Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Gutenplan.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
All of the adventures in my life, from safaris in Africa, driving motorcycles in the Andes, and exploring the Wadi deserts of Jordan, are because of my life in Magic – and my life in magic is thanks to my grandfather – Poppy Marty.
Ever since I was a young child, I loved all things magic, especially mind reading and mentalism. My grandfather, a self-proclaimed psychic and amateur magician, would entertain with well-done amateur tricks and take me to see any magic show on or off Broadway. I tried my best to perform magic tricks like my grandfather and would put on little shows for family and friends. My love affair with magic started early and was fostered and encouraged by my grandfather.
In college, I became more serious in my magical studies. I attended the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama and used my classes to help hone and craft my performance. On the weekends and during breaks I worked as a magician at Dave and Busters, a job that helped me become really good, really quick! From my performances each week at Dave and Busters, I booked more shows, such as private parties, corporate events, and shows for the Pirates, Penguins, and Pittsburgh Steelers! It was a wild ride, and I loved every moment of it.
After college, I moved to New York and worked a variety of jobs in TV, but magic kept pulling me back in. While I studied mentalism and really wanted to present my mind-reading act, I was given the sage advice by an old pro I respected to wait until I was older to present that performance… and it was great advice. So, magic it was, and I entertained at Tavern on The Green as their brunch magician, at private parties, and ultimately, Off-Broadway at Theatre Row in my own one-man show – Extraordinary Deceptions. With rave reviews, I made my way to Los Angeles and presented the show in Santa Monica.
I worked in Television production and development for almost 15 years and one day decided – it’s time to do magic. So, I packed up my desk and took the leap to starting my own entertainment business.
In the last 8 years, I’ve established myself as a world-class mentalist. In addition to corporate and private events, I am the top-rated entertainer for private clubs in the US. I’ve held a residency at Six Flags Magic Mountain and entertained royalty, CEOs, and the biggest Hollywood stars. And now I’m embarking on my next adventure – performing on cruise ships around the world!
With all my success, the thing that brings me the greatest joy professionally is being a third-generation psychic and mentalist. My grandfather was never a professional entertainer but loved magic. Both he and my father believe in the power and truth of ESP. And it is an honor to continue their legacy with my performances.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It actually has been a smooth road. Once I discovered who I am and how to present that professionally, it was easy. I think the secret was that I had to be everyone else before I discovered the strength and power to be myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional mentalist and third-generation psychic. I present high-energy shows that are engaging, entertaining, and amazing. Here’s my professional bio: What do Hollywood’s top celebrities, Royal Families, Fortune 500 CEOs, and the Maasai Tribe in Kenya all have in common? They’ve all been entertained and amazed by Master Mentalist Michael Gutenplan!
With his arsenal of spectacular sparkling suits and over 25 years of professional experience, Michael is a third-generation psychic and master mentalist who delights his audiences with extraordinary experiences filled with remarkable feats of mentalism, boundless energy, and intoxicating enthusiasm. Michael’s show turns even the most sophisticated skeptics into enchanted believers.
Audiences can expect a unique show filled with a cavalcade of inexplicable psychic acts, including displays of ESP, mind reading, predictions, sightless vision, telekinesis, and other psychic powers, all presented with classic showmanship, lots of laughter, and a ton of pizzazz! Michael’s show has been known to enhance your luck, reveal your sixth sense, and unlock your psychic potential!
A noted authority on palm readings and ESP, Michael is a proud member of the Psychic Entertainers Association, The Academy of Magical Arts and is a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama. He enjoys fine food & wine, fantastic clothing, and exploring the world.
When not at sea, Michael entertains at exclusive member-only clubs, private parties, and fabulous corporate events. He’s performed in 49 states and 23 countries, is a regular at the world-famous Magic Castle, and is an in-demand consultant for film and television productions.
And here’s a fun fact! Michael has astonished the world with numerous correct predictions, including naming the winners of multiple Super Bowls, Kentucky Derbies, and Westminster Dog Shows! But his real claim to fame was his amazing prediction of 12 spins of the roulette wheel in Las Vegas!
How do you define success?
I would define success as accomplishing your goals.
For some, it’s creation, finding joy, discovering a secret. For some, it’s money. For me – it’s a mixture of all. I am successful in business because I can pay my bills with money left over to save and enjoy life. I am successful because I create. I am successful because people reach out to me for bookings more than I reach out to them.
Success is a combination of elements unique to each person.
Pricing:
- Rates range from $1000-$15,000 per show
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mentalist.show
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazingmentalist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amazingmentalist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgutenplan/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michael-gutenplan-los-angeles
Image Credits
Ryan Hartford
Tayler Wong
Kyla Moffatt
Steve Thomas
