We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Jay Scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandon Jay, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by the opportunity to bring joy to others and enrich their lives in some way. It inspires me to be a catalyst, stimulating a shift in perception in people to reconnect with their inner child, awaken their clown chakra and embrace their past and future selves. In creating projects, inspiration can come from an idea, a dream or the need to problem solve. I often draw inspiration from nature, people, art, music and life in general.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Recently I am busy doing virtual private and corporate magic shows, most of them on Zoom. I also developed a live streaming theatre program during the Covid-19 stay at home lockdowns in order to keep the live vibe connection going with audiences at home. These days I am also conducting workshops for kids and adults on Zoom. I teach magic, perform with improv groups and share meditation music I create with my Enchanted Sound Baths. Almost every day, I’ve been working on my book and speaker lectures. I also formed a multicultural ambassadors project composed of other artists and mentors dedicated to bring awareness of the many artistic contributions made by other cultures. I am very excited about my project, Songs Inspired by Literature. where I have set music to the works of Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll and Edgar Allan Poe. My wish is that younger generations might get inspired to read more of the classics. As often as possible, I practice my crafts. I am a multidiscipline artist that enjoys interweaving many art forms into the tapestry of my performances. I create and professionally work in the fields of magic, comedy, theatre, film, music, voiceovers, and performing arts. I play flutes, guitar, piano, Didgeridoo and various tribal percussion instruments. I’ve been learning new editing softwares to produce and deliver audio books and create videos of my performances. Currently I’m working on music I have created with my Native American flutes in caves. I also love working with new and traditional theatrical effects, lasers, blacklight and projections. When asked as to what sets me apart from others is my ability to speak English and Spanish fluently and present what I do in other languages and with no language. I do this with fun in my heart and with the joy of sharing wonder with others. I think outside the box and try to put a new spin on the classics but still respecting tradition. I am proud of having reached many goals I set for myself. Headlining in Las Vegas, being a regular on a T.V. series and featured in films. As an amateur explorer I have helped discover ancient sites and explored many hidden pyramids all over the world. Getting to where I am professionally has been a challenge. There are lots of obstacles and there is Murphy’s Law always lurking. But I am a full time positive thinker always checking the balance between optimism and denial. The key in almost everything is relationships and being organized enough to maintain those professional relationships. I was once asked if it was easy. Nothing is really easy but if you put yourself in the frame of mind to not think of it as not easy, you can tackle almost anything. You always have to navigate through challenges. I am a martial artist and especially favor the philosophy of Aikido. It has taught me the way to approach challenges in harmony, deflecting obstacles rather than letting them get in your way. I’d like my friends and the world to remember me for my willingness to allow creativity to flow in a way that brings love, laughter and joy.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When a friend visits the area I enjoy taking them to one or several of the great hiking sights along the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu waterfalls overlooking the ocean, Topanga Canyon, Olvera Street, LACMA museum. If they are visiting during the Spring, The Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire has always offered a unique eye opening adventure to my guests, and they get to see my Renaissance wizards magic show. There are a lot of great places to dine in my area, but whenever possible the ultimate experience is dinner and shows at The Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been many people, books and organizations and teachers in my life that have shared their wisdom and encouragement.I have primarily evolved by understanding how to get the best advice and trust my intuition. I have learned from everyone and everything. I would like to dedicate this shoutout to the AMA, The Academy of Magical Arts at The Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. I have been a member for most of my life.
It has been a constant in my career, offering the opportunity to perform and develop my craft, connect with my peers and be a part of a global, of like mind community. The Magic Castle has been like a second home constantly inspiring me to grow. As a member of the AMA Outreach Committee I have learned the value of giving back to our communities and look forward to continuing to do so. On behalf of the AMA we donate magic shows to children in hospitals, veterans and other charity organizations. I also help organize getting blankets for those in need with our Magic Blankets program. I additionally want to offer a shoutout to the Actors Forum Theatre in NOHO, The Noho Arts District. Audrey Maryling Singer, the founder of the Actors Forum & Workshop has continuously offered me the great opportunity to grow as an actor and create many theatrical productions over the years.
Website: TheBrandonScott.com
Instagram: @brandonjayscott
Linkedin: @brandonjayscott
Twitter: @brandonjayscott
Facebook: @brandonjayscott
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNyNwxEahXnskxNhzFh7nBw/playlists
Image Credits
Jennifer Esteban, Brian Ochab, Jean Boyle,Elizabeth Ruch