Tom Interval IntervalMagic.com: A Master Illusionist’s Approach to Modern Magic

Tom Interval brings magic to life through his San Diego-based company, Interval Magic. As a professional magician and magic teacher, Tom offers world-class entertainment and training for both private and corporate clients.

You can experience his unique blend of wonder and skill at various events, from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions.

From his early days in Pittsburgh to his current success in San Diego, Tom’s journey in magic has been remarkable. His performances captivate audiences with the same enchantment you might feel at entertainment destinations like Busch Gardens.

As a dedicated member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Tom maintains the highest standards in his craft.

Beyond performing, Tom shares his passion through teaching.

You can join his magic classes where he reveals the secrets behind the illusions that have fascinated people for generations.

His dedication to the art of magic extends to his writing and research, particularly his interest in Houdini, making him not just a performer but a guardian of magical tradition.

Background Information on Houdini

Harry Houdini remains one of magic’s most influential figures, known for his incredible escapes and dedication to exposing fraudulent spiritualists. His techniques were rooted in physical fitness, mechanical know-how, and psychological understanding of audiences.

Who Was Harry Houdini?

Contrary to popular belief, Houdini wasn’t born in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was actually born in Budapest, Hungary, though he spent his early childhood years in Appleton before living most of his life in New York.

His real name was Ehrich Weiss, born on April 6, 1874, to Rabbi Mayer Samuel and Cecilia Weiss, a family of Jewish heritage. This humble beginning contrasted with the international fame he would later achieve.

Houdini’s career spanned over 25 years, similar to modern performers like Tom Interval. During this time, he transformed from a struggling performer into a household name whose very moniker became synonymous with escape artistry.

You can see his legacy through numerous books, including juvenile biographies that populated school libraries from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Houdini’s Methods and Techniques

 

You might wonder how Houdini accomplished his seemingly impossible feats.

His methods combined extraordinary physical conditioning, mechanical ingenuity, and theatrical showmanship.

Physical fitness formed the foundation of his escapes. Houdini maintained rigorous training, developing flexibility that allowed him to dislocate joints and control muscles most couldn’t.

This physical mastery let him escape handcuffs and straitjackets through pure bodily control.

His mechanical knowledge was equally impressive. Houdini studied locksmithing extensively, understanding the inner workings of every restraint he encountered.

He often concealed specialized tools within his body or clothing.

Psychological tactics completed his arsenal.

By creating dramatic tension—holding his breath underwater or hanging upside down from skyscrapers—he transformed technical feats into emotional experiences that captivated audiences and made his name a household word.

Introduction to Tom Interval

Tom Interval stands out as a master of his craft, delivering remarkable magic performances and educational opportunities for magic enthusiasts of all ages in Southern California and beyond.

Who Is Tom Interval?

Tom Interval is a professional San Diego magician who has dedicated his career to the art of magic. As the owner of Interval Magic, he brings wonder and amazement to corporate events, trade shows, and private gatherings throughout the United States.

His expertise spans various magical disciplines, with a particular focus on close-up magic that captivates audiences in intimate settings. Tom doesn’t just perform—he educates too.

He offers specialized magic classes for both adults and children, teaching fundamental techniques and the psychology behind effective magical presentations.

His classes are kept small, with a maximum of eight students, ensuring personalized attention.

Tom’s professional approach has made him a sought-after entertainer for companies looking to add a memorable element to their events. His performances blend skill, psychology, and showmanship to create truly magical moments.

Tom Interval’s Philosophy on Magic

For Tom, magic is more than just tricks—it’s about creating moments of wonder that stay with people long after the performance ends. He believes in magic as a form of communication that bridges gaps between people.

Tom approaches his craft with meticulous attention to detail and respect for the art’s rich history. He views magical performance as a collaborative experience between performer and audience.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes not just the “how” but the “why” behind magical effects.

Tom encourages students to develop their own style rather than simply copying others.

He sees magic as a powerful tool for developing confidence, presentation skills, and creative thinking. This perspective shapes both his performances and his teaching methodology.

In an age of digital entertainment, Tom champions the unique value of live, interactive magic that creates genuine human connections and moments of shared astonishment.

The Influence of Houdini on Contemporary Magicians

Harry Houdini’s impact on magic endures today through various performers, organizations, and historians who keep his legacy alive. His innovative approaches to escape artistry and showmanship continue to shape how modern magicians approach their craft.

The Evolution of Magic After Houdini

When Houdini died in 1926, he left behind more than just memories—he created a template for magical stardom that continues to influence performers today. His name became synonymous with the impossible, stamping him as one of the greatest showmen of modern times.

The International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians—organizations Houdini himself was connected with—still honor his contributions through annual tributes. These societies preserve his techniques while encouraging innovation.

Today’s escape artists like David Blaine and Criss Angel draw directly from Houdini’s playbook. They combine his daredevil approach with modern media savvy, reaching audiences through platforms Houdini could never have imagined.

The Academy of Magical Arts at Hollywood’s Magic Castle features numerous Houdini artifacts, allowing you to experience his influence in a tangible way.

Tom Interval’s Contributions to Modern Magic

Tom Interval stands among the foremost Houdini historians, maintaining IntervalMagic.com as a comprehensive resource for enthusiasts and researchers. His dedication goes beyond simple admiration—he actively presents Houdini’s story to new generations.

Through his website Houdini in the New York Times, you can access hundreds of historical articles that might otherwise remain inaccessible. This preservation work ensures Houdini’s legacy continues to inspire.

Interval has noted that “Houdini was much more than a magician and an escape artist… He was a metaphor for overcoming impossible odds”. This perspective informs how Interval shares Houdini’s story through lectures, performances, and media appearances.

His discussions on radio programs and other platforms have helped reintroduce Houdini to modern audiences, emphasizing the psychological elements of magic that still resonate today.

Techniques Used by Tom Interval Based on Houdini’s Legacy

Tom Interval draws deeply from Houdini’s rich tradition while adding his own modern interpretations. His approach combines technical precision with psychological engagement, creating experiences that captivate audiences in ways that honor magic’s greatest escape artist.

Illusions and Escapes

Tom Interval’s performances feature several techniques directly inspired by Houdini’s legendary repertoire.

You’ll notice his meticulous attention to detail in escape artistry, performing variations of Houdini’s famous handcuff escapes during his magic shows.

Interval employs psychological misdirection masterfully, guiding your attention precisely where he wants it.

This technique, refined through his extensive experience at Busch Gardens where he performed four to six shows daily, creates moments of genuine astonishment.

His stand-up magic incorporates classic palming techniques that Houdini himself utilized, yet Interval executes these with his own distinctive flair. During performances, you’ll witness his skillful handling of props that seems effortless—a hallmark of disciplined practice.

Interval also incorporates storytelling elements into his illusions, connecting historical context to modern presentation, making Houdini’s legacy accessible to contemporary audiences.

Creating Emotional Connections with the Audience

Interval’s approach to audience connection mirrors Houdini’s understanding that magic is about more than tricks—it’s about creating memorable experiences.

Through his highly visual, interactive performances, you become part of the magic rather than merely observing it.

His showmanship techniques include careful audience management, ensuring everyone feels included.

During public magic lessons, he demystifies certain elements while maintaining magic’s essential wonder, much as Houdini did when exposing fraudulent mediums.

Interval cultivates moment-building skills that create emotional peaks during performances.

You’ll find yourself holding your breath during an escape or feeling childlike wonder during an impossible restoration.

As a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Interval upholds traditional values of magical performance while embracing contemporary sensibilities.

His magic lessons emphasize not just technical execution but also the crucial emotional dynamics that transform tricks into magical experiences.