Bringing Magic to the Yukon
“It’s more than just tricks — it’s character-building disguised as fun”
Magician Scotty Swan traded the glittering lights of Las Vegas for the Northern Lights in the Yukon Territory. He just wanted to visit his partner in Mayo but fell in love with the place. He likes that the territory is not as fast-paced as where he comes from.
“There’s more space to breathe and be creative. People take their time here, and there’s a real appreciation for the arts and community programs,” he says about his love for the Yukon.
Coming from a hot and dry desert climate in Nevada, he says that he likes the weather in the Yukon, “especially when it’s under 120 degrees Fahrenheit,” he jokes and adds, “There’s a special kind of charm here, and a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
Community is what he likes to build. He says his focus has always been on working with young people and bringing magic to communities without access to programs like his.
His passion led him to found the “Yukon Magic School.” The program will be launched in September. “We’re using the time until then to align with the community schedule and make sure it fits into the rhythm of life here.”
When Swan first came to Mayo, he performed at the school there. When he saw that there was a lack of arts classes, he realized that he wanted to start a magic club, especially for kids who are not into sports.
Swan can relate to that, because when he was a kid, he wasn’t that interested in sports. He watched magicians like David Copperfield on TV. “Back then, there were only three magicians on TV,” he recalls. But when he was eight years old, his mother hired a magician named Sky. It changed his perspective.
“Sky was the first African American magician I had ever seen. He completely blew my mind. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a magician.” Swan states how important role models are for kids in the arts and magic.
“Seeing someone who looks like them succeeding creatively is inspiring. This is especially true in disciplines like magic, music, puppetry, and visual arts, which often lack representation from marginalized communities.”
Swan has been a full-time magician for 28 years now, starting in 1997. After moving to Los Angeles in 2001, he worked at the world-famous Hollywood Magic Shop and performed at special events all around the city. He put all his experience into his program.
But it isn’t just about magic. It’s about getting life skills for kids. Swan says that he teaches the program using Discover Magic. Discover Magic is a nationally-recognized curriculum designed to boost kids’ confidence, communication, and creativity through the art of magic.
“It’s more than just tricks — it’s character-building disguised as fun,” Swan explains. He first launched the program online in 2021 during the pandemic. With support from other Discover Magic presenters, he built something that could reach kids anywhere via Zoom. The magic workshops using the Discover Magic curriculum have a show that incorporates custom puppets and owns a magic shop, he says.
He wants to bring his program to Whitehorse, Dawson and other communities in the Yukon, so children can access it. With the launch of his Yukon Magic Academy and his love for the territory, Scotty Swan is bound to stay in the Yukon. People can learn more about the Yukon Magic Academy programs, sign up for classes or reach out to bring Swan to their school: amazekadabraschoolshows.com.
Swan also runs a magic shop (Swan’s Magic & Toys) that features fun tricks and
supplies for aspiring young magicians and seasoned pros.
