Kent Cummins

Kent Cummins
Born	Kent Carter Radley Cummins January 6, 1943 Del Rio, Texas
Nationality	American
Website	http://www.KentCummins.com http://www.MagicHotline.com http://www.FantasticMagicCenter.com http://www.MagicWordsPress.com

Kent Cummins is an American magician, juggler, author, teacher, magic historian and founder of the Austin Magic Auction and Fantastic Magic Camp.

Biography

Kent Cummins got an A.C. Gilbert Company Mysto Magic Exhibition Set from his dad for Christmas in 1949 at the age of six, and declared, “I am going to be a Magician!” Naturally, he called himself, “Mysto.” Kent discovered magic books in the library, and now is proud of his large personal collection of books, magazines, lecture notes, catalogs, and memorabilia related to magic and variety arts at his Fantastic Magic Center in Georgetown, Texas.

The first magician he saw was Blackstone Senior, who inspired his love of stage magic. His mentor was Louis Berkie, proprietor of the ELBEE Company and the Fun ‘N Magic Shop in San Antonio, Texas. Berkie gave Kent his first summer job at the age of 14 and took him to his first magic convention, the 1957 IBM Convention in Houston.

Kent’s first public show was in 1952 at the age of nine; his first paid show ($3.00) was the following year. While at Baton Rouge High School, Kent started the HI-Y Club and the Junior Society for Psychical Research (JSPR), and created the “Horror Hop” concept combining spook shows with record hops. While at Louisiana State University, Kent worked at the Checker Fun Shop and started both the Checker Magic Club and the Gordin Theatre Magic Club.

Captain Cummins created “Wartime Wizardry” while in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1968. He likes to relate that he juggled live hand grenades while there! He also used magic in military training videos and as Senior Instructor at the Army Club Management School. His 1967 floorshow poster used at military clubs in Germany is on display at the American Museum of Magic and the Fantastic Magic Center.

In 1983, Kent created and performed a never-before-attempted illusion: magically producing a live cedar tree on the roof of the La Mansion Hotel building while still under construction…a magical “topping out” ceremony

Kent finally became a full-time professional magician in 1986 at the age of 43, specializing in Magic with a Message. He became “Mr. See It, The Magician with a Vision” for Texas State Optical (TSO), performing more than 500 shows in four states. He created “Westgate Wizardry,” a magic promotion for a regional shopping center, that lasted for twenty years until the mall closed for redevelopment. He produced “The Magic of Austin Youth” with multiple shows in multiple venues for various youth groups.

Magic was also used to promote library summer reading programs and marketing for restaurants and theaters. He started the SamWitch Magic Club and sponsored the 1978 Austin Public library summer reading program, sawing every branch children's librarian in half with a power saw! In 2015, he was honored by being featured on the Austin Public Library Celebrity READ poster.

Kent used magic and juggling as a keynote speaker and corporate trainer, and taught magic and juggling classes for thirty years at the University of Texas, as well as private lessons and after school enrichment classes in nearly 100 different schools.

Kent hosted the Austin Magicians Roundtable from 1978 to 1980 at his restaurant, “the SamWitch shops.” He opened the Austin Cabaret Theatre in 1980, and KC’s Cabaret Theatre in 2019.

Kent is a Life Member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Order of Merlin Excelsior; Past President and Board Member of Austin IBM Ring 60; Life Member and past National Council Member of the Society of American Magicians; Charter Member, Past President and Honorary Life Member of Austin SAM Assembly 206; Member of the Dallas Magic Club; Past President (1983) of the Texas Association of Magicians, Order of Willard; Lifetime Member of the International Magicians Society; Member of the San Gabriel Writers League; Associate of the Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star (AIMC), Member of The Magic Circle Foundation (TMCF); and Founding Board Member of the Texas Magic Center.

Kent is also a long-time member (over 60 years) of the International Jugglers Association (IJA). He is Director of the Texas Juggling Institute. A display of his early juggling props is in the Museum of Juggling History in Middleton, Ohio.

