Magical Mystical Michael

What ever the situation, Michael is ready. From strolling magic, one on one to small groups, or in an intimate living room setting to the large stage with lights, music and sound, Michael has worked it all. With over 40 years of performing experience, in 3 different continents including magic through the Himalaya Mountains, Michael has touched the hearts of people with his magic, those who might never have experienced a live magician before.

Have you ever personally seen someone float in mid-air, or water stop in mid-stream? These amazing feats aren't limited to national TV specials. Magical Mystical Michael will make it happen right before your very eyes! Michael loves making his audience laugh while they're scratching their heads and wondering "How'd he do that?" A true entertainer, he blends mystery and mirth to keep you marveling, wondering and smiling every minute of the show.

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this recommendation on behalf of Michael Kaufman. I first met Michael at a public storytelling event in Austin last year. When I learned he was a magician, I asked if he would be interested in collaborating with students at my school who were needing to learn a magic trick for their spring production of “Oliver.”

Michael came to our school on several different occasions and worked with students in grades 1-10. He is GREAT with children of all ages. He cracks jokes, has a very positive attitude and tons of enthusiasm. He was an excellent teacher and our kids loved him. They asked me if he could be part of their production! Michael ended up doing a ten minute magic show as a preshow before our spring production. He would be backstage with the kids before he went on stage and was really great at getting them fired up about their play. I witnessed many high-fives, tricks and laughs between our students and Michael.

We later hired Michael to do a magic show for our entire student body on the last day of school. The energy that kids have on a final day of school is palpable. Michael was able to take that energy and keep kids of varying ages engaged and enthusiastic. They were incredibly focused and attentive during his presentation. His magic works for kids of various ages and personalities. Some of his jokes are more sophisticated and appeal to older students. That being said, our younger students never felt like something went over their heads. He also tailors his humor toward the youngest and the adults in the room.

Michael is an incredible magician. Logistically, he shows up early and requires very little set up or assistance. He’s a one man show. I felt his rates were very comparable to other magicians. If anything, he should charge more, he’s worth it. He responds to phone calls quickly and is very easy to work with.

I would be happy to discuss my experience with Michael further should you need additional information.

Sincerely,
Emily Vitris
Assistant Head of Middle School
Rawson Saunders, Austin Texas

Michael was born, number two of four, in a small 'hood' of a northeastern city, the Bronx. As a child, he spent his time mastering the arts: switch-blading (roller blading was not yet 'in'), picking pockets and deception. Not unlike his parents, he became versed in the arts of survival.

When the family moved to Queens NY, Michael, away at summer camp, was, unfortunately, not informed of the move. Eventually quilt soon reunited him with his family. In his late teens, with Michael this time included, his family moved to southern California. Presented with profound choices, college or Viet Nam, he opted for college. Degree in one hand and outstretched thumb in the other, he hit the road in search of himself. Two years later, running out of thumb, he accidentally changed his life forever by purchasing a magic trick. Attempting to master this effect, he had to either learn Japanese, or use a magnifying glass and decipher secret clues hidden within the tiny pictures of these super secret instructions. After mastering his first trick (color changing handkerchiefs), his brother surprised him on his 24th birthday with a set of linking rings. For the next 3 days it was the mirror, the rings, 2 pizza boxes and the instructions, this time in English, although it might as well been in Japanese. Now, with a few more tricks up his sleeve, cocky, confident and 24, he hit the street to see if this new-found craft could pay the bills. Indeed, a career was born!

Now, with a new skill and the weapon of youth - and not to mention the transformation of a 1953 International Step Van (an old UPS truck) as his traveling throne, the adventure unfolded. He traveled from coast to coast, from the streets into the living room, from festivals into the theater, from cruising the seas to exploring Hawaii, Alaska, the Thai Islands also Canada, Mexico, Europe and hiking through the Himalayan Mountains. Michael has touched the lives of those who might never have experienced such magical moments.

After many years of magical weaponry and skillful enactment, Michael is entering a new phase of maturity, or maybe it’s just another 60’s flash back. It doesn’t matter, it’s more empowering than that.

Now, many, many and many, many years later, still traveling the world, he is still looking (within) and is truly the master of his own enchanted existence. Finally mastering the art of roller blading (switch-blading’s not 'in' anymore), he makes his home in Austin, Texas.