VRYHEID KZN: Thomas creates ‘magic’ for NRS fund-raiser
This young man is a self-trained magician and has never received any formal training
Sometimes we all need to escape the harsh realities in life, and what better way to do this than with a ‘kul jou hier en kul jou daar’ magic trick. Young Thomas Smith is not unknown when it comes to children’s parties or events. Thomas is only 17-years old and already has a repertoire as long as his arm. This young man is a self-trained magician and has never received any formal training.
A few weeks ago, Thomas felt the need to have a few magic shows to raise funds for his alma mater, New Republic School. The school lost their hostel in a devastating fire earlier this year. Thomas raised a substantial amount which he handed over to the principal. He feels very grateful towards the school, since they gave him the opportunity to host his first-ever magic show in Grade 7 during their Entrepreneurs Day. “Instead of selling products, I thought that I would put my love for performing arts to use and see how a magic show would be. On that day, I had two shows and it was a major success. It was also an opportunity to turn it into a hobby.” Even though the Entrepreneurs Day was a ‘trial and error’ for Thomas, he got an excellent response and decided to do the magic shows as a sideline for extra pocket money.
When asked how he got involved / interested in performing magic tricks, his answer is simple: “From a very young age, I had a love for the performing arts; I just wasn’t a sports child. I tried participating in sports, but it wasn’t my thing. I always enjoyed stuff like acting and being live on stage.” His mother, Mariette, proudly says that Thomas has been putting on little shows for them since he was about three or four years old. Mariette adds that he dressed up as a clown and started doing clowning, and after that took up puppeteering. It was at about seven or eight years old that magic tricks took over as a favourite after he, on his own request, received a magic set as a gift from his parents. Thomas says that every two or three years, NRS would host a person who would perform magic tricks and that has always fascinated him. His interest was sparked by the way the tricks were performed and how it all worked. He then started playing around and practiced every day to be quick with his hands. His family and friends had to watch his routines and shows over and over while he tweaked his act.
Thomas has been performing for five years at birthday parties, weddings, corporate events and functions in and around Vryheid. He is the only person in the area currently doing these kinds of shows, saying that: “The sad part is that live performing arts in general is dying out. So right now in my area, I am the only person doing it. In a broad perspective, it is competitive since there are always new improvements in magic and the tricks that can be done. I keep my show fresh every year and I use new props.” Thomas has an exceptional way of interacting with his audience, whether they are five or 80 years old, and this has contributed in a big way to his success. Like Thomas says: “It makes me happy to see other people happy and it inspires me to do more, and do more for the community.” Thomas has the ability to effortlessly inspire those around him, and he surely has the aspiration and determination to be a huge success in the performing arts industry.
Thomas will be performing at the annual Innieriet Fees in Pongola on October 23.
ALSO READ: VRYHEID KZN: Seven-year-old shows big-heartedness with toy donation
Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates
