10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Magician for Your Event

Questions to ask before hiring a magician about proof and fit

When you hire a magician, you're inviting someone into your home, or next to your clients and coworkers. You want a person you can trust around them, and one who makes you look good for booking them.

1. Can I see a performance from an event like mine?

A highlight reel shows the energy. Longer footage shows the pacing and how the performer approaches a group and talks to a volunteer. Look for a setting like yours, and see how I work in my performance videos.

Also ask how long the material has been in the act. One red flag I watch for is a performer trying a routine at an event the same day they learned it.

2. Which format do you recommend, and why?

Ask about strolling close-up magic, a seated close-up show or a stage show. Describe the room, guest count and schedule first, so the advice fits your actual event. My guide to close-up magic explains the strolling format.

Questions about timing and how long to book

The question I wish more people asked is about the flow of the event. Many calls start with the price, which is like phoning a restaurant to ask what dinner costs. It depends on what you order.

3. When should the magic happen?

Cocktail hour suits strolling magic because guests are already moving around. A shared show works best after dinner.

Many people assume magic should happen during dinner. That's actually the worst time, because guests are focused on eating and the show takes a back seat.

4. How much time do we need?

As a rough guide, I can usually reach around 75 to 100 guests in an hour of strolling magic, though more time means longer with each group. For a stage show, I treat about 45 minutes as the maximum, so guests see plenty of magic without it taking over the evening. It always depends on the room and the schedule.

Questions about your guests and the venue

5. How do guests take part?

Ask what happens when someone would rather watch. My answer: not everyone has to enjoy the magic, and that's okay. If a guest isn't interested, I move on to the next group.

I don't use crude or lewd humor, and I won't do anything that embarrasses someone. Do tell the performer about any guests or topics to avoid.

6. What does the venue need to provide?

Strolling magic needs little beyond room access and a contact person. A stage show needs more. As a rough guide for my larger shows, I like a platform of at least 10 by 10 feet and a double-ear headset microphone so I can move and talk hands-free.

For audiences above roughly 400 to 500 people, I recommend a camera team projecting the details onto a screen. Pass these needs to whoever runs the room.

Questions about the quote and the agreement

7. What exactly is included in the quote?

Compare the work behind each total. Ask each performer to spell out:

• format and length of the performance
• number of performers
• arrival, setup and sound-check needs
• travel and any custom material
• what the venue supplies

Every quote I give is custom, because it depends on the date, location, format and scale. If your venue requires proof of insurance, ask exactly what it needs and send that to each performer before you sign, so it's settled long before the event.

8. What are the booking terms?

Check that the written agreement matches your conversation: date, venue, format, timing, fee and payment dates. When someone books a show with me, for example, I write it in as an after-dinner show.

Then ask any performer what happens if you need to reschedule or cancel, what happens if they're ill or can't attend, and when they plan to arrive if they're traveling in. Those answers decide how a stressful day goes, so get them in writing.

How far in advance should you book a magician?

9. Is our date open, and how soon should we confirm?

There isn't one lead time that fits every date. Availability depends on the specific day and time, so ask as soon as you have a likely date and venue, even if the rest of the plan is still forming.

Weddings are often planned well ahead, and December is a popular month for company holiday parties. For a December date, include the exact day and time window. My corporate holiday party guide covers that season.

As a rough guide, I'd suggest three or four months ahead for a December party, and many couples book their wedding entertainment a year or more out.

Who to call on the day, and what to send when you reach out

10. Who handles changes on the day?

Name one contact who knows the schedule and keeps a phone nearby, such as your planner or venue coordinator. Live events often run a little behind. For local events I usually arrive in the area 30 minutes to an hour early, so a timing shift doesn't become a problem.

What to send when you're ready to hire a magician

• date and start time
• venue or city
• approximate guest count
• rough timeline, including dinner and speeches
• the format you have in mind, if you know it
• your day-of contact

If you're looking for a Nashville magician for hire, send me your date, venue and guest count along with any of these questions. I'll answer them directly and tell you where I think the magic fits.