The Buzz Intro Interview | Augustus Graves: Magician

Respondent: Augustus Graves
Position in Company: Magician / Performer
Company: Augustus Graves | Magician
Show Title: MAGICIAN

“Navigating the challenges of COVID and its aftermath sparked a profound shift within me. Thus, I embarked on a journey to create a show that not only captivates but also provokes thought.”

Why should people see your show?

To immerse yourself in wonder beyond your wildest dreams! This isn’t your average magic show; it’s a glimpse into a world where the extraordinary becomes reality. Throughout the performance, I unveil the secrets of the mind, disclosing thoughts, memories, and names known only to you. Witness unreal predictions unfold, spanning the duration of the show and even beyond its conclusion. Prepare to be mesmerized as objects vanish and reappear before your very eyes. In this captivating experience, watch as your thoughts manifest into tangible wonders!

What about festivals intrigues you? And why the Atlanta Fringe?

Having grown up in Atlanta, my heart is deeply intertwined with the vibrant performing arts scene in our city. Moreover, it might surprise many to discover the abundance of exceptionally skilled magicians in Atlanta; indeed, some would argue that Atlanta stands as a hub for some of the finest and most knowledgeable magicians around. Atlanta Fringe presents a platform for me to share magic in a manner that’s never been witnessed before. Above all, it gives me the invaluable chance to connect with my fellow Atlantans!

What inspired you to create this?

The Pandemic! The earliest iteration of this show comes from me being trapped in my home revisiting the art form I fell in love with as a child while watching the world evolve. For years, I honed my craft, delivering the sort of magic often showcased on television talent shows. However, navigating the challenges of COVID and its aftermath sparked a profound shift within me. I recognized that while entertaining, my previous style lacked the depth I craved. Thus, I embarked on a journey to create a show that not only captivates but also provokes thought. This performance delves into my unconventional path towards mastering magic, unveiling my dreams realized and imparting to audiences the power to shape their own realities.

Life has been weird the last few years, to say the least. How has the “real world” affected the art you’re creating?

This show is a child of the pandemic. I spent years performing the kind of magic that you would typically see in talent shows on TV. After going through COVID and the years that followed, I felt that style was lacking substance and I wanted to do a show that was entertaining, but also thought provoking. This show explains my weird path to becoming a magician, realizing my dream, and showing people how they can manifest the reality they want.

What have you learned from working on your show so far?

I’ve come to appreciate the joy of performing and enchanting audiences once more! While making a coin vanish may seem straightforward for a magician, capturing people’s interest and holding their attention is where the true challenge lies. Rekindling my passion for this aspect of the craft has been a delightful rediscovery!

A mysterious stranger asks to meet you and your cast and crew after loving your show. In your WILDEST DREAMS, who is it? (Bonus points if your mysterious stranger is an Atlanta celeb.)

That mysterious stranger would be…ME, because I’m a magician, and that would be an amazing trick! But jokes aside, I’ve always been a fan of David Blaine, so it would be incredible to know he was in the audience. If we’re talking about a famous person from Atlanta, I’d have to say Chris Tucker. I love his movies!

Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: are you inviting your family to this show are “Hey, maybe sit this one out you guys…”

My family never misses a show! This is definitely an interactive, family-friendly show that everyone can enjoy.

Will your show change the world?

Probably not, but when you see the show, I think it will change how you view yourself and how you choose to manifest your dreams and desires.

AI: the death of our art form or just a new tool to create?

Definitely a new tool to create! As a magician, I am enamored with new ideas and ways to help make things simpler. I’m all for it!

We’re making an excellent Fringey Feelings playlist. Describe your show in two or three songs we can add to keep the jams flowing.
Natural Mystic – Bob Marley and The Wailers

Cult of Personality- Living Colour

Come Together – The Beatles