There's science behind the magic.

Jason Latimer of Agoura Hills, Calif., has been wowing crowds with his magic since he was 12 years old. Now 25, the world-champion illusionist is using his undergraduate studies in mathematics, economics, and physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, to push magic's boundaries. Upfront talked to Latimer about life as a professional magician.

What do you like most about being a magician?

I really like watching the audience. I enjoy seeing the first look on their faces, when they tilt their heads to the side and they're trying to process what is actually happening. [They're thinking that] you really shouldn't be able to bend light or fly.

How did going to cortege affect you?

It has made me a better magician. When I first went in, I was a card magician. Now I have a full-blown illusion show.... With my background in math and geometry, I can give [the technicians, engineers, and scientists] a rough estimate of the shape of how it's all going to go together. And with the engineering and physics background, I'm able to get the mechanics of how it's going to function. And the economics helps finance the whole thing.

Is being a magician all fun and games?

It's a lot of work, a lot of practice, and a lot of time and effort. The hard part is ... trying to stay unique and keep topping the last illusion.