Corporate Magician

A parlor magician presents a stand-up show for a seated audience in a living room, banquet room, or small theater. More people can watch together than with close-up magic, but the experience is still personal and interactive. It’s my favorite style of performance, and it’s the format I use for my family and birthday shows.

A close-up magician performs among the guests using cards, coins, and other small objects. The magic happens only inches away, often in the guests’ own hands. It’s a natural fit while people are arriving, mingling, or sitting between courses.

Up to a point, and I would rather tell you where that point is. Before an event I do my research on your company so that I know a little about it, and when something fits naturally I work it into the show. What I don’t promise is a set of new material built around your product or your numbers. If that is what you are looking for, it is worth saying so when we talk, and I’ll tell you honestly what I can do.

Nobody gets put on the spot. If someone would rather not come up, what happens next depends on the situation and the routine. Sometimes I ask that person to pick someone on their behalf, which is usually funny in its own right, and sometimes I go looking for the magic lover in the room who has been waiting for the chance to help. Either way it stays light, and nobody is left feeling singled out.

A stand-up show lasts an hour. If a shorter show fits your party better, that’s no problem. Close-up or strolling magic runs from one to three hours, depending on the event.

I would rather not, and the stand-up show never goes during the meal. A room with plates in front of it is not really watching, and asking guests to choose between their dinner and the magic is not fair to either one. The show belongs after dinner, when everyone can give it their attention. Close-up magic is different and sits comfortably on either side of the meal, and I am glad to work the tables between courses once plates have been cleared. Tell me how your evening runs and I’ll suggest where it fits.

It is less about the number of guests than the size of the room. The show works anywhere from a small meeting room to a banquet hall. I don’t perform grand illusions, so what matters is the room itself rather than the head count. Tell me where you are holding the event and I’ll tell you whether the format fits.

Yes, when the room requires it. I bring sound for larger rooms and outdoor events, while a typical living room usually doesn’t need amplification. Tell me about the space and I’ll bring the right equipment.

I don’t keep a standing policy, but I arrange event liability coverage whenever a venue requires it. Schools, libraries, churches, and city venues often need proof of coverage before confirming a booking. Mention the requirement when you contact me, and I’ll arrange the policy and coordinate directly with the venue.

Most people book one to three months ahead, and weekend dates in the busier months go first. If your date is already set, it’s worth asking early.

Corporate bookings run from $300 to $3,000. The lower end is close-up magic on its own at a smaller event, and the upper end is a stand-up show for a full room, or close-up and a show together. What it costs depends on which of those you need, how long I perform, and how many guests are there. Travel within about 60 miles of Birmingham is included, and you’ll know the full price before you commit to anything.