Magicana houses a significant collection of books, magazines, pamphlets, manuscripts and ephemera related to the art of magic. Highlights includes complete files of most major English and American magic periodicals from 1895 to the current date, most major magic books published in the twentieth century, as well as the personal correspondence of Stewart James and the props, books and ephemera associated with Dai Vernon. Visitation of the collection is by appointment only.

Scholars of magic and/or accredited magicians are welcome to contact Magicana with specific research enquiries. Magicana can arrange for a researcher to assemble a dossier on any particular magical effect or technique on your behalf. For more information about engaging the professional services of a magic researcher, please contact Magicana.

Consulting

The principals of Magicana have provided their magical expertise to a variety of film, television and theatrical projects involving magic. Recent examples includes consultation, choreography and tutelage for the magic sequences in: the theatrical production of Travesties (SoulPepper’s 2009 Theatre Season), the television series Murdoch Mysteries, the film Kit Kittridge: An All American Girl, and consultation on the book, Divisadero byMichael Ondaatje.

Past projects include theatrical presentations for the Shaw Festival, the Charlottetown Festival, The Stratford Festival, Soulpepper Theatre, Loraine Kimsa Theatre For Young People, and the Canadian Opera Company.

Television productions include "A Conjuror In The Making" for Adrienne Clarkson Presents, "Martin Gardner – Mathemagician" for The Nature of Things, "Wizards of Awe" for The Journal, "Dai Vernon – The Spirit of Magic" and "The Strange Genius of Stewart James" for The Canadians.

Magicana has also provided advice on articles about magic and magicians for American Heritage, Toronto Life, Saturday Night and Shift Magazine.