About Nicholas Gentry:

 

Nicholas Gentry is not only the best at what he does; he is simply the only one who does it.

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But what, exactly, does he do that is so different from other solo entertainers? In his own words: 

 

"The apostrophe-'s' in the term, 'Intellectual's Illusionist' is very important to me, because it means that you're the intellectual, not me. I just work for you!

 

I'm taking a stand against the dumbing down of entertainment, and I'm doing it by creating performances that I myself wish I could experience. My aim is excellence, and I have a very specific way of understanding what 'excellence' means:

 

A bad magician tries to sell you on "tricks," while a good magician sells you on his personality — but an excellent magician uses even the simplest illusions to sell you on yourself.

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I don't chase after the newest magical gadgets or try to demonstrate how skilled I am. Instead, I ask myself, 'If someone already knows all of my secrets and methods, what other than 'the trick' would make this routine worth that person's attention?'"

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Gentry has taught English and philosophy at Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh. He is also an accomplished musician and tarot reader, a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Ghana), a former Americorps spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Alaska, and a former high school English teacher in Japan. 

 

A favorite amongst private clients and event planners, Gentry specializes in making a big impression on discerning adults, not as a mere novelty act, but as a true artist who actually has something to say.

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​What to Expect:

 

Gentry's performances are a mixture of visual illusions and mind-reading — on-stage, up-close, roving throughout the crowd, or even hosting your entire event.

 

A stand-up or stage show is usually 45-60 minutes long, but can last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. Walk-around entertainment and tarot readings are usually scheduled in two hour increments, but can last anywhere from one to four hours. (A typical individual tarot reading lasts 20-30 minutes, and Gentry never rushes a sitter.)

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Gentry packs small and plays big, performing straight out of his pockets or from a simple briefcase. He is ideal for busy event planners who don't like extra complications, because he is a master of turn-key flexibility.