Today we’d like to introduce you to Randolph Whelmarc.
Hi Randolph, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a child, my infatuation with performing magic/illusion began. I would visit my neighbors and perform store-bought tricks. At 15 I got a job as a demonstrator at s magic shop (the Funhouse Magic Baltimore City) the owner was very accommodating. At 17 I was working nightclubs in Baltimore while still in high school and in a trial college program.
At 19 I was a regular on the evening magazine (weekly local. Tv series, same station where young opera was a newscaster) and won my first illusion performance award from M.A.E.S. that year. then toured with Chuck Fishers Burlesque show going illusions. At 20 I was granted a college scholarship at U.M.K.C….. after college, I moved back to MD and continued performing. Did a few movies and commercials but enjoyed live performing more.
A few years later I was commissioned to create an illusion Aerosmith’s elevator tour (the illusion can be seen in the background of their elevator music video: little-known fact). A few years later I was creative commissioned as a consultant for Prince’s Glam Slam night clubs ( Minnesota, Florida, and California). After the 3 clubs closed I moved back to the Orlando area and continued performing corporate events and consulting for musicals.
About a year before the Covid outbreak I began writing the Magic and Models script. A 14-episode comedy /drama and a live performance event. Currently the live show and series continue. We rehearse on Wednesday and Thursday. The series is being blocked and will be directed by Emmy award-winning director Nils Warren.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road was never smooth! At 17 the clubs I was working with included “show” clubs that had famous burlesque performers headlining (including the Playboy club in Baltimore City) my high school principal called me into his office and negotiated a Dont ask don’t tell agreement because he didn’t want the controversy! And touring was rough.
I didn’t give in to drug use but it was prevalent with pretty much everyone in the business at that time. My father was very blue-collar and never accepted/approved of my career choice. In private he degraded and insulted me. My mom was secretly supportive. I remember being invited to a party at John Waters’s house in Baltimore. I didn’t fit in!
Recently a local studio offered to produce the series. It was a roller coaster ride that ended in disaster! With the Covid issue, I didn’t perform/work for 2 years. Casting issues, production issues. I now have a solid cast and am working with area studios without relinquishing the integrity of the project.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Creative illusion. From consultation, to design, to performance. I’m proud of everything I’ve created from rock stars to musicals to themed corporate events. I’m a workaholic, I’m writing this while on break at a local venue! I’ve never stopped to reminisce much however the day Prince passed away my phone blew up with condolences.
The years of working for such an icon hit and I sat and cried for hours! My tenure with him was an era! Versace, Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston, Madonna and so many others I happened upon while working with him. Now my pride is in the script and live show currently in progress! The current cast is phenomenal! I love them.! They work and work and work toward the goal!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love meeting people Orlando is great for that! The least is the ever-growing traffic issues!
Contact Info:
- Website: Magicandmodels.com
- Instagram: @Magicandmodels
- Facebook: @Randy Whelmarc
Image Credits
Arianna Fleischman, Suzdariffe David, Axel Aponte, and Nils warren
