BROOKINGS – A Brookings native will bring his illusions to the Swiftel Center on Saturday, performing a public show in his hometown for the first time since 2010.

Reza Borchardt, a world-renowned illusionist, has not performed a show for the public in Brookings since he partnered with the Brookings Red Cross chapter seven years ago as a benefit for the organization.

His interest in magic first began when he was 6 years old and saw a magic show at Hillcrest Elementary School. Borchardt asked for a magic kit for his next birthday and started performing from there.

“I would have this vision and dream to make magic for big audiences,” Borchardt said. “I was really focused, and when other kids were focused on sports or other activities, mine was magic.”

At 15, Borchardt left Brookings to perform his show for six weeks in Branson, Mo., where he presented 18 shows a week.

During this time, he gained more experience as a performer, and opportunities began to present themselves. Coming full circle, he just completed his 100th show at the Starlite Theater in Branson after performing his Edge of Illusion show from March to September in 2016.

His current tour includes stops in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas. While touring, Borchardt said he and his team try to remain active and adapt to a moving lifestyle.

“We love sports,” Borchardt said. “Whenever there’s a tennis court or basketball court, we’re there. We’re always checking out what city we’re in for new food and concert venues.”

He said the tour bus is designed to take his entire house and condense it into a space where everyone has all the amenities they would at home, allowing them to feel grounded.

Outside of performances and touring, Borchardt said he and his team are constantly developing the show, designing and dreaming.

“I think audiences have seen so much now and with technology there’s so much that would have been considered magic a decade ago that is now an app,” Borchardt said. “Magic has to grow faster.”

He said a lot of what they do is inspired by music, movies and pop culture, and they use those to drive the show in a unique direction.

Borchardt has a warehouse facility in Brookings where he and his team will put the illusions together. Lighting, choreography and music are some facets of a Reza show created in town.

While constantly developing new tricks and illusions, Borchardt also has a signature routine he has performed for more than a decade that is still always a part of his show.

“Before every show I make a prediction about what members of the audience will be thinking that night in particular, and it’s never been the same,” Borchardt said. “It gives the crowds a unique opportunity to be part of the show.”

He said something that is really rewarding at this point in his career is having numerous people come up to him and say they saw his show as a kid and were inspired, just as he was. Some are even professional magicians working on their own performances now.

Borchardt has been hailed by critics as the nation’s top touring illusionist, selling out venues across the country and entertaining millions as well as being featured on television and radio in 31 countries around the world.

He was voted Branson’s Magician of the Year in 2016 and has been called one of the fastest rising young stars in the industry.

According to the Starlite Theatre, his show Edge of Illusion has a fresh and cutting edge feel with largely original illusions that capitalize on his magnetic stage presence.

“His stage props are the largest in town, and his act is engaging, enthralling and infused with humor and charm,” the theater wrote in a press release. “Edge of Illusion highlights the new age of magic and misdirection with sleek, seamless fun and a fresh take on all things ordinary.”

For the upcoming Brookings show, Borchardt said his team made a conscious decision with the Swiftel Center to make ticket prices a lot lower, about half the normal cost. All are general admission.

Advance tickets in the upper section are $19.50 for adults and $13.50 for students; on the floor, $23.50 for adults and $17.50 for students. Day-of-show tickets in the upper section are $23.50 for adults and $15.50 for students; on the floor, $27.50 for adults and $19.50 for students.

Tickets are available at the Swiftel Center box office, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.swiftelcenter.com.