Global Career Guide (EN)From Arts & Entertainment β†’

Magician

AI

A magician entertains audiences with tricks, illusions and sleight of hand at parties, events, restaurants and shows. It suits confident performers who love to surprise and delight people and want creative, mostly evening and weekend work.

The role

What a magician actually does, day to day.

The work is learning and perfecting tricks, performing close-up or on stage, reading and working a crowd, and the business side of bookings and self-promotion. Showmanship, lots of practice and the confidence to perform under pressure matter, along with the people skills to engage all sorts of audiences and handle hecklers.

Most magicians are self-employed, working weekends, evenings and seasonal events, with income that swings with bookings and reputation and often starts as a side job. You provide your own props and costumes, travel to gigs, and building a name takes years of practice and performing wherever you can.

There are no qualifications - magicians learn through endless practice, watching others and joining magic circles or clubs. You will need public liability insurance for many venues, a polished act, and a steady stream of bookings built through word of mouth and social media.

A typical week

Day to day

1Practise and perfect tricks and routines
2Perform close-up or stage magic
3Read and engage the audience
4Travel to and set up at venues
5Promote yourself and find bookings
6Liaise with clients and event hosts
7Maintain and update your props and act