Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendan Shepherd.
Hi Brendan, can you introduce yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My entire life, I’ve always been fascinated with understanding how things work. I became interested in magic when I was 3 years old, after seeing a magician perform at my preschool. When I went home, I would try to mimic him and the tricks he did. I would take things from around the house and make them “disappear,” but I would tell my parents they had to close their eyes first so they wouldn’t see me hide them behind my back. Even with my imitation routines, I was fascinated with being an entertainer. I think the way it captivated an audience drew me to it. It gave people an experience that allowed them an escape and buy into this fictional reality.
I always knew I wanted to do something different with magic. When I saw a magician on TV, I was exposed to another side of magic entirely. It incorporated music and lights, and special effects. It was larger than life. These weren’t just tricks that fooled people. They were illusions. I feel that I have grown into becoming more of a storyteller than a magician. I want my performing style to be more than just a series of tricks. It’s a story. My show is a story, and the illusions are simply props that help tell that story.
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?
When I started first grade, I didn’t realize that that year would end up being one of the most challenging times in my life. I had always been more of an anxious kid. I was constantly worrying about things that kids shouldn’t be worrying about. I started having panic attacks every day, sometimes multiple times, all because of the fear that I would be sick. As a result, I fell behind in school, with work piling up from all the class time I was missing. Not only that, but I struggled a lot with socializing and making friends. That same year, my parents encouraged me to perform in the school’s talent show. Suddenly, the most reserved kid in the class was performing in front of the entire school. having performing as an escape helped me to push through those setbacks.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My goal has always been to create an entertaining product that inspires people. I’ve made videos, publishing them on YouTube for years now. I have enjoyed getting to tell a story on a platform that I can share with other people. When I was 17, I constructed a stage illusion prop without prior building experience. I was able to take that prop in front of an audience and live out my dream of performing an illusion on stage. During the pandemic, I produced a series of videos on YouTube titled, Conjuring the Impossible. This series exhibited my passion for performing and illusions. I had wanted to put on my own show for a while, but it was intimidating to do something like that almost entirely on my own. There are many things to consider, from writing the show to marketing it, acquiring equipment, selling tickets, etc. So much goes into developing a live show that many people don’t even realize. It’s hard work! On October 7th, I headlined my first independent live show, Illusions Aren’t Magic, at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. At 21, I feel that successfully putting on a show of that caliber is pretty special. We are currently working on producing a documentary about developing the show; I want to take people through the process from initial concept to on stage in front of an audience.
What do you think about happiness?
Over the years, I have been very grateful to have had the opportunity to perform for many different audiences. I have always taken appreciation to people who admire my performances, and I’m flattered when people tell me how my story and illusions have inspired them. Seeing people’s reactions to illusions and the pure wonder on their faces is rewarding. Moments like these make me feel that I am fulfilling my life’s purpose.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendan.shep/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBShepherd/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBShepherd
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brendanshepherd
