Magic Castle’s landlord gains control in a vote

Academy of Magical Arts members decide to approve venue's reorganization plan.

- By CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS

MAGICIAN Nick Dopuch performs close-up magic in the Hat & Hare Pub at the Magic Castle in 2023.

(DANIA MAXWELL Los Angeles Times)

The conjurers have decided to stay put at Hollywood’s Magic Castle.

In a membership vote of the Academy of Magical Arts that concluded Monday, members say that about 92% of those voting endorsed a reorganization plan designed to give control over the castle's operations and revenue to a company owned by Magic Castle landlord Randy Pitchford.

As part of the deal, AMA members can continue to use the castle as their clubhouse. The AMA, a nonprofit group, would continue to promote magic, running educational efforts and awards programs.

If the magicians had voted no, they would have needed to find a new venue at the expiration of their lease on Dec. 31, 2028.