The mirage of perception can be manipulated for entertainment or influence, beauty or deception. Creating Illusion is an exploration of how the same tactics that Jeff uses on stage are used in anything from advertising to politics to con artistry. Jeff’s grandfather was a magician and started teaching him the art of illusion when he was seven. Since that time the notion of observation and attention to others’ perception (or more specifically manipulating that perception) has been ingrained in him. This, in turn, has led to a fascination with how the same methods he uses are used in everyday life, from interpersonal communications to business and commerce. Jeff takes you on a journey dismantling the diverse facets of the art of deception using illusion, sleight of hand, discernment into human behavior and reflecting on observations from some of his most fascinating personal interactions. This becomes timely and poignant against the backdrop of current events – the banking melt down, Ponzi schemes, bailouts and even the battle over healthcare. Creating Illusion premiered at the 2009 solo NOVA Festival at the DR2 Theatre in New York City to sold out performances and was the top box office draw of the festival. The 2009 New York Innovative Theatre Awards recognized Creating illusion with awards in both Outstanding Solo Performer & Outstanding Performance Art Production and a nomination for Outstanding Short Script. To view the trailer for Creating Illusion visit: jeffgrow.net

Ilaria Amadasi (Tech) Ilaria Amadasi(Board Op) Born in Parma, Italy. Ilaria Amadasi’s introduction into professional theater took place when sheco-founded the Theater Company “I 4 Cantoni” at the age of fifteen. Ilarialater attended the prestigious Teatro Stabile di Genova. She was the author andAssistant Director of the stage adaptation of Franz Kafka’s “The Castle” andwas chosen as the female lead in the show “Time of darkness.” She also receivedan honorable mention from the national playwriting competition “In Punta diPenna” for the piece “Non ho urlato.” She directed theater therapy workshopsfor children and seminars of Commedia dell’Arte at “Teatro Vita” (Parma,Italy). Ilaria moved to the US in 2010. She has collaborated on severalproductions at the Off-Broadway 45 Bleecker Theater and worked as AssistantDirector for the show “American Addict” (Hollywood Fringe Festival). Mostrecently she worked with the Lee Strasberg Institute as Assistant Director forthe show “Kids on Strike.”

Jeff Grow (Performer) Jeff has been featured in award winning films, and national and international commercials. His stage shows Creating Illusion, Magicians, Wise Fools & Ordinary Magic, and A Story About Magic have been presented in venues throughout New York City and Europe. Jeff’s most recent show, Creating Illusion, received two 2009 New York Innovative Theatre Awards (Outstanding Solo Performer & Outstanding Performance Art Production). He is a featured performer at New York City’s top venues and events - a plethora of corporate and private clients have incorporated Jeff's outstanding magic into their principal events. He consults on film, commercials and theatre, including recent productions for Arena Stage and Long Wharf Theatre.

Jessie D. Hill (Director) Jessi D. Hill (Director) Recent credits include: Mia McCullough's Lucinda's Bed for Chicago Dramatists, Jeff Grow's Creating Illusion, Johnna Adams’ Angel Eaters for Flux Theatre Ensemble (6 New York Innovative Theatre Award Nominations), and The Children's Hour for Astoria Performing Arts Center. She has also directed and developed plays for The New Group, The Lark, Diverse City, and Youngblood among others. Hill recently relocated to NYC from Chicago where she was a freelance director and Artistic Director of the 28-year-old Stage Left Theatre Company. Chicago credits include the acclaimed premiere productions of David Scott Hay’s The Violent Sex, Brett Neveu's Empty and the Joseph Jefferson Award Nominated Mrs. Mackenzie's Beginner's Guide to the Blues by Patty Lynch and Kent Stephens. Recently, Hill was a guest artist at Fordham University, and completed a four-month national tour as Staff Repertory Director with The Acting Company as well as a Directing Residency at The Ensemble Studio Theatre. Hill is the recipient of the 2008/09 Denham Fellowship from the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation and was recently named a finalist for the NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Directors. MFA Directing 2007: Yale School of Drama.

Prakash Puru (Performer) Prakash Puru (Magic Consultant) As one of New York's "most skilled and original tricksters" (Time Out New York), Prakash Puru is in constant demand to perform his blend of magic and mind-reading at private and corporate events across the world. Clients include: The Blackstone Group, The New York Yankees, Moody's Investors Service, MasterCard Asia, and The Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore. He is also the founder of The Artifice Group, New York's leading source of magical entertainment for events, and magic-related expertise for stage and screen. Their consulting projects include: Designing the magic and sleightof- hand for "Finian's Rainbow" on Broadway, writing a series of televised con games for Singaporean television, crafting the gory illusions and special effects for "Haunted Poe" in Philadelphia, and working with - and hand-doubling for - the lead actors on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent