This week we are talking with people who have, or at one time had, non-traditional, interesting, or just plain unusual professions. Some by choice, some by necessity- all of them have taken somewhat unusual roads in life. You won't find any teachers, plumbers, or auto mechanics here. Not that we don't love and value the fabulous teachers, plumbers, and mechanics in our lives... but that is a post for another time. If you need to get caught up, check out our into here. And if you missed yesterday's moving interview, be sure to catch up here.
YOU HAVE A SOMEWHAT UNUSUAL JOB. CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IT?
"While I suppose my day job is rather conventional, on nights and weekends I get to rock out as Captain Swirly! I Provide quality entertainment for kids of all ages in the form of magic tricks (or "mystic deeds" as I like to call them), and balloon animals that'll make even a cynic smile!!!"
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THAT?
"I got into magic around ages 9-12, but then drifted out of it as a practicing magician. About five years ago I felt in need of a hobby and picked it back up. At about the same time, what is now South Street Magic had opened up in Philadelphia, and I became friendly with the awesome, supportive, helpful Philly magi there. As my new journey began, with their help and encouragement, the hobby became a part-time job!
ARE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR JOB?
"My friends and family are amazingly supportive of what I do- not just because they get entertained along the way- but because they realize that I am invigorated by sharing moments of wonder and amazement with others. I am especially grateful for how supportive Steal Your Face (Philly based Grateful Dead tribute band featured here) has been in allowing Captain Swirly to be a part of their musical magic universe!
WHEN YOU TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU DO, WHAT IS THEIR REACTION?
"When people find out I do magic, especially kids magic, they often have a "how do you do it?" reaction. It's not about magic tricks- but about putting up with an audience of birthday party excitement-fueled children! Honestly, I love an audience of loony kids. With children's magic it's not so much about the conclusion of the trick or effect-when the magic happens, it's the trip getting there! A magic show is when kids are actually encouraged to act up and act out ! Like adults, it gives them a break from the rules of reality."
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU COULD OFFER ANY ADVICE TO PEOPLE WHO MAY WANT TO PERSUE A SIMILAR CAREER?
"My advice to anyone interested in the magical arts is to spend time with other practitioners of the craft. Unfortunately, brick and mortar magic shops are rare. We are lucky to have one here (South Street Magic) that also presents three live shows every weekend ! I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned from watching the talent on that stage! Also, many treasures are to be found in the mind-blowing amount of magic books out there."
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'D BE DOING IF YOU WERENT DOING THIS?
"I like to think that if I wasn't being Captain Swirly, I'd perhaps find an outlet in writing. I say that because revisiting magic as an adult, I really enjoy structuring routines, especially the scripting part!"
"While I suppose my day job is rather conventional, on nights and weekends I get to rock out as Captain Swirly! I Provide quality entertainment for kids of all ages in the form of magic tricks (or "mystic deeds" as I like to call them), and balloon animals that'll make even a cynic smile!!!"
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THAT?
"I got into magic around ages 9-12, but then drifted out of it as a practicing magician. About five years ago I felt in need of a hobby and picked it back up. At about the same time, what is now South Street Magic had opened up in Philadelphia, and I became friendly with the awesome, supportive, helpful Philly magi there. As my new journey began, with their help and encouragement, the hobby became a part-time job!
ARE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR JOB?
"My friends and family are amazingly supportive of what I do- not just because they get entertained along the way- but because they realize that I am invigorated by sharing moments of wonder and amazement with others. I am especially grateful for how supportive Steal Your Face (Philly based Grateful Dead tribute band featured here) has been in allowing Captain Swirly to be a part of their musical magic universe!
WHEN YOU TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU DO, WHAT IS THEIR REACTION?
"When people find out I do magic, especially kids magic, they often have a "how do you do it?" reaction. It's not about magic tricks- but about putting up with an audience of birthday party excitement-fueled children! Honestly, I love an audience of loony kids. With children's magic it's not so much about the conclusion of the trick or effect-when the magic happens, it's the trip getting there! A magic show is when kids are actually encouraged to act up and act out ! Like adults, it gives them a break from the rules of reality."
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU COULD OFFER ANY ADVICE TO PEOPLE WHO MAY WANT TO PERSUE A SIMILAR CAREER?
"My advice to anyone interested in the magical arts is to spend time with other practitioners of the craft. Unfortunately, brick and mortar magic shops are rare. We are lucky to have one here (South Street Magic) that also presents three live shows every weekend ! I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned from watching the talent on that stage! Also, many treasures are to be found in the mind-blowing amount of magic books out there."
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'D BE DOING IF YOU WERENT DOING THIS?
"I like to think that if I wasn't being Captain Swirly, I'd perhaps find an outlet in writing. I say that because revisiting magic as an adult, I really enjoy structuring routines, especially the scripting part!"
While Captain Swirly's forte is family magic he is available to make any event a little swirly. He can also be seen most weekends emceeing shows at South Street Magic in Philadelphia.
| You can find Captain Swirly online at: http://captainswirly.weebly.com Or check him out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaptainSwirly Contact: 215-432-4544 [email protected] **Captain Swirly AKA Swirly Claus will be at the Casino Deli entertaining the little ones at this year's Steal Your Face Christmas show on December 18th!** |  |
