Frequently Asked Questions

Elspeth is a competitive swimmer-turned-aerialist who incredibly excited to be joining Illusionarium as a part of the Secret Chamber exhibit. Originally from Sudbury ON, she has spent most of her life involved in some sort of water activity. Starting as a competitive swimmer as a child, she then moved to coaching pre-competitive, before finally returning to masters swimming in University (where she studied Engineering Physics). As an aerial artist, Elspeth specialises in artistic pole. She loves combing on-stage tension with high concept characterization and is always looking for the next challenge. The world of magic and illusions has always fascinated her and she is exited to be able to finally pursue this interest. Outside of Illusionarium, Elspeth can also be found training, studying for her Master’s in Physics, and/or eating all the good food that Toronto has to offer!

Coley is a true water baby— they began artistic swimming at age 12 and have hardly come out of the water since. Pool, ocean, or even a tank, it does not matter! Coley also loves being a Divemaster and spending time with all the beautiful creatures of the sea. 

When on land, Coley is a multidisciplinary artist, with their recent practice focusing on collage, textiles, and experimental music performance

Amy Tremblay is an artist of many talents. She is a bilingual up and coming actress from a small town in Quebec. She grew up with an affinity to water and did synchronized swimming for many years. Now based in Toronto, she has joined the local Synchronized Swimming Masters team after being away from the sport for 8 long years. Always ready for the next challenge, her love of the water has opened up her door to the world of magic and illusions. When she is not performing for the Illusionarium, swimming, or auditioning for her next potential role, you can find Amy working as a Product Specialist for a luxury brand of vehicles and dreaming of becoming the next superhero on the big screen.

Maria “Mareesha” Klos is a Toronto based SCUBA diving instructor, and certified AIDA freediver with a passion for teaching and ocean conservation. Mareesha is a PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer. Her credentials include Shipwreck Specialty Instructor, Night Diving Specialty Instructor, Deep Diving Specialty Instructor, Equipment Specialist along with several others. Mareesha is an experienced safety diver and has worked with several notable photographers and videographers. This is her first foray into the world of magic and performance. It was her freediving experience that opened the door for her to join the Illusionarium team. When not performing with Illusionarium, Mareesha can be found diving with sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, or certifying SCUBA divers at Diveworld Canada.

Invigorated by the energy of the stage while also fascinated by the poetry, metaphors, and high stakes of Greek mythology, Xander commenced his artistic journey from a young age. Eager to push his physical limits and the element of risk, he mastered his acrobatic technique as a diver and gymnast, obtained his Bachelors in kinesiology, and threw himself into the circus world following graduation from Montreal’s National Circus School.  A man paradoxical in nature, Xander has found himself content high up on his trapeze, hurtling through the air as a high diver, or in the quiet embrace of the water as an escape artist.  With an insatiable appetite, he has performed on stages across the world such as Broadway, Cirque du Soleil, renowned circus festivals, as well as having worked in television as a circus artist, clown, stunt man and actor.  In his own creative work, he seeks to explore the narrative threads that bind together our links and common desires, while always reminding the public that regardless of the gravity of a situation, we can always find a lightness within it. 

Tanya Burka is a veteran of the contemporary circus industry. With a unique background – she first earned her SB from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and then a diploma of studies from Montreal’s renowned National Circus School – she is highly renowned not only as a performer, but also as a coach, artistic counselor and manager for projects both big and small.

A graceful and dynamic specialist on aerial silks and aerial hoop, she also performs clown, and has a host of general circus skills. At 5’10”, Tanya brings both elegance and athleticism to every performance. Her unique presence on stage is unmistakable and always captivating.

Highlights of her professional career include performing in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC, show creation with Cirque Eloize, her work with Newfoundland-based Wonderbolt Circus, and four years touring the world with Cirque du Soleil.

