How to Hire a Magician

To hire a magician, decide what the magic is for and which format fits your event, then contact performers with your date, location, guest count and schedule. Ask each one the same questions, compare what is included, and confirm everything in writing. Most of the work is in the first step: knowing what you want before you ask.

How to hire a magician, step by step

1. Decide what the magic should do. Fill a cocktail hour? Give guests a shared moment after dinner? Keep children entertained for 45 minutes? The answer sets the format, the length and the kind of performer you need.
2. Choose the format. Strolling close-up magic moves between small groups and needs no space. A seated show gathers everyone for one performance. If you are unsure of the difference, read what close-up magic is first.
3. Gather the details. Date, start and end times, venue address, number of guests, ages, and what else is happening during the event.
4. Shortlist performers who do that format. A strong stage illusionist may not be the right person for table-to-table work, and the reverse. Look for video of the format you are booking, not just a highlight reel.
5. Send the same enquiry to each. Identical details make quotes comparable.
6. Ask the questions below, then book in writing with a deposit if one is required.

How to hire a magician for a party

For an adult party, the main choice is between mingling and gathering. At a house party or a bachelorette weekend, guests are usually spread across rooms and conversations. Strolling magic suits that: the magician comes to each group. If there is a natural pause, such as after dinner or before cake, a short seated show can work well because everyone is already together.

Tell the magician who the guests are. A group of old friends, a mix of families, and a room of colleagues each call for a slightly different approach.

How to hire a magician for a birthday party

Children's parties have their own rules.

• Match the age. Material for four-year-olds and for ten-year-olds is very different. Give the exact age range when you enquire.
• Keep it short. Younger children rarely hold attention much past half an hour for a single show.
• Pick the moment. Before food, while energy is high but not yet chaotic, usually works better than straight after cake.
• Plan for adults too. Parents often stay. A performer who can include them makes the whole room better.
• Ask about the setting. Indoors or outdoors, sitting on the floor or on chairs, and how many children will be watching.

For a birthday for an adult, treat it like any other party: strolling for a gathering, a seated set if you want one shared moment. More on children's events at kids' parties.

How much does it cost to hire a magician?

There is no standard rate. Prices vary widely by performer and region, and most magicians quote per event rather than from a fixed list. These are the factors that move a quote.

• Length. The number of hours, or the number of separate sets. Two short sets at different times can cost more than one longer block, because the magician is committed for the whole span.
• Date and time. Saturdays, December and wedding season are in demand. A weekday afternoon is usually easier to fit.
• Travel. Distance, flights, hotel and parking. A performer local to your event avoids most of this.
• Format. Strolling close-up and a seated show involve different preparation. Some events book both.
• Audience. A larger crowd may need more time to reach everyone, or a show format in place of strolling.
• Custom requests. Personalized material, a reveal for a proposal, or branded content for a company takes extra preparation.

When you compare quotes, compare what each includes: total time on site, number of sets, travel and anything charged separately. Phillip's prices and travel are on request; send your date and details and he replies the same day.

How much to hire a magician for an hour

An hour is a common booking for strolling magic, enough to reach most groups at a party of moderate size. The hourly figure is rarely the whole story. Travel, a set-up window and the date can all affect it, and some performers have a minimum booking length.

How much to hire a magician for a wedding

Wedding quotes follow the same factors, with two more: the schedule and the season. A magician booked for the cocktail hour only is committed for less time than one who stays through dinner. Peak wedding months and Saturdays fill early. See weddings for how this is usually structured.

Questions to ask a magician before booking

Use this as a checklist. Ask every performer on your shortlist the same questions.

• Are you available on my date, for the exact hours I need?
• Which format do you recommend for my guest count and venue, and why?
• Can I see video of that format, filmed at a real event?
• How long is each set, and how many guests can you reach in the time booked?
• What is included in the quote, and what is charged separately (travel, parking, overtime)?
• What do you need from me or the venue: space, a table, a microphone, a quiet room?
• Is the material suitable for this audience: children, family, colleagues?
• What happens if the schedule runs late?
• What is the deposit, and what is the cancellation policy?
• Does the venue require liability insurance from vendors, and can you provide it?
• When do you arrive, and who should you check in with on the day?

How far ahead to book a magician

Book as soon as your date and venue are fixed. Weddings and Saturday events in busy months are often booked many months ahead. Smaller private parties can come together faster, but the closer the date, the fewer performers are free. If your date is soon, ask anyway.

What the host should prepare

A good magician adapts to the room, but a few details make the performance better.

• Share the schedule. Exact times for arrival, food, speeches and anything else.
• Name a contact. One person on the day who knows the plan and can answer questions.
• Tell the venue. Let the coordinator know a performer is coming and when.
• For a seated show: chairs arranged close together, the audience facing away from bright windows, and background music lowered.
• For strolling magic: nothing special. Guests stay where they are.
• Flag anything sensitive. A guest of honor who dislikes attention, or a moment to avoid interrupting.