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Michael Grandinetti is an illusionist who has performed on NBC in “The Worlds Most Dangerous Magicâ€. He has also appeared on TNN, ABC Family and stages all over the country.
How old were you when you first started in magic and what sparked your interest?
From my earliest memories, I always remember being fascinated by magic. When I was very young, I remember seeing magic special on television. I couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old. Then, when I was five, I was given a Fisher Price magic set for Christmas. That was it, I was hooked. It was my favorite present. I remember being fascinated by this thing and thinking that real magic could happen with it at any minute. That’s why I think that becoming interested in magic is perfect when you are that age – you are young enough to actually believe in real magic.
That set led to my first show at the age of five for “Show and Tell†in Kindergarten. There’s actually a funny story about that. A girl who went up two or three people ahead of me had the same set. I remember being nervous that I would have nothing to do if she did it first! But, for some reason, when I went up, I got a response from the kids – they laughed, etc. I remember thinking “I like this – I think I want to stick with this!†Little did I know where that would lead me!
Who were your mentors when growing up and how did they influence your career?
Growing up, I tried to learn everything that I possibly could about magic. It was (and still is) my passion and obsession. I think like most young magicians, I grew up with the yearly David Copperfield specials. I also started to build a magic video library and began to collect everything I could find on Doug Henning.
Those two, in particular, showed me how to make magic accessible to a mass audience through television. Years later, when I performed on the NBC special “The World’s Most Dangerous Magic IIâ€, I realized that I had come full circle.
But I admired all of the great magicians, from Lance Burton to Mark Wilson. They’ve all left their footprints in the sand.
But, magicians did not only influence me. Growing up, and even now, I am constantly inspired by great people, great leaders, people who are willing to make a difference.
What kind of creative process do you go through to create a new illusion and how long does it take?
My process for creating a new illusion really varies. Most of the time, I start with the basic, general premise of the effect – such as levitation. Then, I map out the criteria that the illusion must have to make it as solid of an illusion as possible. From there it is a lot of trial and error, sketches, etc. until I have the effect, the method, and the presentation to the point where I feel it will have the maximum effect on the audience and be something that is a sincere expression of who I am as an illusionist.
You have achieved so much at such a young age, has age ever been a negative factor when trying to get gigs at certain venues?
I have never found my age to be a negative thing – being young has always worked out pretty well for me. When I did the NBC special, I was 21 at the time. That meant I was at least 10 years younger than any of the other people on the show. That’s a good thing!
Ever since I was very young, I’ve always pushed to exceed the boundaries of what people my age typically do.
Michael you were the only illusionist to perform at Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. How did you go about getting the chance to perform in the shows? What was that experience like for you and what did you learn from it?
Performing onstage at Heinz Hall was one of the highlights of my professional career. It was a thrill to be able to perform on the same stage where I watched many shows growing up.
I was fortunate enough to have been asked to become a part of that show because I had been raised in Pittsburgh and had done magic for many years there in many different places, including Three Rivers Stadium during Pittsburgh Pirate games.
Because I had always (and still do) given 1000 percent to do the best show possible, I had gained a pretty good reputation in the city.
I’ll always be indebted to the people of Pittsburgh for all of their support over the years. Pittsburgh will always be home and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those wonderful people.
What do you feel is the most rewarding part about being a magician?
The most rewarding part of being a magician is being able to develop and create my own original ideas, then see those ideas become real, than to watch those now physical creations instill amazement in an audience. As magicians, we have a very powerful effect on people – we are one of the rare sources of true amazement. The high point for me is always during and after my shows, when I get to see the smiles on everyone’s faces. I love that!
What is the most memorable moment in your career? Anything funny or weird ever happen while performing?
I have lots of memorable moments in my career. It has all been an amazing experience. Making the girl disappear from the football field when I was 16, performing my first big stage show at 17 in high school, performing at the Byham Theater and Heinz Hall at 20, the NBC show at 21, levitating a girl on the streets of New York – and everything that has happened during my time in Los Angeles – talk about an adventure!
What advice can you give people who are interested in pursuing a career in the variety arts?
Don’t limit yourself by just thinking of yourself as a “variety entertainerâ€. Study and learn from all forms and types of entertainers: musicians, actors, comedians, etc. But, remember, be yourself and be original.
Study all aspects of the industry, both at the forefront and behind the scenes, and remember it is show business. If you’re serious about becoming a full-time performer, a strong business background is invaluable.
What is your definition of success?
Success is a very personal thing. I would have to say that a person is successful when they achieve their own personal goals. For some, that is being in the public eye (television, etc.), for others, that is to make a good living doing what you love with no fame necessary, for others it is to just be able to enjoy and practice their art.
As long as people are working towards and achieving whatever goals they’ve set for themselves, then they are successful.
How do you stay motivated for every performance?
Staying motivated for every performance isn’t a problem – I’m one of the lucky people who truly love what they do. My happiest moments are when I’m in front of an audience entertaining them. I look forward to each and every show.
Why do you think variety acts are considered second-rate entertainment?
The term “variety act†describes a very wide range of careers and performers.
I don’t think variety acts are necessarily considered second-rate entertainment.
Comedians can be considered “variety actsâ€, and look at Jerry Seinfeld. Definitely not second-rate. Musicians and singers can be considered “variety actsâ€, but consider Frank Sinatra – not second rate at all.
But, under the heading of “variety act†there are a large number of unusual acts that only appeal to a small group of people, not the mass public.
I think it all depends on how you present yourself and whom you design your act to appeal to.
What are the positives and negatives about being a variety performer?
I think the positive side of being a variety-styled performer is having the opportunity to share something unique with the audience.
To be honest, I really don’t see any negatives. Your career is what you make of it. And it is the performers responsibility to guide his career in the direction that he feels is best.
Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years from now?
I’m always working on several projects and, 5 to 10 years from now, I expect to be working just as hard as I am now to achieve new goals, take my career and my magic in new directions, provide as much entertainment for my audiences as possible, and, most importantly, striving to show people all over the world how beautiful and powerful the art of magic really can be.
As they say – you haven’t seen anything yet!
View Michael Grandinetti’s Website