5 Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Magician

Hiring a magician should be the easy part. But a lot of people don’t actually know what they’re looking for — and that’s where the mistakes start.

After thousands of shows, here are five common mistakes I see when people book a magician, and how to avoid them.

1. Not Knowing What You’re Actually Hiring

There’s a big difference between “Let’s have someone do a few tricks” and “Let’s bring in a pro who knows how to run a show.” Are you looking for someone who performs for a living and knows how to command a room, read a crowd, and elevate your event? Or are you looking for a kid with a magic kit? Or someone’s uncle who dabbles at family parties?

The best results come when you know what you’re trying to achieve. Do you want to impress donors? Energize a corporate crowd? Break the ice at a team event? Start by thinking about what you want your guests to feel. That tells you the kind of magician you need.

2. Focusing on the Magician — Not the Problem They Solve

A lot of magicians talk about themselves. They’ll list credits, show videos, name-drop shows they’ve been on. But none of that matters if they can’t solve your problem.

A great magician doesn’t just perform. They help make your event feel seamless and memorable. My goal is to make you look like a rockstar. To take stress off your plate and give your audience a moment they’ll actually talk about afterward.

3. Setting Them Up to Fail

I’ve walked into shows and instantly known the setup wasn’t going to work. Dance floor between the crowd and the stage. No mic. No lighting. Guests 50 feet away from the performer. That kind of setup kills energy fast.

Can I adapt? Absolutely. But if I know those things ahead of time, I can plan better. Every show is adaptable, but information always helps. The more your entertainment knows, the better the audience experience will be.

Want to deep dive this one? I’ve got a full post about the “Dance Floor of Death” and how to lay out a room for live performance.

4. Assuming All Magicians Are the Same

Some magicians do kids’ parties. Others do colleges or cruise ships. Some are best with walk-around magic, while others thrive on stage with a mic in hand. And that’s totally fine.

The key is hiring someone who fits your event. That includes vibe, crowd, format, and energy. I’ve even had gigs where I wasn’t the best fit, and helped clients find someone who was. A good magician will tell you if it’s not quite right — and then help you make the right call.

5. Dropping the Ball on Communication

The best booking experiences are smooth. We talk, we find the right format, you lock it in, and I stay in touch. I always confirm payment, check in the week of the show, and make sure we’re aligned on expectations. You already have a hundred other things to worry about on event day. I’m not here to be one of them.

I show up early. I make it easy. I do the job and make you look good while doing it.

That’s what hiring a magician should feel like.