As a reoccurring feature of the Magic Messenger we will highlight a member and ask them to answer a few questions about themselves. This month the "Spotlight" is on Ronald Hoole.
Where did you grow up / where have you lived?
I was raised most of my life in Plymouth, MI I have spent a few years in Oklahoma, Texas Now I am living in Brighton.
How did you get started in magic?
I caught the bug after seeing and finally learning my first card trick at the age of 8. By the time I was 10 I preformed my first school show. Then after the show at recess time, three kids (the bully type) came up to me and wanted to know how I did Professor Nightmare and I stuck to my guns " A good magician never reveals the secret." It ended up with me getting punched in the gut and knocking the wind out of me. And still, the Professors Nightmare is probably my favorite trick today.
What type of magic do you perform?
I do platform and walk-around mostly. I also do mystery performer bizarre magick for special events. Sleight-of-hand had become a deep passion of mine at the time I quit smoking, I tell people I gave up cigarettes and took up cards a trade off of addictions. The good news, I'm now down to one pack of Bikes a day!
What is your favorite magic book?
The Amateur Magician by Henry Hay. That was the first book I bought that described any sleight-of-hand. The stuff in that book still holds-up, and is a good starting place for anyone wanting to learn more about that side of magic.
Who is your favorite Magician of all time?
Most definitely the Professor Dai Vernon, in the 90's I went into a Vernonmania period after he died. I learned all his key routines and read all his books watched his video series a few times. I even imagined him balling the life out of me, working on my routines. I'm past that now, yet I still love him dearly.
Do you have any words of wisdom for newer magicians?
Discovering who you are with magic can be difficult, don't try to invent a character. Notice yourself in everyday settings interacting with people like you normally do. Just take note of those moments that when everything just clicks in conversation, or you make people laugh. Even asks friends what's your best traits even worse to be aware of them. Gathering this data will help you know about yourself. Understanding yourself better, is just building blocks on creating a foundation to create your true character. Also be true to your own interests maybe you love working on cars, hey the Magic Grease Monkey, you get the point.
