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Zach Waldman

Professional Comedy Magician

Zach Waldman is a Professional Comedy Magician based in Los Angeles, CA. He has over 20 years of experience as an entertainer and performer. He is a comedian, magician, and mentalist, and he customizes his show to be distinct for every audience he performs for. He has been performing regularly at the Academy of Magical Arts' clubhouse, The Magic Castle, since 2001. For the past 20+ years, Zach has been a mainstay at many other reputable Los Angeles theaters and comedy clubs including the El Portal, the Comedy Store, the Improv, Flappers, and the Laugh Factory. Before moving to L.A., he attended the Player's Workshop of the Second City.

Education

  • University of Central Florida, BA, Communications

Professional Achievements

  • Professional clients include Microsoft, Google, BusinessWeek, Absolut, the L.A. Kings, Anheuser-Busch, and more
  • Has performed for many celebrities, including Seth MacFarlane, Joni Mitchell, and Sugar Ray Leonard
  • Worked on The Howard Stern Show in 1997 and was featured on his E! television show
  • Performed audience warm-up for Kenny Kramer (the Real Kramer) on his reality tour

Certifications & Organizations

  • Member, Academy of Magical Arts (AMA)

Favorite Piece of Advice

A bad trick can often be made entertaining with a great presentation. However, no matter how good a trick is, a bad presentation will destroy its entertainment value.

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Q&A Comments (14)

How can I improve my sleight of hand trick for false shuffling or card cuts?
To enhance your sleight-of-hand card tricks, immerse yourself in focused practice sessions. Begin by meticulously attending to every detail as you rehearse. In this initial phase, concentrate on mastering the mechanics of the trick. Utilize a mirror during practice to observe your movements and refine your technique. As you become more proficient with the mechanics, transition to practicing in front of a video camera. Unlike a mirror, a camera captures your performance without allowing you to directly monitor your hands. This simulates the experience of performing for an audience and helps you develop confidence and precision. In addition to deliberate practice sessions, incorporate mindless repetition into your routine. Use times like when watching TV to put in extra repetitions, reinforcing muscle memory and honing your skills.
What tricks can I do when dealing cards?
When dealing cards, use sleight-of-hand maneuvers to swap out less advantageous cards for more favorable ones, all while maintaining a casual demeanor and engaging in conversation to divert attention from your actions. Timing is crucial; choose moments of distraction or lulls in the game to execute your moves unnoticed. Dedicate ample time to practice these techniques until they become second nature, allowing you to seamlessly integrate them into gameplay. Remember to uphold fairness and discretion to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.
How can I enhance my shuffling technique?
To enhance your shuffling card technique, immerse yourself in focused practice sessions. Begin by meticulously attending to every detail as you rehearse. In this initial phase, concentrate on mastering the mechanics of the trick. Utilize a mirror during practice to observe your movements and refine your technique. In addition to deliberate practice sessions, incorporate mindless repetition into your routine. Use times like when watching TV to put in extra repetitions, reinforcing muscle memory and honing your skills.
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Co-authored Articles (10)

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