Conversations with Alex Mercer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Mercer.

Alex, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a lifelong performer, my goal has always been to entertain people. It started as a child in New England when I was picked along with a few other students in elementary school to do a performance for “glee club”. I did a voice recording for a separate show the same year reading the preamble to the Declaration of Independence.

It was at this age I learned my first card trick. As I got proficient, my mom and grandmother taught me a couple more and that became my entire magic repertoire for the next 25 years as a hobbyist.

While I won’t go on listing every single bit and part I’ve played, I truly fell in love with music and performance from an early age. Choir was the main focus through my childhood education and acting was secondary. My grandmother was my largest influence for being a singer. At 16, I joined the Barbershop Harmony Society (known then as the SPEBSQSA).

After I left high school, I moved to Florida on a whim a became a Disney character, playing Tigger, Eeyore, Pluto, Prince John, Tweedle Dee & Dum, Rafiki, Liverlips, Br’er Fox, and Gappetto. At the same time, I was also a puppeteer at the Legend of the Lion King show in Magic Kingdom.

That life didn’t last very long for a handful of personal reasons – none of which were a lack of want. I had to deal with growing up really fast as an adult and making hard choices for survival. I eventually got married and moved back to the northeast for a better paying job. I stayed connected to performing with my involvement in the Barbershop Harmony Society.

I eventually stumbled into a job as a salesperson and eventually photographer with a company doing dance studios. It was a labor of love as I got to work with kids in performing arts. I would do my small assortment of card tricks to keep the kids occupied in slow moments through the photo sessions. This job allowed me to travel all over the country and meet amazing people.

At the same time, I had taught myself to play drums and joined a rock band. We recorded an album and opened up for some bigger tours that visited the area. After the band broke up, I threw myself back into Barbershop heavier, eventually concepting a handful of wacky shows for my chorus in Manchester CT.

Upon leaving the chorus, I decided to go to college for business studies at the local CC. One of the classes made us choose a “Non Academic Goal” as the project for the semester. This would be something not dangerous that you haven’t done but have always wanted to do.

So I casually figured with my history of performing arts, and my few card tricks, I’d do a one-man one-deck of cards magic show. I was immediately humbled. I did all the networking, marketing, advertising, and also had to learn about 20 new card tricks to fill the performance time.

I didn’t think it would draw a crowd at my friend’s brewery, but we filled every single seat for the night. At the end, my friend came up to me, threw me a couple hundred bucks and started saying “so, for the next one…”

I had no specific intention of this being more than a one-off thing. But I realized I had just been paid pretty decent money for doing card tricks. I did another show next season there to the same effect.

For a few years, I was a bartender doing magic at a beach bar in CT until eventually moving to upstate NY. I spent two years here doing odd magic gigs and some restaurants (outside my regular job serving tables). But I found a tiny magic shop and decided to learn more than just card tricks.

After the two years, one of my best friends convinced me to move to Colorado Springs where I’ve called home the last two years. But it’s here I have grown the most. So much so, that I eventually left the “rat race” and became a full time magician.

While there are struggles, I see the growth and I am so happy for my decision and grateful to all the people here for the support. I have found my calling, my community, and my home.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has never been the easiest path to take. Performing arts is notorious for being a bohemian lifestyle and a financial struggle unless you are willing to take big risks or you hit a big windfall opportunity.

There was a couple points along my journey where I was homeless and suicidal. There were many other hurdles and forks in the road where I could have chosen a “safer” path to follow.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a magician, I’m known for being quick witted with a penchant for “adult” humor. I stay away from doing kids birthday parties, school functions, and similar events. My magic is geared for the adult with the potty mouth and inner spark. Just about everything I do is interactive, so there’s a wonderful challenge of working with volunteers who could do or say anything at any time. That speciality is why I’ve had really strong growth and have become one of the most popular magicians in the region in such a short time.

Aside from my education and performing history, I grew up in bars as my mom was a waitress and bartender. I got to meet foul-mouthed Irishmen smoking pipes and cigars making jokes that small children should never hear. So, I assume that influenced my personality in building the character I play as “Alexander the OK.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have a new perspective on the old adage: if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.

That guy was wrong. What should be said is this: while I love what I do, I’ve never worked harder in my life, and it’s because I love it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://AOKMagic.com