Sani Jalalzadeh is a Canadian-Persian actor, dancer, and artist who grew up between Toronto and Tehran. Sani’s interest in studying human behaviour led her to pursue her BA in Psychology from York University, and later to her training as an actor at the Toronto Film School. She has performed in several short films, winning an award for Best Female Performance in a leading role, as well as multiple commercials, music videos, and theater productions. Sani brings high energy and a curious mind to everything she does and lives to entertain and spread joy.

Tyler Smith is a motivated and dedicated performer who has been training in dance ever since he was 5 years old. He has been training with Vladʼs Dance Company for the past 7 years and has been working hard to strive towards his goal of becoming a versatile and captivating dancer. He has been training in multiple different styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theatre, as well as partnering, and has been working on his style, as well as acting and technique to become the best dancer he can be. Tyler also attended Cardinal Carter Academy For The Arts where he trained specifically in Modern and Ballet for 4 years and graduated from that program successfully.

Tyler is so grateful for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!

Will Parry (he/him) is super excited to be working with Illusionarium! He is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence College’s Music Theatre Performance program. Some of Will’s performance credits include Kevin in Going Under, Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone, Oscar Lindquist in Sweet Charity, and Scuttle in The Little Mermaid (SLC Stage) and Lefou in Beauty and The Beast (Bravo Academy). He would like to thank Cat MacFarlane and the entire da Costa Talent family!

You can keep up to date with Will by following him on Instagram @willxparry or checking out his website www.will-parry.com.

Becoming an expert magician and mentalist does not happen overnight. This was the same with Johnte Black. All his life, Johnte Black has been an energetic performer and a willing entertainer. Not only did he find his love for magic at a young age, he also found his love of entertaining. He was able to hone his skills performing at talent shows at his school, doing private shows for his family and practicing on his friends during lunch breaks. He is sure to impress any audience with his flawless live show routines. His magic tricks wow children, executives, adults and just about anyone else that is open to being amazed. His infusion of comedy into his magic routines allows the audience to open up and feel comfortable, amplifying the effects of the tricks. Johnte Black is a well-practiced and seasoned magician in Toronto.

Isaac Kessler is an internationally acclaimed performer, writer, and producer in comedy. Over the course of fourteen years, he has been nominated for multiple Canadian Comedy Awards, including a nomination for Best Male Improviser in 2015. Isaac currently makes up one-half of the award-winning improv/clown/sketch duo 2-MAN NO-SHOW alongside his comedic soulmate Ken Hall.

A lover of the digital screen AKA the boob tube, Isaac’s TV credits includes MAN SEEKING WOMAN (FX), SATISFACTION (CTV), and a bunch of funny Canadian national commercials as well. Currently based in Los Angeles, Isaac frequently showcases his solo work at The Lyric Hyperion Theatre, The Pack Theatre, Second City, and a smorgasbord of other Hollywood haunts. He is a part of the ground-breaking WET THE HIPPO COLLECTIVE by Cirque du Soleil’s John Gilkey, and the visionary Bouffon troupe MIL GRUS (Producer’s Award – Hollywood Fringe/Fringe Encore Series – NYC’s SOHO Playhouse).

Isaac has trained in Clown, Mask, Idiot Work, Bouffon, and Physical Theatre with world-renowned instructors Philippe Gaulier (mentor of Sacha Baron Cohen), Paola Coletto, John Gilkey, Dr. Brown (Philip Burgers), and Aitor Basauri of Spymonkey fame.

Caroline Sauvé has been a performer since the young age of five. Her love for entertainment started with her mom’s love for dancing. From being enrolled in gymnastics to competitive dancing, the stage has always been where she shines.

Caroline has won multiple medals throughout her competitive dance years. In 2019, Caroline began working as a Magician’s Assistant at events all across Toronto, such as CANADA’S WONDERLAND, SCREEMERS, and THE ROYAL WINTER FAIR.

