Man-to-Man with Bill Wiemuth

Meet a modern-day “Tom Sawyer”

Of all the articles I’ve written so far, none has meant more to me than the one you are about to read.

Previously, each has been important, without doubt, and the subject matter within each, I felt to be, of value to every reader.

But this article is very special to me as its author, because I get to interview a man with whom I share a friendship of many decades; a relationship marked by 40 years of separation, which life’s meandering river has recently brought back together.

Set the Wayback Machine…..

Back when words such as “internet” and “streaming” most likely referred to a fishing weekend and “spam” most likely was a bad sandwich, I first met Bill Wiemuth.

It was a long time ago in a not-so-far-away region of North Texas called DFW when the two of us seeded our boyhood bonds during that antiquated, vintage era of pre-technological stagnation we now call “the Eighties”.

Bill and I were high school compadres (though the schools were in different towns), and we attended the same church, even sharing musical performance experiences with a large a cappella singing troupe called “Awakening”.

Well, as each of you reading have yourself experienced, Bill and I eventually set out down different branches of life’s river.

And yet today, 40 years later, the streams have once again merged; a confluence bringing two friends close again, each with some uncanny similarities to share with the other.

So, sit back and enjoy my chat with a modern-day “Tom Sawyer” - my friend and fellow magician, Bill Wiemuth.

What kinds of things ignited your interests growing up?

I was always drawn to things that sparked wonder, whether it was books, puzzles, or trying to figure out how things worked. Looking back, it makes sense that I gravitated toward magic.

Can you recall a specific instance which first ignited your interest in magic? At what age?

I remember seeing a David Copperfield television special and I thought it was the coolest thing ever! I was probably about 10.

Who were your early magic influences? Who influences you now?

I had a Boy Scouts leader who was an amateur magician and he fostered my interest. Then the owner of our local magic shop (Derek Kennedy, owner than and now of Magic, Etc. in Fort Worth) was always attentive and encouraging. You, as well, always had some great trick to share.

I plowed my way through the books at the library. I still have my old copy of Mark Wilson’s Complete Magic Course.

I met magician Curtis Kam early in my cruise line career, and he was encouraging. I love the light-hearted magic of Penn and Teller. I also admire and enjoy the likes of Roberto Giobbi, John Bannon, Diamond Jim Tyler, and Paul Gordon.

What were the earliest tricks that you mastered?

Card effects were always accessible and fun – like little puzzles. The old Professor’s Nightmare was my entre to rope magic, and I found just how incredibly empowering a thumbtip could be. Miraculous, in fact. From there, the possibilities were endless.

Have you found people to always be supportive of your magic?

Any art form has its fans and its detractors. You keep moving toward finding your audience. Friends and family offer the same range of encouragement. If you love it, you keep going and find your place.

What was the catalyst that made you decide to perform full-time?

I started doing children’s birthday parties when I was still in high school.

Somehow, I realized early on that the only way to really improve is to perform as much as possible in front of an audience. When a trick or a show really goes well, it is a fulfilling and addictive feeling that leaves you craving more.

The cruising industry was my first chance to make magic part of my career. I love having a steady stream of new audiences.

Exactly how did you end up working on river boat cruise lines?

Long story short, I was in the right place at the right time. I have worked aboard small ship cruises as a Cruise Director, singer, and musician.

The ship would have occasional magician guest-acts, so I kept watching, learning, practicing, and performing for crew parties, etc. When an opportunity eventually arose, I was in the right place to provide the service that line needed.

Opportunities thankfully have grown from there. Some cruise lines still book direct, but most require performance talent to be represented by an agent.

When it became a “job,” did you find that magic lost its mystique and the “sparkle” that it had when you first fell in love with it?

The magic is always the great part. The business part can get tedious, but I think that’s the fact with any business.

What keeps it “magical” for me is the audience’s reaction. Seeing their faces light up and hearing their reactions keeps the spark alive inside.

What frustrates you the most in your profession? What are the greatest rewards?

The most frustrating thing is adapting to settings that are less than ideal. I always want the seating, lighting, sound, etc. to be great to support the experience, but Magicians often find themselves having to perform in less-than-ideal settings.

The greatest rewards are always the smiles, laughter, and wide-eyed wonder. I book 28 weeks a year aboard small ship cruises. It’s not for everybody, but I really enjoy the travel and experiencing different places.

I see that you have a “better half”. Talk a little about you two.

I met my wife, Laura Sable, on a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River when she was a singer in the production shows. She is my musical partner, my magic assistant, and the editor for my books. The love of my life.

