My favorite place to perform magic is wherever a magical moment is needed the most.

Firefighters go to the biggest fires first to reduce flames. Cops race towards the most serious crimes to make a place as safe as possible. And magicians should perform magic in places where a mystifying experience is needed the most.

My favorite place to perform is wherever magic stands to be the most therapeutic.

Performing magic is a therapeutic service. An outlet of expression to reduce the harsh realities of life. A momentary relief from pain. And sometimes, a simple gesture that’s not needed but much appreciated.

Performing magic in the impoverished streets of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia remains memorable. One one later afternoon, I visited the Panorama Mekong Hostel overlooking the Siem Reap River in Phnom Penh. A group of young men were washing their memories of being robbed earlier in the day away with alcohol. I performed magic for them, they started yelling and screaming in amazement, and my job was complete. At the moment, there’s also a short clip of me performing in Siem Reap on my homepage.

Doing magic for police officers throughout Southeast Asia and nearby countries is always special. Playing cards are oftentimes considered unlawful gambling paraphernalia, and watching the smiles on police officers as I perform with a deck of cards helps is particularly rewarding.

Thailand is known as The Land of Smiles, and watching Thai locals react to my magic with some of the most beautiful smiles is always a joy.

I’ve performed in nearly every state in the United States. The surrounding towns of Niagara Falls. Upscale neighborhoods throughout Europe. And still, I prefer to take my magic to the gritty streets when I’m in a Western society. Outside homeless shelters, public housing residential areas, near bus terminals, under bridges, and anywhere else defying reality may be particularly therapeutic.

For my own selfish reasons, I also enjoy sharing my magic at venues and events where I’m hired to perform. I’m hired to share a magical experience with the audience, and I have the opportunity to exceed this expectation. I’m given an opportunity to elevate the art of magic in a controlled environment. I can push magic to its limits for clients with the expectation of appreciation.

Sometimes the art of magic needs to be elevated, and sometimes the elevation needs to be a magical service provided in the streets. My favorite place to perform is where either of these opportunities exist.