Nationally recognized magician to perform at Casino Theatre
Oct. 20—Spending countless hours practicing magic in his bedroom as a youngster growing up in West Kittanning paid off for Tim Kutch.
"I'd lock myself in my room practicing my magic tricks and then test them out on my family," said Kutch, 39.
Kutch, a practicing minister and part-time professional master magician, is scheduled to perform a family-friendly magic show Saturday at the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift.
"It's great to have Tim back with us at the Casino Theatre," said volunteer Brady Bottegal, who also serves as its director of technology. "Tim is great to work with, and we've exchanged ideas on how to make this show really special."
Kutch specializes in performing magic and serving as a keynote speaker nationally at corporate events.
The West Kittanning resident has performed in Las Vegas, California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Chicago and Canada.
His magic shows consist of close-up strolling magic, mind-reading, parlor (smaller crowds, more intimate setting), customized stage, illusion and traditional stand-up shows.
Kutch said he was drawn to magic as a youngster and would constantly watch magic shows on television.
"I got a magic kit for Christmas when I was about 6, and I would visit the library and read up on magic," Kutch said. "I've always loved getting the reactions from people and love bringing that sense of awe and amazement and a sense of childlike wonder."
Kutch graduated from the former Kittanning High School in 2003 and earned a bachelor's degree in education from Clarion University, but never taught beyond occasional substitute teaching gigs.
Instead, Kutch pursued religious studies and graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio with a master of divinity degree in 2012.
Kutch currently serves as pastor at First Baptist Church of Ford City.
"This works best because I have a family with a wife and three young boys," Kutch said of balancing his two professional callings.
The audience can expect to see illusions close-up, thanks to a large overhead screen and strategically placed cameras in the theater.
"It's a new approach for us, but we think it will be an interesting presentation. It'll be a great lead-in to Halloween," Bottegal said.
Kutch performed casually on-set for celebrity actor Matt Damon while cast as an extra in the movie "Promised Land," which was filmed in Western Pennsylvania.
Additionally, he has performed for the Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL superstars Justin Forsett and Courtney Upshaw.
After performing magic professionally for more than 20 years, Kutch has adjusted his magic acts.
"Recently, my shows are more interactive and organic, where I'm using some ordinary objects like an audience-goer's money, playing cards or reading their mind/mentalism.
"People are more impressed with magic when it's up-close and in their hand rather than it's like an odd-looking prop or box," Kutch said. "I want to make magic more modern and relatable and have a contemporary feel to it."
Kutch attended and competed internationally in magic competitions.
"I would learn from other magicians," Kutch said. "Then, I was invited to perform in Las Vegas, and I studied with famous Canadian magician Greg Frewin."
Kutch said the hand, in fact, can be faster than the eye when it comes to magic tricks and that can bring people together.
"The show is family friendly and it's a fun evening of entertainment for all ages. I like magic because it breaks down barriers — no matter your age, language barriers or background," Kutch said.
Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .
