The Magic Circle's New President

This week, Marvin Berglas, son of legendary magician David Berglas and founder of “Marvin’s Magic Sets”, was elected as the 17th president of The Magic Circle. The Magic Circle is one of the world’s premier magic organizations. Marvin Berglas joins legends like David Devant, Nevil Maskelyne, and his own father in the storied history of presidents. Who is Marvin Berglas, and what does this mean for The Magic Circle?

Significance

The Magic Circle sits alongside the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood as one of the most prestigious and influential magic societies in the world. Infamous for strictly interpreting the rule of “never reveal your secrets” (many members have been kicked out for exposure, and Penn and Teller, famously, have never been let in), the club located in the heart of London hosts magic events year-round.

Most magic clubs are fairly small–less than 100 members. But The Magic Circle boasts 1500+ members, including giants like David Copperfield, Dynamo, the late Paul Daniels, and Fay Presto. Likewise, joining The Magic Circle isn’t easy. You must be recommended by two members, interview, and perform a show for a panel of judges and members.

The president of the club is, therefore, representing some of the best magicians in the world.

The Magic Circle Presidency

All candidates must be proposed and seconded by members with no less than two years of continuous membership in the society. Once proposed, the members vote on their president.

It’s worth noting that while magic has come a long way in terms of gender equality, women weren’t allowed to be members of the organization until 1991. But, The Magic Circle elected Berglas’ predecessor, Megan Swan, as president in 2021, making her the first female president in the 116-year history of the club. She was also the youngest, at only 28 years old.

Who is Marvin Berglas?

Marvin Berglas was born into magic–his father, David Berglas, is a legendary magician and was The Magic Circle’s 9th president, serving from 1989-1998.

Marvin, however, earned the presidency on his own merit. He served as Vice President of the organization in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and was even the first resident magician in the Premier League for Arsenal beginning in 1993. Notably, he created and owns Marvin’s Magic.

Marvin’s Magic

Marvin’s Magic, founded by Berglas, is one of the most popular magic set companies of all time. You can find them in top stores like FAO Schwarz in New York City and Hamley and Harrods in London. While it’s common now for magicians to find new tricks on the internet, the influence of magic sets—and Marvin’s Magic in particular–is undeniably responsible for thousands of magicians' entry into the art form.