We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ben Price a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ben, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
1. How did you learn to do what you do?
My entry into the world of magic kicked off like most other magicians. Small magic kits and library books were my training grounds, the essentials for every budding magician. These kits weren’t fancy, just the basics – a deck of cards, linking rings; mine even had a floating Ken doll with a sick tux. His job was magic. Armed with the secrets hidden in those kits and a small stack of library books, I started unravelling the mysteries of magic. It was a DIY crash course, VHS tapes became my late-night tutors, and tattered library books were my bathroom reading. I lived, breathed, and ate magic.
The practice wasn’t a solitary affair for long. My family and friends became unwitting volunteers (under duress), subjected to my fledgling tricks and sleights. The living room transformed into a makeshift stage, and the audience, sometimes bewildered, played a crucial role in refining my act. As I stumbled through the early days, their reactions became the compass guiding me toward what worked and what needed a bit more magic…dust. Gradually, the living room turned to community stages, which eventually turned into theatres, and now I tour the world performing for hundreds of people at a time!
2. Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Reflecting on the past and my start in magic, one area in which I could have augmented my learning was in the realm of practice. When you’re young and diving headfirst into the excitement of a new hobby, there’s an eagerness to share every new thing you’ve picked up, especially if it’s something like magic, which inherently needs to be shown to others for magic actually to have occurred. Looking back, I see the value in resisting that urge and adopting a more disciplined approach to rehearsal. Instead of rushing to showcase every trick I learned the moment I understood it. I say I understood because there is a vast difference between understanding something and being able to execute the actions to make it so. Developing a repertoire with a more diligent practice regime would have been a game-changer.
Imagine how much better I would have felt had I honed each trick to perfection, allowing it to become second nature before unveiling it to the world. I realize now that it’s not about the quantity of tricks but the quality of each performance. After working on something for ten minutes, I’d perform a lacklustre version of it for my parents or sister; when I inevitably didn’t fool them with it, the secret had been revealed; no matter how hard I practiced now, that trick would never fool them because they are now cursed with the knowledge of its method. This hindsight nudges me towards a more patient and strategic approach, realizing that a well-practiced repertoire would have propelled my growth much faster than the scattergun approach of my early days. You also do your audience justice by flawlessly performing any given effect, as you won’t ruin any magic secrets and destroy the illusion for them. It’s a lesson in pacing, ensuring that each trick in the arsenal shines with a brilliance born from meticulous rehearsal.
3. What skills do you think were most essential?
With my brand of magic and mentalism, three essential skills became my compass. First and foremost, the art of self-learning emerged as a cornerstone. When navigating the magic world in a small town, you quickly realize the world isn’t full of magicians. Without a magic club, peers who were also interested in illusion, or a mentor, self-learning becomes not just a skill but a survival tactic. It’s about devouring every resource available, from kits and library books to VHS tapes, and transforming that knowledge into a captivating performance.
Tenacity, the stubborn refusal to accept defeat, became my constant companion. Magic isn’t always smooth; tricks fail, and illusions crumble, but the tenacity to persist, refine, and perfect turns a stumbling teenage magician into a mesmerizing performer. The tenacity to face the unexpected, like the shredded $100 bill incident, and turn it into an opportunity to craft a foolproof backup plan. (that’s a story for another time)
Lastly, Creativity, the magic wand that transforms tricks into unforgettable moments. It’s not just about executing tricks but infusing them with a unique voice. Whether it’s making centuries-old material feel fresh or crafting colloquial and fun dialogue, creativity helps turn every magic trick into a spectacle. These skills, cultivated over time, form the alchemy that fuels me and allows me to go out on stage and give people a show they won’t forget.
4. What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
A shadow that loomed large on my magical journey was the fear of seeking mentorship and the reluctance to step into the community of magic and meet peers and educators. Coming from a small town without magical mentors led to a hesitancy in looking beyond my self-taught methods. It wasn’t just about the lack of physical mentors; it was a fear of exposing my magic to the scrutiny of others. The notion of disappointment in myself and potentially my teachers keeps me on the sidelines. It took time to unravel the fear and to understand that seeking guidance is a catalyst for growth, not a testament to inadequacy.
