Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Magician For Your Event: 10 Smart Choices So You Don’t Regret It Later

Nothing kills the mood at a corporate event like the wrong magician. Someone with a glittery jacket, inappropriate jokes, or a corny performer!

Whether you’re planning a corporate event, wedding reception, or birthday party, asking the right questions saves money, prevents embarrassment, and ensures your guests are truly amazed.

If you get this right, you could have the best event you've ever done.
If you get this wrong, you could be spending money AND apologizing to your team!

When you're hiring a magician you need to be aware of a few key factors:

Age groups - what audiences do they perform for most
Event types - Private parties vs. company events
Offering - Stage show vs. close up magic
Style - Mind reading vs. card magic vs. large illusions
Experience - Ensuring you're hiring someone that's done more than just a few shows. You want a pro!

This guide provides you with essential questions and what to listen for in the answers that separate first time performer from professional entertainers. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive checklist that ensures your next event features unforgettable entertainment rather than an awkward disaster.

A magician performing at a corporate event, captivating the audience with tricks.

The Essentials – Vetting Their Experience

Question 1:

How long have you been performing professionally?

Why it matters: Professional magic isn't just the tricks. It's about their ability to get the audience excited and having a great time. That part takes YEARS to get great at.

It's not your job to help someone with that training. It's your job to get someone who is already awesome for your event

Answers to listen for:

• Full-time performer with 5+ years of experience

• Mentions of performing at similar events to yours

• Specific examples of how many guests they’ve entertained or types of venues they’ve performed in

A great magician should easily discuss their timeline. Most magicians who’ve been performing for corporate events or private parties can tell you exactly how long they've been at it, and who they perform for.

At the Toronto Magic Company, we have two magicians on our team. Jonah Babins and Ben Train. We've both been performing professionally for over 10 years each. So we've got lot's of expirience!

Question 2:

What types of events do you specialize in?

Why it matters: Corporate events require different skills than kids parties or wedding receptions. A children's entertainer who specializes in birthday parties might struggle with the sophisticated atmosphere of a business dinner, while a mentalist perfect for adult audiences might not connect with younger kids.

What to listen for:

• Specific experience with your event type

• Understanding of your audience demographics and your goals and result

• Ability to adapt their magician’s style to different settings

• Examples of how they modify their performance for different groups

Different magicians excel in different environments: Magic is a versatile form of entertainment that can transcend age and language barriers.

• Corporate magicians are use to performing for adults, fun and funny, and 100% clean.

• Wedding specialists understand ceremony timing and reception flow and will recommend the best ways to integrate

• Children’s entertainers are skilled at engaging children, using bright visuals, high energy, and age-appropriate content to make a child's party memorable and fun

• Close up magicians excel at intimate settings and walk-around entertainment

• Family shows are designed to entertain both kids and parents, making them suitable for family gatherings.

The key is finding someone whose specialty aligns with your vision. A good magician will ask you about your specific event rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. Discuss special requests or themes with the magician during the booking process.

At The Toronto Magic Company we specialize in corporate functions and adult events. If you inquire about a kids magician, we will tell you that we are not a fit, and point you in the right direction. You can learn more about what we do at corporate parties by clicking here

Question 3

Do you have insurance?

Why it matters: This question is a layup. Yes they need to have performers insurance. Even if there's no fire or birds, you want to make your that both you and the performer are covered!

What you should expect:

• Public liability insurance with $1-2 million coverage (industry standard)

• Willingness to provide proof of insurance immediately

• Business license and professional credentials

Remember, you’re not just hiring someone for entertainment. You’re bringing them into your event space with your guests. Professional standards aren’t optional.

And yes, before you ask, at The Toronto Magic Company, we have 2 million dollars liability insurance!

The Show – Understanding What You’re Actually Getting

Question 4:

What kind of performance do you offer? Close-up, stage magic, mentalism?

Why it matters: Understanding the different types of magic performances helps you choose what fits your venue, audience size, and event flow. Each style has specific requirements and creates different experiences for your guests.

A great magician will not only walk you through what he offers, but have the smarts to tell you what is, and is not a fit for your event!

Performance options explained:

Performance Type	Best For	Requirements	Audience Experience
Close-up Magic	Cocktail hours, dinner parties, networking events	Minimal setup, good lighting	Intimate, interactive, personal
Stage Magic	Large audiences (50+ guests), main entertainment	Raised platform, sound system, lighting	Theatrical, visual spectacle
Mentalism	Sophisticated audiences, corporate events	Minimal technical needs	Mind reading, psychological wonder

Depending on what you're looking for there are different magicians that specialize in that type of magic. A close up magicians does something very different than a stage mentalist! Close-up magic is performed with small objects at close range, ideal for smaller gatherings. A stage show is for dozens of hundreds of people

Questions to ask:

• How many guests can you effectively entertain at once?

