Rob Lake
{{short description|American magician and illusionist (born 1982)}}
{{Infobox person
| name=Rob Lake
| image=
| caption=
| birth_date={{birth date and age|df=y|1982|12|30}}
| birth_place= Norman, Oklahoma
| death_place =
| occupation=Magician, illusionist
| spouse=
| children=
| website={{URL|http://www.roblake.com}}
| footnotes=
}}
Rob Lake (born December 30, 1982) is an American magician and illusionist known for his original grand illusions and elaborate theatrical interactive performances. Rob Lake was a quarter-finalist on America's Got Talent (season 13) in 2018. Rob has performed his illusion shows in over 60 countries: all over the US, Japan, The Middle East, Australia, Europe, Dubai, South Africa, and Thailand. He currently performs his show on television, in casinos, and theaters around the world.
Career
Rob Lake became interested in magic at age 10 when he saw the Kirby VanBurch show in Branson, Missouri. VanBurch soon became Rob's mentor along with another Oklahoma magician, Jim Smithson.
In 2005 at age 22, Rob embarked on his first international tour, performing in Japan for several months. Back in the US, Rob started performing his theatrical show for casinos and cruise ships, including Disney Cruise Line and Holland America Line.{{cite web|url=http://issuu.com/normantranscript/docs/norman_ja13_web/61?e=1214835%2F3996499 |title=Norman Magazine - July/August by The Norman Transcript |date=11 July 2013 |publisher=ISSUU |access-date=2013-12-09}}
In 2008 Rob became the youngest magician ever to receive a Merlin Award as the International Stage Magician of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.imsmagic.com/merlin_award_recipients.php |title=Merlin Award Recipients |publisher=Imsmagic.com |access-date=2013-12-09}}{{cite web |author=Anonymous |url=http://www.normantranscript.com/local/x519017531/Norman-magician-Rob-Lake-captures-Merlin-Award |title=Norman magician Rob Lake captures Merlin Award » Local news |publisher=The Norman Transcript |date=2008-05-22 |access-date=2013-12-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140606140642/http://www.normantranscript.com/local/x519017531/Norman-magician-Rob-Lake-captures-Merlin-Award |archive-date=2014-06-06 }}
Rob Lake performed several of his illusions for the international program, Great Magicians of the World that aired internationally in 2008 & 2009.
Rob Lake has toured his show consistently at theatres and casinos in the US and abroad, spending at least 75% of his year on the road.{{cite web|url=http://archives.ecmpublishers.info/2010/11/03/a-night-of-magic-at-the-pac/ |title='A Night of Magic' at the PAC {{pipe}} News Archives |publisher=Archives.ecmpublishers.info |date=2010-11-03 |access-date=2014-06-06}}{{cite web|author=The Virginian-Pilot January 21, 2010 |url=http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/rob-lake-magic-show-rise |title=Rob Lake Magic Show is on the rise {{pipe}} HamptonRoads.com {{pipe}} PilotOnline.com |publisher=HamptonRoads.com |date=2010-01-21 |access-date=2014-06-06}} Rob Lake has performed across the US, from the Florida Keys to California. Notable performances include 3 tours in Japan, 4 tours in Europe including England, France, Germany, Norway, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, as well as Australia, Guam, Thailand, Hawaii, and even at The White House.{{cite web |author=Anonymous |url=http://www.normantranscript.com/entertainment/x546391304/Tricks-of-the-trade |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140606140616/http://www.normantranscript.com/entertainment/x546391304/Tricks-of-the-trade |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-06-06 |title=Tricks of the trade » Entertainment |publisher=The Norman Transcript |access-date=2013-12-09 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dennislarabee/2013/10/17/rob-lake--international-illusionist |title=Rob Lake - International Illusionist 10/17 by Job Talk Radio BC {{pipe}} Jobs Podcasts |publisher=Blogtalkradio.com |date=2013-10-17 |access-date=2014-06-06}}
In 2012, Rob Lake performed to great reviews at Harrah's Casino.{{cite web|url=http://neworleanslocal.com/harrahs-new-orleans-presents-le-royal-rouge-show-to-the-big-easy |title= Harrah's Presents Show to the Big Easy » Local news |publisher=New Orleans Local |date=2012-07-23 |access-date=2013-12-09}}{{cite web|last=Coviello |first=Will |url=http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/le-royal-rouge-show/Content?oid=2060497 |title=Review: Le Royal Rouge Show {{pipe}} Stage Previews and Reviews {{pipe}} Gambit - New Orleans News and Entertainment |publisher=Bestofneworleans.com |access-date=2014-06-06}}
