STAGE MAGICIAN

Many magicians perform close up magic. I enjoy doing that style of magic too, but remember it's far easier to perform for 2 or 3 people than it is for a group of 200 or 300. This page is about performing magic on stage for audiences of about of about that size. It's a specialist skill that only a handful magicians have the ability to do.

Put simply, stage magic requires specific skills that many magicians don't have. Things such as microphone technique, blocking and stage presence and posture, need to be understood as well as, if not better than, the tricks. This confidence on stage can only be acquired through years of prior performances.

Not only that, but a stage performance is usually a big part of your event. It's the main event. That's a big responsibility. It's even more the case that hiring a professional magician is vital when it comes to stage magic. See my question below for more information.

An inexperienced (or zero-experienced) stage magician makes the audience feel uncomfortable. They feel sorry for them, and the show becomes difficult to watch.

A professional exudes confidence. Not only because they've done this before, but because they are prepared. In my case, I arrive hours before the performance, (even if it's only a 20 minute show), just so that I can be there in good time, relaxed and ready to wow your guests.

There are many different types of performance that a stage magician can specialise in. Here are just a few of the more popular.

General Magic Items appear, disappear, change colour and levitate. There might be a puff a smoke or a flash of fire, but it's always great fun with comedy and maybe even some mind reading sprinkled in too. If you're unsure, this is the show to go for!

Mind Reading Minds are read, thoughts are uncovered, predictions are laid out and impossibly come true. This is a more cerebral, 'thinking persons' style of performance and can be an interesting addition to any evening.

Comedy Magic Most magicians include some comedy within their performances, but a dedicated comedy magician goes all out. Expect many of the routines to accidentally, on purpose fail, all for comic effect.

Manipulations You know, the classic image of a magician standing alone on stage in tails, plucking playing cards out of thin air? or turning a napkin into a dove. That's manipulation magic. This is usually a short act performed to music, so if you've got an international audience and only five to ten minutes of performance time, this might be the stage magician option to go for.

Stage Illusions In a few words, big boxes, big hair, pyrotechnics. This is a Las Vegas style magic spectacular! It's the most involved (and therefore most expensive) style of stage magic, but with a little pre-planning anything is possible!

Oh and finally, don't forget:

Close up Magic on Stage Yes, I know it sounds like a paradox, but if you've got the right camera set up, then close up magic on stage can be an interesting addition. Just think of Britain's Got Talent where they project the performance on a big screen to the audience.

Yes. While a short stage show can slot in to your event either after dinner, or between various speakers or awards many clients ask me to weave magic throughout their whole event. And the best way to do that is by having me as the events host or MC for the night.

Why trust event hosting to someone nervous about talking to large groups, when you can have a professional take care of everything?

As the events host for the evening, I can:

• Introduce special guest speakers
• Announce awards
• Make all announcements
• Weave in a little magic, perform my full stage show, or maybe you want no magic at all. That's fine too!

But, of course, everything would be discussed with you in advance and a full schedule drawn up to make sure we are all singing from the same song sheet. And everything is presented in my professional, relaxed, friendly manner. You will not be disappointed.

In the past I've performed as a stage magician for up to 1000 people in a professional theatre. I would be happy to put something together for you on this scale if that's what you're looking for.

Most of my stage magic for private events is for 200 to 300 people, sometimes up to 500 people.

Whatever your event size though, I'll send you a full technical breakdown weeks in advance so your team can get one step ahead in helping me to be heard and seen by all of the guests.