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By
GERALDINE HARTMAN
for
the Regina Sun
Broderick Mauro likes to make the "impossible seem
possible". For over seven years he has worked as a professional
"magical entertainer" in the realms of illusion to dazzle
audiences of all ages.
An interest in magic was sparked when Mauro was only five years old
and he was given his first magic kit.
"I saw David Copperfield perform on TV and I was hooked,"
Mauro said.
"After that I read about and practiced magic until I was a
teenager. And then, for a few years, I put my hobby on hold when I
discovered girls!" Mauro laughed.
After
Graduating from high school and attending college, Mauro joined the
Canadian Navy and, in 1990 was stationed at Esquimalt B.C. teaching
seamanship and weapons training to new recruits.
His new position left quite a bit of free time and he started to
read about magic again.
"I went absolutely berserk from then on! I bought about $5,000
in props that first year!
"I was doing magic for family and friends who encouraged me to
pursue my interest in the field. I also joined several magic clubs in Victoria"
Mauro started to get work as a magician at parties, clubs and other
events part-time.
In 1994 he decided to leave active duty in the Navy and moved back
to his home town of Winnipeg to attend the National Institute of Broadcasting.
"I needed a change - I wanted to try something new," Mauro
said. "People kept telling me I was more of an entertainer than
an instructor. After completing my courses, my niche ended up being
in radio."
In 1995, Mauro was hired for his first position as an announcer in
Kenora, Ont. He continued to work as a magician as much as possible.
Newly married, Broderick and his wife were now working together in
magic shows.
"My first job in radio gave me the chance to get my feet wet in
the business but the money was not great. When my wife was offered an
excellent career opportunity in Regina, we ended up moving here in
August of 1996."
"I found myself back on the unemployment line. I also needed to
once again establish myself as a magical entertainer," Mauro said.
"Word of mouth advertising has helped a lot and I have been
getting a variety of bookings - everything from corporate events to
weddings to children's parties."
Mauro also works part-time at "104.9 The Wolf" radio as an
announcer and continues to be involved in the Navy Reserves in Regina.
His troupe has expanded to include not only his wife but
also"Applejax", a six-year-old cocker spaniel and
"Daisy" the rabbit.
Their repertoire includes card tricks, grand illusions and escapes.
each show is designed with the specific audience in mind and the type
of event that it is.
"I want to thought of as an entertainer over and above someone
that just does magic," Mauro said. "I hope to be working
province-wide in the next few months."
For information on Broderick Mauro's shows and for bookings call 591-5233 |
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