Lance Burton Interview

A World Champion Magician is leading Magic Into the Twenty-First Century! Lance Burton’s achievement is a quintessential American success story.

How did you get started and interested in magic?
I saw a magic show when I was five years old. I was the volunteer from the audience. The magician (Harry Collins) pulled silver dollars from behind my ear.

Who were your mentors when you were growing up and how did they influence your career?

My first Mentor was Harry Collins. He lived in Louisville, my hometown. He was a wonderful magician and a fine southern gentleman. He taught me magic and was a great role model. Later on I met a magician named Johnny Thompson, AKA “The Great Tomsoni”. Johnny works closely with me to this day. We collaborate on magic for my live show and for television. Many, many wonderful magicians have influenced me. Channing Pollock, Lee Grabel, Cardini, Dia Vernon, Max Maven, Doug Henning, Mark Wilson, Jim Steinmeyer, the list is endless.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part about being a magician?

For me the most rewarding part is reliving my childhood every night. I started out as a kid watching a magic show and getting to participate in the show. Each night during my performance I invite children up on the stage. Their reaction to the magic reminds me of why I became a magician in the first place.

What is the most memorable moment in your career? Anything funny or weird ever happen while performing?

Over the years many unusual things have happened. Animals have jumped into the audience, ducks, geese, and pigeons. I split my pants open one night. Kids will sometimes say or do something you never could predict. The fire alarm has gone off (false alarm thankfully). You name it, it has happened at least once.

What are the positives and negatives about being a variety performer?

The good part is this, you get to take your hobby and make that your job. You get to go to work and have fun doing what you love. The bad part is that you always wonder when it will end. I have this fear that one day I go to work and they say “Lance you have to leave now. We made a horrible mistake. You have to get a real job.”

What advice can you give people who are interested in pursuing a career in the variety arts?

I always tell young magicians to make sure they get their education. Go to college; make sure you have something to fall back on. Show business is notoriously unstable. The only way to get good at magic is to go out and perform as much as possible. Go out and do free shows at hospitals and nursing homes, anywhere you can find an audience.

What is your definition of success?

In show business, if you have a job and you are paying your rent, you are a success.

You are a huge part and sponsor of the World Magic Seminar, what is it like working and talking with the up and coming young magicians that you meet?

Young magicians are very enthusiastic. They always have a thousand and one questions. The quality of their magic is very high. The young magicians today are much better than I was at their age. There is more information out there on magic. They see more magic on TV. The future of magic looks very bright.

How do you stay motivated and focused to keep performing with such a busy schedule?

Motivation has never been a problem. Magic was the only thing I was ever good at. I don’t have any other job skills.

Why do you think the variety acts are considered second-rate entertainment?

Who said that?

Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years from now?
I’ll either be performing magic shows or I’ll be driving a tractor back in Kentucky.

View Lance Burton’s Website