{{Short description|American mentalist and magician}} {{about|the magician|other Paul Drapers|Paul Draper (disambiguation)}} {{COI|date=December 2023}} {{Infobox person | name = Paul Draper | image = Paul-draper-photograph.jpg | birth_name = Paul W. Draper | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1978|10|31|mf=y}} | birth_place = Salt Lake City, United States | occupation = illusionist, mind reader, mentalist, magician, film maker, actor, anthropologist | spouse = }} '''Paul Draper''' is an anthropologist, academic, and an award-winning mentalist, magician, and film maker. As an anthropologist and communications expert specializing in the cognitive science of religious beliefs, he has lectured at Fortune 500 companies and universities. As the creator of the show Mental Mysteries, Draper blends his academic background as an anthropologist and communications expert with the arts of mentalism and magic. Draper performed live streaming shows during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|title = THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR APRIL 23-29|url = https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/the-essential-aande-picks-for-april-16-22/Content?oid=15165622|website = Salt Lake City Weekly|access-date = 2020-05-30}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title = Penguin Magic Podcast : Paul Draper|url = https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-penguin-magic-podcast-49564614/episode/133-a-penguin-special--61226930/|website = Penguin Magic Podcast|access-date = 2020-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|author=Gill, Bob|date=August 2021|title= Paul Draper Renaissance man|journal=The Magic Circular|publisher=The Magic Circle |pages=230–234}}</ref>
Paul Draper recently had an article published in "[http://www.anthropology-news.org/ Anthropology News]" in 2023 for the American Anthropological Association. The entire issue of the magazine focused on magicians as collectors of magic artifacts.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Draper |first=Paul|date=August 9, 2023|title=Searching for Magic |url=https://www.anthropology-news.org/articles/searching-for-magic/ |magazine=Anthropology News |location= |publisher=American Anthropological Association|access-date=2023-08-17}}</ref>
Draper was elected to the leadership Council of The Magic Circle in 2023, a London-based British organization and one of the oldest magical societies in the world.<ref>"[https://themagiccircle.co.uk/like-father-like-son-marvin-elected-president/ Like Father, Like Son - Marvin Elected President]" (September 7, 2023) ''Magic News'', The Magic Circle. Retrieved December 21, 2023.</ref>
== Early life ==
Born in Utah in 1978, Draper first became interested in magic when family members discovered Showplace Magic and Novelty in Salt Lake City.<ref name="Magic Magazine">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mentalmysteries.com/images/Paul_Draper_HI-RES.pdf|title=June 2009 "Paul Draper Making His Mark"}}</ref>
The first full-length magic show that he saw was at the 49th Street Galleria when he was 7 and then developed his own show and started performing for his grade school every year.<ref name="Holladay Journal">{{Cite web|url=https://www.holladayjournal.com/2022/03/29/394004/holladay-magician-reunites-with-teacher-who-inspired-him-long-ago#.YlIgRIz-lG0.mailto |title=Holladay magician reunites with teacher who inspired him long ago | Holladay Journal }}</ref>
Draper began performing magic for his friends at age 8 and continued performing throughout his school years, lettering in debate, choir, and drama.<ref name="Magic Magazine" /><ref name="Holladay Journal-2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.holladayjournal.com/2023/03/08/428426/magician-paul-draper-mystifies-audience-with-impossible-feats-of-mentalism-and-magic |title=Magician Paul Draper mystifies audience with impossible feats of mentalism and magic | Holladay Journal }}</ref>
In his high school years, he also became a national debate champion in original oratory and a state drama champion in pantomime.<ref name="Magic Magazine" /> At age 16, Draper watched Michael Skinner perform at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, which propelled his interest in magic, which eventually led to his discovery of mentalism.<ref name="Magic Magazine" />
