A Professional Magician's Checklist: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Entertainer
You're planning an important event. You've invested time, effort, and a significant budget into the venue, the catering, and the decor. Now, you’re looking for that special something—the live entertainment that will elevate the experience and leave your guests buzzing.
Hiring a magician or mentalist can be one of the best decisions you make. A brilliant performer can transform your event. However, hiring the wrong performer can be a costly mistake that deflates the energy and reflects poorly on you as the host.
So how do you separate the seasoned professional from the risky amateur?
The secret lies in asking the right questions. A true professional will not only have impressive answers but will welcome your diligence. They will be proud to demonstrate their expertise and prove they are a safe, reliable investment.
This checklist is your secret weapon. Keep it with you during your consultations. These seven questions will cut through the hype and reveal the true caliber of the entertainer you are considering. They will empower you to hire with absolute confidence, ensuring your event's entertainment is nothing short of spectacular.
Question 1: "Can I see a full, unedited video of you performing at an event similar to mine?"
Why You Must Ask This: This is, without a doubt, the most important question you can ask. In today's world of easy video editing, anyone can create a flashy 60-second promotional reel. These videos are packed with quick cuts, dramatic music, and shots of laughing audiences. What they don't show you is how the performer actually handles a real, live audience over a sustained period. They don't show you their pacing, their patter, or how they manage unexpected interruptions. Slick marketing can hide a multitude of flaws.
What to Look For (The 'Green Flags'): A confident professional will be eager to share a long-form video. They'll likely have clips of them performing a full 5-10 minute routine for a real group at a corporate event or wedding. Look for:
Genuine Audience Reactions: Are people authentically engaged and amazed, or does it feel staged?
Clear, Professional Presentation: How do they speak and hold themselves? Do they command attention effortlessly and respectfully?
Smooth Handling of the Audience: Watch how they interact with volunteers and manage the group dynamic. Do they seem comfortable and in control?
Relevance: The video should be from an event similar to yours. If you're planning a sophisticated corporate gala, a video from a children's birthday party is not a relevant sample.
What to Watch Out For (The 'Red Flags'):
Evasiveness: An entertainer who refuses to show unedited footage is a major red flag.
Excuses: Be wary of excuses like, "My magic is best experienced live and doesn't translate well to video," or "My clients ask for privacy so I don't film." While privacy is valid, a pro will always have footage from clients who have given their consent.
Only Having a 'Sizzle Reel': If all they can provide is a highly-edited, music-video-style promo, they may be hiding a lack of real-world performance experience.
Question 2: "What is your process for understanding my event, my guests, and my goals?"
Why You Must Ask This: This question separates a true event partner from a "plug-and-play" performer. An amateur has one set show that they perform at every event, regardless of the context. A professional understands that they are not just there to do tricks; they are there to help you achieve your event's objectives.
What to Look For (The 'Green Flags'): The ideal answer will sound like a consultation. A professional will talk about:
A Pre-Event Briefing Call: They will want to schedule a call to discuss the event's purpose, the timeline, the key guests (like the CEO or the bride's parents), the dress code, and the desired atmosphere.
Asking You Questions: A great entertainer will ask you about your audience demographics, potential cultural sensitivities (especially important in the multicultural UAE), and what a "successful" event looks like to you.
Customization Options: They will discuss ways to tailor their performance, whether it's incorporating a company logo into a trick or creating a special piece of magic for the guest of honor.
What to Watch Out For (The 'Red Flags'):
A Lack of Interest: If their only questions are "Where do I park?" and "When do I get paid?", they see your event as just another gig.
A "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach: If they don't seem interested in the details of your event and just describe their standard act, they are not a strategic partner.
Question 3: "How do you handle unexpected situations or a particularly tough crowd?"
Why You Must Ask This: Live events are unpredictable. A microphone can fail. A key guest can arrive late. The audience might be quiet and reserved after a long day of conference sessions. This question tests the performer's experience and adaptability. It reveals whether they have the resilience to handle real-world challenges.
What to Look For (The 'Green Flags'): A seasoned pro will have multiple strategies and will likely answer with a calm confidence, perhaps even sharing a brief story of a time they turned a tough situation around. They'll talk about:
Having Backup Material: Possessing more material than they need, allowing them to switch gears if one style of performance isn't landing.
