Close-Up Magic vs. Group Magic Shows: Which is Right for Your Event?
Choosing The Right Magician Service For Your Event
When hiring an Orlando magician, it’s important to consider the type of event you’re hosting and the type of magic that will make the biggest impact on your audience.
Most magicians specialize in two services: interactive magic and group shows.
An interactive magician can add a personal touch, while a group magic show can be a great way to entertain a larger audience. Combining both creates a complete experience at any event.
Let’s look at both types of magic — interactive magic and group magic shows — so that you can make a confident decision on the right service for your event.
What is Interactive Magic?
Interactive magic, also known as strolling, interactive, close-up magic, is the type of magic that is performed up close for small groups of people at a time.
This type of magic is very personal and engaging, as the magician interacts with each person individually, calls on them by name and performs tricks that can be seen up close, right before their eyes!
An interactive, close-up magic show will typically last 5-10 minutes and be performed throughout the event, for groups of 1 to 10 people at a time. This kind of magic will elicit gasps, cheers and applause, adding to the fun atmosphere and positive energy of your event. It also creates unforgettable memories and word-of-mouth stories that people will talk about and share for months and even years after the event is over.
When to Consider Interactive Magic
This is a good option for events where the guests are mixing and mingling. Attendees can be standing in small groups around high-top tables, as is often popular at cocktail receptions. Or they can be seated at tables, partaking in passed hors d'oeuvres or a buffet.
Events that benefit the most from hiring interactive magicians are cocktail hours, corporate events, wedding receptions and private parties. If you’re hosting a welcome reception for a business event, an interactive magician is an ideal way to break the ice and create a shared experience for the attendees, setting a positive tone for the rest of the conference.
Additionally, if you’re looking to boost attendee engagement or social media posts, this is the ideal magic to have. It’s great for capturing photos of astonished attendees to share internally or on social media.
Watch an Example of Interactive Magic:
What is a Group Magic Show?
A group magic show, also known as stage magic or parlour magic, is a theatrical entertainment experience that is designed to be seen by everyone at once.
This is not a show where you just sit back and watch passively. It’s just as active and engaging as interactive close-up magic but created to make a greater impact on a group of people all together.
The type of magic that is performed in a group show is often larger in scale, with the magician performing tricks that can be seen or experienced from a distance, such as a comedy or mentalism routine.
The show can last from 15 to 60 minutes, with the ideal performance time of around 45 minutes for groups that are enjoying dinner and a show together.
When to Consider a Group Magic Show
This is a good option for events where the guests are seated together, expecting something big and impactful to conclude the gathering.
Events that benefit the most from hiring stage show magicians are awards dinners, all-hands meetings, corporate events, or private parties. If you’re hosting an annual event, attendees expect each year to be better than the previous. A stage magic show is an ideal way to bring a Vegas-worthy entertainment experience and exceed their expectations.
Group magic shows are meant to play big, for audiences as small as 20 and as large as 2,000. The focus isn’t on seeing the magic trick up close, but on the reactions and interactions of the magician and the audience members who join the magician on stage.
If you have more than 250 people, it is recommended to provide IMAG (video magnification) so that a larger audience can see the faces of the magician and the audience members who join the magician on stage.
For an optimal experience, attendees can be seated banquet style, at round tables, enjoying dinner. (If that’s the case, we recommend keeping the centerpieces small to not obstruct the views!) Or the group show can be presented in a conference room setup in an auditorium or classroom-style seating, with or without tables.
Watch an Example of a Group Magic Show
How To Choose The Right Type of Magic
In general, the choice between hiring a strolling, interactive close-up magician and a group magic show will depend on the type of event you’re hosting, the size of your audience, and the type of atmosphere you want to create.
The advantages of having an interactive magician include:
There is nothing to set up.
The performance is self-contained.
Performances are intimate, for small groups, creating more meaningful interactions.
Attendees are blown away by the personal attention.
When presented with class and sophistication, by one of our certified team magicians, interactive magic can be one of the most meaningful kinds of entertainment for your event and give you the most bang for your buck.
The advantages of hiring a group show magician include:
Showtime is flexible to fit the event schedule.
Show length is flexible to fit your audience’s attention spans.
Show content can be tailored to a person or theme.
The key to a successful stage show is having the right seating arrangement, a suitable stage or performance area, and proper lights and sound to match your group or room size. Working with our office, we ensure that A/V is run as smoothly as the magic show. We prepare for all technical needs so that your audience can enjoy the magic.
Combining Both Services To Make A Big Impact
If you’re looking for maximum event impact from start to finish, we recommend combining interactive magic with the group show.
The interactive magic is an instant way to get everyone engaged and excited for the night. It adds a personal touch, as the guests interact with the magician, directly. And then the group show, presented later in the evening, creates the maximum impact, as everyone participates in a mind-blowing, theatrical experience together.
Additionally, hiring a strolling magician to perform during the pre-event gathering can help keep your guests entertained and engaged until the main event begins.
This can be particularly useful if you have a longer gap between the pre-event gathering and the start of the main event. There will be a sense of anticipation and excitement for what’s to come. And there won’t be any awkward wait time, as the magic fills the atmosphere.
Overall, booking both types of magic services can help to create a well-rounded and engaging experience for your guests.
We Can Help You Make Magic
If you’re planning an event in the Orlando area and are considering hiring a magician, be sure to get in touch with the booking team at See Magic Live. Our team of experienced and talented Orlando magicians can help you choose the right type of magic for your event, whether it’s strolling, interactive close-up magic, or a larger-scale group magic show.
We work with you to understand the goals of your event and the type of atmosphere you want to create and help you choose the right magician to make your event truly magical. Once you’ve booked the best magician for the right service, we’ll help you promote the magic to get your guests excited. We recommend you don’t keep the magic a surprise, as anticipation creates an even greater impact!
Contact us today to discuss your event and find out how we can help make your next event a magical success.
