Booking a magician: What really matters when choosing the right one

How to recognise an authentic performer who truly connects with the audience.

If you’re looking to book a magician, there’s certainly no shortage of choice these days. Watch a few videos, scroll through Instagram, read some reviews – and suddenly you find yourself wondering which performer is the right one for you. Big promises, impressive visuals, perhaps a “top magician” or even the claim to be the “number one” on someone’s website.

But what should you really be looking for? It’s not just about whether a performer is good at magic. What matters is whether they’re the right fit for you, your occasion and above all, the people they’re there to entertain. Because whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event or a private celebration, magic ultimately happens up close, with real people who deserve to be at the heart of the experience.

You should book a magician who is right for your guests

It’s not enough for you to like them.

Here’s a fun fact to start with: one of my brides didn’t see a single one of my tricks at her own wedding. Not because I wasn’t there, but because she was busy moving from one part of the programme to the next the entire time.

And that’s exactly why it’s not always just about whether the performer appeals to the couple, the host or the person booking them. Perhaps the more important question is: are they right for the people who will actually experience their performance? Will they fit in with the crowd? Is their personality a good match for the people coming together for the event? Take a look at how a performer communicates on their website or social media and how they come across. Because, ultimately, it’s your guests, colleagues, friends or family members who will experience those magical moments.

The performer’s persona isn’t the priority

Skill matters, but adaptability matters even more.

A performer’s appearance can tell you a lot about how they think. I once saw a fellow magician wearing a beret, a buttoned-up shirt with a bow tie, a waistcoat, a jacket and long trousers in 35-degree heat. The fact that he didn’t collapse was nothing short of a miracle. I’m not trying to make fun of his outfit. The more interesting question is: was that really what worked best for the audience or was he simply too attached to his stage persona? When everyone is dressed for summer and you suddenly look like a clownish outsider, it creates distance. And distance is the opposite of what good magic needs. That’s why it’s important for a performer to be willing to adapt to the situation.

My approach is different. I want to find out what works best for the audience. As the German saying goes, “The worm must taste good to the fish, not the angler.” I think that sums up my attitude rather well. That’s also why I don’t promote myself with endless lists of awards. After all, I’m not performing for other magicians at a competition – I’m performing for my audience. I want to amaze every single person with my magic while always remaining true to myself. No artistic airs and graces! It’s not about showing off a trick simply because it’s elaborate or technically impressive. It’s about creating magical moments that genuinely blow people away.

When booking a magician, look beyond a single trick

A versatile repertoire and ...

Learning two card tricks and downloading an app doesn’t make you a magician. Look at whether the performances themselves are of a high standard and whether the performer has a distinctive, versatile style of their own. You can get a good sense of a magician’s repertoire by taking a closer look at their content. Do they showcase different facets of their craft? Or do you keep seeing the same trick, the same cards or perhaps the same prop on their website and social media?

Of course, that doesn’t automatically mean anything is wrong. But for a professional entertainer, mastering their craft and being flexible in their performances is essential, because audiences aren’t always predictable. People call things out and test you. They react differently than expected or simply bring a completely new energy to the room. Sooner or later, you find out whether someone really knows their stuff – or whether the magic starts to fade at the first little disruption.

... a distinctive style really matter.

That’s why I’m always trying out new things myself, knowing, of course, that sometimes they might not work quite as I’d imagined. For me, this is how a repertoire takes shape, combining reliable classics with fresh material. That variety ensures I don’t end up going through the motions or letting things get stale, but can keep every performance full of energy. Let’s be honest: if you stop enjoying your own tricks, the audience will probably notice sooner than you think.

Don’t be blinded by self-praise!

Read the reviews and be wary of marketing hype.

If you’re looking to book a magician, it’s worth taking a closer look at the reviews. Do they simply say “Great guy, five stars”? Or do people take the time to describe the impact the performer had? That can tell you a lot about the value someone brings to an event. Photos and videos can offer useful clues, too. Are they mostly studio shots, or do you get to see real performances, different venues and, above all, genuine audience reactions? These glimpses can reveal a lot about whether you’ve come across a magician who’s just starting out or a seasoned performer.

Personally, I can’t help but smile a little whenever I see someone describing themselves as a “top magician” or “number one”. If someone’s entire online presence revolves around telling you how brilliant they are – performing internationally, amazing millions of people, and here are three more videos to prove it – I’d take a closer look. Especially if they never really explain what makes their work stand out or what their repertoire actually includes. If those questions remain unanswered, alarm bells start ringing for me… It’s already starting to smell suspiciously like hot air.

The right stage for the right performer

Not every magician is automatically right for every event.

It’s also worth looking at where a performer’s experience lies. If they mainly perform close-up magic, appear in lots of photos interacting directly with people and showcase these kinds of performances on social media, that’s probably where they have the most experience. If, on the other hand, they’re standing on a stage in front of a large audience in every other photo, they may be a seasoned stage performer. And if a magician performs at weddings particularly often, they’ve probably built up a wealth of experience in that setting.

This isn’t a judgement of quality. Think of it more as a compass. Because when you’re looking to book a magician, the aim is to find a performer whose experience is the right fit for your event.

In the end, only one thing matters: authenticity

Real magic doesn’t need someone playing a part.

Perhaps this is the most important thought I’d like to leave you with when you’re looking to book a magician. Does the performer come across as authentic in their appearance, language and performance or do they slip into a character? When people speak as though they’re playing a role in a theatre production, even though they’re simply interacting with real people at an event, something just feels a little off.

I firmly believe you connect with people far more effectively when you meet them as equals, engage in crowd work and simply be yourself. That’s who I am and that’s how I practise my magic. If you take a little time to look beyond the surface, you’ll probably get a feel for which magician is right for you fairly quickly. Because I firmly believe that the best magician is one who remains authentic. Only then can real magic happen.

Book Steasy as your magician!

With me, you’ll have an authentic performer who connects with your audience and brings your event to life. Get in touch and let’s create some real magic for your guests!

Book Steasy as your magician!

With me, you’ll have an authentic performer who connects with your audience and brings your event to life. Get in touch and let’s create some real magic for your guests!