About Jay

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”  This is a familiar line from the 1939 film classic “The Wizard of Oz.” It was at this point in the film, that Dorothy and her friends discovered that the real wizard was just a normal man creating the illusion of a powerful wizard.In the business of magic, there are several people that go unnoticed because they are simply behind the curtain, helping create the illusions that the public will witness. Like the Wizard of Oz, Jay Rumple has come face-to-face with performers who are only in this business for themselves, and who will do anything, and hurt anyone, to get to the top. They really seem to have no heart.  He has even met performers who seem to have no brains: performers that think they know everything and can do it all by themselves without any help from others. He has also worked with many talented performers without the self-confidence or courage to perform at their true potential. After 30 years of performing, Jay has stepped behind the curtain to help other entertainers with marketing and promotions. He doesn’t claim to be a wizard, but he has definitely created some magic! In 2003, Jay decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in Graphic Design and Multimedia Development. After graduation, Jay began his job search in the Smoky Mountain area where he and his wife had visited many times. The owners of the Comedy Barn Theater, The Smoky Mountain Opry, and The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show received Jay’s resume and offered him a position as General Manager of their brand new theater in Pigeon Forge, Magic Beyond Belief starring Terry Evanswood. While employed at the theater, Jay began to create all of the video productions used in the show and designed Terry’s Souvenir Program. It was during this design process, that he realized his true passion. In 2008, Jay left the theater to pursue a new business venture. He opened his own video production and graphic design company. He now creates video projects and graphic design for other entertainers in the Smoky Mountain area. He has created video and design work for fellow magicians: Barry Mitchell, Duane Laflin, Tim Sonefelt, Max Howard and Terry Evanswood, as well as other Pigeon Forge Entertainers, businesses and attractions. As Jay looks back on his career with a smile, he realizes that his journey has been just begun. Many new opportunities are in store for him but until then, he will remain the Smoky Mountain’s version of “The Wizard of Oz”. After all, he is more like the wizard then he ever imagined. The wizard was a former entertainer, living in a beautiful land, and helped others achieve their true potential … all done from behind the curtain.