 Steve began by buying magic tricks, and watching magic shows, including magic shows on TV. He sat for hours practicing with instructional videos, buying books on magic and studying the history of the art form. Steve credits this preparedness to his mentor Jeff McBride. “He’s one ofthe most skilled magicians out there. He always said you should be ready to do magic anywhere, anytime, for anybody. He has tricks for the doorman, tricks for the maid at the hotel. That’s part of being a magician.”
In June 2004 Steve attended his first national IBM convention in Cleveland, Ohio. A fateful moment came when Steve met his long-time inspirations Jeff McBride and Eugene Berger. As a participant in Jeff’s youth program, he was inspired and encouraged to attend Jeff’s Magic School in Las Vegas and did so in September 2004. “Jeff and Eugene increased my confidence and helped me develop a unique style incorporating magic with another love - unicycling. I am convinced that it was the lessons learned from the magic school that helped me win First Place in Stage Magic at the RISM competition in February 2005. Jeff and Eugene push you to find your own creativity and style,” says Steve. “Magic is something I want to do for the rest of my life. I never want to dread going to work. I believe the encouragement I received at the school helped me realize that with hard work I can accomplish this goal.”
Steve has also won second place in close up competition at RISM, and honorable mention for his innovative linking rings barbed wire routine. He is a member of the South County Lunacycles and was a cast member and stage assistant for the South County Player’s Theater productions. He has been a stage and lighting assistant for RISM’s annual fundraiser public magic show. He has begun his formal collegial education studying theater and wants to continue in some aspect of the performing arts.
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