Chavez School of Magic
Encyclopedia
The Chavez College of Magic was founded in 1941 by Ben Chavez, establishing for the first time a bona fide school of magic
. In 1946 the course of study was approved by the California State Department of Education, the only school for magicians in America where veteran
s of World War II could study under the GI Bill of Rights. Over the years methods of teaching have been perfected and new material has been added to the curriculum. It covers billiard balls, cards, coins, thimbles and cigarettes for stage acts.
In 1961 Ben Chavez died and Marian Chavez continued to operate the school. When she died in 1978, it was her wish that Neil Foster and Dale Salwak become the co-owners of the Chavez school. Together over the next nine years they made every effort to carry on the training in the tradition established by Ben and Marian Chavez. In 1988, Neil Foster died, leaving Chris Jakway Dean of the Midwest Studio (along with instructor Larry Wirtz) who service the Midwest and the East Coast. Dale Salwak
also continues the tradition at the west coast branch.
Magic (paranormal)
Magic is the claimed art of manipulating aspects of reality either by supernatural means or through knowledge of occult laws unknown to science. It is in contrast to science, in that science does not accept anything not subject to either direct or indirect observation, and subject to logical...
. In 1946 the course of study was approved by the California State Department of Education, the only school for magicians in America where veteran
Veteran
A veteran is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field; " A veteran of ..."...
s of World War II could study under the GI Bill of Rights. Over the years methods of teaching have been perfected and new material has been added to the curriculum. It covers billiard balls, cards, coins, thimbles and cigarettes for stage acts.
In 1961 Ben Chavez died and Marian Chavez continued to operate the school. When she died in 1978, it was her wish that Neil Foster and Dale Salwak become the co-owners of the Chavez school. Together over the next nine years they made every effort to carry on the training in the tradition established by Ben and Marian Chavez. In 1988, Neil Foster died, leaving Chris Jakway Dean of the Midwest Studio (along with instructor Larry Wirtz) who service the Midwest and the East Coast. Dale Salwak
Dale Salwak
Dale Salwak is a professional magician, who resides in California. He is a regular performer at The Magic Castle and is known as the "The Gentleman of Magic". He has been the long-time director of the Chavez School of Magic...
also continues the tradition at the west coast branch.
Magicians who visited Chavez
- Channing PollockChanning Pollock (magician)Channing Pollock was an American magician and film actor.-Magician:As one of the most sophisticated and charismatic practitioners of his craft; strikingly handsome with an enigmatic stage presence, he was best known for an act in which he would elegantly produce doves out of thin air and he was...
- Norm NielsenNorm NielsenNorm Nielsen, Born February 17, 1934 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is an American magician and business owner.-Early life and career:Nielsen's interest in magic started at a young age after watching his barber perform a few cigarette tricks. After seeing Neil Foster perform at a magic convention in White...
- Chris Jakway {Dean of Chavez College of Magic}
- Larry Wirtz {Instructor at the Midwest Studio USA}
- Dale SalwakDale SalwakDale Salwak is a professional magician, who resides in California. He is a regular performer at The Magic Castle and is known as the "The Gentleman of Magic". He has been the long-time director of the Chavez School of Magic...
- Neil Foster
- Dean CarnegieDean CarnegieDean Alan Carnegie is an American stage magician, escape artist and painter. He has appeared on numerous television programs and has performed for three different US Presidents. He is called 'The Artist of Mystery'.- History :...
- Farell Dillon
- Magic P (Switzerland)
- Philippe Maurer (Switzerland)
- Magic Dean (Switzerland)
- Roman Baselgia (Switzerland)