David Parr is an actor, director, author and magician who has been fascinated by the strange and mysterious since childhood. When not performing magic for corporate events and private parties, David devotes his time to theatrical endeavors. These generally share two important qualities: a distinctly offbeat sensibility and an emphasis on history or literature. Projects have included directing Swoop, a surrealist take on Bram Stoker's Dracula; appearing in Pirandello's classic play about madness and deception, Henry IV; and writing and directing a re-creation of a Victorian-era funeral for Final Respects, a citywide exhibition featured in the Chicago Tribune. Around Halloween, David can be found haunting stately old mansions with original shows such as Visions of Poe, an interactive journey into the tales and poems of Edgar Allan Poe.

Among magicians, David Parr is best known for his writing and teaching skills. In addition to providing hands-on instruction and guidance to magicians across the United States -- including at Hollywood's prestigious Magic Castle -- David's thoughtful writings have been featured in many of the leading magic publications, such as The Linking Ring, The Magic Menu, and Genii, the International Conjuror's Magazine, as well as publications in Germany, France, Australia, and Sweden. David's first book for magicians, Brain Food, was published by Hermetic Press in 1998 and went on to become a magical bestseller. His latest book is The Magic Mirror, co-written with former Professor of Psychology and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York, Dr. Robert E. Neale.