We were lucky to catch up with Michael Aslan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I had always been interested in magic from about 12 years of age on after I saw my first magician at a school assembly. Un fortunately there were no magic shops where I lived . I got my first book from the school library called ” The Amateur Magicians Handbook “. When my family moved back to Colorado I sort of lost interest. It wasn’t until I joined the Navy and went overseas to Guam that my interest began again. I meet 2 magicians there, Lord Jim who was working in a small nightclub and Al Lampkin who was doing USO shows. They both inspired me to get back into magic. In fact, though it wasn’t great, I did my first performance for a TV station there. After I got out of the Navy I lived in Ventura, did some small shows for a coffeehouse in Ventura California and there I met my future wife. When we got married in 1976 I had some magic but really didn’t do anything with it. It wasn’t till we moved to a small 10 x 60 foot trailer That I started doing more. You see every time she would open a cupboard sponge balls or something else would fall out and bounce off her head. She said I would have to start using it or lose it. So I did my first professional show for a toy store in Pleasanton California. I did a few small things for churches but nothing major. When we moved to Colorado I started getting more into magic buying props, costumes, sound, and a couple of small illusions. I even worked part time for a magic shop there. Having a wife and 2 sons required that magic was a part time gig and I worked as a locksmith to pay the bills and have the much needed medical insurance. During my time in Colorado,I began to learn my magic craft and did a great number of show for a variety of groups. When I moved to Las Vegas Nevada I still worked as a locksmith but also as a magician. In fact the first show I ever produced was called, ” Magic, Music, and Mayhem. It was a varitey show at the Continental Hotel in Vegas. As the years went by I developed a variety of shows and characters. Today, working full-time as a magician, I Have 2 main shows and 4 other shows for clients that use me often. My 2 main shows are ” Zoot Suit Magic”. using modern and big band era music with my zoot suit costume. My second show is called ” Dr. A’s Magic Medicine Show “. It is a take off of the old west medicine shows. In that show I tell all about my mystical, magical, medicinal elixir for anything that ails ya. My elixir is guaranteed to help you to see, get rid of your dogs’ fleas, take away your fat, and get rid of you rats. I also have a show trailer that I can bring out for outdoor shows which include shopping centers and large backyards for people who like throwing big parties. Right now I do senior facilities, corporate hospitality suites, various clubs, and organizations. I am presently also looking at doing trade shows.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am probably not unique in the services I supply. My goal is that everyone enjoys the entertainment I provide. When I do a stage or parlor act, it doesn’t matter what group I’m performing for, I try to give 100% of my abilities which , means to make it not just a show but an experience. What I mean is that when I do a stand-up show I bring backdrops, sound, costumes, and if I can some type of illusion. I try to give my smaller audiences the same kind of experience they would have had if they went to a show in Las Vegas. I have scripts for each of my shows so I am never fumbling around for what I want to do or say. When I do a closeup or walk around performance for corporate hospitality suites or other clients, I want to make the experience special for each person I perform for. If I’m doing a trade show I send out a questionnaire to my client so I can know as much as possible about their products or services that way I can tailor the magic to the company and bring more people into their booth. The more people I can bring in, the more potential customers they have. One of the things I am most proud of is that each show I do is completely different from the other and that I strive to bring the best I can for each client and any potential client can see the recommendations I’ve gotten over the last 40 years so they feel comfortable in the knowledge I’m for them.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I once was asked by a fraternal organization to do a New Years Eve show. I went out as I usually do to look over the preforming area, give them promotional material, and a contract. The gentleman I was contacted by was very excited and wanted the show immediately. When the day of the show came I arrived early to set up. The gentleman I had sign the contract with was not around and I began to set up on the stage as we had agreed. As I was setting up another gentleman came in and said ” What the h— are you doing. I told him I was the entertainment and setting up as per my contract. He let me know in no uncertain terms that I was not setting up on the stage because that was where the band was going to be. He wanted to know who had hired me. Talk about the right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing. I showed him the contract, he then informed me my services were no longer required and he would get my check. Since I set up backdrops I told him I could still do a show if I moved to another area which ended up being on the main floor. He reluctantly agreed. Having to keep my cool was hard but we did the show and it was a big success. My motto has always been whether I have to use a stage or floor I can do a show anywhere. Thank goodness my years in the business had taught me to always be prepared.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal and mission, as I’ve stated, is to be the best entertainer I can be and to give my audience an ” Experience not just a Show.” To do that I am constantly reading, looking at other entertainers and how they relate to their audiences, Learning more about sound, stagecraft, lighting, makeup. All the things that can make me a better performer. A magician is basically a storyteller weaving a tale of the impossible made possible through his words, actions, and using what he has to bring a little pause in a persons life. Allowing them to suspend their beliefs and enjoy the magic they’re seeing and wanting more. To anyone getting started I would say if possible find a mentor, take theater classes, learn costuming, be careful what you purchase. So many people purchase magic that won’t last and has to be replaced. I’ve had to learn to make, repair, and keep my props in excellent condition. Some things I’ve had for over 30 years and am still using. If you’re buying illusions make sure they’ll fit your show and make sure it won’t fall apart on you after 6 months. One small illusion I use is ” Thru Steel ” and I’ve had it for over 7 years and it’s still going strong.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alsnmagic.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/aslanmagic
• Facebook: The Magic of Michael Aslan
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/michael-aslan-71101834
• Twitter: Michael Aslan at aslanmagic2
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/uc9iNsGk_ZUQACRg_S17Z86g