We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jordan Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
It’s not so much as strictly serving underdeveloped communities as it is representation. I am a professional magician who just so happens to have both ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder. I used my magic to tell my story of living as a Neurodivergent adult. Many many people think ADHD & Autism Spectrum are strictly for children and you grow out of it as you get older – thats simply not true. Many people are unaware of the fact that there are very few things accessible to neurodivergent people – such as concerts so I do Sensory Friendly magic shows to create a sensory accessible place that Neurodivergent people wouldn’t normally go to because sensory processing issues.
Representation matters. Being seen matters & even when I don’t do sensory friendly shows – I still make it a point to let the audience know my background as a ADHD-Autistic performer.
Jordan, 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?
I am a professional magician. I got interested in magic when I was around 5 or 6 and around the time I was 10 or 11 I started performing professionally. It was around that time I also received my duel diagnosis of ADHD & Autism Spectrum. It wasn’t until AFTER I attempted an audition for America’s Got Talent that I saw the real need to tell my story & be more authentic on stage.
Now when Im doing strolling magic at weddings or cocktails I just let my personality carry the magic & do less talking about being neurodivergent unless its relevent.
What I think makes me stand out apart from other magicians is my neurodivergency & the fact I try to stay away from “cookie-cutter” routines and I put more of myself out there rather than playing a character.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
When I do my stage / stand up show – I always make time for a meet & greet. Hearing how the magic I presented turn a bad day into a good day for someone in the audience leaves a lasting reminder of why what I do is important. Another tihng I like ot hear is hearing that the audience – especially if they too are Neurodivergent tell me that they felt represented on stage.
With my wedding, cocktail, etc clients – hearing how I enhanced the event is very affirming.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I have 3 goals with the magic I present.
1) I want to move people emotionally in much the same way a song would.
2) I want to connect with my audience and i want the audience to not only reciprocate with me but also feel connected with each other because experiencing a magical moment is special
3)I want to give the viewers the time of their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jallenexperience.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/270magic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/270magic
