Bio

Biography


 John Kaplan has been touring Canada for three decades, performing his unique brand of family friendly magic for audiences in practically every major city as well as some of this country’s remotest communities.

Along the way, his Fundraising Magic™ program has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for hundreds of community organizations.

In fact, John estimates his show has probably made more money for a greater variety of groups and causes than any show of its kind.  That’s because he’s given thousands of performances in over 500 distinct Canadian communities.

John’s reputation as an industry leader is global.   He’s received international recognition for the books and courses he’s written for fundraisers and entertainers.  As the creator of the highly successful Fundraising Magic™ program, John has been the subject of magazine articles and is a sought-after speaker and trainer for entertainers worldwide.

It all began with a magic set he received at the age of nine.

Over the years, John has had an extensive performing career … fairs and festivals, conventions and cruise ships, television and trade shows.  He’s worked as the opening act with Jay Leno and Bob Geldof’s rock group, The Boomtown Rats.

In 1992 John created and starred in the halftime show for the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders Football Club.  He was hired to put together and headline the Opening Ceremonies show of the 1989 National Men’s Curling Brier (the curling world’s equivalent of hockey’s Stanley Cup).  And John’s specially themed performances have been featured for nearly a dozen seasons at western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park, Calaway Park in Calgary.

His love of performing for family audiences and passion for helping community organizations raise funds towards their worthwhile causes is where John derives the most satisfaction.

“Putting smiles on kids’ faces, and leaving tangible results like helping a school raise money for a playground, a youth group go on a field trip, a service club put something back into their community … well, it just doesn’t get better than that!” says John.