Daily Inspiration: Meet Mk Lebeaux

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mk Lebeaux

Hi MK, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m from a small town in Ohio where I had an early appreciation for the variety arts. My dad taught me to juggle in the mid-90’s with his old juggling props, which I now have with my current juggling props. I also had an encounter around the same time with a street magician at Taste of Cincinnati. He made coins appear from behind my ears and from out of thin air! Although I can picture the moment, I’m not certain who that was. Some say it might have been Shawn Eric or Cellini. Either way, those events played a huge role in developing my interest in magic and the variety arts. My first magic book (which I still have) used to belong to Bill “The Amazing” Shaner, an escape artist and magician. His wife Sandy used to operate Abracadabra Costume and Magic Shop in Dayton.

In my formative years I was drawn to all aspects of magic and used a variety of props. It wasn’t until my early 20’s when I ultimately had a particular focus in sleight of hand coin magic. Perhaps inspired by that performance in Cincinnati. I studied coin magic for years. So much so that some are surprised I ultimately abandoned it, but by 2018 I basically did just that. I was performing around Columbus at different venues, local comedy clubs, burlesque shows, and had my own show at the newly opened Two Dollar Radio HQ. For reasons unknown, I had this urge that was begging to explore ideas beyond what I was doing at the time. I didn’t know what that was going to be, or which direction it would go, but step by step it evolved into what would become a clowning act.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Comedy and tragedy go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. The most important thing is to keep moving.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a clown and multi-disciplined circus performer based in Columbus, Ohio. A silent, eccentric variety act that combines clowning, magic, and mime.

I’ve had the honor to appear everywhere from television, to the street, under canvas, in burlesque halls, on the stage, and at various festivals. Including recently performing at the 2024 International BorderLight Theatre Festival with my eccentric variety show Goes Without Saying. A 30-minute, 5-star rated performance that was reviewed as, “A beautiful show… I didn’t want it to end!” Goes Without Saying played this summer under Pinch & Squeal’s Wizbang Circus tent in the heart of the Playhouse Square District, the second largest contiguous theatre district in the United States.

Outside of my own show I have also been a part of larger ensembles in the theatre and performed as the featured clown in the sold-out and groundbreaking production of A Magic Flute Experience: The Temple by Opera Columbus and The People’s Circus, directed by Allegra Libonati and Que Jones. This production was an immersive, circus-themed, 21st-century revamp of Mozart’s final opera where I appeared in numerous scenes and performed several circus acts including one of my signature routines involving the delicate balance of an egg 13-feet in the air! This fall, I’ll be making another Opera Columbus appearance in their season opening production of The Threepenny Opera at Southern Theatre, directed by Austin Regan.

I’m also a member of Birdhouse Variety. Birdhouse Variety is powerhouse collective of entertainers spearheaded by Columbus-based circus artist and international award-winning street performer Tony Steinbach. Tony’s Birdhouse Variety also features premier performing arts and comedy-magic duo David & Brayden, known as the “Good Boys of Magic.” Together we perform a full evening show filled with comedy, magic, juggling, and circus.

In 2023, I was named a Top 10 Artistic Performer in Columbus (Columbus Underground), and in 2024 I received the Individual Funds for Artist Grant (Greater Columbus Arts Council). The GCAC grant is awarded for artistic merits, but for also routinely dedicating time and regularly sharing work with the public and local community. My involvement in the local Columbus community ranges from pop-up appearances at local events and festivals, to producing and organizing the monthly variety show Two Dollar Soup: Variety Show Mishmash. Two Dollar Soup has been hosted at local independent book publisher Two Dollar Radio, since July 2022. This monthly event showcases the best and upcoming variety acts, and also doubles as a food drive that donates non-perishable items to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. The show also contributes to other initiatives such as Red Nose Day. Two Dollar Soup has a full-time donation drop off available at Two Dollar Radio HQ on Parsons Avenue, and admission to the show is free if you bring a non-perishable item.

Two Dollar Soup features the city’s most flavorful and mouthwatering performers. From burlesque and music, to magic and circus. Including world record holders, international award-winners, triple-gold medalists, multiple state champions, and the Best of Columbus! To date, show has been able to provide over 400lbs. of food through donations made by the community.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Two Dollar Soup: Variety Show Mishmash is every last Thursday of the month at 8pm. Located at Two Dollar Radio HQ 1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43206. You can find all upcoming show information on Facebook and Instagram at @twodollarsoup

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mklebeaux.com
• Instagram: @mklebeaux
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mklebeaux
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mklebeaux