"Art depends on luck and talent."
-Francis Ford Coppola

Welcome to January's "Mysteries of the Mind" monthly newsletter!

"I wasn't campaigning for a role in a Hollywood television series, it was a fluke. So, you've got to have a measure of good luck, you really have, being in the right place at the right time."
- Patrick Stewart

Success is about continuous improvement, perseverance, doing what we can to be in right places all the time, and then when luck strikes having the high level of skill and attitude required to capture the opportunity.

Recently, I performed for J.J. Abrams and his team at Bad Robot for their Holiday Party at a stunning private club called SoHo House at the top of a tower on Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood. When I went to the event, I didn't know who I was hired to be performing for. I assumed just another corporate party for a law firm or financial institution. Until I walked in the door and heard JJ Abrams giving awards to his top team members! (Talk about the luck of being hired to be in the right place at the right time... And then being grateful that I had prepared enough to have the skill level to be asked to stay.).

J. J. Abrams watched me perform two sets and then he took me aside and we chatted about his charity work, passion for making the world a better place, and his love of performance magic. He wanted to know where he could find out more about the kinds of things that I do and when I'll be back performing at the Magic Castle (He is a member, and I'll be back January 19-22). What a joy to perform for someone who is making film magic at his level. What an honor to be doing what I love for wonderful people.

Here is a quote from him about my performance:

"Paul Draper was great at our party, seriously really wonderful. I want to dig through the magical literature to find out how he accomplishes the things he does. I look forward to seeing another one of his shows soon. "
- J.J. Abrams

If you haven't had a chance to watch it yet, here is a new demo video for 2017 (a few days early). Try and catch all the celebrity cameos. I'd love to come and perform at one of your events.

Paul Draper 2017: Mentalism, Mystery, Music & Storytelling
Watch Here

Also, email me and let's set up a Skype call if you want to talk person to person about what we can do in our own lives to create more luck.

In some ways, I was born lucky. I've had one of the greatest grandmothers anyone could ever wish for. No one has done more to center me and teach me about art, perseverance, hard work, and making our own luck every day than my grandma. She taught me to find my giggles even in the darkest of times.

My dear friend Nathan Meier recently presented me with this lovely oil painting that he painted of my grandma Grace Ruth Block. Thank you Nate. It is a beautiful gift that I will treasure forever.

Read Obituary Here

When it is time for your group to gather and play, remember that I am available for corporate banquets, trade shows, morning energizer meetings, and events. I'm never too busy for your referrals.

Your friend,
-Paul Draper
paul@mentalmysteries.com
801-541-2976

Websites:
wwww.PaulWDraper.com
www.MentalMysteries.com
www.AnthropologyOffice.com
www.helpinghospitalsheal.com

Read more about Paul:
Paul Draper Mentalism (pdf)
Transformational Leadership with Paul Draper (pdf)

"Things happen to you out of luck, and if you get to stick around it's because you're talented"
-Whoopi Goldberg

"Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but its everything in between that makes it all worth living."
-Bob Marley

Private event
Las Vegas, Nevada
December 24th

Jeremy Ranch Private Club
Park City, Utah
Dec 31st - January 1st

Flagship Credit
Las Vegas, Nevada
January 8th - 10th

Utah Theater Festival
St. George, Utah
January 12th - 14th

Magic Castle
Hollywood, California
January 19th - 22nd

USANA
Salt Lake City, Utah
January 25th

Impossible Theater
Reno, California
January 26th - 27th

Private Corporate
Las Vegas, Nevada
January 30th

First National of Nebraska
February 2nd

Wilcox Theater
Wilcox, Arizona
February 4th

Winthrop-University Hospital
Mineola, NY
February 16th

Cortland Repertory Theater
Cortland, New York
February 18th

Monday Night Magic
New York, New York
February 20th

GalaxyFest
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 24th - 26th

Fan X
Salt Lake City, Utah
March 17th - 18th

Salt Lake Magic Jam
Salt Lake City, Utah
March 17th - 19th

Westminster College
Salt Lake City, Utah
April 12th

State Capitol Rotunda
Salt Lake City, Utah
April 21st

Weber School District Keynote
St. George, Utah
May 12th

Snow Canyon High School
St. George, Utah
May 23rd

UK Tour
June

Soapy Smith Night
Hollywood, California
July 9th

Butte Fair
Butte, Montana
August 3 - 5

To find out more about my corporate lectures and workshops download this .pdf
Transformational Leadership with Paul Draper

Or PaulDraperManagement@Gmail.com

Mr. Grinch

Christmas isn't Christmas without The Grinch. So, to get everyone in the holiday spirit, I found a Karaoke track and gave it a try. Recorded with my iPhone in 1 take at 3am. Enjoy. (Some friends have listened to this and have said they didn't recognize my voice).

Watch Here

Podcast Interview

I was recently interviewed on a podcast for theaters, event producers, and performers who create ticketed events. They asked me about working in theaters around the country. Give it a listen if you are interested in performing in performing arts centers:

Listen on the Well Attended website:
Here