Paul W Draper

Paul Draper is an anthropologist, academic, and an award winning mentalist, magician, and film maker. As an anthropologist and communications expert specializing in the cognitive science of religious beliefs, he has lectured at fortune 500 companies and universities. As the creator of the show Mental Mysteries, Draper blends his academic background as an anthropologist and communications expert with the arts of mentalism and magic. A decade into his magic career, he received the Merlin Award for his work as a corporate entertainer.[1] Draper has been described as a pioneer in the field of live online magic shows, regularly performing live streaming shows during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic with viewing audiences of thousands of people.[2][3]

Paul Draper
Born
Paul W. Draper

(1978-10-31) October 31, 1978
Salt Lake City, United States
Occupationillusionist, mind reader, mentalist, magician, film maker, actor, anthropologist

Early life

Born in Utah in 1978, Draper first became interested in magic when family members discovered Showplace Magic and Novelty in Salt Lake City.[4]

Draper began performing magic for his friends at age 8 and continued performing throughout his school years, lettering in debate, choir, and drama.[4]

In his high school years, he also became a national debate champion in original oratory and a state drama champion in pantomime.[4] At age 16, Draper watched Michael Skinner perform at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, which propelled his interest in magic, which eventually led to his discovery of mentalism.[4]

Education

Before embarking on a career in magic and mentalism in Las Vegas, Draper received his bachelor's degree in anthropology at Weber State University and attended UNLV for a master's degree.[5]

In 1999, Draper spent time as an anthropologist with the Navajo people on the Navajo Native American Reservation, where he learned about the power of oral tradition.[6]

Career

Before embarking on a career in magic and mentalism in Las Vegas, Draper worked as a lecturer in Utah at Westminster College and Weber State University and later as an instructor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he taught communication studies.[6][7][8]

In 2004, Draper gave up his academic career to follow his "childhood passion" of magic and mentalism, according to an interview with Psychology Today.[7] At that time, he began working as the house magician at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

For Draper, these two career paths — anthropology and magic — coincide in the study of cognitive science, or how and why people believe what they do.[9][10][11][12] “Nothing I do uses psychic power," Draper said in an interview with Psychology Today. "All I use is influence and persuasion.”[9]

Paul W. Draper performing live.

Draper's work as the house magician at the Venetian Hotel and Casinos in Las Vegas lasted for several years.[9][13] Eventually, Draper evolved his performance to blend magic and the "science" behind mentalism: perception, attention, and observation play key roles.[14] In Mental Mysteries, Draper attempts to make the audience the star of the show, teaching viewers to read body language and feel as if they understand the minds of others.[15]

In 2014, the International Magician’s Society awarded Draper the prestigious Merlin Award for Best Corporate Performer.[16]

He has lectured on these topics at Yale University, Apple Cupertino Headquarters, the University of Utah,[17] the University of Southern California,[18] the Magic Castle in Hollywood and The Magic Circle in London.[19]

Draper has appeared as himself in numerous television shows and documentaries, including Hell's Kitchen, Pawn Stars, House Hunters, Criss Angel Mindfreak, HBO-sponsored The Comedy Festival at Caesars Palace, Ghost Adventures, and Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery.[5][20][21] He has appeared alongside David Copperfield, Lance Burton, and Teller on the History Channel as a consultant and expert.[22] He appeared as a magician on Hair Battle Spectacular and as a scorpion handler in Guerilla Magic.[18] In March 2018 Draper was the guest scholar[23] for an episode of What'sHerName women's history podcast on "Queen of Magic" Adelaide Herrmann.[24][25]

Draper has also performed as an emcee, working with dignitaries such as Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.[26][27]

He regularly appears at Comic Con events and acts as moderator in celebrity panel interviews.[28]

In addition to performing, Draper also works as a consultant and guest lecturer for businesses, using his anthropology studies to talk about change management and leadership issues in the private sector.[8][14] He also uses his performance to build self-esteem and agency in children.[29] He frequently consults for medical companies, coaching employees on various communication methods.[8]

He has designed special effects for theater and acted as a religious advisor for theater companies, drawing on his Jewish faith background.[30][31] Paul Draper was also featured in an article by Makezine on his historical knowledge of Houdini's Legacy and Magicians in the Maker community.[32][33]

He was profiled in a six-page cover story in the March 2017 edition of M-U-M Magazine, the publication of the Society of American Magicians.[34]

Draper sits on the Board of Directors for the Inclusion Center for Community and Justice.[35]

Paul W. Draper performing a spoon-bending act

He has been a frequent performer at :

Paul W Draper pictured in Egypt

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic Draper began offering live magic shows over streaming platforms. He has been described as a pioneer in this field, also offering two educational lectures to assist other performers.[2][3] Draper's online presentations include corporate speaking as well as family entertainment and school shows, and he regularly has thousands of viewers participating in his online streamed performances.

