I’ve practiced magic for the majority of my short 36 years on this Earth. In my late teens and twenties, magic began fading into the background of my life as the pressures of love, work and life in general took center stage.
In the fall of 2023, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare tumor. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma represent less than 1% of 1% of cancers in adult men. Even more rare – it was on my prostate.
My family and friends – especially my wife – charged into the cancer battle right by my side. I endured intense yet unsuccessful chemotherapy before undergoing a radical and highly successful surgery to remove my prostate, seminal vesicles, seven lymph nodes and part of my bladder and urethra. As invasive as the surgery was, I went into it knowing that there was an 85% chance the surgeon would also have to remove my bladder. But I beat the odds, coming out of surgery with a (slightly smaller) bladder mostly intact. At the time of writing, I am currently cancer free.
I still have some precautionary radiation ahead of me, but rather than focusing on what the cancer took from me, I chose to see the silver linings. Cancer gave me new perspective and a deep appreciation for the blessings in my life, including friends, family, financial resources, and a renewed interest in the awe of the vast, unknown universe. I rediscovered my love for the art of magic and have vowed to use my talents to spread joy and wonder in the world.
Below is a brief snippet from a story reported by the local paper, The Springfield News-Leader, about my cancer journey.
Thank you to Greta Cross and the entire News-Leader team for the honor of being featured in the story.
To read more, CLICK HERE to see the full story on The News-Leader’s website.
Why Magic?
As an art form, the feats magicians perform take a lot of practice to perform well. Additionally, most of that practice is done alone or in front of a mirror, with only the company of the magician in the mirror. As a newly diagnosed cancer patient, I found myself in isolation quite a bit, so it seemed like the perfect fit.
What Kind of Magic Do You Do?
I do all kinds! Stage illusions, roving or strolling magic, close-up, and my personal favorite, street magic! Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of events.
- Stage Illusions:
- Large-scale tricks performed on stage, often involving large props or complex machinery.
- Perfect for theater shows, corporate events, or any venue with a stage setup.
- Known for their wow factor and ability to captivate large audiences.
- Roving or Strolling Magic:
- Interactive, performed while moving among the audience.
- Ideal for cocktail parties, receptions, and casual gatherings.
- Creates a personal and intimate experience as the illusions happen right in front of the guests.
- Close-Up Magic:
- Performed in a close proximity to the audience, often using small objects like cards and coins.
- Suitable for small groups, dinner parties, or intimate settings.
- Highly interactive and engaging, often leaving guests with a sense of wonder.
- Street Magic:
- Performed in public spaces, such as streets, parks, or festivals.
- Known for its impromptu and unpredictable nature.
- Engages random passersby, turning ordinary moments into magical experiences.
- Mentalism:
- Focuses on mind-reading, predictions, and psychic illusions.
- Best for audiences who enjoy psychological thrillers and mind games.
- Often leaves the audience questioning the boundaries between reality and illusion.
- Escapology:
- Involves escape from restraints or traps like handcuffs, ropes, and water tanks.
- Adds an element of suspense and danger, thrilling for all types of audiences.
- Ideal for high-energy events and shows that seek a dramatic flair.
- Comedy Magic:
- Adds humor, ensuring a light-hearted and entertaining performance.
- Great for all ages, particularly events that cater to families or seek a relaxed atmosphere.
- Helps in creating a fun, engaging, and memorable event experience.
- Corporate EVENTS:
- Tailored for corporate events, trade shows, and business functions.
- Can include brand-specific illusions or messages to align with corporate themes.
- Ideal for entertaining clients, employees, or for promotional activities.
- Children’s Shows:
- Specially designed for young audiences, often incorporating colorful props and interactive segments.
- Perfect for birthday parties, school events, and family gatherings.
- Focuses on engaging children’s imagination and providing a delightful experience.
- Illusion Design and Custom Shows:
- Creating custom illusions or shows to suit specific themes or events.
- Ideal for unique events, product launches, or when a personalized touch is required.
- Combines creativity with magical expertise to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience.
Each type of magic offers a unique experience, catering to different audiences and event types. Whether it’s the grandeur of stage illusions, the intimacy of close-up magic, or the personalized touch of custom-designed shows, magicians have the power to transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience. As a magician, I strive to bring that sense of wonder and enchantment to every performance, making each event memorable and magical.