The Early Years

It all began, as it often does, with a spark of wonder. A young Ron Guttman was captivated by an uncle who dabbled in magic as a hobby — a natural storyteller with rumoured connections to the New York City magic scene of the late 1950s. The performing bug had bitten, and it would never let go. Ron began performing more seriously in the 8th grade, taking up the guitar and pursuing a musical career throughout his high school years in the mid-1960s. He appeared in revue and variety shows taking on comedic, dramatic, and musical roles — developing the versatility that would define his career for decades to come.

A Performer at Heart

Ron continued performing throughout his university years, appearing at college coffee houses and in several comedy revues at Hart House Theatre with one of Canada's oldest and most respected theatre companies. His proficiency as a guitarist earned him a notable appearance on a CBC Superspecial alongside acclaimed musician Mason Williams — a milestone that speaks to the calibre of performer Ron had become. He has even ventured into stand-up comedy, which perhaps explains the sharp comic edge that runs through everything he does on stage.

The Magic Takes Centre Stage

In 1990 Ron became a significant and visible part of the Toronto magic community, combining elements of music, comedy, drama, and storytelling into a unique and powerful performance style. Coincidentally — or perhaps not — storytelling has become a cornerstone of many of his shows, drawing audiences in and keeping them engaged from first trick to final bow. Audience participation is central to everything Ron does. In a single twenty- minute club set he may bring more than twenty volunteers to the stage. When Ron performs, everyone becomes part of the show — there are no safe seats!

A Dedicated Student of the Art

Ron takes his craft seriously. An alumnus of Mystery School — featured on the CBC's acclaimed W5 program — he is an ongoing student of improvisation and acting, disciplines that inform his distinctive style of theatrical magic. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his competitive record. Each year the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, the Toronto chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, holds a stage magic competition. For several consecutive years Ron has placed consistently among the top three competitors. In 2006 he took top honours with his uniquely entertaining presentation of Bagels and Locks.

First and Foremost — An

Entertainer

Above all else, Ron Guttman considers himself an entertainer. Whether it's Mingle Magic up close and personal at a cocktail reception, mystifying feats of mental telepathy at a corporate banquet, or bringing laughter and wonder to families at a neighbourhood festival — Ron delivers memorable performances that audiences talk about long after the curtain falls. It's why so many agents and event planners across Canada rely on Ron year after year to make their events truly unforgettable.