In Calgary, rates can vary from $0 to $5000. It depends on the type of event, type of magician, experience of magician, quality of show, and amount of equipment needed (sound, lights, mics, props,
technicians). I have arranged everything from charity shows (with
volunteer performers, and junior magicians), to corporate multiperformer events with professional illusionists and full stage lighting. Some ballpark costs;
- walkaround/closeup magic ~$75 – $150/hr
- birthday parties at home ~$175 – $300/hr
- small stage show (50-75ppl) ~$400 – $800
- large stage show (100-400ppl) ~$1000 – $5000

Prices and show quality also fluctuate based on the season and availability. November and December are peak seasons; expect prices to double as demand goes up, especially for weekend evenings late Nov and early Dec).

Prices vary due to the experience of the particular magician, amount of set up required for an act, fluctuating demand, and cost of equipment/transport/preparation. Close up shows require very little preparation, where as a small stage show may require setup time, audio equipment, and transport of more props and equipment. Large stage shows may require technicians, assistants, audio/visual equipment, as well as significantly more setup time. A premium may also be applied for extra travel for shows outside of Calgary.

Calgary has some excellent Children’s Magic specialists, but many magicians will specialize in entertaining adults and families. Some performers have acts geared towards adults (for example, night club comedy magicians and corporate specialists), and work poorly with children. Many performers fall in between; with optimal performances geared towards a family audience, with plenty of comedy, and interaction with both adults and kids (suitable for weddings, and public shows).

Calgary has a huge variation in entertainers, each specializing in their particular brand of performance. To name just a few; stand-up comedians, hypnotists, comedy magicians, kids magic, street magic, restaurant close-up, jugglers, ventriloquists, mentalists, stage illusion, parlour magic, motivational magic, corporate trade show specialists.

I can help you find the right performer for the right budget; that might be anything from a volunteer amateur magician at a charity event, to an expensive pro stage illusionist. There are such a huge number of performers of different specialties and different qualifications, that it is difficult for the general public to sift through them all and make an informed decision. Some performers will happily take a gig that is outside their area of expertise and perform adequately, though not optimally.

I know most of the magicians in Calgary, and many from around Alberta, and have seen most of the acts. Therefore I can provide advice and assistance in getting you the best performer for your budget. Through my years of networking, I also can usually find someone who has seen or knows of the reputation of performers that I haven’t witnessed personally.

I turn down more magic shows than I have time to perform, and am quite happy to help my fellow performers get the right gig. I do not charge any referral fee, and I usually have you discuss specifics directly with the performer, so my involvement is at a minimum, except for the referral itself. I am not acting as an agent for any of these performers, so I can give an objective recommendation.

I am passionate about the art of magic, and nothing destroys the reputation of this art more than an unhappy client hiring the wrong performer for his big event.

Repeat clients are rare in magic; not because the act isn’t good, but because the clients wants something totally new each event. I thrive on keeping an active clientele, by providing fresh acts every year from my network of entertainers. I may perform at an annual Christmas party for a client one year, then refer them to a different type of performance for the next year. The following year, my client will happily hire me again for the same show once my act has completely revamped. My client is happy, my referred performer is happy, and I am happy.