Behind the Scenes: A Magician’s Preparation for a Corporate Show
When you picture a magician at a corporate event, you probably think of jaw-dropping illusions and a room full of stunned executives. What you don’t see is the meticulous planning and preparation that goes into creating that magic moment. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share what it takes to deliver a flawless corporate performance.
The Initial Brief: Understanding the Audience and Goals
Every corporate event is different. Before I even think about packing my props, I need to understand the client’s vision. Are they looking to impress stakeholders? Boost team morale? Launch a new product? This step helps me tailor my show to the audience’s expectations and the event’s objectives.
This phase often involves a few calls or emails where I ask questions like:
How formal is the event?
What’s the audience size and demographic?
Are there any company-specific themes or values to incorporate?
It’s not just about knowing the audience—it’s about connecting with them on a deeper level.
Crafting Custom Illusions
For corporate shows, personalization is key. Whether it’s revealing a company logo in a surprising way or weaving their mission statement into an illusion, I aim to create a unique experience. Customization also includes designing routines that align with the company’s branding. For instance, during a Boston-based financial firm’s gala, I created an illusion involving a seemingly “vanishing” stock certificate that magically reappeared with a clever message about their stability.
Rehearsals: Where the Magic Happens
Rehearsing for a corporate show isn’t just about practicing sleight-of-hand. It’s about choreographing every moment:
Timing illusions to fit into the event schedule.
Perfecting the audio-visual setup (corporate events often have larger venues, so sound and visuals must be spot-on).
Running through transitions to ensure the flow feels seamless.
And yes, I always rehearse with backup plans. If technology glitches or the audience doesn’t respond as expected, I’m ready to pivot. The goal is to make it look effortless—even when things don’t go according to plan.
Venue Walkthrough and Setup
I usually arrive at the venue well before showtime. This allows me to:
Check the lighting and stage setup.
Coordinate with event planners and AV teams.
Test all my props and gadgets in the performance space.
For a recent corporate show in Maine, I discovered that the stage lighting cast awkward shadows on my props. A quick adjustment with the AV team ensured everything looked polished when the spotlight hit.
Showtime: Engaging and Wowing the Crowd
The audience sees only the final layer of preparation: the show itself. By this point, I’ve done the heavy lifting behind the scenes. My focus shifts to engaging the crowd, adapting to their energy, and delivering those unforgettable moments of astonishment.
Corporate audiences, especially in New England, tend to be a mix of skeptics and enthusiasts. My job is to win them all over—whether through mind-bending mentalism, jaw-dropping illusions, or even a bit of humor to break the ice.
Post-Show: The Debrief
The magic doesn’t stop when the curtains close. After each performance, I stick around for feedback, photos, and—my favorite—chatting with attendees about their favorite moments. This interaction not only strengthens connections but also provides valuable insights for future shows.
Ready to Transform Your Event?
From the planning phase to the final curtain call, every corporate show I perform is designed to leave a lasting impression. If you’re planning an event in Boston, New Hampshire, Maine, or Connecticut, let’s create something truly magical together.
Contact me today to discuss how I can customize a performance for your next corporate event!
