What Should I Ask a Magician Before Hiring?
What should I Ask a Magician Before Hiring?
I’ve performed at thousands of events in 20+ years and clients who ask the right questions upfront always get the best results.
The difference between an unforgettable performance and an awkward disappointment comes down to knowing what to ask before you book.
Most people approach hiring entertainment backwards. They call asking “Are you free on the 15th?” and “How much do you charge?” — completely missing the questions that actually matter.
Here’s exactly what you should ask, why it matters, and how to spot the red flags that could save your event.
The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Hiring Magicians
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all magicians are basically the same — that you’re just paying for “someone to do tricks.”
There’s a huge difference between someone who does magic as a hobby and someone who performs at high-end corporate events, weddings, and international shows week in, week out.
Another mistake is focusing purely on price. People assume “A magician is a magician — I’ll just get the cheapest one.”
What they don’t realise is:
- Cheaper often means less experience
- Less experience equals less reliability and weaker performance
- You risk awkward guest interactions that kill the atmosphere
Magic isn’t just tricks — it’s timing, confidence, reading people, and controlling a room.
The fix? Ask better questions. Instead of “How much do you charge?” ask “What type of events do you specialise in?” and “How do you adapt to different audiences?”
That’s where the real differences show up.
Professional vs Amateur: How to Spot the Difference
A professional magician:
- Performs regularly (not once a month)
- Has worked real events – not just pubs or small parties
- Knows how to handle any situation (awkward guests, timing issues, tough crowds)
- Is polished, presentable, and reliable
An amateur might be technically good but lacks real-world experience. They struggle with confidence and audience management, and often haven’t performed in high-pressure environments.
The biggest difference? Consistency. I deliver every single time.
Questions to identify a true expert:
- “How many events do you perform at each year?”
- “What types of clients do you regularly work with?”
- “Can you give examples of similar events to mine?”
- “What happens if the schedule changes on the day?”
If they can’t answer those clearly, that’s a red flag.
Essential Questions About Performance Style and Approach
Getting the performance style right makes or breaks the entertainment experience.
Performance Style & Fit
- “How would you describe your style? High energy, relaxed, interactive?”
- “Do you approach guests or wait to be invited?”
- “How do you handle guests who aren’t interested?”
Audience Experience
- “What do guests usually say after your performance?”
- “How do you make it feel natural rather than forced?”
Not all close-up magic is equal. There’s basic card tricks versus high-end, modern, engaging magic (including digital iPad routines, bespoke tricks, etc.).
That difference is massive, especially at corporate level.
Your magician needs to match your audience. A children’s party performer won’t work at a luxury corporate event, and vice versa.
Timing and Event Flow: Getting the Magic Right
Timing is everything in magic and most people get this completely wrong.
Magic works best in specific parts of an event:
- Drinks reception → breaking the ice between guests
- Between courses → keeping energy up during natural lulls
- Networking events → creating natural conversation starters
For weddings, I recommend reception drinks as it breaks the ice between people and becomes a talking point throughout the day. During the meal gives the whole room a buzz, and in the evening reception (if music isn’t too loud) it introduces evening guests to the party atmosphere.
Put magic in the wrong place, and even great performances won’t land as well.
Ask: “Where in the event do you feel magic works best?” and “How do you adapt if timings change?”
Questions About Experience and Client Types
Experience verification separates the professionals from the weekend warriors.
Don’t just ask “How long have you been performing?” anyone can say “10 years” even if they only do a few gigs per year.
Instead ask:
- “What’s your experience with events similar to mine?”
- “Which corporate clients have you worked with recently?”
- “Can you provide testimonials from recent luxury events?”
Real professionals will have specific examples. We mention working with established corporate clients or high-end venues.
Amateurs give vague answers or only mention small private parties.
The frequency matters too. Someone performing 100+ events per year has different experience than someone doing 5.
Insider Secrets Most People Don’t Know
There’s a lot people don’t see behind the scenes.
The best magicians don’t just “perform” — we manage the atmosphere. I control energy, bring people together, and create moments people talk about all night.
The magician represents your event. At high-end functions, I’m not just entertainment — I’m part of your brand experience. I need to look the part and understand the environment.
Modern vs traditional approaches matter. Traditional magic might work for some events, but corporate clients often prefer contemporary approaches — including digital magic using iPads and modern technology.
This is especially important for corporate events where the entertainment needs to feel current and professional.
Red Flags: When Clients Don’t Ask Enough Questions
I’ve seen situations where clients book purely on price or availability without digging deeper.
The result? The magician didn’t engage guests properly, stuck to one group too long, or worse — felt awkward and out of place.
Guests lose interest, and the entertainment becomes forgettable.
Don’t just ask “Are you available?”
Ask:
- “How will you work the room?”
- “How do you handle different types of guests?”
- “What experience do you have with events like mine?”
That’s what separates a safe booking from a risky one.
I’ve also seen bookings go wrong when people assume all magic is the same, or when they don’t verify the performer’s actual experience level.
The Complete Question Checklist for Hiring a Magician
Here’s your complete checklist for what should I ask a magician before hiring:
Experience Verification
- How many events do you perform annually?
- What’s your experience with [my type of event]?
- Can you provide recent client testimonials?
Performance Approach
- How do you work the room?
- What’s your style with different guest personalities?
- How do you handle timing changes?
Event Logistics
- When do you recommend scheduling the magic?
- How much space do you need?
- What happens if the event runs late?
Professional Standards
- What makes you different from other magicians?
- How do you dress for different events?
- What’s your backup plan for technical issues?
The magicians worth hiring will answer these confidently with specific examples.
What Great Magicians Should Tell You (Without Being Asked)
An award-winning magician should demonstrate authority without arrogance, professional confidence that suggests “You’re lucky to have me, but I’m also easy to work with.”
We should mention specific credentials: years of experience, notable clients we’ve worked with, and types of events we specialise in.
Great magicians also explain their approach naturally. I tell you how I adapt to different audiences, why timing matters, and what makes my style unique.
If you’re looking for wedding magicians, we should understand the flow of wedding days and where magic works best.
The best professionals position themselves as established experts, confident in delivering incredible, memorable entertainment.
Ready to find the perfect magician for your event? Use these questions to separate the professionals from the amateurs — your guests will thank you for it.