Peter Kenneth Wood is a magician[2] and "Collector of the Impossible"[3] based in Maryland.

Peter Wood
Born (1984-07-23) July 23, 1984 (age 40)
Frederick, Maryland, United States
EducationUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County UMBC[1]
Occupation(s)Magician, illusionist
Known forImpossible objects, corporate entertainment, special effects design


3rd Place Experience Camps MD Talent Show 2024 (behind KK the artist and Bunkstreet Boys)
Websitecollectoroftheimpossible.com

Peter began performing professionally in 1994.[4] In 2003, his work with Immersion Active (an interactive design and marketing company in Frederick, Maryland) gained the attention of local media,[5][6] and won him a Silver Addy Award[7] from the Greater Frederick American Advertising Federation.[8]

Peter, then assisted by his brother Matt, was profiled in a 2009 Frederick News-Post article,[9] where Peter discusses his interest in magic as well as special effects. "'When I would play as a kid, it would usually involve setting up special effects in the backyard with a sprinkler and strobe light, or putting on a show in the basement with sound effects and lighting.'"[9] Peter's childhood interest in special effects has led to his involvement behind the scenes of several films.[10]

In 2010, Peter worked with the education department of the International Spy Museum to create an exclusive spy-themed magic show, "The Magic of Spying: Tradecraft Trickery."[11] It premiered in April, 2011.[12] Peter also appears in an interactive video exhibit, which premiered when the International Spy Museum moved to L'Enfant Plaza on May 12, 2019.[13]

Peter Wood partnered with Technica.ly in 2014 for Baltimore Innovation Week.[14] In October 2020, he was profiled in the Washington Business Journal for his virtual shows.[15]

He has appeared twice on Penn & Teller: Fool Us on The CW Network, first on January 29, 2021 (Season 7, Episode 18) and later on November 11, 2022 (Season 9, Episode 5).

Peter's first Fool Us appearance featured a painting which appeared to give host Alyson Hannigan x-ray vision. His second involved a series of lights and switches that seem to know what Alyson Hannigan is thinking.

After his first appearance, Penn Jillette said "I don’t think we’ve ever said this before on the show: it was really, really enjoyable to do your thinking along with you.”[16]

When not performing, Peter's specific skillset has led him to design and consult for film projects, theatrical productions, and his fellow performers.[17] His work has appeared in several film festivals,[18] and on stages in Sweden, Brunei, Las Vegas, New York, and at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.[19]

Peter resides in Mount Airy, Maryland[20] with his wife and daughter.

References

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  1. ^ "Building the Magic". 29 January 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  2. ^ "Magicians, the gathering: Local conjurers swap tips and tricks". Washington Post.
  3. ^ Neibauer, Michael (19 October 2020). "Meet the area magician and 'Collector of the Impossible' who's taken his act virtual". Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  4. ^ "Columbia Conjurors keep the magic alive - Baltimore Sun". Archived from the original on 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2015-02-19.
  5. ^ "A magical approach to selling products". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011.
  6. ^ "College student offers the magic of marketing". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011.
  7. ^ "Magician Peter Wood wins Silver Addy Award". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011.
  8. ^ "AAF Greater Frederick". AAF Greater Frederick.
  9. ^ a b "Magic that transcends logic and age". Archived from the original on July 11, 2011.
  10. ^ "Peter Wood". IMDb.
  11. ^ "Upcoming Events · Calendar". Spy Museum.
  12. ^ "International Spy Museum Washington, D.C. Daily Deals and Discounts | LivingSocial". Archived from the original on 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2015-02-19.
  13. ^ "This Sunday: Spy Museum's Grand Opening in l'Enfant Plaza". 9 May 2019.
  14. ^ "Partners — Baltimore Innovation Week 2014". 2014.baltimoreinnovationweek.com.
  15. ^ Neibauer, Michael (19 October 2020). "Meet the area magician and 'Collector of the Impossible' who's taken his act virtual". Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  16. ^ "Peter Wood Gives Alyson Hannigan X-Ray Vision - Penn & Teller: Fool Us - Season 7 Episode 18". YouTube.
  17. ^ "Peter Wood - the International Brotherhood of Magicians".
  18. ^ "Peter Wood". IMDb.
  19. ^ "Risks paying off for UMBC theater". 25 March 2004.
  20. ^ Panuska, Mallory (January 27, 2021). "From fan to 'fooler': Frederick County magician attempts to stump famous magic duo Penn & Teller on national TV". The Frederick News-Post.
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