Introduction
This episode of The Magic Book Podcast welcomes the multi-talented Harrison Greenbaum to discuss his vibrant career in both magic and comedy. Known for his innovative performances and unique approach, Harrison shares insights into his journey, his work, and the creative process behind his acclaimed book, You Are All Terrible.
Early Beginnings: Tannen's Magic Camp
Harrison's professional path began at the renowned Tannen's magic camp, a pivotal experience that nurtured his passion for magic and honed his skills. Reflecting on this early start, he notes:
Tannen's definitely shaped me because up until that moment, all of my education was from books and, to some degree, VHS tapes.
From a camper to a counselor, Harrison's evolution at the camp laid the groundwork for a career that defies conventional boundaries.
Blending Magic and Comedy
One standout aspect of Harrison's creative journey is his seamless blend of humor with magic. He shares his approach to developing new material:
I always start with the comedy. Usually, it's like a joke that's working in my act. I go, "Okay. This joke is really resonating with the audience. How do I create a magical moment from it?"
This underscores his commitment to original artistic expression, emphasizing comedy as the foundation for his magical performances. This dedication is exemplified in his book, You Are All Terrible.
The Genesis of You Are All Terrible
Harrison's book, You Are All Terrible, evolved from a magic lecture into a dynamic written performance piece. He explains the philosophy behind the book:
The whole lecture was about challenging your artistic process. So why wouldn't the book itself challenge the process of writing a book?
This approach reflects Harrison's dedication to innovation and pushing boundaries in both magic and comedy.
Encouraging Originality in Magic
Harrison emphasizes the importance of originality in magic, contrasting it with the conventional approach:
I think it's really exciting. It should be a much more fun process than having to, like, go online and be like, "Let's see. Maybe this trick is gonna work in my act."
This philosophy resonates deeply with up-and-coming magicians and stand-up comedians, inspired by his fresh approach to creating original material.
Headlining Achievements
Harrison's impressive credits include headlining the Cirque du Soleil show Mad Apple in Las Vegas. He reflects on this unique experience of being the first stand-up comedian to headline any Cirque du Soleil show.
First and only because as soon as I left, they broke my set into to pieces. So I don't think anybody ever, again is gonna do that kind of full show. You know, I was about 30 or 40 minutes of it of an 85-minute show.
This opportunity allowed Harrison to explore new dimensions of performance and engage with diverse audiences in Las Vegas.
Leaving a Mark on Magic History
Harrison's ambition extends beyond just entertaining; he aims to be a significant part of magic and comedy history. He expresses this goal:
If I'm gonna go to Las Vegas and do magic, let me at least be a passing reference in the book about Las Vegas magic!
Harrison's dedication to making a lasting impact on both the magic and comedy fields paid off as he is included in Lance Rich's book Neon Dreams.
Today, Harrison is starring in the off-Broadway production Harrison Greenbaum: What Just Happened? allowing him to constantly develop fresh material.
Conclusion
Harrison Greenbaum's journey from Tannen's Magic Camp, to headlining shows in Las Vegas and off-Broadway, and writing You Are All Terrible exemplifies his innovative approach to blending magic and comedy. His emphasis on originality and challenging artistic processes continues to inspire magicians and stand-up comedians alike.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Spooky Magic by Larry Kettlekamp
The Books of Wonder by Stephen Minch and Tommy Wonder
Art of Astonishment Vols 1-3 by Paul Harris
You Are All Terrible by Harrison Greenbaum
Conjurer Dick by Professor Hoffman
Maximum Entertainment 2.0 by Ken Weber
Neon Dreams by Lance Rich
Timestamps
00:00: Introduction to The Magic Book Podcast
01:04: Guest Introduction: Harrison Greenbaum
02:16: Early Experiences in Magic
04:53: First Magic Book and Tannen's Magic Camp
05:53: Impact of Tannen's Magic Camp on Career Development
08:23: Winning the Harvard Undergraduate Book Collecting Prize
10:07: Favorite Magic Book: Art of Astonishment
11:40: Founding the Harvard Undersgraduate Stand-Up Comic Society (HU SUCS)
14:12: Keeping Magic and Comedy Separate
18:52: The Evolution of You Are All Terrible
23:02: Book Design and Layout Process
27:05: Tannens' First Book in 37 Years
29:35: Creative Process for Developing New Material
32:46: Contemporary Magicians Exemplifying Originality
34:31: David Copperfield's Contributions
35:22: Headlining Mad Apple: A Unique Experience
37:39: Overview of Off-Broadway Show What Just Happened?
39:11: Upcoming One-Hour Stand-Up Special
41:25: Harrison's Most Cherished Magic Books
43:08: Gloria Dea's 100th Birthday Roast
45:07: Reflection on the Impact of You Are All Terrible
48:39: Harrison's Performance Schedule and Social Media