Kent has been a member of The Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences, the Magicians Club London, the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, the Magical Youths international (MYI), Boy Scouts of America, HocusPocus (Magic Towne House), the Magic Dealers Association, Inc (MDA), Washington Wizards, The International Association of Family Entertainment Professionals (Laugh Makers), Charter Member and Secretary Treasurer of Baton Rouge IBM Ring 178; Member of Richmond IBM Ring; 180; Charter Member of the Society of Young Magicians (SYM) Advisory Board; Founding Board Member of Austin Magic Umbrella LLC, member of the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA); the Food Service Executives Association Incorporated, The Association of the United States Army, the International Military Community Executives Association (IMCEA), and the Armed Forces Magicians Association (AFMA). Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Cummins is a Certified Military Community Executive (CMCE) and a Certified Juggling Instructor (The Juggling Institute of Seattle). Kent is also a member of the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), Bachelor of Advertising Information (BASI).

A legacy Member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), Kent is an Honorary Life Member of the Austin NSA Chapter.

He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) in Communications from Louisiana State University, Omicron Delta Kappa, Distinguished Military Graduate; and a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the University of Texas.

Kent competed in the World Congress of Magicians (FISM) in 1967 in Baden Baden, Germany.

Kent has also designed and built miniature golf courses, played piano in rock and roll bands, and jumped out of airplanes while an officer in the US Army.

In 2019, Kent celebrated his 70th year as a magician with three public shows at the historic Scottish Rite Theatre in Austin.

Family

• Art Kent – Grampa gave Kent his first magic trick, a wooden Magic Coin Box (Coin Slider).
• Dudley Carter Radley Cummins – Dad gave him his first magic set, and booked Kent for his first public show.
• Mary Lou Cummins – Mom made his first puppets, costumes, and magic table drape, and became a professional puppeteer.
• Carter Cummins – Kent’s younger brother made many of his best magic props, and partnered with Kent in “The Bungling jugglers” act.
• Judy Dell Cummins – Kent’s younger sister was one of his early beautiful assistants.
• Rev Vernon R Cummins - Uncle Vernon booked Kent for his first paid show, and taught him about Spiritualism.
• Jack Kent – Uncle Jack drew Kent’s first marketing materials while Kent was still a teen.
• Margot Grandjean Cummins – Kent’s wife has supported his love of magic as a beautiful assistant and as a bookkeeper.
• Kevin Christopher Radley Cummins – Kent’s son has publicly chopped off his dad’s head in Kent’s own guillotine. Twice!
• Carolyn Kim Cummins – Kent’s daughter has been one of his best beautiful assistants, as well as a social media coach and special event expert.
• Ace “The Amazing Adele” Cummins – Kent’s younger granddaughter performed magic shows with Grampa for more than eight years.

Awards and Honors

1960 – TAOM (Texas Association of Magicians) - Teen Trophy for magic act

1960 – YMCA “Order of the Golden Claw” Award “for outstanding achievements”

1961 – TAOM Certificate of Award “For outstanding showmanship and entertainment in the advancement of the Art of Magic”

1961 – SEAM (South Eastern Association of Magicians) – A. Coke Cecil “Best Youth Presentation” Trophy for juggling act

1961 – Louisiana Junior Academy of Sciences – Math Magic Project with Edge-Punched Cards – Certificate of Merit and LSU Scholarship

1961 – National merit Scholar – received LSU Scholarship

1964 – Winner of Kaywoodie Advertising Contest

1966 – Department of the Army - Army Commendation Medal “for meritorious service”

1967 – The Schenley Creative Achievement Award Trophy plus US Savings Bond

1969 – Department of the Army - The Bronze Star Medal “for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces”

1974 – Certificate of Appreciation Plaque from Armed Forces Korea Network for multiple performances on Krako’s Korner television show

1976 – US Army Logistics Management Center – Honorary Member “in recognition of meritorious service”

1976 – United States Army Quartermaster school – Distinguished Instructor Award

1976 – Department of the Army - Army Commendation Medal (second Oak Leaf Cluster) “for meritorious service”

1983 – IBM Ring 60 – Award of Excellence “for Exceptional Service”