Audience Engagement Techniques: Specific methods they use to win over a quiet or skeptical audience, like starting with highly interactive and can't-fail routines.
Technical Preparedness: Carrying their own backup equipment, like a portable speaker or microphone.
What to Watch Out For (The 'Red Flags'):
"That Never Happens": An inexperienced performer might dismiss the question, suggesting they've never faced a challenge. This indicates a lack of experience, not a record of perfection.
No Clear Strategy: If they can't articulate a clear plan for how they would manage a difficult situation, they likely haven't experienced one and won't be prepared when it happens at your event.
Question 4: "Are you fully insured with public liability insurance?"
Why You Must Ask This: This is a non-negotiable question, especially for corporate events. Most high-end venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will not even allow a performer on-site without proof of public liability insurance. It protects you, the venue, and the performer from any potential accidents.
What to Look For (The 'Green Flags'): The answer should be a simple, immediate "Yes, of course." A professional will be able to provide a certificate of insurance upon request without any hesitation. This is a basic cost of doing business for any serious entertainer.
What to Watch Out For (The 'Red Flags'): Any hesitation or attempt to downplay the importance of insurance is a massive red flag. It signals that they are not operating as a legitimate, professional business and could be a liability risk for your company or event.
Question 5: "What do your past clients, particularly those similar to me, say about you?"
Why You Must Ask This: This is more specific than just asking for "reviews." You want to see testimonials from clients who had similar needs and expectations to your own. This social proof is a powerful indicator of consistent quality and client satisfaction.
What to Look For (The 'Green Flags'): A professional will have a dedicated testimonials page on their website featuring quotes from recognizable corporate clients (e.g., brand managers, event agencies) or glowing reviews from wedding couples. They should be able to direct you to reviews on trusted third-party platforms like Google Business Profile. The best testimonials will be specific, mentioning not just that the performance was "great," but how it impacted the event's success.
What to Watch Out For (The 'Red Flags'):
Vague or Anonymous Testimonials: Be wary of reviews like "He was amazing! - Sarah P." without any context.
A Lack of Relevant Reviews: If you're a corporate planner and all the reviews are from kids' parties, they may not be the right fit.
Question 6: "Can you describe your ideal working conditions (space, lighting, sound)?"
Why You Must Ask This: This question tests the performer's technical knowledge and foresight. A professional understands that their performance doesn't happen in a vacuum. They know the exact conditions they need to deliver their best work. This shows they are thinking about the success of the performance, not just showing up.
What to Look For (The 'Green Flags'): A pro will give you a clear and concise "technical rider." For a stage show, they will specify their ideal stage size, what kind of sound system and microphone they need, and how they need to be lit. For roving magic, they'll talk about the importance of adequate lighting in the reception area so guests can actually see the magic. This shows they are a proactive partner who helps you plan for success.
What to Watch Out For (The 'Red Flags'):
"I don't need anything, I can work anywhere." While adaptability is a good trait, this response can signal a lack of experience. A professional knows that while they can adapt, there are ideal conditions that ensure the best possible experience for your guests.
Question 7: "What happens in the event of an emergency or if you are unable to make it?"
Why You Must Ask This: Life is unpredictable. A performer could get sick, have a family emergency, or encounter a major travel disruption. This question is about their contingency plan and their commitment to ensuring your event is a success, no matter what.
What to Look For (The 'Green Flags'): A true professional is part of a network of other trusted professionals. The ideal answer will be:
A Professional Network: "In the extremely unlikely event I am unable to perform, I am part of a trusted network of other professional magicians here in the UAE. I would first contact you immediately, and then I would do everything in my power to find a suitable replacement performer of an equal or higher skill level for your approval."
A Clear Contract Clause: Their booking contract should have a clause that clearly outlines this process.
What to Watch Out For (The 'Red Flags'):
"Don't worry, that will never happen." This is not a plan; it's wishful thinking.
No Solution: A performer who has no answer to this question is not thinking like a business owner and cannot provide you with the peace of mind you need.
Conclusion
Hiring your event's entertainment should be an exciting process, not a stressful one. By arming yourself with this checklist, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. A true professional will shine under this line of questioning, proving that they are not just an entertainer, but a reliable, experienced, and dedicated partner in your event's success. Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions—the right performer will be waiting with the right answers.