== Education == Before embarking on a career in magic and mentalism in Las Vegas, Draper received his bachelor's degree in anthropology at Weber State University.<ref name="https://www.weber.edu/wsumagazine/fall-2023/class-notes.html">{{Cite web|url=https://www.weber.edu/wsumagazine/fall-2023/class-notes.html |title=Class Notes Fall 2023 }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2023}}
== Career == Before embarking on a career in magic and mentalism in Las Vegas, Draper worked as a lecturer in Utah at Westminster College and Weber State University and later as an instructor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he taught communication studies.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url = http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2012/01/19/entertainer-mixes-magic-and-academics/|title = Entertainer mixes magic and academics|date = January 29, 2012|access-date = February 21, 2015|website = Yale Daily News|publisher = Yale University|last = Gjorgievska|first = Aleksandra}}</ref><ref name=":4" />
In 2004, Draper gave up his full time academic career to follow his "childhood passion" of magic and mentalism.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title = Wholesome Guide to Misbehaving|url = https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200909/wholesome-guide-misbehaving|website = Psychology Today|access-date = 2016-01-13}}</ref> At that time, he began working as the house magician at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
For Draper, these two career paths — anthropology and magic — coincide in the study of cognitive science, or how and why people believe what they do.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url = http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2012/01/19/entertainer-mixes-magic-and-academics/|title = Entertainer mixes magic and academics: Yale Daily News.|last = GJORGIEVSKA|first = ALEKSANDRA|date = 2012-01-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = What Do Rainbows Have to Do With St. Patrick's Day?|url = http://communitytable.parade.com/270758/lauriefarmer/what-do-rainbows-have-to-do-with-st-patricks-day/|website = Community Table|date = 13 March 2014|access-date = 2016-01-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Show isn't magic, but it's magical|url = https://www.deseret.com/2009/10/9/20345105/show-isn-t-magic-but-it-s-magical/|last = Brown|first = Brooke|website = DeseretNews.com|date = 2009-10-08|access-date = 2016-01-13}}</ref>
In 2014, the International Magician's Society awarded Draper the prestigious Merlin Award for Best Corporate Performer.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.imsmagic.com/the-merlin-award.html|title = The Merlin Award|access-date = February 21, 2016|website = International Magicians Society}}</ref>
He has lectured on these topics at Yale University, Apple Cupertino Headquarters, the University of Utah,<ref>{{Cite web|title = a Magic Show for Charity|url = http://web.utah.edu/nscs/links/show.html|website = web.utah.edu|access-date = 2016-01-18}}</ref> the University of Southern California,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title = Mysteries of the Mind Event with Paul Draper|url = https://usclpe.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/mysteries-of-the-mind-event-with-paul-draper/|website = usclpe.wordpress.com|access-date = 2016-01-18|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160207193725/https://usclpe.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/mysteries-of-the-mind-event-with-paul-draper/|archive-date = 2016-02-07|url-status = dead}}</ref> the Magic Castle in Hollywood and The Magic Circle in London.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = The Greatest Halloween Magic Show|url = http://www.bayareascience.org/event/the-greatest-halloween-magic-show/|website = BayAreaScience.org|access-date = 2016-01-13|language = en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160127093221/http://www.bayareascience.org/event/the-greatest-halloween-magic-show/|archive-date = 2016-01-27|url-status = dead}}</ref>