1983 – Society of American Magicians “Alliance of Harry Houdini” Award

1988 – San Antonio Magic Shootout – 3rd Place Close-Up Competition ($500 Award)

1991 – Society of American Magicians Assembly 206 – M-U-M (cover) Magician of the Year

1996 – The Illusionist magazine - Creative Doll House Illusion Award with CJ Johnson ($500 prize)

2000 – International Association of Entrepreneurial Entertainers – “Showman of the Year” Award

2004 – BIG Austin – Small Business of the Year Creative Business Idea Award Trophy for Magic Camp

2004 – Business Success Center – “Small Business Expert Award”

2008 – IBM Ring 60 - Magician of the Year Award Trophy

2010 -Central Texas Afterschool Network (CTAN) – “Breakfast of Champions” Champion of After School Award

2012 – RISE – Small Business Expert designation

2014 – Business Success Center First Looks – Small Business Mentor Expert

2017 – International Brotherhood of Magicians – Presidential Citation “For his dedication throughout his 52 years as an I.B.M. member, along with his contribution to the advancement of magic, through the creation of the Fantastic Magic Camp and the Austin Magic Auction.”

2018 – National Speakers Association Austin – “Outstanding Chapter Member” Award

2019 – The Linking Ring Award of Excellence for “Marketing Magic,” 2015-2019

2019 – Georgetown Chamber of Commerce – “Chamber Volunteer of the Year” Award

2019 – IBM Ring 60 – “Celebrating 70 Years of Magic Achievement” Award Trophy

2022 – The Linking Ring Award of Excellence for “Marketing Magic” (Second Award)

2022 – SAM Assembly 206 – Honorary Life Membership Award

2023 – AbraCORNdabra – “Lifetime of Magic Award” Trophy

Writing

Monthly column, “Marketing Magic,” for The Linking Ring magazine; (since 2015)

Weekly column, “Tales from the Fantastic Magic Center,” for the New Zealand Magic E-zine (since 2022)

Weekly podcast, “Tales from the Fantastic Magic Center.” (since 2022)

Bibliography

1964 - Bungling Juggling, book published by the ELBEE Company

1976 – 101 Merchandising Ideas…for YOUR Club, published by U.S. Army Quartermaster School, Fort Lee, Virginia

1976 -Illusions! lecture notes published by U.S. Army Quartermaster School

1978 - Murdoch’s Book of Magic published by Austin Public Library for Summer Reading Program

1979 - Sandwich Magic!, book published for U.S. Air Force by Galatex, Inc.

1979 - Jack Kent’s Hokus Pokus Bedtime Book, published by Random House, dedicated to “The Fantastic KCRC and Margot”

1979 - The Top 12 Ways to Achieve Organizational Goals Using Entertainment, book published by Magic Hotline

1981 – MARKETING Army Club Operations Manual, Department of the Army Pamphlet 230-5-1

1983 – TAOM Convention Souvenir Program, plus TAOM News newsletters promoting convention

1984 – Juggling for Laughs, unauthorized copy of Bungling Juggling with minor changes and different illustrations, published by Ickle Pickle Products, Inc.

1985 – Comedy Magic lecture notes by Kent Cummins

1988 – Discover the Magic, pamphlet published by Kent Cummins

1990-91 - Play it Again, S.A.M., Regional Vice President Gulf Coast States Newsletter, published by WD Luther

1990 – Marketing for Magicians workbook for SAM Assembly 206, published by WD Luther

1990 – Teaching Magic workbook for SAM Assembly 206, published by WD Luther

1990 – Comedy Magic workbook for SAM Assembly 206, published by WD Luther

1991 – Variety Arts workbook for SAM Assembly 206, published by WD Luther

1991 – Sandwich Magic! revised edition published by Kent Cummins

1992 – Conjurioas’ Discoveries book by John Booth, Kent Cummins credited with Houdini research

1992 – Promotional Package Presentation & Press Kit Preparation workbook for SAM Assembly 206, published by WD Luther

1992 – Resource Guide, “Where to Find the Magic,” book published by Magic Hotline especially for teachers

