Where in the world am I today?: St. Kitts, The Caribbean
Prologue: It wasn’t so much that I met Ben Robinson but rather that he came into my life though synchronistic events… I was performing at South Street Sea Port in New York City in June of 1997 and Ben happened to catch my show. He contacted me later via email sent me pictures from the show he had watched and we’ve been in touch ever since.
Stats:
Name: Ben Robinson – Illusion Genius
Started Performing/Working in the Industry: 1974
Discipline: Magician
Website: http://www.illusiongenius.com
Venues Worked: Private events, opening act for comedians and musical groups, resorts, clubs
Hot 10 Questions:
- What’s your favorite color? • Black to wear, blood red to paint with
- What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream • Chocolate chip mint, and I like it because it is not too sweet.
- Name one movie that would make it to your Top 10 all-time great films. • Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid.
- What was your favorite toy from childhood? • My teddy bear, still have it.
- Who were your biggest inspirations when you got started? • Magicians Doug Henning and Fred Kaps.
- From the world of animation what one character do you most identify with or see yourself in? • Bugs Bunny, because he says what’s on his mind and he is a resilient character.
- Apart from the entertainment industry, name one other job you’ve had. • Worked 1 year as a lighting store manager, learned to wire lamps and set fixtures.
- What’s something you haven’t done yet that you’d like to try? • I’d like to drive cross country.
- What’s your least favourite thing about being a performer? • Hauling props in large quantity. Love the line: pack small and play big.
- If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? • “Ah we have place for you, and the girl who works there now is single and very attractive.”
The Nugget:
Pick one nugget of wisdom you’ve picked up from your career in Show Business to share with the World.
Ah, the one nugget is simply Dai Vernon’s advice that I have modified, and it is this:
“Show up, say only what you have to, dress well, get paid, and leave”
–Ben Robinson, Illusion Genius
That is the job of the performer no matter what they do, and I think anything more is overkill. Some try to hang out with the audience, and make friends or sign millions of promo items and I say leave it on stage and let the audience come to you if they want more. Also, leave them wanting more…though that is not always possible.
