French Magician Stéfane Laurens Conquers the Stage, Then the Screen, and Now the Business World
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Stéfane Laurens’s journey began, like many magicians’, with a childhood Christmas gift: a magician’s kit. This sparked a lifelong passion, further fueled by a high school French teacher who incorporated magic into lessons. “And later, my French teacher at college would do a little magic trick for us at the end of each lesson. Needless to say, I was delighted to attend!” he recalls. This early interest led him to explore cinema, inspired by the legendary Georges Méliès, before ultimately finding his true calling on stage.
His initial performances were “really very classic at the start. Tricks seen on TV, with ropes and scarves, that Gérard Majax and garcimore did, with whom I will collaborate once,” Laurens remembers.However, his exploration of antique magic books and specialized shops led him to a unique style: humorous, slightly unconventional, and highly interactive magic.
From Campgrounds to Global Stages
While waiting for a Las Vegas call, Laurens honed his craft performing in French campgrounds. “I was more of an entertainer than a magician in the holiday villages. Many started this way,” he explains. This experience laid the groundwork for his 2008 launch of a major magic and illusion show, which played to hundreds at venues like the Cornouaille theatre in Quimper.His career expanded to include a stint with the Breton troupe of the le Breizh Paradise cabaret and tours in the Ivory Coast and Morocco.
His passion extended beyond performance. Laurens even authored a book on the portrayal of magicians in art, leading to international conferences and shows. The pandemic, though, brought a sudden halt to his live performances.
Virtual Magic and Corporate Innovation
Undeterred, Laurens embraced the digital age, creating interactive virtual magic shows. “These were virtual evenings with prestigious guests to whom I performed magic via the Internet. It was broadcast live on the Facebook of the L’Athéna performance hall in Ergué-Gabéric. I had Anne Roumanoff, Alexandre Pesle, Gil Alma, Willy Rovelly. It worked very well,” he shares. This innovative approach kept his career alive during a challenging time.
Post-pandemic, Laurens joined Breizh Event, a professional entertainment company, allowing him to continue performing in France. He also developed “Magic Skol,” a children’s show,and revived his close-up magic performances. He’s also branched into the corporate world.”I also created Team Building which is aimed at businesses. No magic tricks but mentalism activities,daily tips,to strengthen cohesion between teams. Lie detection was very successful!” he says.
2025 promises to be a busy year. Laurens is preparing a new mentalism show in Morocco and launching the second edition of a magic festival in Quimper.”And then, as I love children, one of the best audiences, I will have show dates for them during the year,” he adds, highlighting his continued dedication to his craft and his diverse audiences.
From Campground Stages to Corporate Magic: an Interview with Stéfane Laurens
French magician Stéfane Laurens has carved a unique career path, transcending the conventional world of illusions and intertwining his craft with education, the corporate realm, and cutting-edge online performances. His journey embodies the adaptability and innovation demanded of artists in today’s world. We sat down with Laurens to delve deeper into his experiences.
A lifelong Love Affair with Illusion
senior Editor: Stéfane, your passion for magic is evident. Can you tell us about its origins and how it evolved?
Stéfane Laurens: It all started with a simple magician’s kit I received for Christmas as a child. That sparked something in me! Later,during high school,a very inspiring French teacher incorporated magic into his lessons,making learning magical itself.It cemented my captivation. Though I was drawn to cinema and the legacy of Georges Méliès, the stage ultimately became my true calling.
senior Editor: Your early performances were described as ”classic.” How did your style develop into the unique blend of humor and interactivity that you’re known for today?
Stéfane Laurens: My initial shows were certainly inspired by traditional magicians like Gérard Majax and Garcimore; I even had the privilege of collaborating with them later on. But my thirst for knowledge led me to explore antique magic books and specialized shops. This journey exposed me to a wider spectrum of illusions and allowed me to experiment. I wanted my magic to be more than just tricks; I wanted to make peopel laugh, engage with them, and create a truly immersive experience.
From Campgrounds to Global Stages
Senior Editor: You’ve performed in various settings – from holiday villages to international stages. How did those diverse experiences shape your career?
Stéfane Laurens: My early days performing at campgrounds were invaluable.Those were more about entertaining large audiences, honing my stage presence, and developing a rapport with people from all walks of life. It was a great training ground. From there, I was able to transition to larger venues, including the Cornouaille Theater in Quimper, and even tour internationally. The experience of performing for diverse audiences in places like the Ivory Coast and Morocco broadened my perspectives immensely.
Senior Editor: You’ve even authored a book on the portrayal of magicians in art. What motivated you to explore this academic side of magic?
Stéfane Laurens: Magic has always been more than just tricks to me; it’s steeped in culture and history.I became fascinated by how magicians have been represented in art throughout the ages. This led me to write the book, which opened doors to international conferences and shows. It was a testament to the multifaceted nature of magic.
Embracing the Virtual Stage
Senior Editor: The pandemic presented a notable challenge for performers.How did you adapt and keep the magic alive?
Stéfane Laurens: The onset of COVID-19 forced me to rethink my approach. I embraced the digital age and created interactive virtual magic shows. I had the opportunity to perform for prestigious guests, broadcasting live on the Facebook page of a local theatre. It was incredibly rewarding to connect with audiences in this new way and keep the spirit of magic alive during a tough time.
Magic for Business and Beyond
Senior editor: You’ve branched out into the corporate world with your “Team Building” program. How did that come about?
Stéfane Laurens: I realized that the skills honed through magic – critical thinking, observation, and communication – could be valuable assets in the corporate world. My Team Building program uses mentalism activities and exercises to strengthen cohesion within teams. It’s been incredibly successful, especially the lie detection elements, which always generate a lot of excitement!
Senior Editor: What does the future hold for Stéfane Laurens?
Stéfane Laurens: 2025 promises to be a busy year! I’m preparing a new mentalism show in Morocco, launching the second edition of a magic festival in Quimper, and continuing to delight children with my “Magic Skol” show. I believe magic has the power to bring joy and wonder to people of all ages, and I’m determined to keep sharing that magic for years to come.
