Biography

Mickey Mars started learning magic at age five from his “Grandpa Mickey” who performed sleight of hand and illusions throughout Ireland and parts of northern Europe. Mickey Mars expanded on his knowledge by continuing to study the craft of magic from his grandfather’s friends and eventually audtitoned and became a member of the world famous Magic Castle, home of the Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences, in Hollywood, California, to study under some of the world’s most respected magicians.In addition to Mickey’s lifelong passion for ancient magical mysteries, Mickey has pursued other areas of study which help him to create magical performances that are truly unique, extremely engaging, and very memorable.

While majoring in science and minoring in literature at the University of California, Davis, Mickey was performing his magical acts in addition to working on an ambulance as an emergency medical technician and gaining experience working in an environmental science and toxicology laboratory. After graduating from U.C. Davis with a B.S. degree in Microbiology, Mickey attended graduate school at California State University and U.C.L.A. as well as South Baylo, southern California’a largest and most prestigious Chinese medical school, to study the ancient arts and sciences of acupuncture and alternative medicine; it was here that Mickey, already an accomplished martial artist, also had the chance to further explore the higher levels of the disciplines of Tai Qi and Qigong.

Mickey was awarded his fully certified permanent teaching license from the State of California and spent ten years teaching science at the middle school, adult school, and high school levels, including five years at the country’s largest high school in downtown Los Angeles. Teaching by day and performing and conducting advanced studies in magic by night and weekends, Mickey earned an award-winning recognition among his peers by formulating his highly acclaimed educational and motivational programs which combine solid, time-tested teaching techniques with different areas of the entertainment world including magic, music, children’s literature, theater, and puppetry. Mickey’s Golden Rabbit Programs, which have been described as a sort of “Sesame Street meets Bill Nye the Science Guy” type of programs, inspire students with clear and positive messages at school assemblies, daycares, and libraries.

After traveling to more than 25 states in search of a place to call home, Mickey and his wife Yang decided on the Ithaca area with its friendly college town atmosphere and the serenity of the Finger Lakes region to purchase a home and raise their twin sons.

Currently Mickey, who is a member of the country’s oldest magician’s association, the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.), a social order which Harry Houdini served ten years as president, the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.), which traces its lineage back to the golden magical times of King Arthur and Merlin, and KIDABRA INTERNATIONAL, the leading association of family and kidshow entertainers, enjoys spending time with his family and sharing the performances of his magical mysteries at social gatherings and educational institutions. Mickey says that his overriding mission and philosophy is simple: “I believe that I was born to perform magic and that I was put on this Earth to help others learn and enjoy life!”