Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Black.
Hi Jeff, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My burning desire for superpowers has been with me since I tried flying out of the womb. However, after consulting my best friend…the television, I knew the kind of superhero I was destined to be: a magician. It was a natural choice since I was born with a razor-sharp handlebar moustache that still defines my very existence.
My high school even had a magic club. Destiny calling once again. During the time I was supposed to be doing homework, I watched every magic video YouTube had to offer. How was the Pythagorean theorem going to help me anyway? Apparently, my guidance counselor heard me say “mathematician” instead of “magician.” Of course, things really snowballed once I saw the reactions of my family and friends to my new magic tricks. One night after performing for my drunk friends, my friend Nathan, who was the most wasted I had ever seen him in my life, sat me down and told me he really, really believed I should keep doing what I was doing with the magic. The way he took the time to make sure I understood how he felt touched my heart, I decided he may have been drunk but he was right.
After only a year, I had built a foundation of magic skills to audition for the Magic Castle. It was a treacherous audition, but in the end I was accepted. My destiny was sealed from then on. Soon after, my career was running on all cylinders. I started turning tricks for all kinds of events: birthdays, bat mitzvahs, weddings, restaurants, weddings, divorces, funerals, and movie premieres. There was no place I wouldn’t turn my tricks. My reputation began to grow and before long, l was known as “Hollywood’s Favorite Magician.”
I didn’t stop there, with intent to become a true master of the craft I searched out the greatest magicians and forced them to tell me all their secrets. And after a blood pact and a bunny sacrifice. Flash forward to now, my superpowers are stronger than ever and I use them only for good, mostly.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most people, one of my biggest challenges came with the lockdowns. Given these circumstances, I had to consider if I should do something else or stay true to my magic path. In the end, I gave it all up…just kidding. What really happened is that I took some time to consider my options and reevaluate my passion for performing. Given the amount of joy magic brings to me and others and all the momentum I built pre-pandemic I decided to stick to my path. In my resolution, I adapted by running online ads and creating a home studio to produce virtual magic shows and livestream. Working in the entertainment industry will always come with challenges, but I’ve learned that because I love it so much I will always find a way to rise above those challenges.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
No one wants to host a boring event, right? So, that’s where I come in. My job is to add my magical spice to elevate an event from basic to unforgettable. When I arrive at an event, I’ll walk around and share my mind-blowing skills that I have honed for the past 15 years. Or if you want something extra special, I’ll put on a stage show for the whole event. Magic is an incredible way to give guests something to talk about and remember for the rest of their lives. It is one of the best ways to break the ice at an event. I can transform any cold environment to a hot exciting one. Even if you don’t literally see the magic at the party, you will feel the impact it has on the atmosphere—it’s electric.
Becoming skillful with cards is a superpower, and the ceiling for it has virtually no limit. There is an endless array of incredibly intricate and beautiful shuffles to create and explore. This art of fancy shuffling is known in the community as “cardistry.” As a millennial, I remember back when it was called flourishing, but the art has grown by leaps and bounds with the rise of YouTube and video sharing in social media. I really lean into flowing movements like cascades, waterfalls, dribbles etc. I weave these moves into my magic making my magic one of a kind. These moves are details that I am so pleased to share with people because they moved me deeply when I first saw them. Sharing this with others brings me tremendous joy.
As a performer, I am always challenging myself and constantly training on various levels to be the best I can be. So, naturally, I have been exploring acting and acting class such as my favorite, a Meisner class. Taking on roles and auditions have pushed me to grow emotionally and find parts of myself I don’t normally rely on. They say a magician is only an actor playing the role of a magician, so I am excited to see what new heights I can achieve when I can play my emotions like a finely tuned instrument.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I would love to connect with anyone on social media @JeffBlackMagic on IG/TikTok. There I will post public appearances and special magic videos. You can also visit my website to subscribe to my email list for exclusive content and announcements.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeffblackmagic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffblackmagic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffblackmagic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeffblackmagictv
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jeff-black-magic-los-angeles
