While most middle schoolers spend their weekends doing homework, playing video games or hanging out with friends, one New Canaan youth has dedicated that time to honing a skill few adults have mastered; the art of magic.
Julien Meunier displays a deck of cards. Photo/Cecile Meunier
Julien Meunier’s journey began on his sixth birthday, after being gifted a magic set from FAO Schwarz in New York City, he said.
“Straightaway I was captivated by everything you can do,” Meunier told the New Canaanite. “Once I learned and showed my parents, they were amazed.”
Several years later, Meunier would perform his first live magic trick during a fourth grade talent show, which unbeknownst to him, would be the first of many. Realizing her son’s talent, Cecile Meunier began reaching out to her connections around town, kicking off Julien’s professional magic career.
“I really enjoy just seeing the look on my audience’ face after I show them a trick,” Julien Meunier said. “It’s really nice to see how happy they are after I show them a trick. I feel like I’ve kind of made their day.”
Julien greeting a fan. Photo/Cecile Meunier
Today, Meunier has performed at a wide range of venues, from hotels, weddings, corporate and charity events, the Downtown Association at Wall Street, and as of February, The Playhouse on Elm Street.
“If I’m performing at an event, I usually walk around doing close up magic,” Meunier said. “So that’s like cards, rubik’s cube, coin stuff, I’ll walk around to show people.”
Like many other magicians, Meunier also does regular street performances.
Julien poses for the camera. Photo/Cecile Meunier
“I go to New York every other weekend, sometimes back to back,” Meunier said. “I’ll go to Central Park and set up a table and perform there. So people kind of just walk by, say hello, and I’ll show them a magic trick or two.”
While Meunier isn’t sure about being a professional magician when he is older, he has no plans to stop practicing yet.
“I don’t think I’m going to make it a source of income,” he said. “But I’m definitely going to keep it as a hobby.
Anyone interested in booking Meunier for a live performance can find more information on his website: https://jamsmagic.com/.