From time to time we have hired a professional magician for wedding and event clients.
Recently we were chatting to a great magician, Stephen James, and we asked him to outline the various ways in which he sees magic enhance an event.
Over to you Stephen.
Over many years of performing magic I have noticed something. Many people don’t seem to realise what a magician can add to an event, and they often have a perception of magic that is incorrect.
People have this image of an old man in a tatty suit (probably with elbow patches) pulling rabbits out of hats. I have found the best way to break this misconception is to perform to people. You’d be surprised how grown adults can react when you do something that they can’t explain.
Magician performs card tricks at wedding showcase event
If you watch the video at the end of this blog you will be able to see the sorts of reactions it can generate.
So where would a magician fit into your event? I specialise in close-up magic, which essentially involves me walking around at events and performing magic to people in the room. Think of TV shows where magicians like Dynamo walk the street and perform to people; it’s someone doing that at your event in a style and attire suitable for your audience.
A magician will add the following benefits to your corporate event, wedding or party:
Getting People Excited?
The best thing about being a magician is walking up to a group of people and getting them excited. Walking around a drinks reception or parties I see everyone perk up as I tell them which word they’re thinking of, turn lottery tickets into cash before their eyes or surprise them with smoke and fire.
When I’m table hopping people often get excited that the magician will be at their table soon, since they have heard cheers and excitement from previous tables he has performed at.
It really makes your event more than ‘just another event’.
Filling in the gaps?
At events like weddings, there are often gaps in the day. This can be when photos are being taken, whilst waiting for food or even at the wedding party later on. There are also gaps at events where you may not expect them, for example it may be the band or DJ’s slot but there might be guests who don’t want to strut their stuff on the dance floor, preferring to ‘hide’ in the seating area.
A walk around magician will fill in these gaps so they become part of the highlight of your event that people remember, ensuring everyone is entertained.
Breaking the ice
So, your guests have sat down for a meal and they are going through the motions of small talk, it is definitely time for a magician to come and break the ice!
This brings the group on each table together as they all experience the magic together, and when the magician is gone they usually go beyond small talk discussing theories on how the magician pushed their wine bottle through the table, or how their ring vanished from the magician’s hand into a sealed envelope in his wallet.
Fulfilling Event Goals
More specifically for corporate events, a good magician will listen to your event goals so he can help you achieve them. For example he might incorporate your marketing message into the routine or encourage people to carry out a certain action, like making a donation at a fundraiser.
Of course the magician could just walk around and astound people if that is what you want.
Photos & Videos
If you are hoping to capture good footage or photos at your event for memories or promotional purposes, a magician can help with this as well, providing your photographer/ videographer with lots of opportunities to catch guests laughing and interacting as magic is performed to them.
It is really hard to capture what an amazing effect magic can have on the enjoyment of guests at your event, but here is a video showing some of the reactions to my magic to give you an idea.
Ultimately, magic has to be experienced. So why not think about booking a good magician for your next event.
Are you looking for Jersey Channel Islands Party Planners? Get in touch to discuss your upcoming event.