Draper has appeared as himself in television shows and documentaries, including ''Hell's Kitchen'', ''Pawn Stars'', ''House Hunters'', ''Criss Angel Mindfreak'', HBO-sponsored ''The Comedy Festival'' at Caesars Palace, ''Ghost Adventures'', and ''Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery''. He has appeared alongside David Copperfield, Lance Burton, and Teller on the History Channel as a consultant and expert.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Famous Mentalist Appears at NJC Tuesday Night|url = http://www.njc.edu/News-and-Events/Releases/2010/November/01/Famous-Mentalist-Appears-at-NJC-Tuesday-Night|website = www.njc.edu|access-date = 2016-01-13}}</ref> He appeared as a magician on ''Hair Battle Spectacular'' and as a scorpion handler in ''Guerilla Magic.''<ref name=":7" /> In March 2018 Draper was the guest scholar<ref name="whatshernamepodcast.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatshernamepodcast.com/our-guests/|title=Guests}}</ref> for an episode of What'sHerName women's history podcast on "Queen of Magic" Adelaide Herrmann.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatshernamepodcast.com/adelaide-herrmann/|title=THE DISAPPEARING WOMAN: Adelaide Herrmann, Queen of Magic|date=March 5, 2018}}</ref><ref name="geniionline.com">[https://geniionline.com/news-and-events/podcast-dives-into-the-fascinating-career-of-adelaide-herrmann-the-queen-of-magic PODCAST DIVES INTO THE FASCINATING CAREER OF ADELAIDE HERRMANN, “THE QUEEN OF MAGIC”]</ref>
Draper has also performed as an emcee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2015/3/20/20561098/inclusion-center-honors-pres-uchtdorf-other-community-transformers|title=Inclusion Center honors Pres. Uchtdorf, other community 'transformers'|first=Jason|last=Swensen|date=March 20, 2015|website=Deseret News}}</ref>
He has appeared at Comic Con as a moderator in a celebrity panel interview.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/09/03/salt-lake-comic-con-welcomes-stranger-things-star-day-2/89841708/|title=Salt Lake Comic-Con welcomes 'Stranger Things' star on Day 2|first=Matthew|last=Jacobson|website=USA Today}}</ref>
In addition to performing, Draper also works as a consultant and guest lecturer for businesses.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title = The Magicians of Sleights of Mind|url = http://www.sleightsofmind.com/magicians-bio/#pauldraper|website = www.sleightsofmind.com|access-date = 2016-01-19}}</ref>
He has designed special effects for theater and acted as a religious advisor for theater companies, drawing on his Jewish faith background.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Revised 'Sleepy Hollow' to be staged in Centerville|url = https://www.deseret.com/2011/10/15/20388457/revised-sleepy-hollow-to-be-staged-in-centerville/|website = DeseretNews.com|date = 15 October 2011|access-date = 2016-01-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/beau-knows-least-as-cultures-clash-in-romantic-comedy-at/article_8f24e5d2-1cff-54a5-b591-cfe649487db6.html|title = 'Beau' knows least as cultures clash in romantic comedy at Hale|date = August 13, 2014|access-date = February 21, 2016|website = Daily Herald|last = Adams|first = Casey}}</ref> Paul Draper was also featured in an article by Makezine on his historical knowledge of Houdini's Legacy and Magicians in the Maker community.<ref>{{Cite web|title = How Houdini's Legacy Inspires Generations of Maker Magicians {{!}} Make|url = http://makezine.com/2015/11/04/houdinis-legacy-inspires-generations-maker-magicians/|website = Make: DIY Projects, How-Tos, Electronics, Crafts and Ideas for Makers|date = 4 November 2015|access-date = 2016-01-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.standard.net/Stage/2015/01/28/Ogden-theater-opens-2015-season-with-Fiddler|title = Ogden theater opens 2015 season with 'Fiddler'|date = January 30, 2015|access-date = February 21, 2016|website = Standard Examiner|last = Carlson|first = Sonja}}</ref>
He was profiled in a six-page cover story in the August 2021 edition of ''The Magic Circular Magazine'' in London, England, the publication of The Magic Circle. He was previously profiled in a six-page cover story in the March 2017 edition of M-U-M Magazine, the publication of the Society of American Magicians.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
He is a member of the senior faculty of the McBride Magic & Mystery School.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.magicalwisdom.com/teachers |title=Faculty of McBride Magic & Mystery School |website=McBride Magic & Mystery School |access-date=2023-09-04}}</ref> Draper sits on the board of directors for the Inclusion Center for Community and Justice.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.inclusioncenter.org/who-we-are.html|title=Inclusion Center - Who We Are}}</ref>thumb|300px|Paul W. Draper performing a spoon-bending act
