Strip performer began honing blend of magic and gymnastics as child

From a magic-loving kid in California to a former University of Nevada, Las Vegas student who's seen his dreams come true, Seth Grabel has come a long way.

Grabel, a professional magician and Henderson resident who appeared on the sixth season of "America's Got Talent," performs during select weekend evenings in the House of Blues Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Grabel's parents influenced his affinity for entertainment. His mother, a former belly dancer, and his father, a magician, encouraged him to take gymnastics and magic lessons as a child.

When Grabel, 29, started college at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, he often practiced magic tricks in the mirror of his small studio apartment. Grabel took his supplies for magic tricks everywhere he went, including trips to the grocery store and at restaurants.

"It got to the point I did magic (tricks) so much, one of my girlfriends had a rule that I couldn't do magic on a date," Grabel said, laughing.

Grabel eventually transferred to UNLV to pursue a degree in hotel management. He spent about a year working the front desk check-in at Caesars Palace, where he performed magic tricks for guests, creating long lines of spectators.

It wasn't until the magician Amazing Johnathan visited one of Grabel's classes that the aspiring entertainer started thinking seriously about turning his passion into a career.

"At UNLV, a lot of people started to recognize what I was doing, and I made some good contacts there," Grabel said. "But when I met Amazing Johnathan, he said, 'Hey, I like your stuff,' and I opened for him for about 2½ years."

Performing with Amazing Johnathan opened several doors for Grabel, including his stint on "America's Got Talent."

"I knew I had to be on TV, and getting the recognition on 'America's Got Talent' was great," Grabel said. "It really gave me street cred ."

One of Grabel's favorite parts of his career thus far is opening for Nathan Burton's select shows at the Flamingo Las Vegas, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Grabel said working with Burton's "top-notch" show has been a good experience, and Burton sees potential for the magician to move onto a bigger stage.

"He's definitely got the drive, and he knows how to work hard," Burton said. "He does more than magic. He combines a lot of great talents into one, and that's not something you see with a lot of magicians."

Grabel incorporates "acromagic," a term he coined to describe his combined use of acrobatics and magic tricks, in his shows. Grabel uses his background in gymnastics to create illusions by spinning in objects and showcasing various stunts.

Grabel said he believes incorporating acromagic into shows makes him unique.

"I think the physicality really sets me apart ," Grabel said. "No other magician is doing what I'm doing, and it takes a certain skill set some people never have."

Although he applies personal touches, Grabel uses inspiration from other magicians in his shows.

"My shows are like Cirque du Soleil meets David Copperfield meets an approachable Criss Angel," Grabel said. "I like to look mysterious, deep and dark."

Burton says Grabel's appearance sets him apart from other magicians.

"He's got a great look, especially with his shaped head," Burton said. "You remember him, and that's key for a brand."

But beneath Grabel's "deep and dark" persona on stage is someone who hopes to share his life experiences, especially with youths.

"For a while, I was floundering and lost as a kid," Grabel said. "But I realized if you find something you like at an early age, it's a really good start. I'd like to go to schools and educate kids on how to be productive, successful and live life to the fullest."

Since Grabel's success on "America's Got Talent," he has had the opportunity to work with children by mentoring a young magician and working with charities, such as Best Buddies, an organization that exists to connect volunteers to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With mentors such as longtime magicians Russ Merlin and Lance Burton guiding Grabel throughout his career, the performer has gained a valuable piece of advice he shares with people who aspire to get into the entertainment industry.

"Lance Burton told me, 'Seth, make an act you can pack small and play big," Grabel said. "If you can do a show wherever you are with whatever you have at that point in time, that's the best thing."

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-0492.