About Markus and His Shows
Who are you, Markus?
I've been writing and performing comedy for a long time, starting with sketch and improv in college, followed by stand-up in Boston. I learned to do magic when I was cast as the wizard Octavius in Caesar's Magical Empire, an elaborate, theatrical show experience in a cavernous complex dedicated to illusion inside Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. There I trained under some of the best in the business, I began to develop my own unique blend of comedy, sleight-of-hand, and mind reading. I mostly perform with audience volunteers who become co-stars of the show. I use original jokes and physical comedy, balancing gags with surprising magical and mental effects. All in good fun, my act is always clean, and is appropriate for all audiences.
I started building and scripting scenes in themed attractions in Las Vegas, writing and directing guest encounters with alien characters at Star Trek: The Experience, and stage shows inside the Excalibur Hotel. Later, I created mythology and history-based stories for rides, live shows, and blended reality experiences in Asia, Africa, and Europe. I love creating stories that surprise and delight audiences, whether through sleight-of-hand, special effects, grand illusion, storytelling, or all of the above.
Disclaimer: I possess no actual supernatural powers. All magic is purely for entertainment purposes. I believe that laughter is the real magic.
Career Highlights
AWARDS & HONORS
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Cast Member at Caesar’s Magical Empire
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Named “One of New England’s Funniest Young Comics” during 1st year as a stand-up in Boston
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Two-time finalist in “Las Vegas’s #1 Comedian” Annual April Fool’s Day Competition
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Comedy Show “Laughter-Shocks” Named “Best of Las Vegas” in the Las Vegas Review-Journal
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Interviewed for VANISH, the International Magic Magazine
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Featured performer at the THEA Awards at the Beverly Hills Hotel
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2018 Winner of the coveted “Pizza Spot” at Flappers Comedy Club, Burbank
CREDITS
FILM & TELEVISION APPEARANCES
Gilmore Girls (CW)
The Heart That Sings
Vegas Weddings Unveiled (GSN)
Night of the Boogeyman
Not Taking Orders
NYPD Blue (ABC)
Reservations for Two
Security
“To Life” Chabad Telethon
When Hidden Cameras Attack (Fox)
Multiple commercials
CORPORATE CLIENTS (select)
Bridgestone/Firestone (SEMA Auto Show)
Disney Parks & Resorts
FN PLATFORM
Microsoft (Comdex)
SAP Canada (CES)
U.S. Foodservice
Verizon Wireless
BANQUETS & PRIVATE EVENTS (select)
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas (Featured Magician/ Entertainer, VIP Loyalty Party)
Excalibur Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, (Emcee, multiple VIP parties and casino slot tournament parties)
Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Host, live comedy talk show)
Aish Institute, North Hollywood
Las Vegas Town Club, The Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
Or Hachaim Academy Annual Banquet, Valley Village, CA
Pacifica Senior Living, Santa Clarita CA
Shaarey Zedek “Men’s Club” Dinner, N. Hollywood
The Purim Comedy Show, Young Israel of Los Angeles
Young Israel Annual Gala, Las Vegas
COMEDY CLUBS (abridged list)
Boomers Humors, Las Vegas
Comedy Stop, Las Vegas
Dick Dougherty’s Comedy Vault, Boston
Flappers, Burbank, CA
Ha Ha Café, North Hollywood
I.O.West, Hollywood
Laugh Trax, Las Vegas
Nick’s Comedy Stop, Boston
Riviera Comedy Club, Las Vegas
The Comedy Connection, E. Providence, RI
The Comedy Store, Hollywood
The Ice House, Pasadena, CA
The Second City, Las Vegas
CHARITY EVENTS
“Conjuring for a Cure” (The Michael J. Fox Foundation), Valencia CA
“Pilot Program Comedy” Nellis Air Force Base, NV
"Comedy Night" Chabad of Santa Clarita Valley
The Assisted Living Program, Patient and Resident Entertainment (Multiple venues & locations, CA)
"Resident Magic" Atria, Santa Clarita
“To Life” Chabad Telethon
Toras Hashem “Comedy Night” Fundraisers, North Hollywood