Different Types of Close up Magic

Close up magic has undergone a resurgence in popularity recently with it’s jaw dropping live performances where you get to be part of the action.

And as a versatile art form, close up magic can be presented in various formats, making it suitable for a wide range of events and environments.

In this blog post, I’ll look into the different performing formats for close up magic, highlighting some of their unique characteristics and benefits. Hopefully this helps you to choose what sort of close up magician would be suitable for your event.

I’ll be looking at the following types of close up magic:

• Walkaround close up magic
• Table to table magic
• A close up magic show
• Close up magic on stage
• Close up magic on TV / video

ps. read to the end of this post as there’s even a quiz question for you!

WALKAROUND CLOSE UP MAGIC

Walkaround entertainment, also known as strolling magic or mix and mingle magic, is probably the most popular format for close up magic performances. That’s because it fits in at a wide range of events including at corporate gatherings, cocktail parties, birthdays and weddings. In these settings, the magician moves through the crowd, engaging small groups of guests and performing magic with them, and right before their eyes.

The primary advantage of walkaround entertainment is its ability to break the ice and encourage interactions between guests. By engaging with people on a personal level, quality close up magicians, such as myself, create a lively fun atmosphere and bring your event to life.

For large events, I can hire extra performers on your behalf to make sure that everyone gets to see some magic, or the entertainment can be mixed with other forms of performance such as mind reading, silhouette cutting or palmistry.

For smaller events, I get to spend a little more time with guests, and I’m able to adjust my routines to suit the preferences and interests of individual guests. Something like balloon modelling can also be added in for family events.

TABLE TO TABLE MAGIC

Table to table magic, (sometimes known as just table magic) is often found at dining events or banquets. This involves the magician moving from one table to another, performing close up magic for seated guests. We call it ‘table hopping!’ This format offers a more structured approach to close up magic, with the magician providing entertainment during the meal or between courses.

The intimate nature of table to table magic creates memorable experiences for guests, who can witness the magic right in front of their eyes. When I perform as a table magician, this format allows me to tailor the performances to each table, personalising the experience and ensuring that every guest feels valued and included. Finally, and perhaps the biggest benefit of table magic is that it can also act as a conversation starter among attendees, promoting a lively and engaging atmosphere at the table and throughout the event.

As mentioned in the close up magic section, I can organise a team of table magicians for large events. What we often do is split the room into sections or by table number so that we can ensure every table, and therefore every guest is entertained.

A CLOSE UP MAGIC SHOW

A close up magic show is a structured performance, typically presented to a small audience in a more intimate setting, such as a private room or a designated performance area. In this format, guests gather around the magician as they perform a series of tricks and illusions to the whole group.

This encourages audience participation, creates memorable moments and fosters a sense of connection between the performer and guests.

This type of close up magic show is ideal for smaller events where focus can be put on the entertainment. For me, a close up show is equivalent to my parlour show, so that would be the best place to look if you are thinking of having this form of entertainment at your event.

The structured nature of a show allows me to build anticipation and showcase my carefully crafted routines without the distractions usually found in walkaround magic or table magic.

CLOSE UP MAGIC ON STAGE

While close up magic is typically associated with smaller, intimate performances, it can also be adapted for the stage. In this format, a magician performs close up magic on stage, using cameras and large screens to project the tricks to a larger audience.

I’ve done this a few times, but it is rarer for me than the other formats, as the client has to have, or hire, suitable equipment into to project the performance to their guests. However, this approach is a good option at conferences, award ceremonies, or larger corporate gatherings where you have a very large number of guests and yet still want something on stage that connects with everyone. Often it is combined with my stage magic show.

Close up magic on stage, however, allows me to maintain the sense of wonder and astonishment associated with close up magic while reaching a more extensive audience.

CLOSE UP MAGIC ON TV / VIDEO

The rise of television and online video platforms has given close up magic a new way to captivate audiences worldwide. Close up magic on TV or video often involves magicians performing their illusions for a host, celebrity guests, or a live audience, with the camera capturing every detail of the performance.

These performances are then broadcast or streamed, allowing viewers at home to witness the magic and share in the experience.

Close up magic on TV or video platforms such as YouTube offers several advantages, including increased exposure and the ability to reach a global audience. This format also enables magicians to experiment with new tricks and techniques, pushing the boundaries of the art form and engaging viewers with innovative illusions.

One thing that interests me is how the camera can be used to give a unique viewpoint not normally seen, eg. the view underneath the table, as the magician pushes a coin through it. This new perspective provides a new experience of magic, and helps our art form to grow.

CONCLUSION

Close up magic remains a timeless and enchanting form of entertainment that continues to captivate and astonish those lucky enough to see it and be a part of it.

That’s one of the big appeals of live close up magic. It’s at it’s heart, an interactive art form. It’s more about the people involved, than it is about the tricks. Although, yes, the close up magic tricks are amazing too!

Not only that, but the diverse performing formats of close up magic (and close up mind reading) demonstrated in this blog post show the versatility and adaptability of this captivating art form. Whether it’s an intimate walkaround performance, a structured formal show, or a larger scale stage production, close up magic can be tailored to suit a variety of events and environments.

What’s more, as the popularity of close up magic continues to grow professional magicians, such as myself, are continually exploring new ways to present their tricks and engage with their audiences.

Who knows what might be next?!

CLOSE UP MAGIC AT YOUR EVENT

If you’re interested in being part of the story, then get in touch with me to discuss your event. I would love to perform close up magic for you next!

AND FINALLY FINALLY?

What type of close up magic is this, that I’m performing here at this company summer party?