If you are not going to be in LA at least once a year, I do not see the benefit to paying to be a "non-resident member". If you are either a SAM or IBM member, you can get in with dinner reservations if you do wind up in California one day,

DENISB I plan on going to LA atleast two times per year, per my previous post. When I go I will be traveling with several people, people who I will be able to get into the castle for free and will not be required to have a dinner reservation to get in. Even when you get in for free for being a SAM or IBM member you still must have a dinner reservation.

I've been a non-resident Castle member for a couple of years now. I joined when I was traveling frequently to L.A. on business, but I haven't been back for over a year. I'm still planning on keeping my membership active. It's good PR when people find out I'm a member, especially when they've already heard of it and how it's an "invitation only" club. Giving out passes to the Castle to excited friends and business acquaintances is a great perk and that ability alone is a good reason to support the club.

Dave V that is an excellent point!!

It is almost January...I am looking to the start of my new non-resident magician membership!

I'm thinking of trying to get a resident membership but not quite ready. Thanks for the tip on dinner reservations for members of SAM or IBM.

It's OFFICIAL! I am a non-resident MAGICIAN member of the world famous magic castle bestowed with all the privelages the magic castle has to offer! I am so excited. Already planning my first trip out!

Seems to be a very interesting place. I will visit their website.

Thanks for the info!

Best
Dom

Hey guys! I am going to be at the Magic Castle Feb. 9th through Feb. 12th. It is the first time I am going to be using my new non-resident magician membership. I am EXCITED! Any tips from the long time members? Thanks!!!

As soon as you get there, find out the performing times and get in line EARLY for the ones you really want to see. Popular shows have a tendency to get sold out.

Good tip! I am leaving on Wednesday! Thanks!

Excitement!!!! I am leaving in less than 48 hours for the Magic Castle! I feel very happy and lucky to be a Magician Member! Any other tips anyone can give me? Thanks!

I had a fantastic time at the Castle. I was there from February 9th through the 12th. Amazing! The first night I was there was a new member reception! Good food, good drinks, good times! Chatted with David Regal, Tom Ogden and Milt Larsen. Had my picture taken with Milt. Nice guys! Spoke with Ice McDonald and saw him perform in the Palace. Great job! I was able to eat dinner there the next two nights. I got the beef wellington and the baked chicken. The last night was great too! Got the famous chilli. Overall a wonderful experience. I am so happy and honored to be a new Magician Member!

Eric

Anyone here on the Café forum been to the Castle lately like me?

Wait, Neil P. Harris is on the board of the Castle?! How did I not know this...?!

Yeah Neil Patrick Harris is on the Board of Directors.

I also spoke with and introduced myself to Jonathan Pendragon's brother. Nice guy!

Illusionist333,

I have been kicking around joining the Castle. My brother is an entertainer and has numerous magician friends who bring him to the Castle all the time. He lives out there and he goes more than most members. He teaches acting classes a lot of performers take his class thus all his invites. He calls me every time he is there I get so jealous most of the time I just hang up. He just got off a cruise ship gig with Tim Ellis and he will be going to see him at the IMX in vegas.
I'm glad you enjoyed your visit, sounds great.

Brian

Brian,
Cool. You should absolutely join. It is amazing.

Eric

I went for the first time a few weeks ago. Turns out Johnny Depp was there, but I didn't see him. Mark Haslam was in the Close-Up Gallery and was my favorite performer of the evening. The food was great, which surprised me after the reviews I read online. The bartender can make a good manhattan, too.

I have decided that I must audition to become a magician member when I return to L.A. in August for the school term. Being a law student and relatively new to magic (used to be more involved as a teenager), I find the thought of auditioning intimidating, but as a result, I have been putting in some great, focused practice. I bartend during my summer vacations, so I am looking forward to honing my routines on my patrons.