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Nicholas Gentry

The Intellectual's Illusionist

info@nicholasgentrymagic.com

412-320-5451

About Nicholas Gentry:

Nicholas Gentry is not only the best at what he does; he is simply the only one who does it.

But what, exactly, does he do that is so different from other solo entertainers? In his own words:

"I spent years trying to be a 'one-size fits all' performer, thinking that I might lose business if I 'came out' as an "intellectual type.' I was told that calling myself 'The Intellectual's Illusionist' was a risky move, because it made me sound pretentious. That criticism felt unfair, because I know that is not who I am.

I finally realized that I needed to take a chance — and take a stand — by creating performances that I myself wish I could experience. I decided to trust my instinct.

My instinct tells me that a bad magician sells you on his tricks, while a good magician sells you on his personality — but an excellent magician uses illusions as a means to sell you on yourself. An excellent magician sells you on the people and things you love, and on the worthiness of life itself.

When I'm designing a new routine, I always ask myself, 'What if someone in the audience already knows all of my secrets and methods? What would make this routine worth that person's attention? Is my aesthetic beautiful and elegant? Are my words captivating enough to stand on their own, even for someone who cannot see? Can I touch hearts and minds with this?'

For example, if I magically restore a cut rope, I may earn a polite clap. If I do the same trick, but also interact with my audience in a humorous, unscripted way that honors them instead of myself, then I may earn a resounding applause.

But if I restore the rope while explaining why the ancient Roman philosopher, Seneca, says it is up to each of us to make ourselves whole again — well, that's when I earn a standing ovation.

In all three cases, it's still 'the oldest trick in the book,' but only in the last case does that 'same old rope trick' (finally!) live up to its potential as art.

That's why I don't waste time chasing after the newest magical gadgets or trying to be flashy. Instead, I focus all of my energy on inspiring my audiences to think and feel something that they can take with them at the end of the night."

A favorite amongst private clients and event planners, Gentry specializes in making a big impression on discerning adults, not as a mere novelty act, but as a true artist who actually has something to say.

Gentry has taught English and philosophy at Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh. He is also an accomplished musician and tarot reader, a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Ghana), a former Americorps spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Alaska, and a former high school English teacher in Japan.

These life experiences inform everything Gentry does, so he should be your first call when what you are planning is not just about 'blowing minds,' but also about expanding hearts.

What to Expect:

Gentry's performances are a mixture of visual illusions and mind-reading — on-stage, up-close, roving throughout the crowd, or even hosting your entire event.

A stand-up or stage show is usually 45-60 minutes long, but can last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. Walk-around entertainment and tarot readings are usually scheduled in two hour increments, but can last anywhere from one to four hours. (A typical individual tarot reading lasts 20-30 minutes, and Gentry never rushes a sitter.)

Gentry packs small and plays big, performing straight out of his pockets or from a simple briefcase. This makes him a master of turn-key flexibility for busy event planners who don't want to deal with extra complications.

Trusted by:

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