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Magician performs tricks, teaches class at Hampton Library Hampton-Richland Eagle Shawn Andreassi, Eagle Staff Writer April 22, 1994 “Pick a card, any card,” and magician Tom Interval will somehow guess which one it was. Interval was at the Hampton Community Library Wednesday giving lessons to 15 would-be young magicians. He has been practicing magic since the age of six when his parents bought him a magic kit. He said from there, his love for it took off. “I would go to the library and read about it as much as I could. Harry Houdini was the first person I read about. After that, I just practiced and practiced,” he said. Interval said he enjoys teaching in libraries because of how much he learned in them. “I like libraries. And I try to inspire kids to read as much as they can,” he said. Although this was Interval’s first trip to Hampton Library, it’s not the first time a magician has been there. Librarian Margy Mitnick said she discovered Interval after learning the previous magician had retired. “I called the last magician we had and he no longer performed. So I asked him if he knew of anyone who might be interested, and he recommended Tom for the job,” she said. Interval, 27, is a full-time student at La Roche College where he is studying professional writing. He hopes to one day use his skills to write a book about magic. “I will never give up magic. I will always do it. But I want to get a job in writing and then one day write a magic book,” he said. The classes at Hampton Library will be held each Wednesday for three weeks. Each child is pre-registered for the classes. Interval said he plans to teach the children magic tricks that can be done with household items. One trick will be taught each session. “I want to teach the children a trick that they can easily do; a trick that doesn’t need a gimmick to be performed,” he said. Most kids in the audience know very little about magic and are taking the classes out of curiosity. Twelve-year-old Matt Zanin hasn’t made up his mind about magic yet. “I’m a little interested in magic. I’ve never tried it before but I think I’d like to learn,” he said. Others in the crowd are old-hands in the art of magic. “I like magic a lot. I have my own magic set. Sometimes I even teach other kids how to do tricks. I think I can figure some of these tricks out,” Kurt Steigerwald, 12, said. Librarian Margy Mitnick said she is pleased with the response to the classes and more may be on the way. “I think it’s terrific. I’m really pleased with it. I would be happy to do it again if Mr. Interval would like to,” she said. To learn more, contact Tom now. Back to Top