On March 29, 2013, Rob Lake made an armored truck containing $1,000,000 cash magically appear outside of the FedEx Forum in Memphis TN in front of over 15,000 audience members.{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/armored-truck-magically-appears-in-downtown-memphis-to-launch-one-of-the-richest-casino-promotions-in-history-2013-04-01 |title=Armored Truck Magically Appears in Downtown Memphis to Launch One of the Richest Casino Promotions in History |publisher=MarketWatch |access-date=2013-12-09}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2013/03/15/caesars-tunica-offers-weekly-1.html |title=Caesars Tunica offers weekly $1 million jackpot - Memphis Business Journal |publisher=Bizjournals.com |date=2013-03-15 |access-date=2014-06-06}} Rob Lake created this illusion for Caesars Entertainment Corporation with less than 3 weeks notice as part of the summer promotion Millionaire Maker. Caesars was so impressed that they bought airtime and played video of the feat in Times Square and on the Las Vegas Strip.{{cite web|url=http://www.freemagicschool.com/armored-truck-amazingly-appears/ |title=Armored Truck Amazingly Appears |publisher=Freemagicschool.com |date=2013-05-01 |access-date=2014-06-06}}
Rob has performed his illusions on television. In 2013 Rob performed 8 illusions for Masters of Illusion (TV series) airing in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-revives-magic-show-masters-585645 |title=CW Revives Magic Show 'Masters of Illusion' |publisher=Hollywoodreporter.com |date=2013-07-16 |access-date=2013-12-09}}{{cite web|author=Rick Kissell @ratesrick |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/cw-sets-summer-timeslots-for-backpackers-other-new-shows-1201159107/ |title=CW Sets Summer Timeslots for 'Backpackers,' Other New Shows |publisher=Variety |date=2014-04-17 |access-date=2014-06-06}}{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Scoop-MASTERS-OF-ILLUSION-on-THE-CW-Friday-August-1-2014-20140716#.U8lCmYBdVHp|title=Scoop: MASTERS OF ILLUSION on THE CW - Friday, August 1, 2014|first=TV|last=Scoop}}
Rob Lake was featured on Elizabeth Stanton's Great Big World syndicated television series in 2013 and 2014.
Rob Lake is known for his large scale illusions and theatrical presentations at theatres and casinos around the world. In April 2014 Rob Lake brought his grand scale illusions to Resorts World New York City Casino.{{cite web|url=http://theaterlife.com/node/11430 |title=Rob Lake at Resorts |publisher=theaterlife.com |date=2014-05-31 |access-date=2014-06-06}}
Rob Lake appeared nightly at the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey in July and August 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.trumptaj.com/entertainment/the-magic-of-rob-lake-,default_viewItem_3181-en.html |title=Atlantic City Entertainment {{pipe}} Atlantic City Clubs & Nightlife {{pipe}} Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey |publisher=Trumptaj.com |date=2010-10-22 |access-date=2014-06-06}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/arts-and-entertainment/features/Masterful-Magician-Rob-Lake-266766531.html |title=Masterful Magician Rob Lake | Features | Arts & Entertainment | Atlantic City Weekly |access-date=2014-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725203213/http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/arts-and-entertainment/features/Masterful-Magician-Rob-Lake-266766531.html |archive-date=2014-07-25 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/Illusionist-Rob-Lake-Makes-Home-at-Atlantic-Citys-Trump-Taj-Mahal-and-Shoots-New-CW-series-20140724#.U9E83oBdVHq|title=Illusionist Rob Lake Makes Home at Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal and Shoots New CW series|author=BWW News Desk}}
The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in Nassau, Bahamas has announced that Rob Lake will appear nightly June through September, 2015 in the Atlantis Theatre.{{Cite web |url=http://www.atlantisbahamas.com/events/rob-lake-june |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-05-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425055715/http://www.atlantisbahamas.com/events/rob-lake-june |archive-date=2015-04-25 |url-status=dead }} After a sold-out summer, Rob Lake was extended to perform his production at the Atlantis Resort through fall, 2016.
