Magicians

Employers

Magicians generally are freelance performers, hired for everything from private parties to major stage shows on Broadway or in Las Vegas. Although a large number of magicians perform at magic clubs (such as the Chicago Magic Lounge), many also perform for schools and religious groups.

Some businesses hire magicians to perform at trade shows and sales meetings to improve interest in a product. Magicians generally perform their standard routines at these shows, though they may incorporate the client's product into the act. Some magicians choose not to get involved in these marketing-style magic shows, because they may not wish to use their craft to promote a particular product.

Starting Out

Many people become magicians after serving as assistants to more accomplished magicians. These apprenticeships are generally informal in nature and vary in duration from several months to several years. It is also possible for someone to begin practicing as a magician while still working as an assistant.

One reason many magicians start as apprentices is that professional magicians rarely reveal in public how they perform their tricks. (Otherwise everyone would soon know how a trick is done, and there would be no element of surprise.) Assistants get a behind-the-scenes look at how tricks are done and in this way learn impressive illusions.

Some magicians may start on their own without serving as assistants. These magicians learn techniques from friends, classes, books and DVDs, or the Internet and then develop their own routines. When novice magicians feel qualified to perform a show, they may advertise. Their first performances may be relatively short and simple, such as a child's birthday party, for example. As they develop skills and a good reputation, their performances will expand in difficulty, complexity, and duration. Many magicians also grow their audiences by using social media to get word out about the type of magic they perform and their show schedules. They develop followers through Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, and other social platforms.