What It Costs to Hire a Magician & How to Find the Right One
I’ve been a full time magician for over 25 years and have been hired for every type of event imaginable. I have also hired other many magicians for events I have coordinated.
You will learn the exact steps to follow so you can find the best magician for your event.
Cost to Hire a Magician
These prices are general guidelines:
| Strolling Magic & Mind Reading | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Close Up Show | $1,000 |
| Stand Up Show | $1,500 |
| Stage Show | $2,500 |
| Mentalism (Mind Reading) Show | $1,500 |
*These are not my prices.
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How to Hire a Magician
Here are the steps I recommend you take in order to hire the right magician for your event.
- Determine what performance will work best.
- Find an appropriate & amazing magician.
- Contact the magician & discuss details.
- Book the magician.
- Confirm details the week of.
1. Determine What Performance Is Best for Your Event
- Strolling Magic & Mind Reading
- Close Up Magic Show
- Stand Up Magic Show
- Stage Show
- Mentalism (Mind Reading) Show
To decide what will work best, ask yourself these questions:
- How many guests are you approximating?
- Will there be loud music playing (dj, band, etc.)?
- Will your guests be seated at tables?
- Is it a drinking crowd?
Strolling Magic & Mind Reading
Also known as walk around magic, the magician mingles among your guests performing close up miracles.
Most of the time this is your best option. There are no requirements, no space needed, and it is perfect for any size group.
If you have loud music playing, no formal seating, or a drinking crowd, I would recommend you go with strolling magic & mind reading.
Close Up Magic Show
When everyone surrounds the magician and watches the performance at the same time. Perfect for when you have an intimate group (under 25 guests).
Many times when I’m strolling at an event people gather around and it turns into a close up magic show.
Stand Up Magic Show
Stand up magic is a performance for the whole group at the same time, either on stage or at the front of the room. The magician will need everybody’s undivided attention. Perfect for up to 120 guests.
Sometimes when I perform walk around magic I also perform a short 20 minute stand up show.
Stage Show
This is the most formal type of performance, usually on a stage, for 100+ guests. The magician will need everyone’s undivided attention and a microphone so everyone can hear.
Mentalism (Mind Reading) Show
This can be a stand up show or a stage show. The performer is a “mentalist” and only performs mentalism and mind reading, which is a type of magic.
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2. Find the Right Magician for Your Event
Once you have decided the type of performance that will work best, it is important to hire a magician who specializes in that.
You don’t want a magician who specializes in kid shows performing at your 40th birthday party or a mentalist who specializes in stand up shows performing walk around magic at your event.
Make Sure the Magician is Amazing
A magician should have a website and/or social media with video of them performing at similar types of events. Video will show if the magician is right for you.
Best Ways to Find an Amazing Magician
- Hire a magician you have seen perform.
- Take a recommendation from someone you know.
- Take a recommendation from another magician.
- Party planner/ Event coordinator
Recommendations are the best, just consider who you take them from. Do your research and make sure to see video.
3. Contact the Magician
Sending an email is the best, yet many clients call me. Give the following four pieces of information. Ask the magician what will work best, availability, and price.
- Occasion
- Date & Time
- Approximate # of guests
- Location
4. Book the Magician
When you book a magician it is a good idea to get something in writing and give a deposit up front. You are counting on them and want to make sure they have your date locked in.
5. Confirm Details the Week Of
Email or call to confirm details before your event. Discuss final payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Mentalist and a Mind Reader?
There is no difference. Mentalism and mind reading are the same thing. They are both types of magic.
What Is a Comedy Magician?
A comedy magician is a magician who throws in humor during performances. Magic inherently causes laughter and, in my opinion, there is no need for added comedy.
Many times the “comedy” is a crutch for poor magic. Make sure to see video to determine if the magician is right for you.
Do Magician Awards Matter?
No. Awards and accolades from magician organizations mean nothing. Make sure to see video.
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Conclusion
It is important to find the right magician for your event. Always request performance video so you can see the magician in action.
Use the simple steps outlined above and you will be very happy with the magician you hire.
