We were lucky to catch up with Alexander Knapp recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexander, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents have been incredible influences in my life. Growing up surrounded by the arts, thanks to their careers in costume design and opera, I’ve developed a deep passion for creativity. My mother, a professional seamstress, has shown me the power of imagination and hard work through her costume company, SeamsUnlimited. She’s always been there to support my creative endeavors, no matter how last-minute or fantastical they seemed, constantly reminding me that anything I can imagine can become a reality.

My father, a world-renowned bass baritone, has not only exposed me to the world of opera but also instilled in me a strong work ethic and drive. Through his performances and travels, he provided me with a worldly view long before I turned 15. Their unwavering support and guidance have shaped me into the artist I am today, showcasing what they did right in raising me.

Alexander, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Alexander the Amazing is a modern day vaudevillian, vibe curator, whimsy technician and a tricky jukebox man. When he’s around Amazing stuff happens. Dazzled humans on four continents continue to celebrate in awe as they clean up the remnants of their minds being blown. Oh and when your aren’t looking, he’s probably cutting up more confetti.

Alexander Knapp attended the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University for Music (Vocal and Cello performance), as well as Columbia College Chicago for theater. He studied Mime with The Mime Company in Evanston, Clown with 500 Clown, Paola Colletto, and The School for Theater Creators. He received intensive circus training at New York Trapeze School in New York, Eche Arial Arts in Boston, The Actors Gymnasium and from Norbol Meirmanov at Meirmanov Sports Acro (MSA) in Chicago.

He has taught circus skills, physical theater, mime, and clowning at MSA, Actors Gym, La Casa de Arte located in Pilsen, outreach programs in Chicago public schools with Circesteem and instructs intensive clown workshops with Night Blue theater CO’s summer immersion intensive in New Buffalo Michigan. He’s has been the official juggling instructor for Magic Incorporated Chicago (the oldest continuously family run brick and mortar magic shop in North America).

On stage Alexander has performed theater with companies such as Redmoon Theater, Adventure Stage, City Opera Chicago, the Inconvenience Theater and with 360 Entertainments national tour production of Peter Pan. Toured Micronesia and the Philippines with Super American Circus. on TV with Green Screen Adventures on WCIU.

Now Alex owns and operates Bang Boom Bigisland with his partner Cristina Holt. Delighting Keiki to Kapuna all across the big island of Hawaii.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2020 my partner tina and I were on tour with a circus company on the Hawaiian islands. We were the ringmasters of the show introducing the acts and guiding the audiences through the journey that is watching a traditional circus show. We also had a duo pass juggling routine were we perform difficult visually amazing tricks with 3-7 illuminated juggling clubs to some bumpin music.

Plans for a year-long contract in Guam were halted by the Covid lockdown, leading us to stay on a friend’s farm in the Big Island for what was supposed to be two weeks but turned into a year and a half. During this time, we collaborated with a theater, opening a successful cafe in the concessions booth. Despite positive community feedback, our partnership ended due to misaligned visions. Settling in Hilo, we transitioned to event planning, leveraging our experience from the continental US entertainment companies with which we’ve worked . Our entertainment company, Bang Boom BigIsland, frequents outdoor markets, offering cloud candy, face painting, balloon sculptures, and either a 30-minute magic or fire show. Our company has since thrived, averaging two private parties weekly. Through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of connecting with clients through discovery phone calls, fostering rapport for delightful entertainment experiences.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Every day, I ask myself what my goal or mission is as a magician, and what I usually conclude is to inspire awe and share presence. Also demonstrating impossible and amazing feats shows people that there’s more beyond the “he saids” and “she saids” of the adult mind.

Scientific research shows that moments of awe quiet the mind and open us to something greater than ourselves. By creating shared, joyful experiences, I aim to unite communities through laughter and foster connections that can serve as a remedy for many of the world’s problems.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amazingalexander.com/
• Instagram: @alexanderdmazing

Image Credits

Nicholas Souza (Alex wearing a bunch of hats)