Oldenburg student Jan Sommer earns money alongside his studies with magic - an art that he believes is often underestimated.
When Jan Sommer sits in the lecture theatre, he can rarely keep his fingers still. "I always have a pack of cards with me," says the 22-year-old, who is studying Economics and Computing Science at the University of Oldenburg. Other students may be looking at their mobile phones or staring into the air when their attention wanders. Sommer uses his listening time to swap packs of cards with his fingers at breathtaking speed, conjure up playing cards or turn shopping lists into banknotes. "I practise every day," he reports. He regularly demonstrates his amazing tricks to fellow students, and is particularly keen to engage new friends as spectators.
Sommer's passion is the art of magic. The student from Varel, currently in his fifth bachelor's semester, has perfected his skills to such an extent that he is booked for performances several times a month. In the run-up to Christmas, he sometimes performed four times a week - at company parties, family celebrations or club events. Last year, he spent six weeks on a cruise ship entertaining the passengers. "It's great to be able to put people in a good mood," says Sommer. At the age of ten, he was already performing magic tricks at children's birthday parties, and later he performed at the Christmas market in Varel. In the meantime, the young man has specialised in close-up magic: During his performances, Sommer joins the audience at the table and uses objects such as rings or keys that everyone has with them - or even playing cards, which he always carries with him.
A lot of work goes into the amazing tricks
A student who is a magician - that surprises many people: "When I say that I do magic, most people don't believe it at first. I look pretty normal." In fact, the slim, tall young man is not particularly noticeable when he walks through the university canteen in Oldenburg: dark blonde hair, black jeans, dark jumper, an open smile. He doesn't wear a flashy outfit on stage either. "Many people tend to think of a magician as someone who conjures rabbits out of a hat and saws up virgins with theatrical gestures while wearing a top hat and tails," he says.
But this image is outdated, says Sommer. For him, magic is a real art - one that involves a lot of work. "My stage programme is like a little play. It can take several months to work out a routine," he reports. That's how long it takes to find the right music, optimise routines and practise new techniques. Many of them he thought about himself, others he learnt from books or DVDs. Last November, he won first place at the Magischer Kreis Oldenburg magic gala, and in September he wants to qualify for the Magica 2020 - the German Championship of Magic, which will take place next year.
Contrast programme to magic
With so many activities, his studies sometimes take a back seat. Jan Sommer accepts the fact that it will probably take him one or two semesters longer than usual to complete his bachelor's degree. "Computing Science and Economics are a good contrast programme to magic, I really enjoy studying," he says. The student does not yet know whether magic will play a role in his academic appointment, or whether magic and economics can be combined. However, he is certain that his hobby will teach him many things that are also important in his professional life, especially psychology and understanding people. After all, anyone who has mastered the art of illusion knows how to distract an audience. And how to say something to achieve a certain effect - a skill that is just as important for managers as it is for magicians.
