Formerly Known as Almodarr's Grand Illusion
New England Magicians and Entertainers Markus and Angelique Steelgrave -- The Magic of The Steelgraves

ABOUT ANGELIQUE STEELGRAVE

Angelique is an energetic and fun-to-watch "magician's assistant" and a budding lady magician herself, who adds a lovely sparkle and dimension to the stage shows.  A versatile actor/voice-over artist, Angelique has a performing history of nearly three decades.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre (magna cum laude) from the University of Southern Maine; while there, she trained in dance, music, scenic art, mime, public speaking and acting.

Her background in magic began in 1986, when she won a role as magic assistant for Maine magician and entertainer, Woody Woodward.  Angelique performed with him for over two years; they were the first magicians accepted onto the prestigious Maine Touring Artist Roster.  During that time, she learned a great deal about the art of magic, and rubbed shoulders with many professionals in the field--Dai Vernon, Jeff McBride, Max Maven, The Pendragons, Mike Douglas, and (as pictured below, circa 1987), David Copperfield. 

While performing in the magic shows with Woody, and studying Theatre at USM, Angelique also held a part-time position with the Children's Theatre of Maine as an actor/singer/scenic artist, playing such roles as Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", Gretel in "Hansel and Gretel", and Cinderella in "The Story of Cinderella".

Directly upon graduating from the university, Angelique co-founded and operated the highly-successful Krackerjack Theatre Co. and the Driftwood Players.  For 14 years, she was Managing Director for both companies, as well as scenic artist, costume designer, actor, and many other things; KTC and DP gave nearly 3,800 performances in 12 states from 1988 to 2002.  Her incredible experience performing for children and families thus gives Angelique a level of skill and insight on creating programs for schools and libraries that serves The Steelgraves well.

Angelique as Androcles in KTC's production of "Androcles and the Lion" (2000-2002).  Above, Scene 1.  At right, Scene 2.  (Scene 3 is not pictured.)  It took two months for Angelique to sew, sketch and paint the 16' wide x 8' tall backdrops for this lavish production.  Costumes also created by Angelique; set construction by Mark Bedell)

As a non-KTC actor, she also appeared in numerous productions ranging from the likes of Shakespeare (Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing", Imogen in "Cymbeline") to Tom Stoppard (Felicity in "The Real Inspector Hound").  Other favorite roles include Hedda Gabler ("Hedda Gabler"), Eve ("The Diaries of Adam and Eve"), Dr. Livingstone ("Agnes of God"), and multiple roles in the musical "Personals", which was written by the creators of the TV show "Friends" (1983...long before "Friends" was created!).

Angelique's other professional endeavors have included voice-over work, modeling (print, photography, runway and life modeling), and varied film, television, radio and commercial work.  She has modeled shoes on QVC and hats for Eastern Mountain Sports, and played roles in numerous local television ads and industrial films.  Outside of performing, her early professional experience was in the fields of mortgage banking, accounting, and journalism.  

Angelique and Almodarr (Markus) met in August of 1985 at an audition for The Children's Theatre of Maine.  In the ensuing years she assisted him off and on for a variety of performances.  He provided magical consultation to her former theatre companies; and in turn she provided performing, marketing and theatrical consultation for Almodarr's Grand Illusion in its earlier incarnations.

As well as being Markus' wife, partner and a talented and dynamic performer in her own right, Angelique coordinates the marketing, accounting and business aspects of The Magic of The Steelgraves and Farris Entertainment Enterprises; she designs music and theming for the shows, designs and maintains this website, and handles customer relations and communications.  In her spare time she is an avid cook and wine enthusiast, and enjoys collecting Vintage Fiestaware.

In 2002, Angelique partnered full-time with Markus; their marriage in June of 2006 was a very magical Medieval-style ceremony.  Between their career and their large family of critters, the Steelgrave household is an active and unusual one indeed!