Montana Teen Magician Earns Membership at Hollywood’s Famous Magic Castle

 At an age when most teenagers are preparing for high school, 14-year-old Lander Schwab is already making a name for himself in the world of magic.

The young magician from Missoula, Montana, recently earned membership in the prestigious Junior Society of the Academy of Magical Arts at Hollywood’s legendary The Magic Castle — an accomplishment many aspiring magicians spend years hoping to achieve.

Known worldwide as one of the most exclusive clubs dedicated to the art of magic, The Magic Castle has long been a dream destination for magicians of all ages.

“It was phenomenal,” Lander said about the experience. “It was just a bunch of magicians just like me.”

Lander’s magical journey began with a birthday magic set when he was seven years old. At first, he admits he was not especially impressed. But everything changed two years later during a Super Bowl party when a family friend performed a trick that completely fooled him.

“I was like, ‘What?’” Lander recalled. “It was fooling everybody else too.”

That moment sparked a passion that quickly grew into an obsession. Since then, he has spent countless hours teaching himself sleight-of-hand techniques, practicing card magic, and even creating original routines of his own.

Last summer, Lander produced and starred in a 50-minute solo magic show at Missoula’s Zootown Arts Community Center, drawing dozens of attendees.

His mother, Whitney Schwab, says it has been incredible watching him discover a community of people who share his passion for magic and mentalism.

To earn his spot in the Magic Castle’s Junior Society, Lander had to audition in front of Magic Castle executives and dozens of other young magicians. Instead of performing a standard routine, he chose to present an original effect he created himself.

“I chose the route of inventing my own trick or routine,” he explained.

While Lander says he may someday pursue a career in law, magic remains a major part of his life for now. More than anything, he enjoys the feeling of creating wonder and joy for audiences.

“The feeling you get when you fool somebody, when they smile and laugh — it’s like no other,” he said.

Source: Reporting by Jill Valley.