Derek Selinger has spent more than two decades captivating audiences with a rare blend of artistry, storytelling, and insight. An award-winning magician, filmmaker, and speaker, Selinger’s work has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious stages—from Las Vegas to Paris—and earned him six international awards, including the People’s Choice Award from the International Brotherhood of Magicians. His performances have reached millions through appearances on networks such as The CW, Discovery, and Fox News, as well as a memorable feature on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Yet Selinger’s life is defined by more than magic. His journey is shaped by a powerful personal narrative—one that began before he was even born. While pregnant with Derek, his mother was electrocuted in an accident that doctors warned would be fatal to her unborn child. Against all odds, he survived. That knowledge, revealed to him as a young boy, shaped his worldview and ignited a lifelong pursuit of purpose—a determination to embrace life as the extraordinary gift he believes it to be.

Selinger’s creative reach extends beyond the stage. As a filmmaker, his work has earned accolades at festivals across North America, including recognition for Best Music Video. His visual storytelling often merges with his live performances, blending magic and film to create immersive, unforgettable experiences. He has also coached collegiate basketball teams to championship victories and built a reputation as a dynamic corporate speaker, challenging audiences to pursue their own dreams with courage and intention.

In his book, The Dream Thief: How to Steal Back the Life You Were Meant to Live, Selinger expands on the ideas explored in his internationally acclaimed TEDx Talk, A Magician’s Guide to Realizing Your Dreams. Drawing from his remarkable journey—from surviving the impossible to thriving as an artist and entrepreneur—Selinger inspires readers to reclaim their purpose and embrace a life of meaning, passion, and wonder.