Ken in Manaus, Brazil

How did you do that?!

While I realize this is a “knee jerk” reaction of most people when they are amazed, some people sincerely want to know the secrets to satisfy their own curiosity.  It is the secrets that make the illusions intriguing.  I never reveal to anyone how any of my illusions or any other illusionist’s effects are done.  This is a violation of the illusionist’s code of secrecy and a serious breach of integrity.

Those who carelessly reveal secrets because they cannot otherwise entertain an audience irreparably damage many full time illusionists income.  Revealing the secrets of the art of illusion doesn’t just affect one person; it affects all illusionists (and their families) performing that particular effect.  I simply will not do this.

Why do you call yourself an “illusionist” instead of a “magician?”  What’s the difference?

In modern day terms, there really isn’t a difference.  I think by calling myself “illusionist,” I’m being much more honest with my audience about what I’m doing.  “Magician” can sometimes carry a negative connotation (for whatever reason) and calling myself an “illusionist” is a much more accurate term for what I do.  For more on this, check out the “Christians and “Magic” article on my website.

Should a Christian be doing magic and illusions at all?  Doesn’t that violate Scripture?

Not at all, or I wouldn’t be doing it.  Nothing I do in my illusion shows is forbidden in Scripture. For more complete information on this subject, go to my “Christians and Magic” article.

How did you get started and how long have you been performing?

I grew up in West Tennessee in a small town with no magicians.  I always enjoyed watching Dick Williams, Doug Henning, and David Copperfield on television but I had no personal contact with any illusionists.  My Grandparents (knowing my interest) gave me a “Boy Scout Magic Trick Book” and an “Adam’s Magic Set” when I was eight years old.  I learned all the tricks in the set as quickly as I could and began to acquire new props, tricks, books, and, later on, videos.

As I grew up, I would travel (sometimes great distances) to attend lectures by some of the greatest illusionists in the world.  I also corresponded by letters, phone calls, and, eventually, e-mails with these illusionists and asked a lot of questions.  Most of them were so gracious to teach me.  I’ve also taken private lessons from some of the greatest illusionists in the world. Some of these instructors are the same teachers who instructed Lance Burton, Seigfried and Roy, David Blaine, and David Copperfield.  This was how I developed my illusionary technique.

My presentation is the result of acting and singing since the age of five.  My background in theatre and music combined with my illusionary techniques make up the presentations I currently present. I started singing solos and acting on stage in 1973.  I started learning illusion effects in 1976. I began performing illusions professionally in 1990.

Are you a member of any magical organizations?

I am a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians, The Society of American Magicians, the Fellowship of Christian Magicians and The Academy of Magical Arts of The Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. The Academy is more for advanced magicians and to really benefit from this group, you need to live in the Los Angeles area.  However, I would recommend the other organizations to anyone wanting to get started in illusions.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in illusions?

In addition to the organizations I previously mentioned (where you can meet other illusionists and learn some basics) I would encourage you to visit your local library, which has many great books on illusion technique.  Much of what I learned about illusions started in a library. You should also study theatre!  Work on your skills as a performer and communicator. Illusion is a performing art.  So many people learn tricks and then have no presentation.  To be honest, most tricks are fairly easy to learn.  Putting the tricks together to make an interesting presentation is the difficult part that takes years and years to perfect.

Who are your inspirations in performing illusions?

As a kid I liked watching Dick Williams’ Magicland.  However, it aired on Sunday mornings so I was normally at church and couldn’t watch it.  Doug Henning and David Copperfield were two major inspirations I grew up watching on television.  It wasn’t until later that I actually got to meet the genius behind the illusions that I enjoyed watching: Andre Kole. I would have to say that Andre’s illusionary genius has been the major inspiration for the illusions I love to perform.  He is truly the world’s greatest!  Michael Ammar’s creativity and attention to detail and the late Tommy Wonder’s ability for misdirection has also inspired me in my illusion performances.

In performing in general, I think Jimmy Stewart was one of the finest actors ever.  I love his intensity.  In just general acting skills, I think Christopher Plummer, Val Kilmer, Will Smith, and Mel Gibson are fantastic.  In terms of creativity, I think Walt Disney was one of the most creative individuals of the 20th Century.  His legacy of creativity in the Disney empire is amazing.  Of course, the greatest source of creativity and inspiration is Elohim, the Creator God, Himself.

What is your favorite illusion?

The favorite illusion I actually perform is my levitation created by Walter “Zaney” Blaney.  It’s so well made and always an audience favorite.  My favorite illusion to watch is one called “Head Mover” and is an Andre Kole creation and currently performed by his son, Tim Kole.  It’s a mind blower!

How often do you do shows?

I usually do about one a month (Which is plenty for me).  This is not my full-time calling. I serve full time as a Pastor of Worship at a church (Abba’s House) in Chattanooga and that and my family take up the majority of my time.

How long do the shows last?

It varies depending on the client.  I custom make the shows to suit each client’s particular needs, theme, and venue.  Most shows usually last anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

How much do you charge?

Expenses vary based upon which show the client wants.  If I’m doing the large stage show and have to ship or bring a lot of large equipment along with assistants, then obviously that costs more.  A show I can pack in my suitcase and travel with costs less.  I always work with each client within whatever budget they have. There’s almost always something we can do to make a great show happen.

How can I get picked as a volunteer from the audience in one of your shows?

Get lucky.  All volunteers in my shows are randomly picked.