Magic Direction & Design for Theatre

“Exciting illusions (crafted by Michael Kras)… set the stage alight.”
- NEXT Magazine review Clyde’s at Canadian Stage

“Director Philip Akin’s stylish production, complete with pyrotechnics and blink-and-you’ll-miss-them stage illusions by Michael Kras, elevates the material from a greasy Big Mac to a Michelin-worthy smashburger.”
- The Globe & Mail review of Clyde’s at Canadian Stage

“The production features notable stage effects, skillfully executed under Michael Kras’ direction and design.”
- Our Theatre Voice review of Clyde’s at Canadian Stage

Want to make your most ambitious theatrical pipe dreams come to life? I can help.

I’ve been a magician for longer than I’ve been a theatre maker, and I pull from decades of deep knowledge and experience in my work as a magic director and magic designer on everything from intimate indie plays to multi-award-winning Broadway sensations.

I never call myself a magic “consultant,” because the work I do in theatre is deeply integrated into a creative vision and process. I believe magic is a singularly powerful theatrical language, whether it’s a carefully choreographed piece of sleight-of-hand or a company of performers, stage managers, designers, and crew members working together to create an indelible illusion in service of a story.

I began this journey when I was hired as the Toronto Illusions & Magic Associate for the Canadian premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mirvish Productions, dir. John Tiffany). In 2024, I returned to the Cursed Child team as the Magic & Illusion Lead for the play’s first North American Tour, helping to direct and refine the magic effects in a reimagined production alongside original creatives including John Tiffany, Steven Hoggett, Jamie Harrison, and Chris Fisher. Next, I will serve as the Associate Illusions Director for the second North American Tour of Cursed Child in 2027 and beyond.

In Canada, I’ve been the Magic Director & Designer the world premiere of Versus (QuipTake/The Theatre Centre/National Arts Centre), the Canadian premiere of Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage (Canadian Stage), the world premiere of Richard III: A Spectacular Stand Up Act (Caravan Farm Theatre), and the world premiere of The Extinction Therapist (Theatre Aquarius). South of the border, I’ve worked as the Associate Illusion Designer for a new adaptation of A Christmas Carol (Florida’s Maltz Jupiter Theatre) and the Associate Magic Designer for the world premiere of Franklin’s Key (Philadelphia’s Pig Iron Theatre).

If you’re a theatre artist who wants to (literally) make magic in your next show or find a way to make the impossible possible, let’s chat! Nothing is impossible, no matter your level of resource or budget.