Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Murdock.
Hi Jack, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got into magic while attending the San Diego Comic Con in 2008. I was dressing up like the Joker from the Dark Knight movie. So it was comics and cosplay that led me towards magic. I had all the Joker gags like the squirting flower and hand buzzer. All I felt I needed was some tricks, because the Joker isn’t just a diabolical clown. He’s a mastermind trickster! During that summer I was 16 and had just graduated high school. My dad came across an ad in the Penny Saver that read, “Learn Magic for Free for 1 month.” I ended up taking the class and learned my first card trick, which was appearing and vanishing a card. Adam Zax from the Well Rounded Heroes foundation was my first mentor in magic. He opened the doors to the world of magic for me. There I was bit by the magic bug and became obsessed, reading books and watching lots of videos. Then I heard about the Magic Castle in Hollywood. I auditioned in 2009 and became a junior member. The castle opened even more doors to magic! However, it wasn’t until 2014 that I saw my very first street magician. Jimmy Talksalot peaked my interest into making a living as a traveling magician. The way he gathered a crowd, entertained them, and then got them to pay him after a 20 minute show really excited me. It was only until I came across street magic that I ditched my day job and bought a RV to do what I love and travel the states. Now after a decade of touring the country, I’m back home in SoCal and particularly my favorite place San Diego. Balboa Park is my favorite spot to perform my street show.. Nowadays I’m performing mostly private and corporate shows. When I get the time, I love to hit the streets and share a magic show where people least expect it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road wasn’t always so smooth as a traveling magician quite literally and metaphorically. There’s no real guide book in becoming a full time magician. I had to find other magicians and model after them. However putting yourself out there is how you get better. I like to push myself and go through the hard work because there’s no gain with no pain. The best part is that I got to choose my suffering. I’d much rather be doing what I love and not making much as an artist than doing what I hate and making lots of money. If you do what you love the money will eventually come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional magician. I’ve traveled all around the United States sharing my show. I specialize in close-up magic and parlor shows.. I’m also a street entertainer, and that gives me that extra grit to work with any type of crowd. No matter your age or status, my show is for everyone. Magic transcends barriers and connects us all. I’m here to share an experience that you’ll never forget!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone looking to get into magic just remember this is a secretive sacred art that demands to keep its secrets or else there is no magic. Thus said anyone can get into magic, but it takes dedication and discipline. Find a mentor, someone that’s doing what you like and learn from them. Always ask questions. If you seek you will find. I also teach magic classes if you’re truly interested.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magicofmurdock.com
- Instagram: @magicofmurdock
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicofmurdock?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/la1W5RDY4W
