Nadia 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 quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest magician admitted to The Magic Circle of Victoria at 14 and winning multiple awards. Ellis has been instrumental in promoting magic through initiatives like 'National Magic Week' and his publication 'Australian Magic Monthly'.

His career includes significant achievements such as winning awards at the FISM World Magic Championship and setting a Guinness World Record for the longest magic show. Ellis has also explored unique forms of performance, including 'MagicSports', an improvised magic game. He has produced numerous stage shows, often in collaboration with Sue-Anne Webster, and has been recognized for his contributions with various accolades. Ellis was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2007, a condition that has informed some of his creative work, such as the show 'AspyCadabra'. He currently serves as the artistic director of the Melbourne Magic Festival and president of The Australian Institute of Magic.

Born in Melbourne, Tim Ellis's fascination with magic started at a young age when he received a magic set at nine years old. His prodigious talent was evident early on, as he became the youngest magician ever inducted into The Magic Circle of Victoria at just 14. By 16, he had secured four out of five annual awards from the organization. His early success continued in 1980 when he was recognized as the 'Best Under 18 Magician of Australia'. This foundation set the stage for a career marked by innovation and dedication to the art of illusion.

Ellis has significantly contributed to the magic community through various initiatives. In 1986, he established 'National Magic Week', a ten-day festival dedicated to the magical arts that ran annually for nine years. He even made national headlines in 1989 by performing a daring escape from a chained crate dropped into the Yarra River to promote the event. Furthermore, he produced and edited 'Australian Magic Monthly', a national publication for magicians that ran for 100 issues, and contributed a regular column on the Australian magic scene to the international magazine Genii. He also created 'MagicSports', a unique form of improvised magic games inspired by Keith Johnstone's 'Theatre Sports'.

Tim Ellis has achieved international recognition for his performance skills. He earned second place in 'Micro Magic' at the FISM World Magic Championship in 1994 and received the 'Special Prize of the Jury' at the 1991 championship. His performances have graced prestigious events, including guest appearances at FISM World Championship galas in 2000 and 2003. Alongside Sue-Anne Webster, he was voted 'Most Valuable Performers' at the 'Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic' convention in 2001. Ellis has also served as a jury member at multiple FISM World Championships. In 2004, he co-produced three magic teaching DVDs and was part of a team that set a Guinness World Record for the longest magic show, performing for 75 hours non-stop.

Following his diagnosis with Asperger syndrome in 2007, Ellis developed several stage shows that explored themes related to his experience, including 'AspyCadabra' and 'Illusionarium 2010'. He has been a prolific creator of stage productions, many performed with Sue-Anne Webster, showcasing a wide range of magical styles and narratives. Ellis is also a key figure in organizing magic events, serving as the artistic director and founder of the Melbourne Magic Festival. As of July 2022, he holds the position of president of The Australian Institute of Magic, demonstrating his leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing the art of magic.