What is Close Up Magic?
Close up magic is magic that is performed in the close vicinity of the magician's audience. It is frequently cited as being the most amazing form of magic as there simply is no room for cheating! The impossible just happens, right in front of your guests' eyes, and they cannot believe it and more importantly cannot forget it!
Why Should I definitely Have a Close Up Magician at My Party/Function?
Because it is the only thing that is GUARANTEED to make your event a runaway success...6 months down the line, 12 months down the line, your guests will not be talking about the food, the drink, the table center pieces, the background music...they will talk about YOU AND THE ENTERTAINMENT...FACT!
Are there bad magicians out there?
Yes, be very very careful. Bad performers can ruin your event by upsetting people with inappropriate material, turning up late, not doing what is wanted of them, insulting guests etc.A bad magician also performs poor material which you CAN SEE HOW IT IS DONE! You have been warned! You get what you pay for...
Anything Else to Be Aware of?
Beware of Children's entertainers calling themselves close up magicians. Beware of someone who has simply gone into a magic shop, bought a couple of tricks and now calls themself a magician...Look for experience and ask "How long have you performed at this level?"
Beware also of "MAGIC CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP" I am proud to be a member of the Magic Circle, but this does not guarantee that you are a performer of great commercial ability and experience...
Beware of a table magician who only entertains a couple of people at the table at a time...a great performer should perform his show to everyone and capture, hold and thrill everyone around the table as one audience.
Why are some magicians semi-pro/ part time?
Because some of them are not good enough to be full time professional and earn good money from doing so. Many have other jobs and magic may just be a hobby...once again beware...
Are some magicians great magicians but bad performers?
Yes, and you need someone who is both great technically and who is a showman. It is no good just being one or the other...
When looking to hire a magician, what do I need to ask?
- Try and get a recommendation
- Look at the quality of the testimonials on offer
- All good magicians have worked internationally not just across the U.K.
- Talk to the performer on the phone.
- Does he/she offer a money back guarantee?
- What experience does he/she have?
- Are they a full time professional?
- Have they won at least one award? Beware of awards...in magic it only means you were better than the person who came second. Results are highly controversial sometimes!.Look for real world experience over awards.
- Will they arrive early?
- Are they flexible in their approach?
- What can they do for you?
- Do they have experience at the very highest level?
- Are they easy to work with or will they annoy people because of their ego!
What makes a good magician great?
1) Being a friendly performer...all things being equal if the audience loves the performer, they will love his/her show the most.
2) Providing material which is always appropriate. Beware of performers out to get cheap laughs at the expense of their audience, who perform material which is simply innappropriate, which may offend, and which looks bad on themselves and on you for booking them...
3) Having original material...anyone you hire should have some original material.
4) Crowd control...an understanding of their audience, which maximises their effects and reactions.
5) Not doing the same tricks as everyone else!
6) Look at the evidence available to you...if a performer claims that he is a trade show specialist look for the pictures of him performing at trade shows and the subsequent corporate testimonials. DO NOT BE MISLEAD BY A PHOTO OF A MAGICIAN WITH A NICE FAN OF CARDS MEANING THAT HE IS GOOD AT HIS JOB. THIS MEANS THEY HAVE A NICE PHOTO HOLDING A FAN OF CARDS...AND THAT IS ALL!
