Mike: Oftentimes, there are people in our lives that influence who and what we become. These people can be close to us, or even people that we don't know who we've seen on television or on stage that influence our performing style and help us to choose our paths and characterizations. Who, if anyone, has influenced your decision to become a magician in your youth? Who, if anyone, has influenced what you are today or influenced the flavor of your show? Do you have any influences in your life presently that push you to be even better than you are right now?

Peter: Wow what a great question, Influences,.... Well when I was kid my grand father Bud used to show me some card tricks and simple kids magic. I remember he gave me a thumb tip and a magic coloring book, I still have both and he gave me those almost 22 years ago. I, of course, grew up with Doug Henning and David Copperfield. I really enjoyed Lance's Dove work later on when I was a teenager. But I would have to say anyone magical inspired me a little. I had every magic special that aired Taped without commercials...

Mike: Peter, do you do any convention work? That is to say, do you strictly do shows or do you ever get booked to teach at conventions? Do, or have you done, shows for conventions? Just to be specific, I'm of course talking about magic conventions. Other than that, do you ever attend conventions?

Tora: Mike, before Peter answers the question let me add a small point. He is doing conventions and he was the "Guest of Honour" of the Izmir Magic Festival of Turkey.

Peter: I do attend the odd convention. I have never really lectured at one before. But I have performed a couple including Tora's festival in Turkey. I will hopefully be at the Magic Cafe convention performing in the spring.

Mike: Where will that be taking place and what are the dates, if I may be so bold as to ask?

Peter: LOL, to be honest with you I’m unsure of the exact location at this time, I know its in California. And I’m unsure of the Dates off hand, but info can be found at themagiccafe.com under convention info.

Tspall: Peter, How do you incorporate magic into your motivational sessions?  Do you find it more difficult, in today's economy and people being unsure of their work situation (at least here in the US), to give them inspiration?  Thanks and welcome to MB!

Peter: Motivation and magic is a tricky subject to talk about. I have to be very careful how I word things. I was interested in motivation at first for the wrong reasons....money. I trained in motivation with two of Canada's leading motivational Hypnotists, Salish, and Tony Lee. I trained with them for a few years while on tour with them. I knew I could easily break into the corporate industry with this technique offered to the clients. But before I added to the show I decided to add it for the right reasons. Making people happy. And that’s exactly what our simple motivation techniques do for our audience. This is a difficult and tricky technique to add to your show. You have to make sure you know what you are doing before you begin messing with peoples minds, subconscious, and their temporary personalities. I highly recommend people adding this to your show but only for the right reasons and only if you receive proper training.

Tspall: Peter, To what do you attribute your own success?  >From your biography, you certainly seem to have the self-confidence to set your goals, and do what it takes to get there.  How do you keep yourself "on track" and headed in the direction you need, especially if/when you encounter obstacles?

Peter: Well Tspall, I never give up. If you get knocked down you back up and you keep going. I had some bad technical problems for instance when I was in Turkey, for one my smoke machine blew just before my show even began even with the electrical adapters. Things sometimes just happen and are unavoidable. But This will happen to the best of us. You just have to get on stage and keep going. I know others who would have refused to go on at that point, but as I always say...the show must go on. During my career, my performance wasn't really a problem that I encountered very often at all. I did and have encountered obstacles of all sorts, to having being ripped off by non-reputable agents, props stolen or damaged, Rejection, travel problems, I mean you name it, it probably happened to me at one time or another. But I always had way more success than obstacles and that, and the love for the art is what keeps me motivated. I want to be able to leave my mark in magic before I leave this world, That I can promise you.

Tspall: With that kind of determination and attitude, I have no doubts that you will. Thanks!

Cathal: From what I have read, I assume your a pro magician but I was wondering how did you get to becoming a pro?  Did it happen all of a sudden or after a longtime?

Peter: Yes I am a working pro by that I mean 90% of my income comes from the magic industry. The other 10% comes from some film and tv acting on the side, lighting and special effects shows, and consulting work with special effects in live theatre. This did not come over night. I started doing kid's birthday parties when I was about 12 years old, making about 75 Canadian dollars a show. I would do about 2 a week. But when your 12 years old back then that was pretty good money. I spent all my money back into magic. I got into acting at a young age and made a killing fast. I took that money and dumped it right back into the show, but this time I was buying Illusions. I was one of the youngest illusionists in Canada at the time. I was able to pick up a good agent and My show was getting booked on tv spots. People couldn't believe I was only 16 years old and levitating a girl, or cutting them in half. Success wasn't always there. I was really successful until I got a starring role in a made for tv movie called The Truth at the age of 19. I made a killing off the movie, but thought I was on top and people would be banging down my door to hire me for their next movie. I had a bit of an ego....(never again) That didn't happen, so I was forced to spend what money I had left and put into what I knew best....Magic and Illusions. I took a risk but went for it, and I struggled to pay my bills for a couple of years. I eventually got enough references and successful shows under my belt that a top talent agency in Toronto picked me up. Then I started skyrocketing. I then added my own illusions that I had created into the show. I was now different then all the other magician around the area. That boosted me even more. I now make a comfortable living performing my magic mostly for the corporate industry and selling my illusions. Dedication and hard work, I paid my dues my friend. I have been around and performing magic for 20 years now, and I’m still driving to the top. It takes time, and that’s with a few doors opened for me along the way. I don't have to be rich just have a roof over my head and look after my loved ones, while doing magic? Now that is success, why?, Because I’m happy and no one can take that away from me. However stay tuned, I’m not done yet, not by a long shot.... My word of advice is: you are never too old, and its never too late to pursue your dreams. But only you can make them happen. Chances are success is not going to come to you, you have to go get it yourself.

Tora: Dear Peter, probably this is one of the most efficient-at least for me- posts I have read on this board. I am sure many people get benefit from it as much as I do.

Tom Cutts: Hi Peter, It was great fun sessioning with you and Ichazod at the trade show beer garden in Izmir. I wonder what those girls are up to about now.  And Peter, only a star like you could run into a family friend half way around the world. Amazing! You had me perform my "Integrated Aces" routine about three times in Turkey. I wanted to let you know I really appreciated your interest in that routine. I hope to see you in the spring at the Magic Cafe Convention.

Peter: That was a great routine Tom, you will have to teach me that one some day.