How to Be Parlor Magician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 20, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The popularity of parlor magicians has increased significantly over the past decade. This is due, in part, to the surge in attendance of live events, such as public shows and corporate events. These events allow for a larger audience to witness the magicians skills and artistry, allowing for more exposure and, consequently, a greater appreciation for the art of magic.

The rise in attendance of such events has also led to an increase in the number of magicians, with more people now taking up the art as a profession or hobby. The increased number of magicians, in turn, has led to an increased demand for tools, supplies, and instruction books that cater to the craft. This has further bolstered the growth of the magic industry, leading to more opportunities for magicians to practice their craft and share it with the world.

Steps How to Become

Choose a specialty. Decide if you want to specialize in card magic, close-up magic, illusions, or mentalism.
Practice your craft. Spend time honing your skills and developing routines that will engage and amaze your audience.
Get the right equipment. Purchase magic supplies such as props, decks of cards, and other items that you will need to perform your act.
Develop a stage presence. Take classes in acting and public speaking to learn how to be comfortable on stage and engage your audience.
Network with other magicians. Attend local magic conventions and get to know other magicians who can provide advice and insight into the industry.
Get insured. Purchase liability insurance that will cover you in the event of an accident or injury while performing.
Market yourself. Create business cards, flyers, and a website to advertise your services and attract potential clients.
Create a portfolio. Put together a portfolio of videos, photos, and references from past performances that you can use when marketing yourself.
Set your rates. Decide how much you will charge for your services and create a contract that states the details of your performance.

Becoming a skilled and competent parlor magician requires dedication and practice. It starts with learning the basics of sleight of hand and understanding how to craft a performance that will captivate an audience. Then, it is important to practice different techniques to refine their skills.

As their skill level increases, the magician can begin to develop custom routines that showcase their unique style and individual flair. With continual practice, the magician can increase their repertoire of tricks and illusions, as well as develop an act that will leave an audience spellbound. by dedicating time and effort to honing their craft, a parlor magician can become skilled and competent in their profession.

You may want to check Fortune Teller Booth Operator, Close-Up Magician, and Balloon Artist for alternative.

Job Description

Perform a wide variety of magic tricks, illusions and routines for audiences of all sizes
Create original magic routines and customize existing routines for special events
Develop custom presentations for corporate events, private parties and other special occasions
Maintain professional contact with clients to ensure customer satisfaction
Hire and manage assistants or stage crew as needed
Research new magic tricks and illusions to keep performances fresh
Design and construct props and costumes to enhance the performance
Develop marketing strategies to promote services
Monitor audience reactions to ensure a successful show
Stay abreast of trends in the industry to ensure relevancy of performances

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to interact with an audience
Knowledge of a wide range of magic tricks
Skill in performing illusions
Creativity in developing new tricks and routines
Ability to read and understand an audiences reactions
Knowledge of the history of magic and its performers
Ability to use props and equipment to enhance the performance
Quick thinking and problem-solving skills
Excellent public speaking and communication skills
Thorough knowledge of safety protocols
Expertise in setting up and breaking down show equipment
Ability to work with other entertainers to create a cohesive performance

Being a successful parlor magician requires a wide range of skills. Perhaps the most important skill is the ability to engage an audience. This requires the magician to be able to capture and keep the attention of those watching.

It also requires the magician to be able to read the audience and adjust their show according to the reaction they get. the magician must be able to think on their feet in order to provide a unique and entertaining experience each time they perform. This requires creativity and improvisational skills, as well as a good sense of humor.

Finally, the magician needs to be able to practice their material and master it so that it looks effortless when they perform it. All of these skills combined will result in a successful parlor magician.

Wedding Magician, Mentalist, and Escape Room Entertainer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a parlor magician?
How would you describe your style of magic?
What type of shows have you performed in the past?
What is the most difficult trick you have ever performed?
How do you keep your audience engaged during your performances?
What unique props and effects do you use in your performances?
What challenges have you faced when performing as a parlor magician?
How do you handle audience members who are difficult or uncooperative?
Do you have any experience working with children or special needs audiences?
How do you ensure that your performance is both entertaining and safe?

Common Tools in Industry

Tricks of the Trade. This includes a variety of props, like cards, coins, ropes, silks, and other items to perform illusions. (Eg: Levitating a card from a spectator's hand)
Sleight of Hand. The skill of performing illusions and tricks using only the magician's hands. (Eg: Making coins appear from behind an ear)
Misdirection. A form of deception to divert the audience's attention away from the magician's actions. (Eg: Pointing to an empty hand while the other hides a coin)
Ventriloquism. The art of throwing one's voice to create the illusion that a puppet is talking. (Eg: Making a puppet talk to the audience)
Mentalism. The ability to read minds and predict future events. (Eg: Guessing what card a spectator is thinking of)
Props. Specialized items to aid in performing a trick or illusion. (Eg: A rabbit in a hat)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)
Society of American Magicians (SAM)
Magician's Alliance of Eastern States (MAES)
Fellowship of Christian Magicians (FCM)
Academy of Magical Arts (AMA)
Magic Castle (The Magic Castle)
Magician's Network (MNet)
International Magicians Society (IMS)
Magic Circle (The Magic Circle)
British Magical Society (BMS)

We also have Trapeze Artist, Impressionist, and Ventriloquist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Sleight-of-Hand. A type of magic performed by skilled magicians using dexterity and skill with their hands.
Illusions. The art of creating a false perception of reality, usually through the use of props and special effects.
Escapology. The art of escaping from restraints or confined spaces.
Mentalism. A type of magic that involves the use of psychological techniques to manipulate the audience's perception of reality.
Conjuring. A type of magic involving the manipulation of physical objects, such as cards and coins.
Ventriloquism. The art of making it appear that one's voice is coming from an inanimate object or person other than the one speaking.
Abra-Cadabra. A magical phrase used to invoke supernatural powers or to create a desired effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of magic does a Parlor Magician typically perform?

A Parlor Magician typically performs close-up magic, sleight of hand tricks, and illusions that involve smaller props and can be performed in a more intimate setting.