• What specific equipment or setup do you need?

• Can you adapt if our venue has limitations?

A professional magician will help you understand which performance style is the best fit for your event.

At The Toronto Magic Company, we offer close up magic, stage magic, and stage mentalism for corporate events

Question 5:

Can you customize the show to fit our event?

Why it matters: Flexibility and customization separate good magicians from great ones. The ability to incorporate your company’s products, wedding theme, or special guests shows both creativity and professionalism.

Examples of customization:

• Incorporating company logos or products into magic tricks

• Mentioning the guest of honour or special occasion

• Modifying performance length and pacing for your schedule

Many magicians are open to working with your unique idea or theme, ensuring the performance is tailored to create a memorable and engaging experience.

What to listen for:

• Specific examples of past customizations

• Questions about your event’s theme, goals, and audience

• Creative suggestions for making the performance unique

• Understanding of your event’s tone and atmosphere

And before you ask, yes. We offer plenty of event customization. Just tell us the theme and the goals and we'll help you make your party perfect for your group!

Question 6:

What kind of audience engagement do you provide?

Why it matters: Great magicians don’t just perform a magic show at audiences, they create experiences with them. Understanding their approach to audience participation helps ensure everyone feels included without anyone feeling uncomfortable.

Key areas to explore:

• How they handle mixed age groups

• Strategies for managing enthusiastic or disruptive guests

• Ability to read the room and adjust energy levels

• How they make the show fun and enjoyable for all ages

For different audiences:

• Corporate events: Professional humour, voluntary participation, networking integration

• Kids parties: High energy, simple participation, age-appropriate content

• Wedding receptions: Romantic themes, couple involvement, family-friendly interaction

• Private parties: Adaptable to group dynamics and comfort levels

Red flags:

• Inappropriate humour or content for the audience

• Inability to manage difficult participants

• Not being able to take the show in a different direction if something unexpected happens during audience participation

A skilled performer makes every person feel like the magic was created just for them, while ensuring no one feels embarrassed or left out.

At the Toronto Magic Company, all of our magic tricks are built to be interactive - that is our #1 selling feature. No matter if it's a close up magician or a stage mentalist. Your guests don't just watch the magic, they ARE the magic. Interactivity is the number one thing that sets us apart from other magicians!

Proof – Making Sure They Can Deliver

Question 7:

Do you have videos?

This is the most important factor when hiring a magician. You're looking for a volume of evidence that they can do what they say they can do. This is not just videos of the magic tricks, but more importantly the videos of the reactions. You want to see guests like yours reacting to magic at events like yours!

Why it matters: Seeing their actual performance style reveals more than any sales pitch ever could. Video evidence shows you their stage presence, audience rapport, technical skill, and how they handle real-world performing situations. You can't fake countless videos of events that look just like yours.

What to look for in performance videos:

• Natural audience reactions (genuine laughter, amazement, engagement)

• Smooth execution of magic tricks without awkward pauses

• Professional appearance and presentation

• Appropriate content for the audience shown

• Events that look just like yours

Look for consistency, professionalism, and genuine audience engagement across multiple videos and reviews.

Yes, at The Toronto Magic Company we have plenty of videos. Examples from corporate events, weddings, close up magic and more. Just tell us what you're looking for and we'll give you the videos to suit!

Question 8:

Do you have reviews from clients like me?

Why it matters: A great magician should have hundreds of reviews. People should LOVE working with them. Go to their google reviews and scroll through and look for volume of 5 star reviews. Bonus points if the client reviews that have photos attached look like events that are just like yours!

Questions to ask references:

• Where can I find your reviews?

• Do you have any specific case studies of events like mine?

• What other companies like us have you done this for?

• Do you have any references I can speak with?

Aside from video evidence. Reviews is the next most important thing for you to check on to make sure you're not taking a huge risk for hiring a magician.

We have over 250 5-star google reviews! Here's a link to check out some of our past events and reviews!

The Logistics – Avoiding Surprises

Question 9:

What do you need from us on the day of the event?

Why it matters: Professional magicians make their technical requirements crystal clear upfront. Understanding setup needs prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures smooth execution of your event entertainment.

