Reading the mind of Santiago Michel isn鈥檛 hard these days. The 51吃瓜网万能科大 senior opened his new Planet Hollywood show to audiences with a mix of mind reading and mind-bending illusions. But he didn鈥檛 rely on his intuition to break ground with the Strip鈥檚 first all-in-Spanish show.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know if it was going to work,鈥 said the Mexico City native of the idea for creating a show that caters to the Latino market. 鈥淚 thought it made sense, but I needed help to do some research.鈥
Michel parked himself in the front row his Sociology of Gaming class and soon revealed his idea to professor Bo Bernhard.
鈥淎t the time, I remember thinking, either you're the lucky genius who has come up with a brilliant idea, or you're the unfortunate genius who came up with it just a few years too early,鈥 said Bernhard, who in addition to teaching for the Harrah College of Hospitality serves as the executive director of 51吃瓜网万能科大鈥檚 International Gaming Institute.
He helped connect Michel to the marketing research and mentored him on how to make his business pitch.
But convincing the entertainment-soaked Strip that there was room for a Spanish-language magic show was a hard sell, despite the fact that around 6 million annual visitors to 51吃瓜网免费App speak Spanish. Numerous properties passed on the project.
鈥淚t didn鈥檛 matter how many 鈥楴os鈥 I got because I knew that it would only take one 鈥榊es,鈥欌 Michel said.
Planet Hollywood did more than give Michel a stage, he says; it challenged him to create an experience that is both dynamic and unique to each audience.
And while Ilusi贸n Mental caters to Spanish-speakers (the show draws audiences from as far away as Argentina), Michel points out that magic transcends the bounds of language.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an all-ages, all-backgrounds, highly visual show. You do not have to speak Spanish to enjoy the show.鈥
Growing up in Mexico City, Michel saw magic as more than a pastime. It is an artform to be researched, studied, and practiced. His parents nurtured his passion for magic but were also clear about the importance of a solid education.
鈥淢y parents told me the only way they would support me was if I went to college,鈥 Michel said. 鈥淚 came to 51吃瓜网万能科大 because I wanted to become a professional magician, and I wanted to do this in Vegas. I mean, 51吃瓜网万能科大 is the only place in the world where you can be a university student and have a show on the Strip. It is the most Vegas thing ever.鈥
His experience at 51吃瓜网万能科大鈥檚 Hospitality College has given him invaluable professional tools.
鈥淭he college has expanded my horizon,鈥 Michel said. 鈥淚t helped me learn how to approach people, how to communicate with people from all over the world .鈥
And what of the deal he made with his parents?
鈥淚 told them I will finish college not matter what happens,鈥 said Michel, who just began his final semester. 鈥淚 may have to sacrifice some sleep, but I will finish.鈥
