I was born in Newark, N.J. My interest in Magic began at age five after watching the now Late Harry Blackstone jr perform. I was rather young at the time so I can't recall the whole performance. The two effects I do remember are the vanishing birdcage and the floating light bulb. After watching him I knew exactly what I wanted to grow up and become. A MAGICIAN
Time passed and soon I was in High School and yes I was still performing magic. I was not only performing for fun but I was also earning decent money from it ( it was better than mowing lawns ). While in High School I began learning how to be a showman or entertainer for a better choice of words from a Magician named Frederick A. Collins.
High School proved to be a very important time for me. I accomplished many things academically, mentally, physically and emotionally. I volunteered at the Montclair Ambulance Unit at age 16 after receiving my EMT-A Certification. I excelled in excellence as a U.S. Air Force (AU) Civil Air Patrol Cadet. I was awarded the Senator Bill Bradley by the Senator himself for unselfish efforts in the State of New Jersey.
Soon after graduating High School I elected not to immediately enter College. I instead enlisted into the U.S. Navy. While enlisted I had the opportunity to visit many countries, dabble in law enforcement and of course perform magic. When my enlisted term ended I took on the task of performing full time.
I loved performing magic. I loved knowing that an audience member might have had a rough day at work but leaves my show with a smile. Being able to bring smiles and joy to people is magic in it's own right
Anton Edwards honed his skills working in some of the largest and most prestigious magic shops on the east coast including the legendary Louis Tannen's in New York City. His magical effects, many of which he markets, are highly sot after by magicians all over the world. Find out why at your next event.
Anton is also a Sworn Law Enforcement Officer and Part Time FireFighter. Anton has developed some fantastic Public Saftey presentations. These presentations are perfect for adult and family audiences.My favorite magic effect to perform is the Panama Rope Trick . It was taught to me by Professor Frederick A. Collins .
In Memory of
Frederick A. "Ted" Collins
Frederick A. Collins, 74, died August 23, 1993. He held I.B.M. number 11586 and was a member of the Order of Merlin. He belongedto ring 106, Irvington, N.J. Ted owned and operated with the help of his family, Mecca Magic Shop, New Jersey's largest magic store.
Ted spoke of becoming hooked on magic at age four after seeing Harry Houdini on stage. Ted started performing at age five, while in kindergarden. He contined to study and pratice through high school, learning from the likes of Blackstone.
During WWII, Ted was assigned to an entertainment group where he put together shows to entertain the troops. After the war, Ted started a magic shop that moved several times until it found its present home in Bloomfield, N.J.
Ted Taught magic to children at the Westfield Summer Workshop, and at many N.J. afterschool programs. He also ran the Mecca Magic Club for 20 years which taught young magicians, many going on to find a place in magic. One member of this club has gone on to national recognition. His name - David Copperfield.
Ted was also a physical therapist at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Elizabeth, N.J. for many years.
Ted was one of the founding members of Ring 106 and was also President, 1953-1954. He was also a founding member of the Magic Dealer's Association. In 1966 Ted was President of the M.A.E.S. and chairman of the conventionheld in East Orange, N.J., then the location of Mecca Magic. People still remember how extraordinary that affair was.
Ted always felt that his legacy to magic was The Panama Rope Trick (see The Tarbell Course in Magic) but he personally touched so many of our livesand will be missed and remembered by all of his friends. This is his true legacy.
