Hiring a Magician

Learning a trick is only one part of performing magic. The rest comes from experience: reading the room, keeping thirty children engaged, winning over an adult audience that may not know what to expect, and handling the unexpected without interrupting the show.

That’s what you’re hiring a professional to do. A talented amateur may be a reasonable choice when the budget is the main consideration, but experience gives you more confidence that the performance will go smoothly.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. The material is clean and suitable for families. There’s nothing for a parent to explain later or a host to apologize for, which is why the show also works well for churches, schools, and libraries.

Yes. I’ve performed for children at birthday parties, schools, libraries, McWane Science Center, and Children’s of Alabama. I’m comfortable managing a room full of young people without leaving the parents and grandparents out of the fun.

Yes. I’ve performed at adult birthday parties, engagement parties, dinner parties, wedding receptions, and corporate events. For an adult birthday, I can perform close-up magic as guests arrive, present a stand-up show after dinner, or combine the two.

The show is designed for ages 6 and up, with a sweet spot of 7 to 12 for kids’ parties. Mixed ages are completely normal, and I perform for the cousins, parents, and grandparents too. Younger children can sit with a parent and watch, but if most of the guests are three or four, the show probably isn’t the right fit. I’ll tell you that up front.

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.

I usually spend five to ten minutes with each group, and a group can be anywhere from one person to about ten. That means I can generally reach forty to eighty guests in an hour. The exact number depends on the room, the size of each group, and how spread out everyone is.

If you’re expecting a larger crowd, let me know when we talk. I can recommend whether a longer booking would give me enough time to reach more of your guests.

I normally wear a suit. The idea is that I look like one of your guests rather than someone who turned up in a costume, so the magic is the thing people notice and not what I’m wearing.

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.

Bookings start at $300, including travel within about 60 miles of Birmingham. I also travel beyond that area, with the additional travel included in your quote. The final price depends on the type of event, the length of the performance, and the size of the audience. I’ll work with your budget, so tell me about your event and I’ll send you a quote.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No, I don’t offer balloon twisting or face painting as separate services. Those are usually handled by another entertainer. One balloon animal does appear during the show as part of a routine, and a child gets to take it home.

No. I don’t use rabbits, doves, or any other live animals. That avoids allergy concerns and means your home or venue won’t be left with an animal-related mess.