In the September 2009 issue of Linking Ring Magazine, editor Dakota Rose prints a three-page spread detailing Sam’s early magic career.
The magazine is published by the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the world’s largest organization for magicians with nearly 15,000 members in 33 countries around the world.
Quality Isn’t Expensive – It’s Priceless. Meet Sam Pearce
“Two Canadian lumberjacks cut wood all day long. One worked straight through, without stopping to rest. At the end of the day he had a sizable pile of logs. The other would chop for 50 minutes and then take a ten-minute break. At the end of the day he had a much larger pile. ‘How could you chop more?’ asked the man who’d worked continuously. His friend replied, ‘When I stopped for rest, I also sharpened my ax.’” (Author unknown) The moral of the story is clear. A sharper axe produces better quality. To keep the axe sharp, we must take the time to sharpen it. In magic, the axe must bite. Meet seventeen-year-old, Sam Pearce from Kincardine Ontario Canada. He keeps his axe sharp in everything he does. He believes that when your magic is out of quality, you’re out of business.
Sam Pearce has already entertained thousands. He recently toured with Paul Royter for a couple weeks. Sam says, “Paul produced a magic variety show called the ‘Myst!que Tour’. He saw me perform in Barrie, Ontario. He was impressed with my talents as well as my stage presence. He put me in his tour in Thunder Bay. Currently, when Mr. Royter tours with his hypnosis show, I am his stage manager and I take care of the lighting, sound, tickets, setting up, etc. Being on the road and putting on a show every night in a different town is quite an experience. Paul helped me both in the show aspect of magic and also the business side of magic. Being part of this experience has really sharpened my skills in many aspects of magic and is a big step in my magic career. Recently, I did a show for Sunoco Inc. It was fantastic to get the chance to perform and be part of such a large event held by a company like Sunoco Energy.”
Sam has been fascinated by magic since he was six-years-old. “My story is much like many others. One Christmas, I got a Houdini magic kit, and from there it just kept growing and growing. My first tricks were cheap plastic props. I consider the Linking Rings, my first real magic. My dad got them for my birthday when I first started magic, and although I’ve upgraded to a more professional set, I still open all my shows with the rings. I believe the Linking Rings are more than just a magic trick but a piece of art.”
“My favorite magic is Grand Illusion. In my opinion, it the most spectacular type of magic. Grand Illusion has always fascinated me. I also do stand-up magic and dabble in close-up. I do not have a specific routine but rather a whole show. Although it is not themed, one very important aspect I keep in mind when selecting material is sticking to my character. I am always working on new routines for my show and I am always looking to improve the quality of my magic. To be sure, my magic is original. I build most of the props for my show and I always have new projects in progress in the shop.”
For the most part, I have always been self-taught. My library of magic books is getting larger and larger all the time. Although the new style seems to be DVD’s, I still prefer to sit back with a book and read about the magic. From time to time I get the chance to get together with some magician friends of mine and we share thoughts about magic and ask each other for advice on new ideas we’re working on. The first magic shop I visited was Browser’s Den of Magic in Toronto. My friend and owner of the shop, Jeff Pinskey has been very instrumental in helping me grow and succeed. Not to mention he is one of the best dealers in the world. He always seems to have the perfect piece to fit in my show. Mr. Pinskey is truly a great guy running a fantastic shop and would never hesitate to help any young magician who walks in.”
Sam is inspired by many magicians and he gives credit to many who have helped him along the way. “I have always been inspired by David Copperfield for his ability to present magic and tell a story with it. Doug Henning is also a favorite of mine. He showed that you can think outside the box and present magic differently. Doug showed the true wonder and mystery of the magic. There will never be another like Doug Henning.”
“I belong to Ring 235, The Caesar Hat and Wand Magic Circle in Kitchener Ontario. The Ring helps me work on my magic by giving me ideas and suggestions on how to improve. It’s great to have met so many professionals that have been willing to help me with my career. My Dad and Mom, Paul and Sue, have always been very supportive in my magic, whether driving me to shows or watching new routines. My Grandpa, Frank Pearce has also been outstanding with supporting me. Many years ago, he bought my first microphone system, (the one I still use today) and whenever I needed a ride to a show or help, he has always been there. Being a bit of a magician himself, I can’t remember a time when he wasn’t showing me new tricks. I have to really thank my whole family, because I know how proud they are of me, and I know how fortunate I’m to have such great support. There are so many others I want to thank, but the list is just too long to mention. I hope they know how much I appreciate it.”
“Besides magic, I have always been interested in the production aspect of theatre and I’m heavily involved in all areas of my show. From my love of lighting to building the road cases, I do it all. (With some help from my friends of course.) I also love graphic arts and designing material whether it is for a website or business card. I spend many hours on Photoshop working to perfect my designs. Some may say I’m a perfectionist, but I just want things done right.”
“Magic has changed my life in many ways. Growing up, I was just about the shyest kid you could have ever met. When company came over, I would run into another room and hide. It’s strange, but it seems like many entertainers started that way. Since then, I have appeared before thousands of families and I’ve learned how to interact and connect with an audience. Today, magic just isn’t apart of my life. It is my life. Everything I do is magic. My future goals are working toward performing more corporate shows and taking my illusion show on the road. Some people want to do magic, but I feel that I have to. Seeing the joy and laughter in the faces of the audience makes everything worthwhile. Magic is a passion of mine that not many people understand. I get questioned why I spend so much time on it, but not many realize how much work goes into a show. As the magicians reading this would know, it takes a lot more work to put on a quality show than the lay public can conceive.”
Quality is never an accident. Not only does Sam Pearce have skilful execution but he also has high intentions, his effort is sincere, and he has the discipline and focus. Sam does whatever it takes to keep his axe sharp. Keep an eye out, for you will surely see ‘The Sam Pearce Tour’ coming to a city new you.
You can visit Sam at canadianillusionist.com
