Todd Diamond has been involved in magic since he was a child. He was drawn into the world of magic when he saw David Copperfield's show with his parents. He quickly turned his interest into a serious hobby, learning the basics of close-up and sleight of hand. Over the years he perfected his close-up techniques and began performing close-up magic for parties and restaurants. His hobby became his profession and has performed all over the country. As Todd studied his art he became interested in the art of pick pocketing. Todd learned how to pickpocket from some of the best pickpocket artist in the world. As his career began to grow he also invented a few tricks of his own. Not only did he perform magic but he also began to market and sell his inventions to other magicians. As his products began to sell he was approached from several magic distributors and has now had his tricks in almost every magic shop in the country. Todd moved to Branson Mo the country version of Vegas to work for world-renowned magician Kirby Vanburch. After working for Kirby he began to get known in the Branson area for being a pickpocket artist and went to work for Silver Dollar City a amusement park themed in the late 1800's. He did 3 shows a day 6 days a week and perfected his art of robbing you blind.
As Todd flourished with his career he was given the opportunity to work in Houston TX for the world famous Magic Island. This was an honor for Todd as only magicians that have proven them selves as first class magicians have worked there. The best in the world have worked at Magic Island. Now at the height of Todd's career he is in the process of shopping around with a brand new show that will be geared towards the more intimate audiences’ This show will be a show that will be personal and something that will bring out the inner child in all Please check back regularly to see when the show will be opened. In 2004 Todd was invited to Indonesia to perform on TV, It was a great experience and they have filmed 13 half hour TV shows with a possible 13 more in the near future. There was some great magic, once the specials have aired in Indonesia look for them in the states as right now we are in negotiations with several American stations to air them or by the concept and re shoot them in the u.s.a. Things are going strong and continue to flourish, keep your eyes open for this rising star!
Interviews by name:
David Roth - Todd Diamond - Marvin Berglas - Six - Kevin Parker - Daryl
Simon Lovell - Paul Carpenter
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Interview with Magician Todd Diamond on June 18, 2007...
David: Todd, thank you for taking the time for this interview!
Sure thing!
David: Tell us, how did you discover magic?
My journey was little different then most, I was on a mission to learn one trick. I saw (David) Copperfield live doing grandfathers aces and searched for the next 10 years to learn the darn thing... and to this day I never do the trick. I never planned on being a full time magician. Just wanted to do that killer card trick! It all happened by accident! I took the knowledge I learned and realized I could make money. ha ha
David: But you became a magician, and where did it take you?
All over the United States and the World. I have been very lucky I have performed in almost all the states, and a lot in Asia with 13 TV specials that aired in Indonesia, Maylasia and China.
David: The TV Specials in Indonesia, how was that? What did it take to make TV specials?
Wow, what a question! Well, to begin with, let me share with you what really is something most people do not understand. TV magic is not the same as performing live, you have to have a dedicated crew, lots of croud control and good editors because of angles. The biggest misconception is that it is only for TV. Truth is everything can be re created live if you have the funding and tools.
David: What is one experience that comes to mind every time you think about you time in Indonesia?
It was hard work, 16 hours a day of shooting for a month straight. Not fun! Most people think they want TV specials, but the truth is it is the hardest work in our business. Shoots, re-shoots, travel, planning for the script, ect.....
Taking psychic surgery and turning into a real magic trick, in Asia a lot people believe in it, so we did a signed bill to the guys stomach. It was magical and proved that it was nothing more than slieght of hand. Also, doing Andrew Mayne's Voodo box. We took that trick and turned into an amazing illusion with fire and a reapperance behind the crowd!
Andrew Mayne rocks, creative ideas and low cost..Highly recommended....Shameless Plug..ha ha
David: And what has been your focus since your return to the US?
Well I have been back for about a year now, I have been working with a big named illusionist and we've been working on getting a showroom. I am also a personal manager to a solo artist in the music industry. I perform primarly private functions with my stand up act and strolling magic.
David: Cool... What are your plans for the future?
I am planning on a lot of things, however long term is to get the showroom worked out, continue to work with the solo artist and some magical related things that will change the face of magic. I am also working on a competition act for close up for 2009.
David: Any hints about what to look forward to in the close up act?
Ha ha, well, I can only tell you a few things, my last name Diamond is going to be involved and the other is the ending is HUGE! I mean that in a literal sense. It will be one of the biggest final productions of a close up competition in history!
David: Anything else you'd like to share?
Sure, today in magic there is this new wave of magicians. These guys focus on the newest and greatest tricks on the market. The best way to become a full time magicians is two fold... First, focus on entertainment, not the tricks! Then learn the business, they call it show business for a reason.
David: Awesome point. A lot of technicians
out there, they need to focus on presentation and showmanship...
I perform some of the simplest magic on stage, but my presentation is what keeps me working! Being a good entertainer is much better for the audience than being able to do a quadruple somersalt flip stick double lift cobra cut . The audience wants to be entertained they could care less about your skill.
I have in the past seen some of the best slieght of hand artist in the world, however when they perform it is like watching paint dry. Laymen don't want that! They want to smile, laugh and forget about the rest of the world for the time they are watching you.
My first magic teacher put me in check very fast with that!
He told me to put the coins, cards, and all the technique I learned away for 6 months. LOL And study comics, actors, and focus on presentation. God bless Phil for that!
David: One more question, if there was a book you recommend a magician read, what would it be?
One book, wow, that is a tough one..Can I suggest two?
David: Yes, by all means!
The Trick Brain(if you can find it) and Showmanship for Magicians. They are both amazing and I read them to this day, however I can't find my trick brain!(pun intended)
