LEETONIA, Ohio – He’s only 14, but already he’s performing his magic act before audiences of both children and adults alike.
Michael McLoud, performing under the business name The Magic of Michael McLoud, presented a charity performance to the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Lisbon, Ohio, where his great-grandparents are residents earlier this month.
McLoud has been practicing magical illusion since age 9, and has been performing professionally for more than two years. He does both stage and close-up magic, and often makes balloon animals as part of his show.
He has performed for both children and adult audiences, presenting stage shows at private parties, banquets and church functions He has also been hired by businesses to perform walk-around close up magic at special events.
In 2000, then 12-year-old McLoud amazed the judges at the Funtyme Magic Convention Close-Up Contest held in Columbus, Ind., by performing a card trick while blindfolded. That feat helped Michael win the contest.
“Many professional magicians perform that trick as part of their routines, but none of them had ever considered doing it blindfolded,” observed Ed Williams, convention host and president.
McLoud is an active member of both the Youngstown Magic Club and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He can be reached by calling 330-427-2701, or through his Web site, www.ctm1.net/magicofmichael.
