Who is Sam Powers?
I’m the shy kid in class who was too afraid to get up and read a story or perform at the talent quest. I have somehow turned that around to make a full time living performing in front of thousands, sometimes millions of people at a time doing what I love most, magic.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I have learned to never look back. The past is what moulded me into who and what I am today and I would never change that.
Who inspires you and why?
I love reading about success stories and entrepreneurs from all different industries. In my industry, David Copperfield has achieved more than anyone else and singlehandedly redefined the magic industry as we know it today.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Since my first professional show at fourteen years of age, I have spent my entire career raising money and awareness for charity, which at last count is two million dollars for over 100 different charities.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
As a magician, its hard to go past Las Vegas. It’s like a playground for a magician and I can never get enough.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
As a Sydneysider, you can’t beat a trip to Bondi Beach and walk through Circular Quay to the Opera House. It’s nothing short of spectacular.
What are you currently reading?
The final instalment of the Hunger Games Trilogy before it comes out in the movies.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m really digging the new Angus & Julia Stone album.
Happiness is?
Being content with the life you have created and surrounding yourself with people you love.
What does the future hold for you?
Good magicians never reveal their secrets. Watch this space…
Sam Powers is one of Australia’s premier magicians and performs his art on a grand scale as witnessed by millions of viewers in the finale of Australia’s Got Talent. The marvels he performs for live audiences are so astounding, that when filmed most people assume trick photography is involved.
Sam fell in love with magic at age three when he watched in awe during a magic show at his kindergarten Christmas party. By the age of five he was amazing his own schoolteachers, and as a teenager he began studying at the Australian Theatre for Young People.
At fifteen he made his first appearance on national TV and at eighteen he earned the coveted title of Australian ‘Magician of the Year’ in the ‘Adult Stage Magic’ category. When he was only twenty-two, he became the youngest Australian to ever successfully vanish and reproduce a real sports car live on stage, just meters away from the audience.
With five ‘Magician of the Year’ awards to his name, has performed in 16 countries around the globe and has appeared on television before 20 million viewers. Performing around 400 shows a year, Sam is Australia’s busiest and most highly sought after illusionist.
Sam is currently appearing in The Illusionists 2.0 at Arts Centre Melbourne until 25 January. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/illusionists for details.
Image: Sam Powers – photo by Whitney Wellard Photography