thumb|300px|Paul W Draper pictured in Egypt
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic Draper began offering live magic shows over streaming platforms, and presented educational lectures to assist other performers.<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto1"/>
He has been an Adjunct Instructor at Soka University of America for the following classes : Learning Cluster: The Art of Magic, Core 1: Enduring Questions of Humanity and Modes of Inquiry: Questioning and Exploring Truth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soka.edu/about/faculty-staff/paul-draper|title=Paul Draper Soka University Faculty Staff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813144618/https://www.soka.edu/about/faculty-staff/paul-draper |archive-date=2022-08-13 }}</ref> In February 2026 Paul gave a talk at the University of Cambridge on The Cybersecurity Awareness Experience: A Masterclass in Social Engineering, Behavioral Psychology, and Digital Self-Defense.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/seminars/wednesday/video/20260225-1500-t240055.mp4|title=Video of Paul Draper’s Masterclass in Social Engineering, Behavorial Psychology, and Digital Self-Defense at the University of Cambridge |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>
== Awards == {{More citations needed section|date=November 2024}}
* 1997 Finalist in Original Oratory, National Forensic League competition * 1999 American College Theater Association, National Theatrical Management Award * 2000 Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship * 2002 PCAM First place award winner for mentalism<ref name=":8" /> * 2003 Volunteer Award, National Conference for Community and Justice * 2009 Houdini Award winner for Best Mentalist * 2014 Merlin Award for Best Corporate Performer, International Magicians Society<ref name="Merlin Award">{{cite web | url=https://www.imsmagic.com/the-merlin-award.html | title=The Merlin Award }}</ref> * 2020 Adam Cheyer Adam Award for Virtual Performance * 2021 Society of American Magicians Presidential Citation for being the World's Preeminent Virtual Magic Presenter
== Film, television and radio/podcasts appearances == {{More citations needed section|date=November 2024}}
* The Discovery Channel Josh Gates Tonight "Behind Closed Gates" * The Hallmark Channel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/home-and-family/videos/mentalist-paul-draper|title=Mentalist Paul Draper | Home & Family|website=Hallmark Channel}}</ref> * Travel, Ghost Adventures "Fear Factory" Season 9 Episode 5 * FOX, Hell's Kitchen 13 Chefs Compete * The History Channel, "Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery" * A&E, "Criss Angel's Mindfreak: Burning Man" * Oxygen Network, "Hairbattle Spectacular 2: I'm a Beautician, Not a Magician" * Steven Spielberg, "Poltergeist (25th Anniversary Edition)" * HGTV, "House Hunters Las Vegas" episodes 1–5 * The History Channel, "Pawn Stars: Learning the Ropes" * The History Channel, "Pawn Stars: Crosby, Stills & Cash" * Comcast, "Hocus Pocus: Denny and Lees Magic Studio" * Comcast, "In Utah: Mysteries of the Mind: Parts 1-3" * WB, "15 minutes of fame" * ABC, "Duel", June 27, 2008 (contestant on US game show) * CBS, "Touched By an Angel: Show Me The Way Home" * What'sHerName women's history podcast,<ref name="whatshernamepodcast.com"/> "THE DISAPPEARING WOMAN: Adelaide Herrmann" <ref name="auto"/><ref name="geniionline.com"/> * The Magic Word Podcast, "An Hour With Paul Draper" February 2013<ref>{{cite podcast |title=088: An Hour with Paul Draper |url=https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/an-hour-with-paul-draper |website=The Magic Word |access-date=17 November 2024 |date=7 February 2013}}</ref> * Penguin Magic Podcast with Erik Tait<ref>{{cite podcast |title=133 - A Penguin Special - Getting Back To Business (feat. Paul Draper) |url=http://podcast.penguinmagic.com/402133/3358234-133-a-penguin-special-getting-back-to-business-feat-paul-draper |publisher=Penguin Magic Podcast |access-date=17 November 2024 |language=en |date=14 April 2020}}</ref> * The Branding For Entertainers Podcast,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://brandingentertainers.com/38675 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021052858/https://brandingentertainers.com/38675/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |title="Demystifying The Online Show with guest Paul Draper"}}</ref> * The Magician's Code Podcast with Hadlen, "Manifesting Mystery (feat. Paul Draper)" Episode #009<ref>{{cite podcast |title=The Magician's Code #009-Manifesting Mystery (feat. Paul Draper) |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ows1tG8FWwVsQHpbJfX66?si=x9nRQki5Sp2vXB2sov4FtA |via=Spotify.com |access-date=17 November 2024 |date=8 May 2020}}</ref>