At the age of four, Aaron Matthews started performing alongside his father, a professional clown. In his teenage years, Aaron was a featured magician at some of the biggest theme parks and fairs in Canada and resorts in the Caribbean.

In 2019 Aaron continued to bring his magic shows to fairs, festivals, and attractions around Ontario. Every October you can find him starring in THE KILL SHOW, a part of Toronto’s largest Halloween attraction.

Offstage he’s a writer bringing magic to TV, music videos, and theme park entertainment. Nearest to his heart, Aaron performs for children in hospitals around the world who need positivity and laughter the most!

Caitlin McKeon is delighted to be a part of the magical world of ILLUSIONARIUM. A graduate from Fanshawe College’s Theatre Arts Program, Caitlin now lives in Toronto where she continues to train in her passions of dancing, acting, and singing. 

Her credits include ANNE AND GILBERT THE MUSICAL (The Guild), WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD (Victoria Playhouse), PICNIC (Good Foundation), LEGALLY BLONDE (Grand Theatre), and A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE (McManus).

Cameron Gibson is a world-class magician and mind-reader from Glasgow, Scotland. 

As a member of London’s renowned Magic Circle, he’s traveled around the world with his engaging and entertaining performances. After gaining experience as a resident in Glasgow’s famous WILD CABARET, he traveled the UK as a keynote speaker to over twenty-thousand people across two years.

 Regarded among his peers as one of the most unique and captivating performers working today, Cameron has been featured at events for the International Brotherhood of Magicians and has sold out shows in four consecutive years at the largest arts festival on the planet, the Edinburgh Fringe. 

 Cameron is delighted to be showcasing his talents here in Canada at Jamie’s Allan’s ILLUSIONARIUM.

A graduate from the Canadian Dance Company, West End Studio Theatre, and Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, becoming a performing artist and choreographer has been a lifelong journey for Emma Bartolomucci. She has choreographed for musical theatre (SHREK, DORA THE EXPLORER, HAIR, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, THE LITTLE MERMAID, FAME, LITTLE WOMEN LOT/FirstActProd), children’s touring theatre (LITTLE RED THEATRE), and for music videos for Juno award-winning Splash n’ Boots, and with production company Yeah! Films for Canadian bands SEAWAY and Pin Up. Her work has been shown at festivals like FEVER AFTER DARK with Jerome Bobb and Bazaar.

Her work with the bold indie theatre company, Echo Productions, has given her the chance to choreograph for stories including BONNIE AND CLYDE, DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, DOG SEES GOD and CHARLES MANSON: SON OF MAN.

As a performer she has toured across Canada, the United States (HAIR national tour/Starvox Entertainment), and Europe (Hair European Tour). In 2018, she launched her independent dance company, DANCE FACHIN with their premiere work, WORLDLY WOMEN. The show won the prestigious Jury’s Choice Award (Ottawa Fringe) and Patron’s Pick Award (Island Fringe). In early 2019, she performed in the first regional production (since its run on Broadway) of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS with Arizona Broadway Theatre. Most recently, she has been dancing in various music videos with MMEntertainment, including  Jassa Dhillion’s video PYAR HOGYA which has 6.2 million views.

Ken Margoe is a renowned illusionist with over thirty years of experience performing magic that is exciting, innovative, engaging and always entertaining. Creating wonder and leaving audiences in awe is Ken’s specialty.  Ken Margoe has been featured on Breakfast Television, CityTV, Much Music, The Matchmaker, Second City, Yuk Yuks, and more.

Ken has performed for celebrities including 50 Cent, Bif Naked, Billy Talent, Elisha Cuthbert, Sum41, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, and Woody Harrelson.

 www.kenmargoe.com

Kristen is a Toronto-based dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, model, and a graduate of York University’s BFA Dance program with Specialized Honours. Selected theatre credits: Magician’s Assistant/Dancer for the national tours of SEEING IS BELIEVING, THE SILENT GOODBYE, and WHITE LIGHT FOLLIES (High Society Cabaret), DJAA in Fall For Dance North (Lua Shayenne Dance Company), and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (LOT). Film and television credits include KILLER AFFAIR, DiscoveryID’s DEADLY DECEPTION, and a role in James Franco’s upcoming BLOOD THEATER.

