023 - Nightmare Experiences - Stories by Kimberly JaJuan, Zia Quill Kay, Kayla Drescher, and Daniel Greenwolf

Performer Stories — Fascinating Stories from Top Entertainers

This week's storytellers are Broadway Actor/Singer Kimberly JaJuan, Magician, Ballonist, and Sideshow Performer Zia Quill Kay, Magician and Podcast Host Kayla Drescher, and Celtic Magician Daniel Greenwolf.

All the stories in this episode have to do with nightmares unfolding at and during performances. Kimberly talks about missing an entrance cue, Zia tells about a gig that was raided by SWAT, Kayla talks about exiting an illusion too early, and Daniel talks about a fireworks stunt gone wrong.

Kimberly JaJuan

The first story is told by Kimberly JaJuan, a singer and actor both on and off Broadway. She's a graduate of The Eastman School and of Julliard School earning both Bachelor's and Masters Degrees. Some of her more notable (and favorite) roles have been Singing with Gloria Estefan and Harry Connick, Jr. at the Papal visit at Madison Square Garden, portraying the role of Sarah in RAGTIME on Broadway, and creating the role of Lisette alongside classmate Audra McDonald in MARIE CHRISTINE. Most recently she could have been seen bringing HERCULES to life with the Public Works at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

She's a long time member and manager of Broadway Inspirational Voices, a diverse, professional choir of broadway artists, united to change lives through the power of music and service. She's also a broadway investor debuting as an Associate Producer on productions like American Son, Ain’t Too Proud, and Hadestown to name a few.

Here she is talking about the time she missed her entrance cue during a live performance.

Zia Quill Kay

The second story is by Zia Quill Kay, a balloon artist, magician, clown, and sideshow performer. It't not like he had a choice though, with parents who are also in the performance industry as well.

Here he is telling about his very first close up magic gig that got raided by SWAT.

Kayla Drescher

The third story is my magician and podcast host Kayle Drescher, that creates magic that you care about and can really connect with on a human level.

Her magic has taken her all over the world for clients like Microsoft, IBM, and Wells Fargo, among others. She also tours the world with the traveling show, Champions of Magic alongside other fellow magi and is planning to hit the road again in October!

You may have seen her on TV shows like Access Hollywood, NBC’s Today Show, where she was crowned “The Next Great Magician” by David Copperfield, or on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us where Teller literally fell in love with her magic.

She's also the host of the SHEzam Podcast, a show that hopes to make itself obsolete, as it brings change in the magic community and other neighboring industries. The goal being to inspire these industries to be more inclusive to all...and it’s working!

Here she talking about the time she left the box early in a grand illusion performance during Champions of Magic.

Here's where you can find out more about Kayla:

Kayla's Website: http://magicinheels.com/

Champions of Magic Website: http://championsofmagic.co.uk/

SHEzam Podcast: http://shezampod.com/

Daniel Greenwolf

The final story is told by Daniel Greenwolf, an Award-Winning Magician, Writer, Creator, & Slightly Mad Irishman. His show takes Highly Visual Magic, Theatrical Storytelling, Exhilarating Irish Music, Interactive Comedy, & Thrilling Danger and wraps it in a Celtic Theme that has been described as "A Witty, Modern-Day Celtic Viking. Kinda like James Joyce with a Broad Sword."

For Five Years In A Row he was voted as one of the Top Five Solo Variety Acts in theUS by the Renaissance Festival Podcast & Renaissance Magazine.

He's opened for World-Renowned Musician WENDY RULE, the CAST OF BEATLEMANIA, as well as International Celtic Rock Group ENTER THE HAGGIS You may have also seen him featured in the Film Documentary MAGIC CAMP and on AMC Network's DISPATCHES FROM ELSEWHERE starring Jason Segel and Sally Field.

Here's Daniel telling about how him and a friend became human fireworks. Don't try this one at home. They're professionals?

Here's where you can find out more about Daniel:

Daniel's Website: https://www.danielgreenwolf.com/

Celtic Magic Show: https://www.celticmagicshow.com/

Share Your Own Stories!

Do you have comments, suggestions, or want to share your own stories? Drop me a line! [e-mail]

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