Additionally, there was a self-imposed obstacle – a comfort zone that turned into a magical rut. Sticking to the tricks and methods I knew well became a security blanket, a haven of familiarity. The fear of venturing into the unknown, of embracing new techniques and styles, held me back. Magic and performance thrive on innovation and exploration, and this fear of the unfamiliar became a self-imposed barrier. It required a conscious effort to break free from the shackles of the known, venture into uncharted magical territories, and recognize that growth resides beyond the edges of comfort. Overcoming these obstacles became pivotal in expanding my magical repertoire and evolving as a performer.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Sure Thing. I’m Ben Price, a 31-year-old professional magician from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. My journey in the world of magic and theatre spans over 15 years, beginning with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of British Columbia, one of Canada’s most prestigious post-secondary institutions. While there, I specialized in design and production, working and studying under some of Canada’s most accomplished theatre creators. After graduating, I took the leap into full-time performance, showcasing my talents in theatres, at corporate events, and in some of the world’s largest fringe festivals. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of entertaining audiences around the globe for companies like Adobe, Google, and Cirque du Soleil. My passion for magic continues to drive me as I strive to captivate audiences with every performance. What a lot of people are surprised to find out about me is I am a homebody and very introverted. I recharge the best when I am relaxing in my own home surrounded by the people I love most! When I am not performing, you’ll find me spending time at home with my family and friends and my partner, Tori!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
In comedy mentalism, my creative journey is marked by distinctive challenges. The continuous demand for innovation and originality is palpable. Staying ahead in this niche involves constantly creating new routines, illusions, and unique comedic twists, elements that may not be immediately apparent to those outside the creative realm. The constant need to create. The dynamic nature of live performances further complicates the journey, requiring on-the-fly adjustments based on audience reactions. While the spontaneity and unpredictability of live shows contribute to the magic, they also introduce challenges that may not be easily understood by those who have yet to experience them firsthand.
Moreover, the fusion of entertainment and skill in comedy mentalism adds another layer of complexity. Beyond technical expertise, success in this field hinges on a profound understanding of psychology and the ability to engage with diverse audiences. The intricacies of balancing humour with mentalist prowess create a unique set of challenges that may not be fully graspable for individuals who aren’t immersed in the creative world of comedy, mentalism, and theatre. In essence, the journey in this specialized field is marked by these nuanced obstacles, shaping an experience that might be challenging for those outside the creative domain to appreciate fully.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
“The Approach” by Jamie D. Grant and “How Magicians Think” by Joshua Jay have significantly shaped my entrepreneurial thinking and overall perspective on life. Grant’s book, emphasizing genuine connection and finding magic in imperfections, has become a guiding philosophy in approaching various aspects of my personal and professional life.
Grant’s insights into the world of magic extend beyond the stage, reminding me to appreciate the beauty of the unexpected and embrace authenticity in all interactions. This mindset has influenced how I navigate relationships, approach challenges, and view the ordinary moments in life and in business as opportunities for something extraordinary.
Building on this, Joshua Jay’s exploration of magical thinking in “How Magicians Think” has deepened my understanding of creativity and problem-solving. The book has inspired me to approach challenges with a magician’s mindset, seeking innovative solutions and recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in finding unexpected answers.
In essence, these two resources have contributed to a broader outlook, infusing elements of magic into my daily life. They’ve encouraged me to see the world with a sense of wonder, find joy in the little things, and approach personal and professional challenges with a creative and adaptable mindset. The combination of Grant’s emphasis on connection and authenticity, alongside Jay’s exploration of magical thinking, has enriched my life in ways that extend far beyond the entrepreneurial sphere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.benpricemagic.com
- Instagram: benpricemagic
- Facebook: facebook.com/benpricemagic
- Linkedin: Ben Price
- Twitter: www.x.com/benpricemagic
- Youtube: youtube.com/benpricemagic
Image Credits
Claire Bourgeois Tori Darr Taylor Neufeld