1-02-2025 1:53pm

Illusionist Creates Wonder and Finds Connection at WCBDD

LYNCHBURG, OH-- Illusionist Jake Lindsey, 28, spends every waking moment practicing and performing magic tricks. He aims to create the “wow factor,”- the sense of awe and amazement that his illusions inspire.

Watching the crowd of individuals served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD), it’s clear the wow factor isn’t just a catchphrase. As Lindsey performs, the captivated audience gasps and applauds while he shows off his rare skillset.

He knows hundreds of tricks, but performs about 20 per show. From card tricks to making objects levitate, Lindsey knows how to keep a crowd entertained. His shows also prove to be the perfect atmosphere to show off his quick wit, keeping the audience on their toes and occasionally improving when the trick doesn’t go as planned.

Rhonda Schutte, WCBDD Community Integration Coordinator, said Lindsey brings his authenticity and professionalism to every performance at WCBDD. She said the audience looks forward to every engaging and heartfelt show.

“He’s improved tremendously. From his first show to now, he’s rehearsed, and he goes back and really tries to look at his videotape to see how to improve,” Schutte said. “He takes his performance very seriously.”

Although the young illusionist has performed at festivals, birthday parties, churches, schools, and even a funeral, he said he feels at home performing in front of individuals served by WCBDD because of his shared experience with disability.

At 10 years old, Lindsey started practicing magic tricks to help with the impacts of his disability. His hands were stiff, and he had to move more to improve his mobility. He received a deck of cards to practice tricks with, and he never put them back down.

He performed his first trick 18 years ago, his first public show 17 years ago, and his first stage show two years ago. His reach has grown significantly in recent years, performing about 300 shows in 2024.

He stages each show independently, only needing transportation to and from the gig. He organizes each performance, practices the tricks, sets up the stage, and creates the background music. Each show is curated to be original and unique.

“If it’s the same audience, I don’t want them seeing the same thing, because they’re expecting what’s going to happen,” Lindsey said.

Although he typically doesn’t disclose his disability during shows, he said he likes to be open at WCBDD shows because he recognizes that he’s in an accepting environment. He has performed four times in Warren County and plans to continue performing whenever possible.

His magic has helped him in ways he’s never imagined, including becoming better at socializing and communicating. He describes himself as shy and anxious off stage, but he gains confidence while performing, transforming into an over-the-top performer. By the time the show is over, he is warmed up to speak with audience members and take pictures with excited guests.

Direct Support Provider Ciera Balkema began working with Lindsey last year. She said Lindsey is constantly practicing magic and sharing his skills in the community. During shows, she said he is an expert at thinking on his feet and improvising when needed.

“With your disability, [magic] gets you out into the world, puts you in new situations. You get to think on your feet and be independent,” Balkema said. “A lot of people know who [Lindsey is]. A lot of people love him, and love who he is and his shows because he’s just such a genuine, kind-hearted person, and that’s hard to come by.”

Contact Jake Lindsey at (513) 519-8220 or jakeroblindsey@gmail.com.
For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.