In 2016–2017, Rob Lake performed nightly at Harrah's Lake Tahoe.{{cite web|url=https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/casino/article120948378.html|title=What will Rob Lake make disappear at Harrah's Tahoe?|first=Mel|last=Shields|date=14 December 2016|via=Sacramento Bee}}
Rob Lake to return to the Atlantis Resort in the summer of 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.atlantisbahamas.com|title=Atlantis - Paradise Island Bahamas|website=www.atlantisbahamas.com}}
Rob Lake was a featured act and quarter-finalist on season 13 of America's Got Talent, where approximately 60-million people saw him on the initial broadcasts, and over 16 million more have watched his performances on online videos.{{Cite web|url=https://newsok.com/article/5602529/video-oklahoma-illusionist-rob-lake-advances-to-americas-got-talent-live-shows-as-fellow-okie-olivia-munn-is-guest-judge|title = Video: Oklahoma illusionist Rob Lake advances to 'America's Got Talent' live shows as fellow Okie Olivia Munn is guest judge|date = 24 July 2018}}
= Operation Magic =
Rob Lake performs an annual multi-month-long international tour to entertain US military, bringing magic to troops and their families overseas. Rob Lake brings his shows to troops stationed at bases in remote areas in Europe and the Pacific, and donates of magic tricks to the troops and their families.{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/55633/Illusionist_dazzles_audiences_during_Armed_Forces_Entertainment_tour/ |title=Illusionist dazzles audiences during Armed Forces Entertainment tour {{pipe}} Article {{pipe}} The United States Army |date=28 April 2011 |publisher=Army.mil |access-date=2014-06-06}}{{cite web|url=http://www.armedforcesentertainment.com/roblake2014.htm |title=Armed Forces Entertainment |publisher=Armed Forces Entertainment |access-date=2014-06-06}}
= Oklahoma Benefit Shows =
On August 24, 2013, Rob Lake performed a benefit show in his hometown of Norman, Oklahoma to raise funds and awareness for local charity groups helping the thousands of pets left homeless after the tornado outbreak of May 18–21, 2013.{{cite web |author=None |url=http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/event-54580-rob-lake.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140606140715/http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/event-54580-rob-lake.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-06-06 |title=Rob Lake |publisher=Okgazette.com |access-date=2013-12-09 }} Will Sealy of Houston, TX was selected to join Rob on stage during the Norman benefit show, assisting in several illusions.
After the performance, Rob Lake was recognized with a citation from the Oklahoma House of Representatives praising Rob for his commitment to helping the citizens and animals of Oklahoma.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.587264967999794.1073741828.587221028004188&type=1 |title=Second Chance Animal Sanctuary |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2014-06-06}}
Rob Lake was also recognized on Oklahoma Magazine's 40 under 40 list{{cite web|last=Mattox |first=Jami |url=http://www.okmag.com/2014/03/26/40-under-40/21/ |title=40 Under 40 – Oklahoma Magazine - Page 21 |publisher=Okmag.com |date=2014-03-26 |access-date=2014-06-06}}
In 2017 and 2018, Rob Lake returned to his hometown of Norman, Oklahoma to again raise funds for local animal shelters and organizations.{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/article/5533386 |title=Illusionist Rob Lake to perform home-state benefit show Jan. 25 |date=6 January 2017 |publisher=NewsOK }}
Rob Lake is joined in his performances and traveling by his own rescue dog, a Yorkshire Terrier mutt named Roger.
[[Magic Consultant]]
In addition to performing, Rob Lake designs and creates special effects and illusions for film, TV, plays and musicals.
Over 2.6 million people saw Rob Lake's illusions on Season 2 of Necessary Roughness (TV series){{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/07/12/wednesday-cable-ratings-espy-awards-win-night-royal-pains-dallas-necessary-roughness-baby-daddy-melissa-joey-more/141312/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716054440/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/07/12/wednesday-cable-ratings-espy-awards-win-night-royal-pains-dallas-necessary-roughness-baby-daddy-melissa-joey-more/141312/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-16 |title=Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Espy Awards' Win Night, 'Royal Pains', 'Dallas', 'Necessary Roughness', 'Baby Daddy', 'Melissa & Joey' & More - Ratings {{pipe}} TVbytheNumbers |publisher=Zap2it |date=2012-07-12 |access-date=2013-12-09}}{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2393161/fullcredits|title="Necessary Roughness" Mr. Irrelevant (TV Episode 2012)|via=www.imdb.com}}
Rob Lake has designed and created the magic onstage for over 1,000 productions of Disney's Beauty and the Beast around the world, dozens of productions of The Phantom of the Opera, and numerous other productions including Shrek the Musical, A Christmas Carol, Peter Pan, The Woman in Black, The Wizard of Oz and more.{{cite web |url=http://www.schweinfurt.army.mil/news/archives/newspage_3335.htm |title=Magician Rob Lake to perform in Bamberg and Ansbach {{pipe}} USAG Schweinfurt |publisher=Schweinfurt.army.mil |date=2012-10-23 |access-date=2014-06-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140606140621/http://www.schweinfurt.army.mil/news/archives/newspage_3335.htm |archive-date=2014-06-06 }}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|5155046}}
- {{Official website|http://www.roblake.com}}
{{America's Got Talent}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lake, Rob}}