I can recommend La Fortuna.' MW magazine quoted 'craftsmanship in creating a visual feast.' Additionally his work has again received global detection with UK Magic Week Magazine writing, 'The show is spellbinding and mesmerizing' and USA-based celebrity magazine Cliché writing 'simply amazing, unpredictable and enchanting' and voted The Magicians Cabaret as best three things to do in Sydney after dark. In 2017 James created The Australian Museum of Magical Arts. The museum stores and exhibits historical, artistic and cultural artefacts of the art of magic and houses James extensive collection of magic memorabilia and illusions. It receives visitors both locally and internationally with daily tours of the museum. James' museum receives over 2000 visitors annually from both Australia and around the world. Amongst James’ commitments with his dinner shows, his museum, The Magic Academy, and his producing, lecturing and consulting projects, James still finds time to for his love of transcendental meditation that was introduced to him by Siegfried. |
The Sydney Bastille Festival
'La Belle Rose' Produced and Directed by James
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