Rich Cowley has been an Academy member since 1991 and, in that time, has “worn a lot of hats”: Video Committee chairman, Secretary of the Board of Directors, Communications Director, frequent showroom performer, occasional lecturer, and (most recently) instructor in the Academy’s Magic University. Before moving to California to join the AMA, Rich made his living as a street performer in Philadelphia for almost 15 years, becoming the second-longest-running show of its kind in the country. His ability to engage, his simplicity of approach, and his unique ‘spin’ on just about every magical effect he performs makes him one of the most admired instructors we have!

As a magician, Cydney Kaplan has performed for audiences from around the world. In 2021, she was a finalist for the International Brotherhood of Magic (IBM) Close Up Magician of the Year. Cydney is passionate about helping others; to that end, she uses her degree in Recreational Therapy working with people who have Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She also does weekly magic shows at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. As a member of the Magic Castle’s outreach program, Cydney has done bedside magic at the West LA Veterans Hospital and performed at an Easterseals award ceremony. Cydney feels incredibly fortunate to be able to combine her passion for magic with her commitment to helping people in her role as an instructor at The Magic Castle.  

is an actor and entertainer for over 30 years. As an award winning actor he uses his skills of crowd control, improv, and expert misdirection to provide the most entertaining experience possible to compliment his magic. A sleight of hand specialist, Adam’s knowledge of card, coin, rubber band magic, and mentalism is extensive. He has won several awards for his sleight of hand magic as well as earning the title of Magic Castle champion of strolling magic. Adam has expanded his magic to the social media world having gained notoriety for his sketch comedy magic videos, which has garnered him a following of over 2 million followers. You can see his work on Tiktok, Instagram, and YouTube under @thisisadamwylie 

a long-time devotee to classy vintage styles, Simone brings the sights and sounds of the 60s to her magic. A mix of visual, card, and mentalism effects make up her repertoire. Simone is a member of the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle where she is a regular performer in The Parlour of Prestidigitation, The Close-up Gallery and Peller Theatre. She is a contributor to The Linking Ring magazine and has taught tutorials for Penguin Magic.  She has taken her unique style of magic all over the US and the world to Australia, New Zealand and the UK. She aspires to live up to what she wrote on her childhood magic kit: Prepare to be Amazed. 

has been seen on Nickelodeon, ABC’s “Nightline,” Science Channel’s “through the Wormhole” with Morgan Freeman, or at one of his many appearances as a feature performer at the Magic Castle. He has performed around the world for private events and corporate parties. David’s celebrated independent productions, “ Caught in a MirCle,” “ Bijan the Magijan” and “Wonderlust,” have drawn audiences far and wide. He is also a magic industry thought-leader who has created effects for professional magicians globally.  He is the 2011 First Place Close Up Magician at the Texas Association of Magicians convention.  

an award winning magician from Los Angeles, CA who specializes in closeup magic. As seen on Penn & Teller Fool Us and America's Got Talent, Michael is known for his unique approach which is designed to invoke a sense of wonder and excitement like no other! When Michael is not blowing minds at your local restaurant or creating memories for guests at Disneyland, he spends much of his time creating and teaching original magic ideas to students around the world!

Phil Goodman has been a magician since childhood and, although he started visiting the Magic Castle over 30 years ago, he joined the AMA in 2013. He immediately became an assistant to the then Instructor for Magic University and has enjoyed teaching magic for a long time. Phil is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and is the current Vice-President of the Los Angeles chapter of the Society of American Magicians. He was also a former Board Liaison for the groups’ Society of Young Magicians for over 6 years and Phil has extensive experience in teaching magic. Phil holds multiple degrees from UCLA including his graduate work in Education. He was invited (at age 24!) to join the UCLA faculty teaching Computer Science in the Mathematics department and remained there for many years. Phil’s ability to listen to his students and tailor courses for individual learning styles is what has made him a nationally known trainer for a variety of specialized courses and conferences for decades. Phil absolutely loves magic, especially strolling, bar and close-up magic, and has performed in the Magic Castle’s Close-Up Gallery. Phil is also committed to youth education and engagement in magic and is a member of the committee that mentors the AMA’s Junior Society where he also runs the streaming program for our non-resident junior members.

Originally from New York Charlie has been a professional magician for over 35 years. He’s performed at the Magic Castle in the Close-Up Gallery, The Peller Theatre and the Parlor of Prestidigitation, and has appeared all over the world in resorts, nightclubs, on television, on cruise ships and in colleges. Charlie is also an accomplished playwright and theatre director having directed Off Broadway and has seen his plays produced in companies in New York and Los Angeles. He is also the co-Artistic Director of Arcane Theatreworks, known for their fantastical stage shows and podcasts. 

a retired educator, who directs Magic University for the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) at the world-famous Magic Castle. He is a magician member of the AMA as well as an active member in the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), Society of American Magicians (SAM) and Past President of the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM). He is a strong believer and supporter of magic education to maintain and develop the magic craft worldwide. He is English/Spanish bilingual and hosts a monthly Spanish Zoom broadcast for the SAM.