The MAGIC of The Steelgraves, Almodarr's Grand
Illusion...
About MARKUS ALMODARR STEELGRAVE
Markus Almodarr Steelgrave--one of the
foremost magical entertainers in New
England, astoundingly able to produce
countless beautiful
white doves (and other magical things!) from thin air. His breathtaking work with these beautiful birds has won him several awards throughout the region.
Markus (formerly known simply as "Almodarr") has performed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Caroline's on
Broadway in NYC, and countless points in-between. His earlier
years as a performer saw him traveling the United States with groups such as the
Allen Brothers Magic Circus, where he performed as
a wire-walker, acrobat, magician, juggler, fire-eater...basically, the ultimate
troubadour. From 1996 to 2001, Markus spent summer
seasons performing as the featured magician at Santa's Village in Jefferson,
NH. No small feat--this entailed three or four performances
every day, seven days a week, from Memorial
Day to Labor Day. Talk about honing skills! Markus' polished presentation and
unique embellishments come from extensive experience with every imaginable type of audience.
Almodarr the Wizard "brewing"
up some magic during the Swordbasket Illusion.
Note: Angelique is inside the basket--not to worry; in true magical
fashion, she reemerges unscathed.
But more than just a magician, Markus is an adept storyteller, comedian, juggler, fire-eater, balloon artist, poet,
illusionist,
and entertainer. He was twice voted "Magician of the Year"
by the prestigious Society of
American Magicians. In 2004 and 2005,
with partner Angelique, Markus won First Place in the
Stage Magic Division of the New England Magic Competition.
In 2006, he competed solo in the Close-Up Magic Division, and won First Place
again.
From 2004-2005,
Markus served as the Maine State Deputy for the
Society
of American Magicians. In 2004, he was instrumental in
having Governor John Baldacci proclaim the last week of October as "Maine Magic
Week"...in conjunction with the S.A.M.'s
tradition of National Magic Week.
It's definitely not enough to think of Markus,
or Almodarr,
simply as a "magician". Over the past 36+ years, he has refined
his skills in a number
of the performing arts--from his humble start as a circus performer in his
teens, to his current status as one of the hardest-working
and most sought-after magical entertainers in the New England region. Almodarr's
background and varied interests have served him
(and his audiences!) well. One of those rare individuals blessed with
"the gift of gab", able to converse with just about anyone on just
about any topic, he's delightfully engaging both onstage and off. As a
magical entertainer, his technical skills are sharp,
his presentation is dynamic and fluid, and his performances keep everyone
thoroughly involved.
Whether you're experiencing his magic one-on-one during cocktail hour, enjoying
a birthday party show for your children at home,
or watching him entertain hundreds in an auditorium, you'll share a connection
with Markus that is almost, well, magical!
" The secret to Almodarr's
success--besides being good at what he does--is that when he isn't
performing, he's practicing. But the most important thing is that he
doesn't forget that
magic is
supposed to be FUN. Even the way he talks to young people is important.
Almodarr is more than a spectacular magician; he is a first-class
entertainer."
--The Chronicle, Derby Line, VT
Markus entertains
all ages with his clever sleight-of-hand. Above, he brings his unique
magical stylings to the Poland Spring Museum
for their "Sweetheart Special"--a Valentine's Day magical
celebration. (Five hours of Victorian-inspired strolling
magic...accompanied
by Angelique in a beautiful white and pink gown--she's behind the camera.)
Markus (Almodarr) is energetic
not only in his performances, but in his everyday pursuits. Never content
to just sit around,
he's almost
always "tinkering" with a magic prop, finding ways to make it suit his
vision of what can be done with it. (Good magic routining relies on
creativity, not just pulling a prop from the box and performing it by rote, or
as the instructions indicate.) He cares for his family of
"critters" lovingly--dozens of beautiful doves, ten (as of this
writing) rabbits, two cats, and five parakeets. Markus is a voracious
reader,
particularly enamored of the Harry Potter books, science fiction, ancient
history,
and the classics. (He also loves superhero comics!)
Although he is not technically an aficionado of "bizarre" magic,
he appreciates those aspects of the field of magic that tell stories,
portray characters, and provoke audiences towards certain emotional reactions.
Markus has a flair for the dramatic and (slightly) flamboyant; though he may be
dressed in a classic
suit and tie,
one glance at him will tell you that he is indeed a Magician.
Almodarr
is one of
only a handful of fire-eaters in New England. (Note the audience
member in the
lower right corner--she can't bear to look as Almodarr holds a flaming
torch in his teeth during his fire-juggling routine!)
Markus has served as consultant to area theatres on magical and
special effects, and has been a technical advisor
and performer for many television commercials (such as
Maine State Lottery and Amato's Restaurants).
If you've seen Markus perform, you've been part of his Magic. If
you haven't yet
been pulled into his spell, you will welcome it when it happens.
Markus Almodarr Steelgrave is a member of the following magic organizations:
The Magic Circle, London, UK
The International Brotherhood of Magicians
The Society of American Magicians
The International Magicians Society
E-mail
207-247-2361 207-590-7989
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