WONDERBASH 2022
Dan Sperry
THE ANTI-CONJUROR
Lord Reverend Colonel Shock Illusionist Dan Sperry : The Anti-Conjuror is hailed as the most popular and in-demand illusionist of this generation. As a result of his jaw-dropping performances on multiple record-breaking international tours, numerous network television appearances, and some of the most underground viral videos to ever plague the Internet, his legion of hundreds of thousands of dedicated fans span world-wide.
You’ve seen his viral videos plague the internet, multiple television appearances such as America’s Got Talent, Fool Us, The Today Show and sold-out international tours from the Sydney Opera House, Hollywood Pantages to the O2 London and break-away star of the best-selling magic show in Broadway history: The Illusionists.
HOVER FOR DETAILS
A magic show for people that love magic shows and an even better one for those that hate magic shows.
As seen on America’s Got Talent, Germany’s hit series Das SuperTalent, The Today Show, Penn & Teller Fool Us, and more!
Original HEADLINING cast member for 5 years with the best selling magic show in Broadway History: THE ILLUSIONISTS.
MARIO
THE MAKER MAGICIAN
Mario is a NY-based touring family performer with an all-ages theater show and New York Times-recommended virtual show full of homespun magic, DIY robotics, and punk rock slapstick. it's magic through the lens of the maker movement.
Mario has appeared on Sesame Street, NBC's Universal kids, HGTV, and live on tour with David Blaine, who calls him "the best kids magician in the world!!" he is the author of The maker magician's handbook, And his lecture for magicians won him the 2020 lecture of the year award from penguin magic.
HOVER FOR DETAILS
2020 Lecture of the Year award from Penguin Magic.
Homespun Magic, DIY Robotics, and Punk Rock Slapstick.
As seen on Sesame Street, NBC’s Universal Kids, and live on tour with David Blaine, who calls him “the best kids magician in the world!”
MICHAEL TURCO
MAGICIAN/ILLUSIONIST
Turco made his national television debut in 2011 on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and since then has been featured on Entertainment Tonight, Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family, The CW’s Hollywood Christmas Parade, REELZ’s Extreme Escapes, Pop TV’s Don’t Blink, the international series La Grande Magia, and more.
Outside of television, Turco headlined his own show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, where he brought a little bit of Jersey flare to the strip. He created new illusions specifically for that stage and collaborated with Dancing with the Stars pro Lacey Schwimmer to bring cutting edge choreography to the show, setting the bar high for the type of experience fans have come to love.
HOVER FOR DETAILS
Almost four years ago, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and is currently working with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on brining awareness and fundraising for a cure.
Has appeared on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Masters of Illusion, Entertainment Tonight, Hallmark Home and Family, The CW’s Hollywood Christmas Parade,REELZ’s Extreme Escapes, the international series La Grande Magia, and more.
Turco headlined his own show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, where he brought a little bit of Jersey flare to the strip. Currently, Michael and his team produce a series of shows for theme parks across the US.
Paige Thompson
MAGICIAN
Currently living in Chicago, Paige Thompson has become one of the Resident house magicians of the Chicago Magic Lounge. A long time dream was recently fulfilled as she appeared for the first time in the close-up gallery at the internationally acclaimed Magic Castle, in Hollywood California. Paige was a featured contestant on FOX’s Showtime at the Apollo, and last summer made her debut on the CW’s hit show Masters of Illusion.
HOVER FOR DETAILS
As seen on America’s Got Talent, Germany’s Das Supertalent working alongside some of the top illusionists in magic. Paige was most recently a featured contestant on FOX’s Showtime at the Apollo, hosted by Steve Harvey.
Paige is a resident house magician at the Chicago Magic Lounge.
Her performances have taken her to the stages of Las Vegas, Branson, New York, Nashville and beyond.
Trent James
COMEDY MAGICIAN
Trent James is bringing a fresh feel to the classic magic show. Trent’s high-energy performance combines mind-boggling magic with gut busting humor, earning rave reviews in over thirty states. Trent is quickly becoming one of the top magicians in the country, having received over a dozen high honor awards, as well as being the youngest recipient of The Milbourne Christopher Award (Past winners include David Copperfield and Penn & Teller). Trent’s unique sleight of hand magic has taken him across the country performing at theaters and across the globe sailing on luxury cruise ships. From stage shows, to up close intimate magic, no audience is too big or too small.
HOVER FOR DETAILS
As seen on FOX, The Verge, and headlined at the World Famous Magic Castle
Youngest recipient of The Milbourne Christopher Award (Past winners include David Copperfield and Penn & Teller).
Has performed at over 150 colleges and is a regular performer on cruise ships.
WILL JUGGLE
AWARD-WINNING BEARD
As a plucky schoolboy with a burning desire to entertain, Will began honing his performance skills. Tiring of his day job, by age 10, he began impressing crowds on nights and weekends as his mother chauffeured him around the suburbs of Chicago. He has since opened for the Presidents of the United States of America, charmed hordes of Harley riders, enchanted university students, and entertained at corporate events across the nation. His relentless devotion to his craft has left him with amazing skills and very few friends. You will laugh at his unique brand of humor, and become filled with awestruck wonderment at his champion juggling skills and award-winning beard.
HOVER FOR DETAILS
His relentless devotion to his craft has left him with amazing skills and very few friends.
World-Champion Juggler
Has opened for the President of the United States of America
ELLIOTT HUNTER
FISM NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION
Named as one of the top young magicians in the world working today at just 23 years old, Elliott Hunter has already headlined nightclubs in Las Vegas, created his own touring show, and become a regular performer in the Palace of Mystery at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle. Most recently, he was named the 2021 Abbotts Magic Champion for performance excellence. By combining sleight of hand with his background in engineering, intimate storytelling and competitive endurance sports; all facets of entertainment converge to create an experience more unique than Elliott’s ginger genetics!
HOVER FOR DETAILS
Has been featured with companies, theaters and colleges over the world.
2021 Abbotts Magic Champion for performance excellence.
Regular performer in the Palace of Mystery at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle.
Lectures
Rick Merrill
In 2006, Rick Merrill won the FISM Gran Prix as well as the rarely awarded FISM comedy award in Stockholm, Sweden. Since then, Rick has travelled the world (performing in 40+ countries) headlining at conventions, festivals, and private corporate events.
RICK MERRILL
Close-Up, Corporate, & Comedy
Dan Sperry
According to Sperry himself, The Anti-Lecture is a display of beauty and wonder - full of advice and effects you'll never use only if you're lazy.
We guarantee you won't want to miss this one!
DAN SPERRY
The Anti- Lecture
Mario Marchese
Winner of the 2020 Penguin Lecture of the Year award and hailed as "the best kids magician in the world" by David Blaine, Mario "The Maker Magician" brings a unique perspective to WonderBash 2022 and is set to deliver a one-of-a-kind lecture.
MARIO
Robotics & Magic
Trent James
Trent is bringing a fresh feel (and look) to the classic magic show. His high-energy performance combines mind-boggling magic with gut-busting humor, earning rave reviews in 30 states. His lecture on Stage Aesthetics will cover an area of topics that will most certainly help level-up your performances with changes YOU CAN SEE.
TRENT JAMES
Stage Aesthetics
Michael Turco
Michael made his national television debut in 2011 on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and has since been seen on Masters of Illusion, Entertainment Tonight, and numerous other TV shows. As a result, he has a unique perspective on show production both for the stage and the camera.
MICHAEL TURCO
Show Production
Steve Cabe
Having previously worked as a Designer and PR Specialist with the Chicago Cubs, serving as Head of Business Development for multiple 7-figure companies, and consulting for over 1,000 TEDx applicants, Steve combines his unique ability to connect dots between disciplines with a 20+ year passion for magic and art to bring us a unique lecture on Strategic Design & Development.
STEVE CABE
Strategic Design & Development
Jeff Veley
Over 1 million people have learned Jeff’s tricks to stop mean behavior, earning him two international awards. As a Magician & Mental Health Professional, Jeff is one of the top youth speakers in America. His approach is used by schools around the world, where Jeff is recognized as a Peace Ambassador by the United Nations.
JEFF VELEY
Magic & Mental Health
Exclusive Workshops
*Additional Fee Required.
Email contact@morethantricks.com if interested in attending*
The Anti-Workshop
DAN SPERRY
Dan Sperry
Join Dan Sperry’s crew at Wealthy Theatre to see how he sets up, runs, and then packs up his one-man style road show. Pack your work gloves, bring your boots - it's time for load-in; and NO SH!TT!NG ON THE BUS!
Be Your Best Brand
KATIE MARCHESE
Katie Marchese
A small group experience with Katie Marchese exploring brand-defining, brand-building, and using social media as a supplement to your magic career.
Close-Up Show
Close-Up Show Performer
LUIS CARREON
Luis Carreon
Luis is a 2x Harlan Tarbell Close-Up award winner and has also won the Chicago Magic Competition (hosted by SAM). He can currently be seen performing regularly at the Chicago Magic Lounge and is a frequent performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.
Close-Up Show Performer
PAIGE THOMPSON
Paige Thompson
When she's not performing at the Magic Castle in Hollywood or on the hit TV show, Masters of Illusion, Paige can currently be seen as a Resident Magician at the Chicago Magic Lounge. She was also a featured contestant on FOX's Showtime, hosted Steve Harvey.
Other Events
THURSDAY NIGHT
COMEDY SHOW
Luis Carreon
Luis is a 2x Harlan Tarbell Close-Up award winner and has also won the Chicago Magic Competition (hosted by SAM). He can currently be seen performing regularly at the Chicago Magic Lounge and is a frequent performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.
With over 3,000 career performances, Andy Beningo has established himself as one of the most in demand comedians working today.
Kick off WonderBash with some laughs curtesy of Andy & Friends
8:30PM
Thursday, April 21st
THURSDAY NIGHT
COMEDY SHOW
BEDTIME STORIES WITH DAN SPERRY
Luis Carreon
Luis is a 2x Harlan Tarbell Close-Up award winner and has also won the Chicago Magic Competition (hosted by SAM). He can currently be seen performing regularly at the Chicago Magic Lounge and is a frequent performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.
18+ (or with Guardian)
--Pajamas Recommended--
Join us for stories from the road with Lord Reverend Colonel Dan Sperry.
10:30-11:30PM
Friday, April 22nd
BEDTIME STORIES
WITH DAN SPERRY
HEADSHOTS WITH WILL OLTMAN
Luis Carreon
Luis is a 2x Harlan Tarbell Close-Up award winner and has also won the Chicago Magic Competition (hosted by SAM). He can currently be seen performing regularly at the Chicago Magic Lounge and is a frequent performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.
Let's be honest you could probably use a new headshot. Plan ahead and book a reservation with Will. View portfolio here.
9:00-11:00AM
Sunday, April 24th