The earliest magicians rose to performance in the middle ages, performing at noble residences, fairs and carnivals. Later, magician Channing Pollack would change the game by popularizing the image of the magician in a top hat and tailcoat and creating the first dove trick.
Now, most magicians work in large cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Magicians are primarily self-employed and perform at various venues. Here are just a few places that a professional magician may choose to work:
- Private Parties
Many professional magicians work as private party entertainers, performing shows at birthday parties, graduation parties, company parties, and other similar events. Having a magician perform is a great way to lighten the mood. - Trade Shows
People who run booths at trade shows may hire a magician to get people to check out their booth. Trade show magicians can tailor their performance to promote a product or service, which can make them invaluable advertising tools. - Streets
Some professional magicians work on the street, creating demand for their performance by starting a show in a location where they can draw in a large audience. These magicians may have a location where they set up and perform the same show, or they may move from place to place performing stunts. - Colleges and Schools
Magicians often travel around to schools and colleges, performing as part of student entertainment programs. Magic shows are generally highly attended by students, especially in a college setting. - Corporate Events
Magicians make especially great corporate event entertainers. At a long company convention full of meetings and keynote speakers, hiring a magician can be a great way to break things up and re-energize a crowd.
If you have an event that needs that extra bit of entertainment to be truly special, contact a professional magician in your area and find out what they can do for you.
