Keith Ellis

Tim Ellis is a prominent Australian performer, author, and lecturer in the field of magic and illusion. Born in Melbourne, his passion for magic began at age nine after receiving a magic set. He achieved early recognition, becoming the youngest member of The Magic Circle of Victoria at 14 and winning multiple awards. Ellis has been instrumental in promoting magic, creating 'National Magic Week' and 'MagicSports,' a form of improvised magic games.

His career includes extensive performance experience, numerous stage shows, and significant contributions to magic publications and education. Ellis has also received international acclaim, including awards at the FISM World Magic Championships. He has served as a judge at FISM events and holds a Guinness World Record for the longest magic show. In 2007, Ellis was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, which has informed some of his later creative work. He is also the founder and artistic director of the Melbourne Magic Festival and president of The Australian Institute of Magic.

Tim Ellis's journey into the world of magic began in his childhood in Melbourne, Australia. At the age of nine, a gift of a magic set from his grandfather sparked a lifelong passion. His dedication and talent were recognized early; by age 14, he was admitted as the youngest ever member of The Magic Circle of Victoria. Two years later, he secured four out of five annual awards from the organization. His national prominence grew, culminating in winning the 'Best Under 18 Magician of Australia' title in 1980. This early success set the stage for a career marked by innovation and dedication to the art of illusion.

Ellis has been a driving force in promoting and evolving the art of magic. In 1986, he conceived and produced 'National Magic Week,' a ten-day festival dedicated to magical arts that ran for nine consecutive years. His commitment to raising the profile of magic was evident in a daring 1989 stunt where he promoted Magic Week by being locked in a chained crate and dropped into the Yarra River. Beyond festivals, Ellis also produced and edited 'Australian Magic Monthly,' a publication that reached 100 issues, and contributed a regular column on the Australian magic scene to the international magazine Genii. He also developed 'MagicSports,' a system of improvised magic games inspired by Keith Johnstone's 'Theatre Sports'.

Tim Ellis's career is distinguished by a remarkable record of performances and accolades on both national and international stages. He achieved significant recognition at the FISM World Magic Championships, earning second place in 'Micro Magic' in 1994 and the 'Special Prize of the Jury' in 1991. Ellis has performed as a guest artist at FISM events, showcasing his skills in both close-up and stage gala performances. He was voted 'Most Valuable Performer' by his peers at a major close-up magic convention in 2001. His contributions extend to judging at FISM championships and setting a Guinness World Record for the longest magic show. He has also owned 'Bernard's Magic Shop,' Australia's oldest magic shop, for several years.

In recent years, Ellis has continued to produce and perform in a diverse range of theatrical shows, many of which premiered at the Melbourne Magic Festival. Following his diagnosis with Asperger syndrome in 2007, some of his shows, like 'AspyCadabra,' have explored themes related to his experience. He has collaborated with other performers, including Sue-Anne Webster, and consistently presented new material annually. Beyond his personal performances, Tim Ellis is the founder and artistic director of the Melbourne Magic Festival and, as of July 2022, serves as the president of The Australian Institute of Magic, solidifying his leadership role in the magic community.