1992 – Yes, you CAN Juggle! – book published by the Texas Juggling Institute

1993 – Sandwich Magic! -revised edition created by Kent Cummins for Armed Forces Bowling Conference

1993 – Yes you CAN Juggle! revised mini book published for Magic Camp by the Texas Juggling Institute

1993 - CAN DO Book of Magic published by Magic Hotline

1993 – Marketing for Magicians – “Marketing Magic Series” Book 1, lecture notes by Kent Cummins

1993 – Publicity for Magicians – “Marketing Magic Series” Book 2, lecture notes by Kent Cummins

1993 – Pricing for Magicians – “Marketing Magic Series” Book 3 lecture notes by Kent Cummins

1993 – Pricing Workbook for SAM Assembly 206, published by WD Luther

1993 - 50th Anniversary of World War II, MWR Workbook, A Program Planning Resource, published by United States Army Community and Family Support Center (received Certificate of Appreciation by Department of Defense)

1994 – Environmental Magic with Chris Walden, book and two videos, revised 2008

1996 – The Self-Eating Watermelon! –“Marketing Magic Series” Book 4 lecture notes by Kent Cummins

1996 – Lessons in Magic Compilation Workbook Lessons 1 - 9 for the Society of Young Magicians (SYM) created by Magic Hotline to accompany video learning series sponsored by ELI Lily Foundation

1997 - Ethics in Magic, workbook for SAM Assembly 206 published by WD Luther

1997 – Illusions! Revised edition published by Magic Hotline

1998 – The Self-Eating Watermelon – “Marketing Magic Series” Book 4, revised and republished by Magic hotline

1999 - The Power of Puppets, with Mary Lou Cummins (Kent’s mom) book published by Magic Hotline

1999 – Presenting Illusions workbook for SAM Assembly 206, published by WD Luther

1999 – SECRETS book by David Goodsell for West Coast Wizards Magic Camp, editing and one chapter by Kent Cummins

2000 - The Magic of Change, with Tom Britton, hardbound book with dust jacket published by Bullion Books

2000 – Bingo Magic book created for the International Military Community Executives Association (IMCEA) by Magic Hotline for various clients

2003 – Magicians in the Making book by James L. Merrils, Acknowledgement of extensive assistance

2004 - Tricks of the Trade – 50 Years of Magic! Kent Cummins lecture notes with DVD, published by Magic Hotline

2004 – Stage Magic workbook published for SAM Assembly 206 by WD Luther

2005 – The Attractor Factor book by Joe Vitale, feature story, published by Wiley.com

2009 – The Jumbo Magic Wand book with wand and feather pen, published for Magic Camp by Magic Hotline

2009 – How to Make Balloon Animals by Emily and Elizabeth Chauffe, dedicated to “The Counselors at Kent Cummings (sic) Magic Camp”

2011 – Sandwich Magic! – revised edition, created for Catersource conference in Las Vegas, published by IMCEA

2012 - Speak More! – “The Self-Eating Watermelon” chapter, book Published by the National Speakers Association

2012 – Bingo Magic booklet for International Military Community Executives Association (IMCEA) by Kent Cummins

2015 - Magic Spells, book published for the South Austin Card Group by Magic hotline

2015 - The Saturday Morning Session, 2 chapters, book published by Deceptive Works, hard bound and soft bound editions

2016 - The National Lecture Night of Texas, 2 chapters, book published by Deceptive Works

2016 – The Yankee Magic Collector #17 – “Houdini’s 1986 Tour of Canada” article, book published by NEMCA

2017 – The Magic of Change - revised and updated softbound book with Tom Britton, published by Magic Words Press

2017 - Marketing Magic, book published by Magic Words Press

2017 – CAN DO Book of Magic, updated and revised edition published as a mini book by Magic Words Press

2018 - Discover the Magic, book for the National Speakers Association, Austin Chapter, published by Magic Words Pres

2020 – The Yankee Magic Collector # 19 – “A Magician Among the Spiritualists” article, book published by NEMCA

2021 – Bungling Juggling, updated and revised edition published as a mini book by Magic Words Press

2022 – The Yankee Magic Collector #20 – “King of the Wooden Nickels” article, book published by NEMCA

2023 – Unexpected Kindness – book by Dr. Joe Vitale, unexpected one chapter tribute, published by MrFire.com

Marketed Tricks and Routines

“Hypno-Dis-Kovery,” released by the ELBEE Company and republished in M-U-M magazine.