== Publications ==
* Penguin Magic Live Act Lecture <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/11301|title=Paul Draper LIVE ACT (Instant Download)|website=Penguin Magic}}</ref> * Penguin Magic Live Lecture<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/2872|title=Paul Draper LIVE: Cold Reading (Instant Download)|website=Penguin Magic}}</ref> * Murphy's Magic At the Table Experience<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=55299|title=At the Table Live Lecture - Paul Draper 3/11/2015 - video DOWNLOAD - Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. - Wholesale Magic|website=www.murphysmagic.com}}</ref> * Draper, Paul, ''Mentalism: Theory, History and Performance'' * Draper, Paul, ''Cold Reading with Playing Cards'' * Draper, Paul, ''The Magicians Journey'' * Draper, Paul, ''History of the American Spiritualist Movement 1880 -1920'' * Draper, Paul, "The effect of a "Psychic Fair" on casino floor drop rate: State Line and Silversmith Casino Wendover, Nevada 2002" * Draper, Paul and Joseph P. Zompetti. ''Misinformation, Magic, and Mendacity: Peeking Behind the Curtain to Explore the World of Deception''. November 21, 2025. [https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/anoc.70025]
== Contributed chapters, interviews, and photography == * Houstoun, Will and Thompson, Steve, Video Chat Magic (contributor) * Macknik, Stephen, Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deceptions (interview) * Sperber, Burton, "Miracles of My Friends II" (contributor) * Tillar, Jack Kent, "Septet: Super Powers for Mentalists" (contributor) * Banachek, Psychological Subtleties 2 (contributor) * Beckwith, Tobias, Beyond Deception, (editor) * Vanderwood, Jill, "Erase the Problem of Bullying" (contributor) * Woodward, Chris, "Rameses: The Forgotten Star", (contributor / research) * Hitchcock, Scott, "The New Same Old Lecture Notes" (editor) * Ogden, Tom, Idiots Guide to Street Magic (Photographer, talent and consultant)
== Works ==
* [https://www.einpresswire.com/article/545564370/mentalist-and-magician-paul-draper-teams-up-with-vegas-broadway-and-late-night-tv-stars "Mentalist and Magician Paul Draper Teams Up With Vegas, Broadway, and Late-Night TV Stars"], Live Event, 2021 [Ft. Myers, Fla.] * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mYPJUsNLjE "Tender"], short, 2016 Salt Lake 48 Hour Film Project * ''Mr. Clown'', documentary * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqQ1ZZdlGnI "The Great American Novel"], short, 2015 Salt Lake 48 Hour Film Project * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8e38gj4Ts "Enthusiasm"], short, 2015 Las Vegas 48 Hour Film Project * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN5stt5jebQ "Inefficiency"], short, 2013 Las Vegas 48 Hour Film Project * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot9i_sb2MuU "Legacy"], short, 2012 Las Vegas 48 Hour Film Project * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JfVRyM2Kzg ''Level Up''], short, 2011 Salt Lake 48 Hour Film Project * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF6ycma6bFA ''Inheritance''], short, 2010 Las Vegas 48 Hour Film Project * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AGghgmadLo "Choices"], short, 2010 Salt Lake 48 Hour Film Project * ''The Pitch'', short, 2009 Utah 48 Hour Film Project (winner of Audience Favorite and Best Writing, 2009 Salt Lake City 48 Hour Film Project)
==References== {{reflist|2}}
==External links== * [http://www.PaulDraper.com Draper as a Personality]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Draper, Paul}} Category:American magicians Category:Living people Category:1978 births Category:Mentalists Category:American anthropologists Category:Weber State University