Dazzling awards for rising magical talent at the College of Magic’s annual graduation ceremony

The College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, honoured its graduating 2016 class and exemplary students in a dazzling ceremony held at Rondebosch Boys’ High School on Saturday 19 November, 2016.

The College of Magic, now in its 36th year, is the only organisation of its kind in the world and offers a six year on campus diploma that covers all aspects of the magic theatrical performing arts. Following six years of learning the mysteries of magic, including how to entertain audiences around the world and meeting internationally renowned performers, 17 teenagers from across the Mother City, finally bid farewell to their magical studies at the glittering Senior Graduation event.

The 2016 Course Six class has been fortunate enough to be a part of a very successful year for the College – one that has included spectacular gala shows like the Imagine! Family Spectacular at the Artscape Theatre in May, sold-out public performances, a week-long Spellbound Show at the V&A Waterfront in October and incredible trips to international magic conventions.

For 2016 Senior Student of the Year, Qaqambile Mnqika (15), from Khayelitsha, who represented the College and South Africa at the Magic Live Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada in August, it’s been a whirlwind of fantastic moments:

“What a great journey…phew! Studying magic has introduced me to a world of possibilities and the belief that with magic, I can do anything I set my mind and wand to. Thank you to the College of Magic! ”

This year’s Silver Medallion award winner is Aaron Simon (18) from Plumstead. The Silver Medallion is the highest accolade awarded to a graduate of the College of Magic who has perfected his craft to an excellent level of performance.

“I can hardly believe it! It is such a huge honour to be recognised for my magical craft with a Silver Medallion,” said the excited teen.

Each year, the College also honours staff, students and graduates for long service, community service and excellence in magic theatrical performance and its allied arts. The 2016 honourees included Odwa Bauti, Grant Best, Xolile Dyani, Olwethu Dyantyi,Jamian Fortune, Vuyolwethu Foslara, Anela Gazi, Caitlin Hutchison, Faris Jacobs, Mpumelelo Makeleni, Nokutenda Masiyanise, Sonwabile Mekuto, Qaqambile Mnqika, Zaakia Mohammed, Siyamthanda Mzangwa, Siphesihle Ndayi, Tamarin Philpott, Duncan Shelver, Aaron Simon, Yonela Sipoko, Grant Staniland, Hayley Tomes, Seshen Thaver, Yonela Toni, Ian Van Niekerk and Fazielah Williams.

In addition to the Senior Graduation, the College of Magic hosted a junior ceremony for its younger students who are progressing to the next captivating level of their wizardry training. Exemplary honours were awarded to 13 year-old Sesona Gagana as 2016 Junior Student of the Year.

Registration for the College of Magic’s entry level Course One for aspiring Harry Potters is now open. Course One will commence on Saturday 28 January, 2017 and fees are R490 per month or R2 700 for the entire course (Includes lessons, notes, magical equipment and allied arts such as puppetry, juggling and mime and clowning sessions.)

For more information, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.