Today we’d like to introduce you to James Higround.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Performing magic, for me, is really just a red herring I use to reach people and help them connect with themselves and other humans on a deeper level. And my journey with magic began later in life than most magicians… it was a result of COVID19.
I’ve been a performing artist for 20 years now, though that began with circus and sideshow arts. Big stages and budgets, lots of space needed, constant training and gym time, logistics and technical riders. It was cumbersome and infrequent but I loved expressing myself through movement, costuming and choreography.
Then covid changed everything. Venues and productions went bankrupt, all the gyms closed down. What demand there was for the niche skills I had suddenly evaporated. So I took a long look at the direction life might take me… back to an IT desk job that crushes my spirit? Not if I can help it. I had always had an interest in magic, as it’s adjacent to circus and I’ve been in loads of shows with magicians. So in the middle of covid lockdowns I bought a few decks of cards, picked up some rare coins, started reading magic books and signed up for some online magic classes. I could hone and train this art form at home and continue to fill my creative cup. Worst case I’d have a few gimmicks to show off at gatherings.
In the process of all this I absolutely fell in love with what magic can be as an artform, Within a year I had spent $1200 on magic props, lectures, books and costuming. I had transitioned my passion for performing arts and my skillset for captivating an audience and given it a new coat of invigorating paint. I found that the magic community is a vast world of creativity. There are as many ways to present a single magic trick as there are performers who perform it.
With the world growing further apart, staring at screens and doom scrolling.. and our social cohesion deteriorating made worse by covid, I decided to do something a bit different than most with my magic. I’d tweak my presentation to be motivational and rooted in fostering human connection. I would not only include the spectator in the trick or the show, but to also make them the source, or motivation for the magic. Rather than taking an elevated position and display myself as otherworldly, I’d raise the audience up and intend to elicit their inner magic. Hopefully making the world a more connected and inspiring place. I’ve found this approach to magic, and to audiences has set me apart subtly. It also drives my intrest in effects and the themes of my stage shows. Even people who are skeptical, analytical or offput by magicians will soften and have a good time in the moment. And that’s the real “trick” I perform – “Magic with a Message”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes there are still some obstacles. Primarily with the transition from one craft to another and the market for them. While the craft of magic has come somewhat quickly and easily to me the market it is different than circus was. There are just a lot of magicians out there so the equasion of my “big fish small pond” has changed. My usual talent agencies referred to me first for the circus disciplines I had honed, and I had chosen to invest in them because of how rare what I did was. So I’ve largely had to start over in a lot of ways with rebranding myself and becoming notable. Working to make waves in an already busy industry has been slower than I had anticipated. But every year I book twice as many clients as the year before.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creating magic and mentalisim, up-close and on stage, in a way that pulls at your heart strings and makes you feel validated, fulfilled, motivated to take on the world.
My magic is far less about my skills or mysterious abilities(though they are indeed strong), and far more about how magical this moment we all had together is.
I’m most proud of my award for “Artistic Innovator of the year” – St Louis Fringe Festival 2025
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For support: I’m seeking more restaurants to perform at regularly with close-up strolling magic. Come to my shows in August at the 2026 St louis Fringe Festival! – Magic Synapses – If you’re an event planner check out my offerings listed online and refer me to your clients.
Pricing:
- $50 per hour – Up-close Magic for restaurants (weekdays)
- $300 – 90 minute Wedding Reception Cocktail
- $250 – Kids Birthday Magic show
- $250 – Adult Parlor Magic Show- 45 minutes of close-up + 40 minute private show
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jameshiground.com
- Instagram: @jameshigroundmagic
- Facebook: @jameshigroundmagic
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshigroundmagic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesHigroundMagic
