Chicago Magician MAGIC SHOWS

 CLIENTS 

Fabjance's performance resume includes magic shows for such notable clients as the Art institute of Chicago, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and more!

Providing top-rated performances for all kinds of special events in and around Chicago, he has performed thousands of shows for major corporations and small businesses, neighborhood associations and national organizations, local schools and international universities, and city festivals and county fairs.

Fabjance performs live magic regularly at venues in Chicago and the suburbs, and travels extensively throughout the area entertaining audiences large and small, from theater stage shows, to banquet after-dinner stand-up programs, to close-up cocktail hour performances, to something special just for kids.

Successful Magic Show Tips & Tricks

For The Best Magic Shows In Chicago: Make It Intimate

Making sure that the audience is seated up close to the performer is the #1 tip for a successful magic show.

The first seat (or table) of the audience should be no more than 12 feet away from the "stage" or performing area. The closer the audience, the better the show.

The farther away any particular audience members are, the less engaged they will be in the performance. This is especially true in a banquet setting, where an empty dance floor between the performer and the audience is a recipe for failure.

Theater-style Seating Ensures Every Seat Is A Good Seat

For the greatest success of the show, it is important that all members of the audience have a clear view of the "stage" or performance area.

If the venue does not contain fixed theater-style seating, the first row of audience seating should be placed approximately six feet away from the "stage" or performance area.

If there is a dance floor in front of the performance area, please fill it with chairs.

Keep in mind that a magic show is angle sensitive. The best viewing experience will be directly from the front. Therefore, all chairs should be arranged in rows (never arcs or circles) that all face the "stage" or performance area.

Please avoid any guest tables or chairs directly to the side or behind the performance area.

It is also necessary to have a clear path from the "stage" or performance area to seats, and a clear center aisle running from the stage" or performance area through the audience seating to the back of the venue.

As the show involves much audience interaction, and takes place both on stage and in the audience, this ensures that all audience members have easy access to the "stage" or performance area for purposes of coming up to help out. And this ensures that the magician will have easy access to the audience.

Audio. Can You Hear Me Now?

A good sound system is a very important element any magic show.

For magic shows before an audience of more than 50, Fabjance can provide a microphone and sound system.

For a magic performance before an audience of less than 50 guests (in a quiet environment), a sound system is optional.

For all local Chicago magic shows, there is no additional charge for this sound system. For performances requiring air travel there will be an additional charge to cover the excess baggage fee.

For larger on-stage theater shows and similar performances before an audience of hundreds, most professional performance venues should have their own proper sound systems.

Lights, Camera, Action!

A magic performance of any size cannot be seen without proper lighting. As the show is highly interactive, and takes place both on stage and in the audience, both areas must be lit. For most performance situations, the existing room lighting is usually sufficient.

For larger on-stage theater shows and similar venues that have theatrical lighting, please give a basic full stage wash.

If this is a formal theater, a lighting technician will be required the night of the show to run the lights during the performance.

A spotlight is not necessary as long as the stage or performance area is lit.

In Chicago, All The World's A Stage.

Being able to be seen easily by the audience is very important.

A minimum riser, stage size, or performance area of 6 ft. deep by 12 ft. wide is satisfactory.

For audiences of 75 or less, staging is optional.

For audiences of 75 or more, a formal stage works best. In the event that one is not available, it is recommended (but not required) that there is a riser at least 12 feet deep and 20 feet wide (8 feet deep x 12 feet wide is acceptable). The riser should be at least two foot high (or approximately 1 ft. of height per 100 audience members up to a maximum of 4 ft. high).

Due to the highly interactive nature of the performance, stairs to access the stage are also necessary. There should be at least one set of stairs from the audience to the stage. The stairs should be located on the front side of the stage (the side nearest the audience).

The stage must be clear of obstructions such as lecterns, cables, speakers, band and DJ equipment.

IMPORTANT: If other performers will be using the performance space, please notify Fabjance prior to the day of the show.

Multi-media: An Attractive Addition To Any Chicago Magic Program

For large audiences, an image magnification projection is recommended, but, of course, is not necessary.

Chicago Magic Shows: Misdirection VS Distraction

Guests cannot really enjoy a show while they are eating. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that all wait services be halted during the performance.

If there is a dinner accompanying the magic show, the best time for the entertainment will be after dinner and before dessert. The tables should be cleared prior to the performance. If coffee is to be served, it should be out on the tables before the beginning of the show.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, a magician who needs no introduction?

A proper introduction can set the tone for a great show. The person who gives the introduction also has the important job of quieting the audience and getting their attention.