Magic Mayhem: HSU offers illusion design course for aspiring magicians

by Elyce Petker

The Lumberjack, April 19, 2005

Humboldt County caters to the magically inclined. It has served as a training ground for ambitious young magician Shantaram Jones.

It is also home to the country’s only University-level illusion-making course, which hones the skills of students interested in magic.

Though Jones did attend HSU as a communications major, he never took the Illusion Design course. His magical talents are the result of his own passionate self-teaching.

“In fourth grade a guy at a party showed me a card trick and it fascinated me,” Jones, 23, said. “Finally, he broke it down for me and I practiced for hours.”

Jones hopes to launch his own corporation, Shantaram Enterprises, and perform magic around the country.

“It’s just a dream,” Jones said. “But I think I can make it come true.”

Jones works full time at Hutchin’s Liquor, and plans to have his new Web site, shantaramenterprises.com, open by June 6. Jones has worked hard to make a name for himself

in the community.

“The HSU Circus Club sought me out,” he said. “They asked me to perform as part of their show.”