Born and bred in Missouri, Hagerman’s fascination with magic was kindled by a birthday party trick performed by his father. An episode of the Brady Bunch, featuring a magic shop, fanned the flames of his interest. On his ninth birthday, his mom took him to a magic shop set him on a path from which there was no turning back.
Magic became more than a hobby for young Hagerman; it became a catalyst for his academic success. He delved not just into how a trick worked, but why it worked. This exploration led him to the real secrets of magic: science. Self-taught in basic scientific principles through the art of magic, he excelled in his studies. His academic prowess was reflected in the numerous competitions he won. He dreamt of becoming a chemist or a mathematician, with magic remaining a cherished pastime.
During his teenage years, Hagerman befriended professional magicians showing off his creative ideas. “I wanted to be like them, so seeking friendship, I showed them my originality” Hagerman says. Those magicians loved his ideas and some began incorporating Hagerman’s concepts and jokes into their professional performances without permission. As a result of multiple infringements, Hagerman had enough and he left the magic and local entertainment scene in the late 90s yet continued performing full time.
“I made a pledge to keep my magic off the screen, be it recording or television. This would not only safeguard my secrets and routines from fellow magicians but also shield them from the public eye. In the realm of magic, there are two cardinal rules. First, a secret must always remain a secret. Second, never perform the same trick twice for the same audience, in honor of the first rule. In an era where VHS and video recording were gaining momentum, the risk of exposing the secrets of magic was high. To preserve the integrity of the art and my material, I embraced the mantle of the world’s most secretive magician,” says Hagerman.
In search of venues to refine his craft away from the watchful eyes of fellow entertainers, Hagerman stumbled upon school shows in 1995. Dynamic School Assemblies, a Detroit-based agency, enlisted Hagerman’s services for a nine-month stint in California. This marked his first regular engagement. However, there was a twist: he wouldn’t be performing magic, but science shows! His performances were so well-received that he was soon promoted to the top performing position in the company, the Mid-West tour. For years, Hagerman maintained a rigorous schedule of four shows a day, five days a week, honing his comedic timing and crafting truly original magic.
While a nine-month booking is the pinnacle for many magicians, Hagerman sought more. His ambition led him to the vibrant world of theme parks during the summer months, enabling him to perform throughout the year. This journey across America’s theme parks, spanning over 20 different seasons, became the crucible where Hagerman’s magic was audience-tested and refined. It propelled him to become one of the most industrious magicians globally, delivering over 600 stage shows annually, each destination reached by road. This relentless pursuit of his craft is a testament to Hagerman’s dedication to his art and his audience.
To date, Hagerman has delighted over a million people with his unique vaudeville style at fairs, theme parks, and schools nationwide. As a scholar of comedy, he ensures each show is filled with hearty laughter. As an inventor of magic, his routines are coveted by other magicians. This has led him to be incredibly secretive, refusing to perform his routines for television audiences. His magic is meant to be experienced as it was intended: live! He delivers stand-up quality comedy and original stage magic that is sure to captivate the entire family.