Pepper danced in the 2015 PAN AMERICAN GAMES OPENING CEREMONY with Cirque du Soleil and was a featured dancer in music videos for David Record’s CLOSER and Astha’s MORE. As a choreographer and director, Kristen choreographed for Small but Mighty Productions’ SAUCY JACK AND THE SPACE VIXENS AND VILLAINS: AN 80S MUSICAL CABARET, directed THERE IS NO MAYBE: A PLAY ABOUT SEX AND CONSENT at York University, and produced, choreographed, and performed in her company Pepper Dance Projects’ HOOKED, which toured to the Toronto and Windsor-Walkerville Fringe Festivals to critical acclaim.

 www.kristenpepper.com 

Toronto-based professional magician since the age of fifteen, Illusionist and Mentalist Roberto knew that the magical arts were in his future. Having met and performed for big-named celebrities and performed for millions across the continent, Roberto’s passion and energy in the magical arts gained him national recognition as one of southern Ontario’s foremost magical entertainers. Roberto is excited to be a part of ILLUSIONARIUM in Toronto. 

International Illusionist Neil Croswell is a rising star in the world of magic today. His unique approach to magic has gathered several top industry awards and has taken him around the world, appearing on stage, cruise ships, and television across four continents.

In 2010, Neil became the youngest person in history to win Gold at the Canadian Championships of Magic. He was hailed as the “King of Magic” by the Toronto Star and was invited to appear on CANADA’S GOT TALENT (CityTV).

Over the next decade, he would go on to complete tours of Asia, Africa, North America, and Europe. To date, Neil has also completed eight headlining Canadian tours, bringing his illusion show to countless cities across 8 provinces.

Additional television credits include Canada’s MASTERS OF ILLUSION and PENN AND TELLER’S – FOOL US.

With over thirty years of magical experience in practically every type of venue in Canada, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil, Sean has perfected his skills as a magician, but moreover as an entertainer and real crowd-pleaser.

Sean has won great acclaim at venues such as the Las Vegas Hilton, MGM Grand Casino, Mandalay Bay (House of Blues), the renowned CARNIVAL in Brazil, various casinos, state fairs, corporate events, and product launches. He has also received many accolades for his close-up entertainment and Illusion Comedy Show.  In 2020 he was on the cover of VANISH magazine.

Marisa is a Canadian-born, international artist with diverse experience. She performs as a freelancer between her dual home-bases of Toronto and Lisbon, whilst also making appearances on stages abroad. She has been seen on tour throughout Portugal, Switzerland, Cross-Canada, Spain, China, Thailand, and Italy.

Since her graduation from Ryerson University’s Dance Program in Toronto, she has focused on developing her career with a specialization in contemporary and neo-classical dance but has also been working avidly as a performer, choreographer, and teacher in a variety of styles including classical ballet, jazz, musical theatre, burlesque, and Brazilian samba dance. In addition to her work as a dancer, Marisa has found success as a model and actress in film/television and commercial Productions.

Some of her credits include works by Allan Falieri for InLimen, Iratxe Ansa, and Igor Bacovich of Metamorphosis Dance Collective, Luca Haseli of Focus Crew, Apolonia and Ofilio of Gadfly, ACE Dance Theatre, Vasco Alves, David Hernandez, Jeff Dimitriou, Michael Lavers, Cadence Ballet, Toronto International Ballet Theatre, Alias Dance Project, Skindivers Dance Company, I/O Movement, The National Ballet of Canada, and many more.

This is Marisa’s first time performing as a magician’s assistant and she is so thrilled to be a part of the Illusionarium team!