Awards
  • 2014 Merlin Award for Best Corporate Performer, International Magicians Society
  • 2009 Houdini Award winner for Best Mentalist
  • 2002 PCAM First place award winner for mentalism[36]
  • Volunteer Award 2003, National Conference of Community and Justice
  • Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, 2000
  • American College Theater Association, National Theatrical Management Award, 1999
  • Finalist in Original Oratory, National Forensic League competition, 1997

Film, television and radio/podcasts appearances

Publications
  • M-U-M Magazine columnist "On Second Thought..." 2018-2020 [39]
  • Penguin Magic Downloadable Lecture "Create a Professional LIVE Broadcasting Studio for Under $200"
  • Penguin Magic Downloadable Lecture "Magic and Showmanship for Online Shows"
  • Penguin Magic Live Act Lecture [40]
  • Penguin Magic Live Lecture[36]
  • Murphy's Magic At the Table Experience[41]
  • Michael J. Fraughton, “The Dark Waltz” (contributor)
  • Macknik, Stephen, Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deceptions (interview)
  • Sperber, Burton, "Miracles of My Friends II" (contributor)
  • Tillar, Jack Kent, "Septet: Super Powers for Mentalists" (contributor)
  • Banachek, Psychological Subtleties 2 (contributor)
  • Beckwith, Tobias, Beyond Deception, (editor)
  • Vanderwood, Jill, "Erase the Problem of Bullying" (contributor)
  • Woodward, Chris, "Rameses: The Forgotten Star", (contributor / research)
  • Hitchcock, Scott, The New Lecture Notes (editor)
  • Draper, Paul, Mentalism: Theory, History and Performance
  • Draper, Paul, Cold Reading with Playing Cards
  • Draper, Paul, The Magicians Journey
  • Draper, Paul, History of the American Spiritualist Movement 1880 -1920
  • Draper, Paul, "The effect of a "Psychic Fair" on casino floor drop rate: State Line and Silversmith Casino Wendover, Nevada 2002"
  • Ogden, Tom, Idiots Guide to Street Magic (Photographer, talent and consultant)

Works

References
  2. "THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR APRIL 23-29". Salt Lake City Weekly. Retrieved 2020-05-30.
  3. "Penguin Magic Podcast : Paul Draper". Penguin Magic Podcast. Retrieved 2020-05-30.
  4. "June 2009 "Paul Draper Making His Mark"" (PDF).
  5. "Spring 2012 Master's Tea Guests | Pierson College". pierson.yalecollege.yale.edu.
  6. Gjorgievska, Aleksandra (January 29, 2012). "Entertainer mixes magic and academics". Yale Daily News. Yale University. Retrieved February 21, 2015.
  7. "Wholesome Guide to Misbehaving". Psychology Today. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  8. "5 Best Practices to Retain Top Hospital Leaders". www.beckershospitalreview.com. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  9. GJORGIEVSKA, ALEKSANDRA (2012-01-19). "Entertainer mixes magic and academics: Yale Daily News".
  10. "What Do Rainbows Have to Do With St. Patrick's Day?". Community Table. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  11. Brown, Brooke (2009-10-08). "Show isn't magic, but it's magical". DeseretNews.com. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  12. "Magician to explain, but he's not telling all". The Billings Gazette. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  13. "Is The New Vegas Good For Guys?". AskMen. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  14. "The Magicians of Sleights of Mind". www.sleightsofmind.com. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  15. "Your Cre8tivity: Paul Draper". Lennon Design. January 6, 2016. Archived from the original on January 7, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  16. "The Merlin Award". International Magicians Society. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  17. "a Magic Show for Charity". web.utah.edu. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  18. "Mysteries of the Mind Event with Paul Draper". usclpe.wordpress.com. Archived from the original on 2016-02-07. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  19. "The Greatest Halloween Magic Show". BayAreaScience.org. Archived from the original on 2016-01-27. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  20. "Paul Draper". IMDb. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  21. "Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown Presents Magic and Mystery with Paul Draper Mysteries of the Mind". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2017-02-18.
  22. "Famous Mentalist Appears at NJC Tuesday Night". www.njc.edu. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  23. "Guests".
  24. "THE DISAPPEARING WOMAN: Adelaide Herrmann, Queen of Magic". March 5, 2018.
  25. PODCAST DIVES INTO THE FASCINATING CAREER OF ADELAIDE HERRMANN, “THE QUEEN OF MAGIC”
  26. Swensen, Jason (March 20, 2015). "Inclusion Center honors Pres. Uchtdorf, other community 'transformers'". Deseret News.
  27. "President Uchtdorf Lauded as a Community Builder - Church News and Events". www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
  28. Jacobson, Matthew. "Salt Lake Comic-Con welcomes 'Stranger Things' star on Day 2". USA TODAY.
  29. "Paul Draper will unveil 'Mysteries of the Mind' at the Egyptian Theatre". www.parkrecord.com. Archived from the original on 2016-01-26. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  30. "Revised 'Sleepy Hollow' to be staged in Centerville". DeseretNews.com. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  31. Adams, Casey (August 13, 2014). "'Beau' knows least as cultures clash in romantic comedy at Hale". Daily Herald. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  32. "How Houdini's Legacy Inspires Generations of Maker Magicians | Make:". Make: DIY Projects, How-Tos, Electronics, Crafts and Ideas for Makers. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  33. Carlson, Sonja (January 30, 2015). "Ogden theater opens 2015 season with 'Fiddler'". Standard Examiner. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  34. http://www.mum-magazine.com/ Archived 2018-04-24 at the Wayback Machine M-U-M Magazine, Society of American Magicians
  35. Inclusion Center - Who We Are
  36. Penguin Live Lecture : Paul Draper
  37. "Mentalist Paul Draper | Home & Family". Hallmark Channel.
  38. "Mentalist Paul Draper | Home & Family". Hallmark Channel.
  39. "M-U-M Magazine - The Society of American Magicians". www.magicsam.com.
  40. https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/11301
  41. "At the Table Live Lecture - Paul Draper 3/11/2015 - video DOWNLOAD - Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. - Wholesale Magic". www.murphysmagic.com.
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