Close-up magic is the most intimate form of magical entertainment, performed right in front of your guests using everyday objects like cards, coins, and borrowed items. Unlike stage magic that requires distance and special equipment, close-up magic happens literally in the palm of your hand—creating unforgettable moments of wonder.

Magic happening right in your hands creates lasting impressions

Understanding Close-Up Magic

Close-up magic, also known as table magic or strolling magic, is characterized by its intimate, personal nature. The magician performs for small groups—typically 3-10 people at a time—moving from table to table or group to group during an event.

The performance takes place within 2-3 feet of the audience, allowing them to see every detail and creating a sense of impossibility that's simply not achievable with stage magic. This proximity creates genuine reactions and memorable moments.

What Makes Close-Up Magic Different?

Intimacy and Personal Connection

Unlike stage magic where the audience is separated from the performer, close-up magic creates a personal connection. Your guests become active participants, handling objects, making choices, and experiencing the impossibility firsthand. This creates a stronger emotional connection and more memorable experience.

Flexible and Adaptable

Close-up magic doesn't require stages, sound systems, or elaborate setups. A skilled close-up magician can perform anywhere—cocktail receptions, dinner tables, networking events, or even outdoor gatherings. This flexibility makes it perfect for a wide variety of corporate events.

Natural Conversation Starter

One of the greatest benefits of close-up magic at corporate events is how it naturally facilitates conversation and networking. After a performance, guests have a shared experience to discuss, breaking the ice and creating connections that might not have happened otherwise.

Types of Close-Up Magic

Card Magic

Using a simple deck of cards, a skilled magician can create impossibilities that defy logic. Cards appear, vanish, transform, and find themselves in impossible locations. Card magic is sophisticated, elegant, and perfect for formal corporate events.

Best for: Networking events, cocktail hours, formal dinners

Coin and Currency Magic

Using borrowed coins or bills, magicians create visual impossibilities—coins penetrate through solid tables, bills transform denominations, or money appears from thin air. The use of everyday objects makes these effects particularly impactful.

Best for: Trade shows, corporate meetings, hospitality events

Mentalism

Mind reading, predictions, and psychological demonstrations create a sophisticated form of entertainment that's particularly well-suited for corporate audiences. Mentalism adds an element of mystery and intrigue that sparks deep conversations.

Best for: Executive events, client entertainment, VIP gatherings

Everyday Object Magic

Using borrowed items like rings, watches, phones, or business cards, magicians create personalized miracles that guests will remember forever. These effects are powerful because they involve the spectator's own belongings.

Best for: Holiday parties, team building events, private celebrations

Perfect Events for Close-Up Magic

Corporate Networking Events

Close-up magic is ideal for networking events where conversation and connection are priorities. The magician naturally brings people together, creates talking points, and helps break the ice between attendees who might not otherwise interact.

Cocktail Receptions

During cocktail hours, guests are mingling and socializing—perfect for a roaming magician. Performances happen organically as groups form, creating moments of wonder without disrupting the natural flow of the event.

Corporate Dinners

Table magic during dinner creates entertainment between courses without requiring guests to leave their seats. The magician moves from table to table, ensuring every guest experiences personalized entertainment throughout the evening.

Holiday Parties

Corporate holiday parties benefit from entertainment that's sophisticated yet fun. Close-up magic strikes the perfect balance—professional enough for a corporate setting but entertaining enough to celebrate the season.

Client Entertainment

When entertaining important clients, you want something memorable that creates a positive association with your company. Close-up magic provides sophisticated entertainment that demonstrates your company's attention to detail and creative thinking.

Professional close-up magic for sophisticated corporate events

What to Expect: The Close-Up Magic Experience

Before the Event

Initial consultation to understand your event goals and audience
Discussion of any brand integration or custom effects
Coordination with your event timeline and schedule
No special requirements—minimal setup needed

During the Event

Magician arrives early and dresses appropriately for your event
Typically performs for 2-3 hours, moving between groups
Each group experiences 5-15 minutes of personalized entertainment
Natural flow—performances don't disrupt your event schedule
Professional, sophisticated presentation throughout

After the Event

Guests leave with memorable experiences to share
Increased social media engagement as guests share their experiences
Strengthened connections between attendees
Positive brand association with creativity and innovation

Choosing the Right Close-Up Magician

Not all close-up magicians are created equal. For corporate events, you need a performer who understands business environments and can adapt their performance accordingly. Here's what to look for:

Professional Presentation: Appropriate attire, punctuality, and business etiquette are essential for corporate events.
Audience Awareness: The ability to read the room and adjust the performance style to match your guests' energy and preferences.
Sophisticated Material: Magic that's appropriate for corporate settings—clever, elegant, and impressive without being juvenile.
Experience with Corporate Events: Understanding of corporate culture, ability to incorporate brand messaging, and experience with business audiences.
Flexibility: Willingness to adapt timing, performance style, and content to meet your specific needs.

Investment and Value

Professional close-up magic for corporate events is an investment in your event's success. When evaluating cost, consider:

• Length of performance (typically 2-3 hours)
• Number of guests to be entertained
• Level of customization and brand integration
• Travel requirements if outside the magician's local area
• The performer's experience and reputation

The value extends beyond entertainment—close-up magic creates networking opportunities, social media content, positive brand associations, and memories that guests will share long after your event ends.

Creating lasting impressions at every corporate event

Making Close-Up Magic Work for Your Event

Pro Tips for Success

Schedule the magician during natural mingling times (cocktail hour, between courses)
Brief your magician on any VIPs or key guests to prioritize
Create a branded hashtag and encourage social media sharing
Consider having the magician incorporate your company values or messaging
Allow time for the magician to perform for all guests—don't over-schedule
Brief your staff so they can help guide the magician to different groups

Ready to Experience Close-Up Magic?

Contact James Kenyon Magic to discuss how close-up magic can transform your next corporate event into an unforgettable experience.

Book Your Event Today

What is Close-Up Magic? The Complete Guide