Glenn Otermans: The driving force behind the illusions.
Behind Nigel Otermans’ spectacular shows is a team that makes the impossible possible. While Nigel is in the spotlight, his uncle and right-hand man, Glenn Otermans, is the indispensable link behind the scenes. As stage assistant and technical expert, he ensures that every illusion comes to life with the utmost precision.
From family ties to a professional partnership.
The partnership between Nigel and Glenn goes beyond their shared last name. Ever since Nigel started performing magic at the age of eleven, Glenn has been his steadfast support. Nigel, now a multiple Dutch Champion of Illusionism, describes their bond as that of brothers. It is a partnership built on years of trust and mutual respect, in which Glenn modestly refers to himself as a “magic stage hand,” even though his actual impact on the productions is many times greater.
The architect of magic.
Glenn’s role isn’t limited to the stage. He is a skilled craftsman who is closely involved in the creation of complex illusions. Together with the technical team, he creates the sets and props for ambitious acts, such as the spectacular “Taxi” illusion, which is also being performed at the FISM World Championship in Turin.
This job requires creativity, technical expertise, and nerves of steel. In a show that Nigel himself describes as a “military operation,” Glenn is the one who keeps the machine running smoothly. Whether it’s the safety of an escape act or the intricate mechanics of a vanishing trick, Glenn ensures that everything runs flawlessly and safely night after night.
The centerpiece of the 2025–2026 theater season.
In the current tour *The Time Traveler*, Glenn takes center stage. In this large-scale family show, Nigel and his “Wonder Girls” travel through time, supported by more than twenty grand illusions. Glenn bridges the glamour on stage with the craftsmanship behind the scenes. He moves massive props, assists with lightning-fast transformations, and ensures the show runs smoothly.
The foundation of success.
Although the audience is captivated by Nigel’s charisma and the elegance of his assistants, Glenn is the stabilizing force that keeps the show running smoothly. He embodies the quiet strength needed to make the magic believable. As Nigel Otermans continues to conquer Dutch theaters and international stages, Glenn remains his constant: as a set designer, assistant, and confidant. Behind every great illusionist stands a team that completes the miracle, and for Nigel, Glenn is the indispensable link in that chain.
