Michael Jay: Julie, the amount of corporate shows that you were doing at one point is simply phenomenal. Do you have any advice on how to break into the corporate market with magic?

Julie: Breaking into the corporate world…

There are many fronts to manage. Personality and character: My background work in retail sales, administration and hospitality has helped me tremendously in getting comfortable when dealing with the public. It has also given me the confidence to chat with people, making close-up strolling magic a breeze. Some clients have me there to “break the ice”, so I can't afford to be shy or tongue-tied! But, I am not interested, nor am I employed to bulldoze my way into an existing conversation! So, over the years, in my restaurant and retail sales work, I've found the balance that works for me. And, I've been rewarded by my effort: people tell me it was my personality that was engaging and it “made” their event. That is so gratifying to me. I work very hard for my clients … selling products, entertaining guests, whatever the job calls for. So my advice would be to be yourself, but with a “corporate” understanding. Who is your client? What do they want from you? By that I mean, what are they hiring you for anyway?

Communication: Corporate gigs typically come through event planners or entertainment agents so one may consider getting to know those companies. Having a communication resource like a marketing package also helps. I find that my web site is easy to manage and update while providing lots of information to people who want it. Other entertainers find direct mailing more useful and some find having a video of their work to be their key sales tool. I think a combination of the lot is important.

Product: For me, my act is my product. I have moved from doing a lot of stage work to doing a ton of close-up / strolling magic. It's interactive, fun and really unbelievable to lay people. I love doing close-up for people so that must help, too. I'd recommend finding things that you like to do and do it well/clean, but do have fun, too! For corporate work, I choose things that are an easy reset, clean, angle-proof and clear (not complicated!). Sometimes I don't have more than 7 minutes with a group so I want to get the most out of those 7 minutes. Other times I have hours with a group so I don't want to burn out. My father always taught me to pace myself. Sage advice!

Hopefully that is a start!

There are tons of magic books with far more detailed advice on this particular topic. You don't have to limit yourself to magic books either!

Good luck!!

MagicSamX: Magic has always been seemingly male dominated in the sheer number of Male magicians to female magicians, Why do you think Magic does not have the same appeal to women (or if it does) and also do you think we can expect to see more women in magic soon?

Julie: I think magic DOES appeal to women and I do think you can expect more women in this business. Perhaps it has been the traditional view that magic is a "boy's" hobby and that it was not something for girls.

Personally, I didn't experience that growing up. With a father as a magician, I always had magic around me: local magicians, visiting magicians, young magicians, etc. I was also a part of my father's show at a young age and during this time he encouraged me to follow through with my interest in magic.

There are several very successful female magicians out there today. That fact, alone, may inspire more females to follow. Plus, times are changing....this is no longer a "girls do this and boys do that" kind of world. I've taught several magic classes with 50% of the class being female -- a sign of change for the future!

MagicSamX: Excellent. Thank you

LeeAlex: Apart from your father, who has influenced your style of magic ( which I have to admit I am unfamiliar with)?

Are you pleased, annoyed, angered or otherwise emotionally touched by other females in magic? (Melinda, Galina, Princess Tenko etc.)

Are you more often compared to other female magicians or are you influenced by male magicians?

What is the future of magic for females. Will they become more familiar to us, or are they a rare breed?

Julie: Influences on my style of magic: I've had many influences on my magical style. First, of course, my father, Tony, has given me a strong foundation to draw from.

I was encouraged to work with another Canadian, David Ben (The Conjuror), when the opportunity arose in 1997. The move to Toronto, Ontario from Victoria, British Columbia proved to be one of the most important changes that I have encountered. Working with David and his team of theatre professionals on the 90-minute show, opened my eyes to the multi-faceted world of the stage. I'd always worked in front of the curtain prior to joining the show in Toronto; but on David's show I learned so much about what truly goes on backstage. The professionalism I witnessed coupled with the incredible attention to detail that everyone insisted upon have certainly given me a different outlook to my own work. I believe I have GREATLY benefited from the input, support and guidance I have been given during my tenure on the show…and all of its subsequent productions. David has been a great influence to me and has given me a complete spectral change from my father's style and foundation.

Other influences: There are countless! To name a few; I love the work of: Johnny Thompson, John Carney, Tommy Wonder, David Williamson, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin, Murray Hatfield…there are too many to name! I would say that performance style, use of misdirection, creative thinking and clean-handling, reading an audience….all of those elements from many different magicians have influenced me.

Today, I notice that I watch the performance of the magician versus his or her work. By that I mean, I watch the individual…how do they relate to the audience? What is their style? Why does it work for them? I enjoy watching because more often that not, it inspires me to generate the same kind of energy that I saw in their performances. For example, I recently had the privilege to witness at the close-up table the artistry of Tommy Wonder. His work and craftsmanship is completely astounding but his performance and engaging manner with the audience is what stays with me. His desire to make the effect look as magical as possible for the spectator has inspired me to look at my own style – I want the audience to remember MAGICAL moments, not a complicated series of instructions!

Other female magicians: I'm always glad to hear when someone is making headway in the world of magic! And when someone earns a marquee on the Las Vegas strip, like Melinda, who has been able to move from being an assistant to having her own show, I find that pretty impressive! Don't you? Filling a house is not as easy as it seems. So having your own show and having to fill that house is a demanding job. Anyone who takes that on is a hard worker and that, to me, is admirable. Other magicians who service corporate markets like Lisa Menna and Jade (and I know there are several that I have not named so please don't bash me about on that!) are also impressive in my books. Working as a professional magician is work! Am I emotionally touched? I guess, yes, if you count inspiration as an emotion.

Comparison to others: As a female magician, I find that the media likes to use my gender and my vocation as interesting “hook” for stories. But I can't say that I find myself being compared to other female magicians. Not that I am aware of anyway. Now, my name and identity has been, at times, confused with Juliana Chen! Can you blame them? Julie, Juliana… one's from Victoria – I, and the other from Vancouver – she…we're both of Chinese heritage….Confusing? You decide!

The future for magic for females? I am only one…I can't say that I AM the one! I don't know what the future is magic and females but I would certainly hope that it is bright and brimming with more magicians, both male and female!