We have been married 16 blissful years. We love travelling and performing together, and over the years we have developed a variety of entertainment projects that the cruise lines have found very exciting

Together we’ve produced an array of musical themed shows for a variety of cruising venues - from mainstage to lounge, and including strolling closeup magic during guest receptions and cocktail hours.

Today, what’s a good-sized hat compared to what a good-sized hat was when you first started performing?

I haven’t much experience with street performing, so to me, “a good hat” is measured by the quality of the audience, the performance space, and the revenue.

A good show isn’t just about the money, though—it’s really about connection, impact, and the energy of the crowd. However, it’s always nice to make some money, too!!

What environment is your favorite in which to perform? Favorite crowds, ages, places? Least favorite/most dreaded?

I love doing a parlor show to an audience of less than 200, within in a nice, comfortable performance space. Less than 50 is even better.

“The greatest rewards in magic are always the smiles, laughter, and wide-eyed wonder”

- Bill Wiemuth

I also really enjoy performing strolling and closeup magic, both of which offer great opportunities for connection. Both are easily perfected while aboard small ship cruises.

I like fairly sober adults. I’m not as much for performing for children, transient uninterested crowds, or the over-inebriated.

You are also somewhat of a historian. How does your love of history connect with your career?

My love for history grew into a series of enrichment programs that highlight the history of various cruise regions.

In connection with that, I also have written 16 brief non-fiction books about U.S. history and produced more than 200 online historical presentations.

I’ve just completed and published by first historical fiction novel last October, and my website is linked with other, individual websites related to our onboard Historical, Magical, and Musical programs.

Finally, I’ve recently have started an online magic instruction site at http://www.MagicTrickInstruction.com.

What is the ONE book you would recommend to someone starting in magic today?

For learning effects, I still recommend Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic. It has great illustrations and lots of different types of effects to sample to find out what you connect with.

For philosophy and the art of performing, Henning Nelms’ Magic and Showmanship is great.

Do you consider your current magic act to be complex or simple? Do you incorporate lots of effects or just a few stretched out for time?

My act is pretty simple. Everything has to fit in my suitcase. It’s light and funny and interactive.

Every trick is a little digestible scene. I like more, quicker scenes for today’s shorter attention spans. I focus on fun and audience connection.

I also play piano and sing, so my shows incorporate a more broad, variety-show style.

You just completely bombed a show. However, you managed to crawl your way out of the ashes.

Where was it, what were you performing, how did it tank, and what did you do once it was over?

I remember one stage show where I had a pre-stacked deck in a coat pocket that I put on during the act. But I left the coat backstage! All my script and jokes were linked to those tricks.

Thankfully, I had another deck accessible, so I had to improv a couple of tricks and move on.

I’ve blown plenty of moves and tricks, and I learned to have trick “outs” prepared – a trick or two that you can shift to quickly and get back on track.

I remember one corporate event where I was the after-dinner entertainment. I was there to perform, but the audience was there to drink and visit.

I battled to gain control and attention with ultimately only moderate success. I learned to focus on the audience that is engaged and to let go of the rest.

It’s taken a while, but I have realized that after-show brooding has no positive benefit; just get back to rehearsal, polish and tighten the script, then get back out on stage.

Share some thoughts about what you feel is important for magicians of all skill levels and experiences to know.

Magic is a state of mind. An attitude. It’s about much more than just tricks—it’s about storytelling, connection, and creating moments of wonder.

Always keep learning, stay curious, and never lose sight of why you started.

I have almost self-working tricks that delight the audience just as much as tricks with a great deal of difficulty.

Really, folks just want to have a good time, and nobody can have a good time with someone who’s just craving attention and takes themselves too seriously.

We’ve got to remember that our performance is not for us. It’s not even really about the effects. It’s about sharing a few moments of connection and delight with each person in the audience.

We all started doing magic because it was fun. If we are having fun, our audience will, too.

Relax and savor the moment.

Just get out there and do it. Polish 10 good tricks, develop a story to tell for each, then find a street corner, restaurant, wedding planner, corporate event coordinator, cruise booking agent, or whatever and get to work developing your character, craft and your career.

And don’t look back

Well said, indeed!

For more information about Bill and his many projects, including purchasing copies of any of his books, his website is listed here:

Billwiemuth.com

If you find cruise line work of interest, or maybe would like to take a cruise sometime, I’ve included that website, as well:

americancruiselines.com

Check out the website and see what future might await you. Maybe you’ll find yourself working alongside Bill one day.

Cheers !!