Discovering the Magic of Melbourne: An Interview with Tim Mason of Melbourne Magic Academy

How two long-time Discover Magic instructors — in Melbourne and Oklahoma — are shaping the next generation of young magicians.

For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Tim Mason, director of the Melbourne Magic Academy and one of Australia’s leading professional magicians. Tim is not only a top-tier entertainer — performing everything from corporate events to high-energy family shows — but also the driving force behind one of Australia’s most respected youth magic programs: the Melbourne Magic Academy.

Tim and I both teach the Discover Magic curriculum, a program built around character development, confidence, and the eight important character traits that make magic an incredible tool for kids. Today, we’re talking about Tim’s work, what makes Melbourne magic camps special, and how programs like his — and mine here in Oklahoma — help kids grow in ways that last far beyond the tricks themselves.

Q&A With Tim Mason, Director of Melbourne Magic Academy

What first inspired you to get into magic — and eventually build the Melbourne Magic Academy?

Tim: “I started performing magic as a kid growing up in Victoria. That sense of wonder never left me. After performing professionally for years, I realized that teaching magic was just as rewarding. The Melbourne Magic Academy grew out of the idea that magic is one of the best tools on earth for helping kids build confidence.”

👉 Check out Tim’s performance work at Tim Mason Magic.

What types of shows do you perform around Melbourne?

Tim: “It’s a mix actually! I perform family magic shows, festival shows, school holiday events, and a lot of community-based performances that are kid focused. I also do about 50% of my performances for corporate clients and other adult-focused shows. The great part is that all Australian audiences are wonderfully engaged — they love comedy, interaction, and a bit of playful chaos.”

👉 Explore his adult & corporate entertainment:https://www.timmasonmagic.com/adult-corporate-magic

👉 And his kids & family shows:https://www.timmasonmagic.com/kids-magic

For parents new to “magic camp,” what makes your programs unique?

Tim: “I think one of the things that sets us apart is that we are so intentional with our goals of creating community, connection, and just that fun and laughter of allowing kids to be kids. Whether it’s a giant game with 2000 ball-pit balls on the first day or the second day where all the kids get to star in a real life game show! Our motto of extraordinary fun makes great kids appear. Our magic camp is not just about the tricks they learn and show their families but the fun they have that makes them want to come back year after year.”

👉 Learn more about magic camps in Melbourne:https://www.magicacademy.com.au/holiday-program

You and I both teach the Discover Magic Curriculum. What makes it so effective?

Tim: “The system is incredibly kid-friendly. It’s built on eight character traits like confidence, enthusiasm, and authenticity. Every lesson uses magic as a metaphor. Kids feel like magicians — but what they’re really learning are skills for life.”

👉 Info on Tim’s magic classes in Melbourne:https://www.magicacademy.com.au/

How does Melbourne’s culture influence the feel of your camps?

Tim: “Melbourne is creative, diverse, and full of energy. Our camps offer a lot of outdoor activity when the weather cooperates. It’s always hard to see your own culture, but one thing that does stand out for me is that everybody seems like a really happy bunch, ready to have a good time — and that goes a long way. I imagine your Oklahoma camps have their own regional flavor too.”

What’s one memorable moment of a child growing through your program?

Tim: “We had a student who barely spoke on the first day. By the end of the camp, she volunteered to perform a full routine for the group — and nailed it. Her parents couldn’t believe the transformation. That’s actually happened quite a few times in our ten years and it’s always special. We also get a lot of parents saying the real magic is the kids are now saying please and thank you at the dinner table. These moments keep my team energized for sure.”

What’s something people don’t realize about running a magic camp in Australia?

Tim: “It’s part educator, part performer, part logistics manager. And we spend a surprising amount of time finding the perfect props and teaching tools!”

How do you balance magic skills with character development?

Tim: “Tricks are the vehicle, not the destination. Every magic secret we teach is linked to a character lesson. When kids learn to practice, rehearse, or perform — they’re actually learning life habits.”

Where do you think youth magic education is headed?

Tim: “It’s growing fast. Parents want enriching activities, not just entertainment. Magic hits the sweet spot: creativity, communication, STEM connections, and confidence-building.”

What makes a magic camp stand out to parents?

Tim: “A great program isn’t about the difficulty of the tricks — it’s about the quality of the experience. We’ve found that building our camp around FUN #1 means the kids leave with that fun energy ready to share and interact with others.”

We’ve collaborated for nearly a decade. What value do you see in the global instructor community?

Tim: “We share resources, ideas, and teaching strategies. Kids benefit when instructors are constantly learning and improving.”

Any advice for young magicians in Melbourne or Oklahoma?

Tim: “Perform as much as you can. Every show, big or small, teaches you something new. Confidence comes from doing.”

What’s coming up next for Melbourne Magic Academy?

Tim: “We've just celebrated our ten year anniversary. We have lots of new and exciting adventures on the horizon. Our biggest goal is to expand into more schools in Melbourne so we can reach more kids and teach, uh, even more wonderful magic so they can share it with their friends and family.”

👉 Explore school & library magic programs:https://www.timmasonmagic.com/school-library

Final Thoughts

Huge thanks to Tim Mason for sharing his insights and for his continued leadership in the youth magic community. If you’re in the Melbourne area, the Melbourne Magic Academy is one of the very best places for kids to learn confidence through magic.

And for families here in Oklahoma, I offer similar Discover Magic camps, classes, and themed magic shows — built from the same curriculum Tim and I have taught together for years — each with its own local flavor.

Magic gives kids something powerful:The ability to see possibility — not just in the world, but in themselves.

Learn More

If you’re in Oklahoma and interested in magic camps inspired by the same Discover Magic curriculum Tim and I have championed for a decade:

👉 Discover Magic Camps in Oklahoma https://www.funkymonkeyevents.com/camps

👉 Funky Monkey Magic - Shows, camps, and classes https://www.funkymonkeymagic.com

About the Author

Written by Joe Coover, professional magician, Discover Magic instructor, and youth magic educator with 20+ years of experience teaching kids confidence through the art of magic.

👉 Joe Coover Magic - Oklahoma's Top Corporate Magician - www.joecoover.com