Alan Watson
One of NZ's best and most experienced magicians.
For a professional, experienced, reliable magician, look no further. Alan does corporate events, birthday parties and close-up magic.
Alan Watson has always believed in giving back to the magical community, and has a deep passion to promote New Zealand and New Zealand magicians. In 2015 Alan received a New Zealand Royal Honour "The Queen's Service Medal" (QSM) - For services as a magician. He is a Past-President of the New Zealand Society of Magicians and Ring 160 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He co-founded the MagicNZ bulletin board in the early 1990s, introducing New Zealand magicians to the Internet. Incidentally, this was the first magic bulletin board in the world to be connected to the Internet. Alan is possibly best-known to international magicians for his weekly Magic New Zealand® e-zine, which is read each week by over 17.000+ magicians, in more than 78 countries.
Alan Watson is the International Deputy for the Society of American Magicians for New Zealand. He also acts as the New Zealand representative for The Magic Circle. Over the years, he has organised more than 100 lectures by international magicians to educate and benefit NZ magicians. In addition to all this, Alan has served on the committee for seven national New Zealand conventions, and at two of these, was responsible for publicity and marketing. Alan is one of the very few Kiwi magicians listed in the International Who’s Who of Magic. In his limited free time, Alan works tirelessly to prevent exposure of magic tricks and methods.
Typically, Alan’s fondest memories relate not to his achievements, but to the times when he was able to help others. One special moment occurred some years ago when he was performing strolling magic at the Lynn Mall shopping centre. During the afternoon, Alan made balloon animals for a group of four special needs children and their caregivers. He made a teddy bear for the last child. When he asked her for her name, one of the caregivers said, “I’m sorry, she doesn’t talk, she’s autistic.” Alan wrote the girl’s name on the teddy bear’s arm and then handed it to her. To everyone’s amazement the little girl said “thank you”. Alan’s eyes glisten as he recalls the moment. “Everyone broke down,” he told me. “Even the caregivers cried with joy and one of them told me that it was the first time she had spoken. That was a truly magical moment that I will treasure always.”
Presentations:
New Zealand Royal Honour:
2015 - The Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) - For services as a magician
International Awards:
2010 - Presidential Citation - from The Society of American Magicians President - for his extraordinary support and countless hours of service for the betterment of The Society of American Magicians through Magic New Zealand, enthusiastic participation and willingness to assist with any and all requests made of him as an International Deputy of the Society, and for being a member that all would do well to emulate.
2006 - Order of Merlin - from IBM International President - for a long-standing [25 years] and service to the Art of Magic
2005 - Presidential Citation - from IBM International President - for his contributions to the advancement of the Art of Magic and to the Brotherhood of Magicians with continuing interest and donations of time and effort
2005 - Best Mental Effect - Linking Ring Awards - A Plaque
2002 - DRAGON Award - from the President of the J.Marberger Stuart Foundation, Inc. - A lifetime achievement award given to a team in Magic who excels in Drama, Romance, Artistry, Glamour, Originality, and Necromancy.
The Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc. have dedicated a wall to winners of the DRAGON Award.
2002 - Certificate of Appreciation - from IBM International President
1990 - 1st place - Close-up - 22nd Australian Convention of Magicians
1982 - The Peter J. Shield Award - 18th Australian Convention of Magicians
[for Outstanding Contribution to the Art of Mentalism]
National Awards:
2006 - The Grand Master of Magic Award® - The Supreme Award for excellence for a New Zealand magician
2006 - The Golden Benny - Lifetime achievement - The most prestigious and highest Award of The New Zealand Variety Artists Club [Life Member]
2003 - Agnew Excellence Award - Achieving excellence in his chosen field as a professional magician. The citation also acknowledged his dedication and professionalism and saluted his achievements in magic - Variety Artist's Club of New Zealand
1999 - Scroll of Honour - In recognition for his major contributions and achievements in the professional art of magic and also for his expertise and dedication to introduce cyber technology to the entertainment profession - Variety Artist's Club of New Zealand
1997 - Shure Golden Microphone - Most Professional Entertainer - Variety Artist's Club of New Zealand
4 times Top Close-up performer - New Zealand International Magic Conventions