HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet local magicians Brandon and Hannah Wagsters.
What is your job title and description?
Brandon and Hannah Wagsters, owners and magicians at The Wagsters Magic Theatre
Who do you interact/work with on a regular basis?
The general public, both locals and tourists who attend magic shows at our theatre year-round.
How do you/your organization interact with the local community?
We hold fundraiser shows for local organizations, donate show tickets to various fundraisers and raffles held in our surrounding area, and try to help get animals adopted at Heritage Humane Society. We’ve done a video (and plan to do more) filming animals up for adoption and how they react to magic tricks and we’re going to be sponsoring adoptions of some of their smaller animals like bunnies to help get them in forever homes.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
We do EVERYTHING. We both answer all the phone calls and emails we get on a daily basis and man the box office most days at the theatre. Hannah runs all of our marketing, social media, meetings, merchandise, and inventory. She also choreographs and blocks most of our magic onstage as well as handle costumes. Brandon is our in-house graphic designer and bookkeeper. He designs and creates all of the sound, video, and lighting for our shows, tackles most of the small maintenance around the theatre, and is the visionary for all our big-picture plans.
How do you define success?
Doing what you love, having people love what you do, and being able to earn a living all the same time.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
Opening The Wagsters Magic Theatre. It has been a dream of Brandon’s for over 25 years. To know all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice over the last several years has been 100% worth it just feels great. A close second would be receiving the “Merlin Award” from The International Magicians Society for “Best Theatrical Magic Production”. The Merlin Award is magic’s equivalent to The Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, or Grammys.
How long have you lived/worked in the Historic Triangle?
We moved here on March 16, 2022 and then after three months straight of 80-hour work weeks, we opened our doors to the theatre with our first show on June 17, 2022.
What is your favorite part of being in the Historic Triangle?
The small-town vibe with big-city amenities! We lived and performed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for 10 years and it became quite over-saturated. We love the slower pace, friendliness, and peace and quiet in Williamsburg
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
When staying in town we love going to escape rooms, Busch Gardens, taking our dog Luna for walks, and sitting around a fire making s’mores and hot dogs! When we have more time we love going to Orlando, Florida for Disney World and Universal Studios.
What is the next step in your journey?
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people who live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
