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Kevin Spencer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kevin Spencer (born December 15) is an American illusionist and magician. He and his wife, Cindy, are professionally known as The Spencers. They are among the world’s most recognized magical entertainers with performances throughout the U.S., in 28 countries on six continents. In 2015, they were the recipients of the Milbourne Christopher Award by the Society of American Magicians recognizing their unique contributions to the art of magic. In 2009, they were bestowed the Merlin Award for International Magicians of the Year joining the ranks of Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Criss Angel, and Penn & Teller. Among their many other accolades, they have also been named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year an amazing six times, holding the title longer than any other performers. Critics have hailed them as “modern day Houdini’s” (Vail Daily News, CO) that “reach beyond the realms of a magic show and into the world of theatrical spectacle!” (Star Telegram, TX)

The Spencers travel the globe with one of the largest, most successful, and most spectacular touring illusion productions in the world. Working with their industry’s leading inventors, designers, writers, and directors they bring their audiences original presentations and never-before-seen illusions that touch not only their viewers inquisitive minds but their hearts as well. Entertainers come and go but few leave behind a lasting impression on their audience or their art. The Spencers are one of those rare exceptions.

The Spencers retired their full illusion production in May 2015 to pursue the work of their non-profit, Hocus Focus.

Spencer is an Educator, Researcher, Writer, and world-renowned Illusionist with dozens of accolades to his credit including 2009 International Magician of the Year and six- time recipient of Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year. He believes strongly in the power of the arts to impact the quality of people’s lives. He is the founder of the HEALING OF MAGIC program and is widely considered the leading authority on the therapeutic use of magic tricks in physical and psychosocial rehabilitation. When he is not touring the world with his illusion production, he is Adjunct Faculty in the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Alabama in Birmingham where he is engaged in research and continuing education. He has conducted numerous workshops around the world for therapists, psychologist, physicians, researchers, and rehabilitation specialists. Spencer’s magic trick- based work has been featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, HEALTH magazine, TODAY in OT, the Journal of Hand Therapy, and the Washington Post. Spencer also holds a Certification in Autism Studies. His groundbreaking research on the educational benefits of integrating magic tricks into the classroom for all students, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental/Cognitive Delays, has been published in the Journal of the International Association of Special Education and the Journal of the International Society for Teacher Education. His program, HOCUS FOCUS, has had an international impact on education. He has presented research at numerous education conferences world-wide including DISES 2013 (Tobago), Seale-Hayne (UK), the East Asian International Conference on Teacher Education Research (Hong Kong), the International Society for Teacher Education Seminar (Norway), the International Scientific Conference on Rehabilitation and Education (Belarus), and the International Association for Special Education Conference (Namibia and Vancouver). For his humanitarian endeavors, he was given the Harry Chapin Award for Contributions to Humanity.