Yaay, check out the August issue of Magic Magazine!!  =)

Angela Funovits - Twenty-Year-Old Phenomenon

By Mark Paskell

Pardon the pun, but there is a performer on the mentalist scene whose rise to prominence has been nothing short of phenomenal. From being chosen as the only woman contestant (and youngest, to boot) on the NBC television show Phenomenon, through clinching the First Runner-Up prize, to follow-up shows around the globe, Angela Funovits has gradually been gaining attention in the magic world — not only as a rarely-seen female performer, but also an original mind-bending mentalist. And through it all she has kept her sense of reality in check, letting herself be guided by a balance of strong common sense and her passion and burning curiosity for the magical arts….

1)       What were you feeling when you heard Mike's name called and not yours?
 
At that moment, I was still shocked that I had made it to the final two.  I could see my family and friends cheering me on in the audience, and that was all that really mattered anymore.   The show had kept me away from them for so long, and I couldn't wait to make up for lost time.  When they announced Mike as the winner, I was so happy for him.   Mike truly has a heart of gold; he had given me words of encouragement all throughout the show, and was always there when I needed someone to talk to, joke around with, or get a hug from.   I'm sure he doesn't realize it, but he helped me get through this in one piece.  Just to be seen on the same stage as him was an absolute honor.  
 
 
2) You were the only woman on the show. Did this work for or against you and why?
 
For years I was afraid of even meeting other performers in this field because I was so different from all of them.   It used to hold me back, but eventually I learned to take pride in my individuality.  I know that on a personal level, being the only woman was very motivating for me.   I haven't always been taken seriously by other mentalists, and I wanted to use this opportunity to prove that gender isn't a qualifying factor for excelling as a performer. 
 
 
3) Do you believe in true paranormal or "mentalist" abilities?
 
From a young age, I was fascinated when the dreams I had at night would come true.  As much as I wanted to believe that I had paranormal abilities, I realized that there just wasn't any real evidence of this.   We live in a world of coincidence, and as human beings it's only natural that we try to find meaning in what may very well be meaningless events.  There is nothing paranormal about what I do onstage.   But all that matters is that for just a moment, I get to take people out of their reality to feel inspired by what it would be like if these abilities really did exist.   
 
 
4) If you could do one thing differently on the show, what would it be?
 
I was by no means perfect on the show; if I were to begin again knowing what I know now, there would be plenty of things that I could do differently.   But looking back on the entire experience, I have no regrets whatsoever.  I was the youngest performer on the show and I had the most experience to gain along the way.   Given the opportunity to change anything at all, I simply wouldn't.  It might mean losing one of the many valuable lessons that I have learned.
 
 
5) What was the best, and the worst, thing about appearing on Phenomenon?
 
I've never pushed my own boundaries as much as I have as a result of this show.  I was lucky enough to become one of the ten cast members because somebody out there believed in me.   Somewhere along the line, throughout the sleepless nights, constant focus, and ardent determination, I finally learned to believe in myself.  It was by far the greatest feeling, especially for the nerdy student in me who was formerly considered the shyest girl in the classroom.  I am forever indebted to NBC as well as the producers; they constantly kept their faith in me even though I had so much room to grow.   Moreover, the other contestants were always there to help and support me; the bonds that I've formed with them will last a lifetime.  By far the hardest thing was leaving the wrap party knowing that I wouldn't see many of them for a very long time.   Although our division was the most difficult part of Phenomenon, it won't last forever.  Some of us are already planning to team up, perform, and travel together.  
 
 
6) The world of professional magic is dominated by men with women traditionally in the role of "the pretty assistant." What's your plan to conquer this world?
 
When I first became interested in magic at ten years old, I dreamed of growing up and marrying an illusionist just so that I could perform as his assistant.   I didn't realize until years later that with all the work that I had put into this art form, I was worth far more than that.  I hope to show young females all across the world that they should never be afraid of breaking new ground, as there is nothing wrong with striving to be your own person.   All it takes is a few dedicated individuals to redefine the chief perspective of any group.  If I can set a good example for the up-and-coming generation of female mentalists and illusionists by holding myself to the highest standards, then I have absolutely done my job.  

For all magicians who will be in the Cleveland area this June, I'm in the process of coordinating several events and could use your help.

 

The first event, Race for the Place, is held on Sunday, June 3rd.  This is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Gathering Place, a social community for cancer patients and their families.  We will be performing at Beachwood Place's Celebration Village.

 

The second event is our next Magic of Medicine workshop to be held on Saturday, June 23rd at The Gathering Place.  The Magic of Medicine is dedicated to addressing the psychosocial issues of families affected by cancer through introspection, discussion, and the theme of magic.  Magicians are needed for both performances and teaching sessions.  Penguin Magic sponsors this event, supplying simple magic tricks to be taught for everyone who attends. 

These events are for a great cause; they generate both financial and emotional support for the ever-growing cancer community.  If you're interested in participating, please be sure to let me know your availability as soon as possible.  I will then confirm the times, places, and other details with you. 

MetroHealth Medical Center is in a contest with hospitals throughout the U.S. to receive a Fun Center from the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation for seriously ill children.  All you need to do is click on the link below and choose MetroHealth.  We will know by April if Metro wins! 

http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/Corp/CommunityPrograms/Starlight/HomePage/Midwest.cvsp

Read below and tune in... Nathan Gibson opens the show (soooo proud of you, Nate G)!! 

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Message from Milt Larsen (US)

Magic Castle After Dark (Premiere) (A&E) Saturday 12/16/06 at
11AM ET/PT (following a Biography of Houdini that airs at 10AM).

Magic Castle After Dark is a half-hour live to tape special
featuring some incredible magicians from the world famous Magic
Castle in Hollywood. It's like Evening at the Improv was for
comedians BUT for magicians. It's a pretty cool show. It focuses
on the intimate magic of the Castle and its half hour vanishes
like magic. Some of the Performers on the show include Nathan
Gibson, Jon Armstrong, Andrew Goldenhersh, Chris Hart, Joel Ward,
Shoot Ogawa and Gregory Wilson.

Executive producers are Jude Prest, Dale Hindman and Milt Larsen.
The Magic Castle after Dark show is earmarked as a series, but,
of course, ONLY if the numbers reflect well enough for the
network to sign off on it.

Thanks in advance for tuning in. Since the air date was just set,
we missed the December deadlines for the magazines so please pass
this on to all your friends. We can really use the numbers!!