Meet Paul Romhany

We were lucky to catch up with Paul Romhany recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from doing something I am very passionate about. At the age of 8 I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a performer and travel the world. I grew up in the 70’s watching ‘The Love Boat’, and knew one day I would perform on cruises as a guest entertainer.
My parents worked hard but always had time for family, something I make sure I do with my son. Even though I work hard I plan my life around him and he will often travel with me, whether it be a trip to Las Vegas or to New Zealand. In 2025 he is coming with me on tour to Europe. I am installing in him a good work ethic.
If you love what you do, then it really doesn’t seem like work. I am a firm believer in finding your dream and working hard to achieve it. It took me 30 years to be an overnight success, and I kept at it.
When my son was born in 2011, I didn’t want to travel as much with my show, so I started up Vanish Magic Magazine. This has now become the largest read magazine for magicians in the world. The same work ethic I put in to performing went into the magazine, and it continues to grow now in its fourteenth year.
My output with over 60 books, consulting for magicians, editing a magazine and performing come from my dedication to the art and a deep passion for magic and a commitment to advancing the craft.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Paul Romhany: A Multifaceted Master of Magic
Paul Romhany is a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the world of magic. A true polymath, Romhany has carved out a distinguished career as a magician, editor, consultant, and author, leaving an indelible mark on the global magic community. With his unique blend of creativity, dedication, and business acumen, he has inspired countless performers and enthusiasts worldwide. Originally from New Zealand Paul now lives in Vancouver, Canada.
The Magician
Romhany’s journey in magic began at an early age, fueled by a fascination with the art of illusion. Known for his iconic Charlie Chaplin-themed act, he brought a refreshing theatricality to magic, combining silent film comedy with masterful sleight-of-hand and stage illusions. His innovative approach earned him accolades and took him around the globe, performing on cruise ships, in theaters, and at prestigious magic conventions. He has appeared in over 125 countries.
His ability to blend storytelling and illusion set him apart in an industry often dominated by traditional tricks. By stepping into the shoes of Chaplin, Romhany created a character-driven experience that resonated deeply with audiences, demonstrating the power of magic as a narrative art form.
As a performer he has been recognised from his home country in New Zealand with The Grand Master of Magic Award. He is also a Gold Medal Magic Champion and the first recipient of The Robert Houdin Award – an international award recognising the best magicians in the world.
The Editor
In addition to his performance career, Romhany has significantly contributed to the literary side of magic. As the editor of Vanish Magazine, a digital publication widely regarded as one of the premier resources for magicians, he has provided a platform for sharing knowledge, techniques, and trends within the magic community. Under his guidance, the magazine has featured interviews with legendary magicians, reviews of the latest effects, and insightful articles on the business and ethics of magic.
Romhany’s editorial work reflects his commitment to fostering a sense of community among magicians. By curating content that educates and inspires, he has helped both seasoned professionals and budding magicians refine their craft.
In 2024 he was awarded the Literary and Median Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts and The Magic Castle in Hollywood. The highest honor in the world of magic.

The Consultant
Behind the scenes, Romhany has served as a consultant for numerous magicians and entertainment projects. His deep understanding of stagecraft, character development, and illusion design has made him a sought-after advisor. Whether helping performers develop unique acts or designing bespoke illusions, his expertise has elevated countless productions.
His consulting work extends beyond magic, as he has collaborated with filmmakers, theater directors, and event planners to integrate magical elements into their projects. This interdisciplinary approach showcases his versatility and ability to adapt magic to various artistic and commercial contexts.
The Author
Romhany is also a prolific author, having written over 60 books covering a wide range of topics, from performance techniques and showmanship to the business aspects of being a magician. His publications are celebrated for their practicality and depth, offering invaluable insights to magicians at all levels.
Notable works include guides on creating character-driven performances, developing original routines, and mastering the nuances of stage presence. His writing style is both accessible and authoritative, reflecting his years of experience and dedication to the craft.
Legacy and Impact
Paul Romhany’s contributions to magic are unparalleled. As a performer, he has redefined what it means to tell a story through illusion. As an editor and author, he has educated and inspired a generation of magicians. And as a consultant, he has helped others bring their visions to life. His multifaceted career is a testament to his passion for magic and his unwavering commitment to its evolution as an art form.
In a world where magic often struggles to balance tradition and innovation, Romhany stands as a beacon of creativity and professionalism. His work ensures that the magic community continues to thrive, inspiring performers to push boundaries and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Vanish Magic Magazine is available as a digital magazine here: http://www.vanishmagazine.shop
Magic Related: http://www.paulromhany.com

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Creative Vision and Innovation
Impact: Romhany’s ability to blend storytelling with magic, as seen in his Charlie Chaplin act, redefined audience expectations and demonstrated how deeply magic could connect emotionally. His creative vision allowed him to stand out in a crowded field by offering something truly unique.

Advice for Beginners:

Cultivate creativity: Regularly explore arts outside of magic, such as theater, music, or literature, to expand your perspective and spark new ideas.
Embrace originality: Find a way to incorporate your unique personality, interests, or cultural background into your performances or work.
Experiment: Take risks with your routines and don’t fear failure—it’s a vital part of innovation.

2. Dedication to Learning and Sharing Knowledge
Impact: Through his editorial role with Vanish Magazine and his numerous books, Romhany not only mastered his craft but also became a mentor and guide for others, fostering growth within the magic community.

Advice for Beginners:

Learn broadly: Study not only magic but also related fields like psychology, communication, and storytelling to enhance your skills.
Be a contributor: Share your learnings with others, whether through writing, teaching, or mentoring—it helps solidify your understanding and builds community connections.
Stay humble: Continuously seek feedback and be open to learning from peers and mentors alike.

3. Adaptability and Business Savvy
Impact: Romhany’s consulting work and adaptability to various mediums—from live performances to digital publications—showcase his ability to evolve with the times and seize new opportunities.

Advice:

Learn the business side: Understand marketing, branding, and networking to make your craft sustainable. Books, courses, or mentors can be invaluable here.
Be adaptable: Stay attuned to industry trends and be willing to pivot your approach as opportunities or challenges arise.
Develop resilience: Not every project will succeed, but persistence and adaptability ensure long-term growth.

Final Words of Wisdom
The journey to success is as much about persistence as it is about skill. Paul Romhany’s career demonstrates the importance of being curious, sharing generously, and maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation. For those starting their journey, remember that every step—big or small—contributes to your growth. Keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, stay true to what makes you unique.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

From the age of 8 my twin brother and I started learning the piano. Every morning we would wake up at 6am and practice. My parents encouraged us to follow our dreams, and through hard work and dedication we both ended up going to University getting a Bachelor of Music degree, followed by our teaching qualifications.

Learning music at an early age is a transformative experience that shapes not only a child’s cognitive abilities but also their emotional and ethical development. Music offers far more than technical skills—it provides lifelong lessons in discipline, collaboration, and self-expression.

Having supporting parents played a major role in my life and I install that same belief in my own son.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Andrew Gerard photographer.

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