Gearbox co-founder/CEO/magician Randy Pitchford has purchased The Magic Castle, an iconic Hollywood property that’s each house to The Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) and has additionally been the topic of significant allegations of a “number of abuses, together with sexual assault, sexual harassment and discrimination on the premise of race or gender.”
Those allegations towards the Academy, first made public in a report by the LA Times in 2020, could be learn right here. They’ve loomed over the organisation, and the constructing, ever since, although as this more moderen report reveals, among the magicians performing there (and the Academy itself) have been attempting to implement modifications.
Pitchford didn’t disclose how a lot he paid for the historic constructing—which was named an “Cultural Monument” by town in 1989—although he’s its first new proprietor in over 50 years, with The Magic Castle having been within the Glover household since 1961.
“The Magic Castle is like bedrock – the middle level of magic. The individuals who consider the Castle as their house and the place itself appear to have magical properties which have created and impressed among the world’s best entertainers,” Pitchford, himself a member of the AMA, mentioned in an announcement. “I’m proud to be trusted to each give again to the place that made me to turn out to be the custodian of the Magic Castle and to work with its members and the Larsen household to make sure our most unimaginable membership home grows and thrives for many years to come back.”
If you’re curious, right here’s what the place appears like:
Ah, sorry. Here’s what the place appears like:
Magic duo Penn & Teller additionally commented (or not less than wrote) on the sale:
Penn: I’ve recognized Randy Pitchford for years, and I do know he has a day job, however in my thoughts he’s a magician. I imagine Randy’s coronary heart is in magic. For so long as I’ve recognized in regards to the Magic Castle it’s been a bit precarious. I at all times nervous about it. Now I don’t have to. The Magic Castle, crucial gathering place for magicians is now in secure and loving palms. I’m relieved and delighted. Randy’s professionalism, love for magic, and dedication to entertaining the world are what the Magic Castle must propel it ahead. All of the magic neighborhood is applauding Randy and excited in regards to the new period of the Magic Castle. And possibly now I can get in with no tie as a result of I do know Randy.
Teller: The Magic Castle is the guts of American magic. It’s each a fantastic performing venue and a historic and a cultural landmark. But a serious fireplace and the pandemic put its future doubtful. I’m so joyful to listen to that Randy Pitchford has been in a position to assist the Castle survive, thrive, and increase. Randy’s one of many prime leisure producers on the planet, with deep roots within the historical past and observe of magic. We all owe him an enormous thanks.