Common requirements by performance type:

Stage magic needs:

• Raised platform or stage area

• Professional sound system with wireless microphone

• Specific lighting requirements

• Power outlets in designated locations

• Secure storage area for props and equipment

• Clear sight-lines for maximum number of guests

• Confirm the specific date of the event and ensure all requirements are up to date

It is crucial to ensure that the magician has access to the necessary power outlets and space for their performance area.

Close up magic requirements:

• Adequate ambient lighting (not too dim)

• Space for mingling and movement

• Tables at appropriate height if needed

• Minimal background noise during performance

Questions to ask:

• Do you provide a detailed technical rider?

• What happens if the venue can’t meet certain requirements?

• How far in advance do you need final venue details?

• Do you coordinate directly with our venue or other vendors?

• Do you need a floor plan?

A great magician will provide you with all the details upfront and work with your venue to ensure everything runs smoothly.

At the Toronto Magic Company we have a tech rider. Once we get some information about your event and what we recommend, we'll make sure you have our rider so you know exactly what we need. What is a must have, and what is nice to have for your party!

Question 10:

What is the total cost and what does it include?

Why it matters: Clear pricing prevents misunderstandings and surprise charges. Professional magicians provide comprehensive quotes that detail all costs upfront, helping you budget accurately for your magical entertainment.

What should be included in pricing:

• Base performance fee for specified duration

• Travel costs (mileage, accommodation if required)

• Equipment and setup charges

• Deposit requirements and payment schedule

• Cancellation policy details

Pricing structures for magicians vary widely; some charge a flat fee while others have hourly rates.

Typical pricing ranges:

• Magician for private Adult Event: $1000-$3000 for 2-3 hours

• Corporate mentalist or Magician: $2,000-$5,000+ depending on event size

• Children’s entertainer: $300-$750 for birthday party

Additional costs to clarify:

• Travel beyond certain radius

• Accommodation for distant events

• Special equipment rental

• Extended performance time

• Multiple performance sessions

• Customization or special requests

Contract essentials:

• Specific performance dates, times, and duration

• Venue address and contact information

• Payment terms and schedule

• Cancellation policy for both parties

• Technical requirements and responsibilities

• What happens if event is rescheduled

A written contract is crucial for protecting both the client and the performer. Understanding the total investment upfront prevents awkward conversations later and ensures you’re comparing different magicians fairly.

Most of our events land in the $2,000 - $5,000 range. Some larger scale events, or multi magician events are a bit more. But feel free to reach out for a free quote on your event to see if we can help!

Making the Right Choice: Putting It All Together

Now that you have your essential questions, here’s how to use them effectively during your booking process:

Create a comparison sheet with responses from different magicians. Aim for about 3-5. When making your final decision, seek advice from experts or previous clients to ensure you choose a magician with the right experience and reputation.

Trust your instincts during conversations. Professional magicians should be confident, responsive, and genuinely interested in making your event successful. If something feels off during the hiring process, it probably won’t improve on event day.

Consider the total value, not just the price. A slightly more expensive magician who provides liability insurance, backup plans, and proven experience often costs less than dealing with problems from an amateur performer.

Book early for the best performers. Seasoned magicians often book months in advance, especially for peak event seasons. Starting your search early gives you access to higher quality options.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Considerations

Venue coordination: Ask how they work with your venue staff and other vendors. Experienced performers integrate seamlessly with your event team rather than creating additional coordination challenges.

Post-event follow-up: Many magicians offer photos, videos, or other materials from your event. This can provide lasting memories and content for your organization’s social media or marketing.

Audience feedback mechanisms: Some magicians provide ways to gather guest feedback, helping you measure the success of your entertainment choice and plan future events.

Conclusion: Investing in Unforgettable Experiences

Hiring the right magician isn’t about finding the cheapest price, especially if your event is an important one. It’s about creating lasting memories that your guests will talk about for years. The questions in this guide help you identify performers who bring professionalism, skill, and genuine wonder to your event.

Most people remember great magic shows long after they’ve forgotten the menu or decorations. By asking these essential questions during your hiring process, you’re ensuring that the magic at your next event creates exactly the kind of unforgettable experience you’re envisioning. Don’t be afraid to ask magicians any questions or request more information—clear communication helps you make the best choice for your event.

Want to skip the guesswork? Reach out to us today and we’ll help you find the perfect magician for your event—no awkward surprises, just amazing performances that leave your guests wondering how it was possible. Because the last thing you want is to be the person who hired the magician everyone wishes they could forget.