San Diego Magic Shows - Magician Matthew King

Making Any Special Occasion even MORE magical! Excellent Audience Involvement! FUN for EVERYONE! A Professional Magician at YOUR Fingertips! Serving ALL of San Diego County!

My interest was sparked at a very young age. Being 5 years old and hearing stories of my great-grandfather's sleight-of-hand and parlour tricks, I took a liking to the spotlight of the "unknown" to the layperson. I received my first magic kit at 7 years old and the fun began instantly. I was constantly practicing in front of a mirror so that could see what the audience was seeing. I would make up my own jokes and stories to go along with the look of the trick. I saved MY allowance for collecting small magic kits and tricks at our local K-Mart. I knew that I was not cutting an assistant in pieces yet, but it was big business for me to be able to pull one over on my family and friends, which is the reason practice was essential at THAT age.

I exceeded my own expectations when it came to my constant urge to learn more and more. I made my mother drive me to the library weekly. I would check out as many magic books as I could, and occasionally they would have a magic show on video. Once I reached about 10 years old, I had saved enough birthday money to actually purchase some professional magic tricks. My dad drove me to Fresno, CA to visit Hocus-Pocus Magic Shop. I rushed out of that magic shop with a greater feeling than having a "golden ticket!" By 12 years old, and living in a very small town in central California, word gets around pretty easily of a magician in town.

I started frequently performing magic shows for occasional birthday parties for various family acquaintances. Soon enough, I was performing for our family doctor and HIS kids. I was asked to perform my first public appearance, at 12, for the Boy Scouts Annual Dinner (which I have had the opportunity to entertain them again in Rancho Bernardo, as seen above, and in San Clemente, more recently). I continued buying new tricks, and kept the same clientele for quite some time. Once I reached high school, I was ready for anything.

16 was a huge year. I built up the nerve to audition to become a member of the Junior Society at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. My Dad took me to my audition, which was composed of parlor style magic. I felt like I did just okay, partly because I knew I was extremely nervous, this being the biggest magic move known to me. It was a very nice letter saying "No, try again". Back at home, I auditioned for the School Talent show with my Sub Trunk routine. I won first place in my school, and was entered into the county competition. After traveling through Fresno County to many different schools, I was awarded 5th place. I wasn't pleased with 5th! SO...I bought illusion plans and had a friend's father, who was a carpenter, build me "Cutting a Woman in Sixths" (Abbotts, 1930's style). At this age I also attended a David Copperfield Magic Show and was lucky enough to be introduced to him, by a friend and magician Frank Thurston, descendent of famous magician Howard Thurston, and had the opportunity to assist Mr. Copperfield on stage.

At 17, I was ready to "Try Again" at the Magic Castle. This time I had put together a stellar act with doves and many visual effects, intense music (and great acting). I was accepted to the Magic Castle Junior Society at 17 and commenced meetings at this Victorian mansion built into the Hollywood Hills (WITH a magic library). As a senior in High School, I competed again in the county competition and took first place. I also competed in the City Talent Show and took first place.

Five days after graduating high school, I was on an airplane to New York City, as I was hired by American Entertainment Productions to perform at an amusement park there called Playland. At the end of the season in September, 2001, and upon my return home, I decided to move to San Diego to remain a San Diego Magician. I am a 28 year-old father and husband. Though to most I may be considered "young", I still have 16 years of performing magic "under my belt". My eternal passion for my talent as a professional magician and successful performer grows daily.