He has thirteen years of experience as a magician and thirteen years of experience as an educator. Jim Lenz has performed magic for audiences in excess of one-thousand guests during a single performance as well as for smaller and more intimate group settings. He will custom-design his show around your specific group needs. He includes audience participation as part of his show.      Jim grew up in a family of seven. He was the youngest of four sons and has a younger sister.  Jim competed in football, basketball, track and baseball while attending West Bend West High School (two high schools in one building - West Bend West and West Bend East, strange, huh?). He attended the University of Wisconsin-Washington County (he played basketball and was the goal keeper on the WI Junior College Association state champion soccer team) for two years. In 1996, Jim received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He also served as a community advisor while attending UW-SP.  Soon he earned his Master of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2001. Jim worked as a conservationist for the Land Conservation Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His passion, though, was teaching students (science). He had a great time working in south central WI for four years. It was his first year as a teacher, though, when he unexpectantly discovered his passion for magic.      So, what is the connection between magic and starfish? In Jim's life, it meant quite a lot. During Jim's first year of teaching life science, he discovered one day that he was short one dozen starfish. The echinoderms were needed for dissection by his students the next day, and he was a little short. So Jim made the fifteen minute trip to the NASCO Supply Company in Fort Atkinson to get a few more of those suction cupped and spiny skinned animals. While Jim was waiting in line he picked up the book, The Klutz Book of Magic. He thought magic would serve a s a source of enjoyment for students, so he bought it along with the dozen starfish. Immediately the magic was well received by his colleagues and students. Soon it became a mission for Jim to use magic as a tool to "sell" science. He worked hard to incorporate magic into the lessons to serve as an analogy towards science concepts and investigations. He found out that students became more excited and motivated to learn science, and students quickly developed a better understanding of science concepts.       It wasn't long before Jim began checking out books at libraries, purchasing books at bookstores, buying videos, attending workshops and conferences... all on the subject of MAGIC. His mentors in the field of magic are Lance Burton, Jeff McBride, David Copperfield, The Amazing Jonathan, and Michael Finney. He has seen and personally met many of the most talented magicians in the world. He even served a major role in one of David Copperfield's shows.      After Jim received his Master of Science Degree, he made the trek three hours to the north to Titletown USA. He has lived in the Green Bay area for nine years now. He currently teaches high school Lab Science in one of Green Bay area's finest school districts. Jim completed 30 graduate credits beyond his masters degree shortly after his move north.       Jim Lenz received the Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction Award in 2005 for Brown County.  He recently was named an awardee for the 2007-2008 Large Grants to Improve Teaching and Learning sponsored by the Institute for Learning Partnership.     Five years ago he married his beautiful bride Julie. They have two amazings girls.  Jim continues to work hard and enjoys creating magical memories for others. More illusions are designed and developed each and everyday. He will be releasing two books and two DVD's by the end of the year.He now is entering his twelfth year in teaching and MAGIC. In 2007, Jim has developed a series of completely original, exciting, and entertaining science shows. Audiences from five states have already seen the show. You will be treated to big demonstrations, crazy antics, lots of comedy, and                    simply amazing science. It is receiving remarkable reviews!      His list of venues include business functions/celebrations, resorts, schools, company picnics, community celebrations, libraries, private homes, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthday parties, county fairs, youth organizations, associations, restaurants, and other special events. Jim is a member of the Wisconsin Fair Association and the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers. Call now! (920) 606-2951