Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Campion
Hi Michael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was eight years old when my aunt and uncle, who were professional clowns with Ringling Brothers Circus at the time, gave me my first magic kit for Christmas. It was a beautiful little box of cheap plastic tricks, but I practiced them relentlessly and performed them for everyone.
I wanted to learn more, so my mom found a magic shop in Orlando (my hometown) called Magic Dove, where I attended magic summer camps for kids. I learned stage magic, met other kids passionate about magic, and competed in contests.
But after a couple summers, acting took up most of my time, and I set magic aside until I turned 14. By then, I was living in LA and working on Fuller House. One day, while hanging out a magic shop here called The Magic Apple, two kids my age in three piece suits wearing bronze owl pins came walking in. I asked what their deal was, and they told me they were Junior members of the Magic Castle.
For those who don’t know, the Magic Castle is a is a prestigious institution for magicians. There they host the Academy of Magical Arts, a mentorship program, and Its Junior Program for kids 13-21. To get in you must pass a rigorous audition with a 5 minute set of material. For those who get in, it offers unparalleled mentorship, resources, and the chance to perform during weekend brunch.
I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do. I poured everything into preparing a my five minute closeup routine. After months of blood sweat and tears, I auditioned in front of a huge room of juniors my age and a council of judges. Terrifying. But a few weeks later, I received a letter (just like Hogwarts) welcoming me to the Junior Program.
Since I just graduated last year, I’ve been expanding my craft and creating my own independent shows in LA. Most recently, I performed a close-up Halloween show at Beetle House LA. I know more will be coming this year!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m lucky to say my magic career has been on an upward trend, but making it a full time living is certainly a struggle.
The most challenging part has been finding steady work as a magician. The business side has not always been my forte.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main career has always been acting. I’m best known for my role as Jackson Fuller on Fuller House, but my true passion lies in creating immersive art pieces.
I grew up surrounded by themed entertainment. My mom worked at Disney World as a Fairy Godmother at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (and was also a party planner), my aunt and uncle are now Santa and Mrs. Clause professionally, and my sister is a video game designer. Themed attractions are in my blood.
A prime example of this is my Halloween themed close up show. It takes place in an old wooden mansion, where guests step into a living room that feels like a fortune teller’s tent: flickering candles, pentagram inscribed skulls, Persian rugs, etc. The show isn’t something you just watch; you’re in it. The audience plays an integral role, especially during the séance.
Outside of acting and magic, I’m a D&D Dungeon Master for my friends, a scare actor during the Halloween season, and a magician at venues across LA. All of this is in service of my ultimate goal: creating Magical experiences for the audience. Not magic as in lowercase m like magic tricks, but capital M as in the feeling of elation and wonder you experience when you’re fully immersed in a piece of storytelling without a proscenium.
How do you define success?
Becoming a master is the ultimate mark of success, not how commercially profitable you are.
How effectively you’re able to let art speak through you is the true test. One of my favorite quotes by Sanford Meisner is “don’t give a performance, let the performance give you”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michael-campion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcampion/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Image Credits
LA Haunted Hayride (for the monster pic. Im the one with the megaphone btw)
Zach Lichaa (for the magic photos)
