Magician Wins Coveted International Championship - Without His Tricks

SOMERSET, N.J., July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Magician Wins Coveted International Award Without His Tricks

Dallas, TX.  Will Fern was crowned The International Champion of Magic this past weekend at the 83rd Annual International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) Convention in Dallas, TX. The I.B.M. is the world's largest and most respected organization for professional magicians. Fern's award was given in the category of Strolling Magic, the most contested of the three major awards the organization bestows every year.

Fern, who resides in Somerset, NJ, stated "I wasn't planning on competing, so I didn't have any of my best close up tricks with me. My friend and fellow magician John George challenged me to compete in the Strolling Olympics, so armed only with a deck of cards and four silver dollars, off I went."

Strolling Magic, or "close-up magic", as it is often referred to, is magic performed usually right before your eyes, with the magician just inches or a few feet away, standing with his audience or performing at their tables. Sometimes performed on the street, the magician performs with small objects or even reading the minds of his audiences. Close up magic is likely performed for the public more than any other type of magic.

The I.B.M. award was given to Fern, who had the greatest reactions and applause in a room featuring 100 tables of discriminating magicians from over 40 countries. 

"I had full confidence that Will could win," stated John George, I.B.M. Close-Up Champion in 1998.  "It's not the props, it's what you do with them.  Will makes heads spin the way he makes coins melt visibly through a table, or your signed card appear hooked on his necklace.  Will is an expert with cards and coins, the most common tools of the trade. Plus, he totally fools magicians, and in this room full of top pros that's not easy!"

The I.B.M., founded in 1922, is comprised of over 14,000 members representing over 73 countries.The objectives of the I.B.M. are simple: to organize individuals with an interest in the art of magic, and to facilitate learning, sharing and harmony.  There are several chapters in New Jersey that meet on a monthly basis, including Fern's "Ring" in Edison.

Fern has been a full time professional magician for 20 years, and performs all over the world at corporate affairs, private parties, restaurants and theaters, where he also performs a blend of stand-up comedy and magic.  He also has a company dedicated solely to team building – with a magical twist – for corporations, organizations, and schools.

"I've been practicing almost every day for forty years with those simple items for a night just like tonight. I still can't believe I won with just six bucks worth of props. Maybe I'll make my bag of expensive tricks disappear for good!"

You can see exactly what Will Fern did to win his award at your table every Tuesday night at The Stage House in Somerset, and Thursdays at the Stage house in Scotch Plains. Check out stagehouserestaurant.com or http://www.willfern.com for details or booking information.

Media Contact: William Fern Team Magic, Inc., 908-240-2529, [email protected]

SOURCE Team Magic, Inc.