 "And as he led us down the path he would look up and say, 'sky', and then he would point to the trees and say 'birds'. He was always eager to point out the wonders of life." Hilda Matson, Derek's Grandmother, talking about a hike with Derek at age 2.
Derek Selinger has always been an entertainer. As a young boy, he loved it when guests would come over so that he could entertain them. His interest in magic started at age 7. However, this was just one means to the goal of sharing joy and wonder with people. Through his early years he was involved in drama, piano, singing and any other forum that would allow others to feel good about life. In his adolescence he honed his public speaking skills and involved himself in a variety of community activities. He was involved in all of life, from academics to sport, from music to travel. A top student, he considered a variety of careers but was aware of his desire to delight and entertain. While at college he traveled with a drama group and performed with a small R&B rap group. Even though he enjoyed these experiences, he was continually drawn back to magic as a performing art.
Derek began to take magic seriously at age 23. Extra time was spent practicing and he performed continually both formally and informally. The next year he performed an hour-long stage show for 800 people. This experience propelled him into the next phase. In 1999 Derek took a "Master Class" with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. The experience opened his eyes to a new world. Inspired, he returned home and signed a contract to perform a 25-minute act in seven months. The catch was that he had no material, just ideas. Nevertheless, Derek went to work and returned to another "Master Class" in six months. Jeff and Eugene offered more advice and direction regarding the new material. One of the suggestions was that Derek should compete at magic competitions. This would help Derek gain exposure and bring a new level of professionalism. Once again, Jeff's advice rang true.
In June of 2001 Derek won first prize at the Canadian Association of Magicians (CAM) stage competition.
"The credit goes to all those who helped me develop the act. Jeff McBride's counsel, advice, and friendship were one of the pillars that enabled me to grow to this point. And I'm not done yet..." Derek Selinger
In the act Derek undergoes a transformation from a dark and ominous character to a bright and lively one. This certainly reflects his growth as a person and a magician. Indeed, "Magic, like life, is the Journey from Shadow to Light."
Contact Derek via e-mail or visit his website.
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