Most children dreamed big about what they wanted to be when they grow up. Ryan Demler, a sophomore communications major, was no different. Demler started doing magic tricks when he was 10, and now he is on his way to a career of magic.
"This (magic) is what I want to do with my life," Demler said.
Demler first became interested in magic when his parents gave him a simple magic kit as a gift when he was 10. By age 14, Demler was performing in restaurants.
Demler now performs at Texas Roadhouse in Muncie and at Max and Erma's in Indianapolis.
"I like working is restaurants because I can meet new people," Demler said. He has met some of the Colts cheerleaders and the Indianapolis mayor. He also likes the changing environment of restaurants.
As Demler roams around Texas Roadhouse, he introduces himself to the guests and offers tricks with his favorite medium: a stack of cards.
"I'm confident in what I am doing," Demler said. Though he's normally a shy person, Demler said years of experience and practice have allowed him to perfect and feel comfortable with his act.
"It's a unique talent," Demler said. "It's not something you hear about often."
Demler takes pride in the fact that he is self-taught. When he was 14, Demler's mother read a classified advertisement in the paper for professional magician equipment. A magician had died and left his equipment to his fiancee, who was then selling it.
Demler's parents bought the 15 boxes of equipment that included 100 books and 50 videos. Demler was able to use the equipment to teach himself how to do more tricks.
A secret to Demler's tricks is that he keeps them simple.
"Adults think too hard," Demler said. Children are often the ones who can figure out some of his tricks.
Another secret is practice. Practice has decreased error in Demler's magic, but he occasionally messes up.
"I can cover up my mistakes," Demler said. "Nobody knows how the trick was supposed to end."
Demler has made mistakes that he could not cover up, though. A few years back when he was working at Don Pablo's, Demler approached a table to do a few tricks. He said, "I have 52 cards," and when he shuffled the deck, cards went everywhere.
"The cards were in their drinks and in their food," Demler said. "They laughed at it though."
Demler is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, an organization that has a local chapter that meets once a month. He is also a member of the Society of American Magicians, whose more famous members include Harry Houdini and David Copperfield.
In order to become a member of SAM, Demler had to do tricks in front of other magicians.
"It was hard trying to think of tricks that they would not be able to figure out," Demler said. He then was to take an oath that he would not reveal the secrets and methods of his magic tricks.
Demler was only 15 or 16 when he joined and did not feel as confident with his magic as he does now. He described the experience as nerve-racking.
"The only people I cannot do magic for are other magicians," Demler said.
People often ask Demler to explain how he does his tricks.
"I tell them, 'I can tell you, but it won't be as magical,'" he said.
Demler has done his share of smaller shows for libraries and birthday parties. He also has performed for the United Way and Girl Scout functions. Three years ago Demler appeared on the Fox 59 morning show where he performed live on Thanksgiving. Two years ago, he also appeared on the WISH-TV 8 segment, "Indiana's Own."
Demler hopes to someday perform on a cruise ship.
"I want my magic to grow," he said.
Now he does some stage tricks that make use of three doves and a rabbit. He wants to build a big stage illusion show in the future.
Demler can be seen performing every Monday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Texas Roadhouse in Muncie and every Sunday night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Eagle Creek Max and Erma's in Indianapolis.
For more information about Demler and his upcoming performances visit www.crryandemler.com.
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