We had the good fortune of connecting with Hillel . and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hillel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance… the Yin and Yang of life… Black and White… Since my childhood I discovered there were many different cultures, lifestyles, ways of seeing things, expressing ourselves, relating to the world and our surroundings. Learned different languages, lived in different continents, always trying to open my mind and imagination.

I saw and experienced how tragic it can be when Evil wins over Good. Understood from then on that I needed to create my own lifestyle and “balance” was the way to navigate in a world always turning around… Humor was the path that called me and I decided to share it with the world.
Today, I feel the world is crazy and me too, there is balance…

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Each of us has a talent, we need to find it in ourselves. I was lucky to be able to find my passion at a young age by being selected in school to participate as an actor in an all adult theater play. That experience inspired me to study at some of the best drama schools and led me to perform on stages around the world including on Broadway.

It wasn’t always easy, perseverance is the key. There are many ways to reach a goal and sometimes feels you’re still on the way and that’s ok, enjoy the journey, the ups and downs. Even if there is a giant precipice in front of you, you may find a ride on a plane, helicopter, cloud, on a bird… remember the “Little Prince”? In my life and profession “imagination” is not just a word, it’s a way.
I do what I do because I wanted to change the world for the better, erase hatred and sadness, give and share hope, happiness even if it’s imagined just for an hour…
About three weeks ago I performed my first live magic show during the Covid-19 pandemic, at the end they thanked me and said, “We needed to laugh”. I then realized how much I missed a live audience…
In my performances I offer a unique mixture of the arts of Clowning, Magic, Pantomime, audience participation and a world of imagination inside a giant balloon. Seeing is believing!

 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First I would meet my friend at LAX and on the way home would stop for a drink and snack at the Waterfront Cafe in Venice Beach. During his stay would take him to visit the glorious Griffith Park where I used to practice my tap dancing, the colorful galleries in Echo Park, my local Santa Monica Theater where I performed.  We would enjoy a delicious greek dinner at Tony’s Taberna in Malibu, visit mutual friends, and of course the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, my club and stage for the last 35 years…..

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family, friends, colleagues helped me in discovering my talents.

I started to perform on stages and TV as a child. In Buenos Aires I was under the tutelage of the renowned teacher and director Max Berliner. Later on in Tel Aviv, I studied at the Beit Tzvi Acting Academy. In New York City I worked with the remarkable Moni and Mina Yakim Pantomime Theater Group.  In Los Angeles I participated in professional workshops at the Actors Studio, multiple magic lectures and events.
Being a member of the actors unions, discovering new artistic horizons and performing around the globe keeps me alive and well.  I owe my career and success to my audiences.

Website: www.mrballoonman.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/balloonmagus/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillelsmagic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MagiHillel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicalissimo
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mr-balloon-man-santa-monica
Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/Farceur1
Other: www.magiccastle.com

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