“The Happy Dwarfs Card Trick,” released by the ELBEE Company.

“Ghost Hunter,” created for Docc Hilford’s Weird Weekend, republished in M-U-M magazine.

“Have a Heart” originally published by T Myers Magic, revised and released with props by Magic Hotline

“A Kiss for the Ball and Vase” released by Kent Cummins and published in M-U-M magazine

“The Magic Mirror” routines for Magic Card Frame, routine and props released by Magic Hotline

“Chester the Magic Chicken” – magic puppet routine with props, released by Magic Hotline

“Improved Popcorn Dye Box” released by Magic Hotline and republished in The Linking Ring magazine

“A Crafty Deck of Cards” book with props, released by Magic Hotline

“Book of Magic by A. Wizard,” complete show in a book, released by Magic Hotline

“The Rope Trick,” (Cut and Restored Rope) released by Magic Hotline

“The Joke’s on You” card trick released with props by Magic Hotline

“PINKINI the Great!” magic rabbit puppet routine created for Magic Camp Store by Kent Cummins

"Magic Cards” deck and instructions created for Magic Camp by Kent Cummins

“Environmental Magic Kit” with Chris Walden in 1994 for Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), includes props, book and 2 videos published by EnvironmentalMagic.org, updated in 2008 by Magic Hotline - received award as Recognized Project by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

“Magic Wand Project” – “Tools of the Magicians Trade” created for Magic Camp by Kent Cummins

“Magic Camp in a Box” created for various nonprofit events by Magic Hotline

“The Airborne Card Trick,” published in multiple venues by Kent Cummins

“The Impossible Red X,” original routine by Kent Cummins, released by Cody Fisher

“Intermediate Magic” Video series for Society of Young Magicians (SYM) in 1996, funded by Eli Lilly Foundation

“Marketing Magic Retreat in a Box,” created 2018 for National Speakers Association

“Slo-Motion Scarves” (set of 3 with instructions) – various styles for various clients by Texas Juggling Institute

“Juggling Beanballs” (set of 3 with instructions) - created for various clients by Texas Juggling Institute

“Juggling 8 Balls: (set of 3 with instructions) – created by Magic hotline

Beginners Juggling Kit – released by Texas Juggling Institute

Plus various branded souvenirs from Fantastic Magic Center: sticker set, playing cards, insulated tumbler, polo shirt, etc.

References

1956 – GENII The Conjurors Magazine – Towns Teen Topics feature with photo

1958 – On Stage magazine for Teenage Magicians – Staff Member and columnist

1959 – State Times newspaper, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, “Personality” feature with large photo

1960 – Zombie, “The Official Teenage Magic Magazine” – Cover Story, column and various articles

1960 – Directory of Teen-Age Magicians by Bay Magic – Profile listing

1972 – At Ease “Armed Forces Magicians Association” – Cover story and various articles

1989 – Gary Darwin’s Magic Autograph Poster Gallery – Auctioneer Caricature

1990, 1991 – Magic USA Yellow Pages by Gene Martin Publications - Listings

1995 – M-U-M Magazine – Cover story and various articles

1998 – Speaker & Entertainer Connection Magazine – Cover story, article and reviews

2017 – The Linking Ring magazine – Cover story and One Man Parade, plus column and various articles

2023 – Imagine, Digital Magazine by New Magic Academy – Cover story

Plus hundreds of media appearances in movies, video, radio, television, records, Zoom presentations, books, newspapers, catalogs, programs, and magazines around the world

This biographical material is about a living person.
Such material requires a high degree of sensitivity,
and must adhere strictly to all applicable laws in the United States.
See MagicPedia:Biographies_of_living_persons for more information.