Occasionally I’ll get a call from an organization or entertainment agency looking to hire multiple magicians. Most of the time, they’re request quotes from magicians all over town, and wind up doing all the legwork themselves. It’s a lot of work!
I LOVE situations like this, because I know I can help my clients BIG TIME. Here’s what I do for them, and what I recommend:
Find Magicians Who Complement Each Other
It’s important that each of the performers is unique. You wouldn’t want all of them to perform the same style of magic. Choose someone funny, someone serious, and an act that is a little “off the wall.”
When my client needed three magicians for a stage show last year, I chose an illusionist, a comedy magician, and a mentalist. Each act brought something unique and fun, and the audience was thrilled by the unexpected.
Be Realistic About Illusions
Audiences love illusion shows. Classics like floating a beautiful assistant or cutting the CEO in half are always a hit.
But keep in mind, illusion shows are always more expensive than other types of magic. That’s because illusionists have significantly higher expenses. A typical illusionist requires:
- a large stage with full curtain and wings
- 3-5 on and off-stage assistants
- hours of set-up, prop building and tech rehearsal
- specific lighting, sound, and more
Get Referrals
Even if you’re simply looking for strolling magic during the cocktail hour, there’s a huge range in quality among “professional” magicians. Some have won major international awards, while others are just getting started.
If you find an act you really like, ask the performer to recommend others to work alongside them. This can save you tons of time AND get you fantastic entertainment.
When my clients are looking to book multiple magicians, they only have to call me once. I do it all – I make inquiries, negotiate rates, and ensure the show has variety. As one of the top magicians in Los Angeles, I know almost everyone in the magic scene.
It’s always a good idea to work with someone who knows the best talent, and understands your type of event. But if you want to do it yourself, I recommend watching demo videos before you hire anybody. Magic is a visual art, and video is the best way to know what you’re getting.
Finally
Find me at @joeskilton on twitter and let me know what you think about this post. I hope it’s helpful and I’d love to hear from you!
And if you need multiple magicians for an event, contact me today. I have relationships with incredible acts all over the country.
Good luck!
