One of the first questions I am asked when someone calls is: How much does a magician cost? It is a fair question, and you deserve an honest answer. The price depends on a few things that you have a lot of influence over yourself. Here I go through them, so you know what you are paying for and how to get the most entertainment for your budget.
I have performed as a professional magician since 1996, and I have done everything from children’s birthday parties in the living room to gala shows for several hundred guests. The price always depends on what the day requires.
Price level: what does a magician cost for a family party?
For private family parties on Zealand, the price is typically between DKK 4,000 and 12,000. That covers, for example, a milestone birthday, a confirmation, a wedding or a children’s birthday party. The range is wide because a short children’s show on a weekday afternoon and a longer show with close-up magic on a Saturday evening are two very different jobs.
Corporate events, Christmas parties and larger events are priced according to the job. Here the number of guests, the technical set-up and the time matter more. Call or write and you will get a fixed price.
Five things that affect the price
1. Date and time
Saturdays in May (confirmations) and Fridays and Saturdays in November and December (Christmas parties) are the dates most in demand. A weekday or a Sunday afternoon is often cheaper and easier to get.
2. Length and type of show
A typical family show consists of a children’s show of 25–30 minutes and 30–45 minutes of close-up magic at the tables for the adults. For smaller parties, one combined show of 35–40 minutes can be perfect. The longer the time and the more parts, the higher the price.
3. Number of guests and technical set-up
For a party with 20 guests in the living room, all that is needed is a little floor space. With more than about 30 guests, I recommend a microphone and speaker so that everyone can hear. I can bring sound equipment by arrangement.
4. Travel
I live in Ballerup and cover all of Zealand, with many jobs in Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. If I am going to Funen or Jutland, travel costs are added.
5. Tailor-made acts
If you would like an act about the birthday guest, the company or the bride and groom, it requires preparation. It can lift the show a great deal, but it takes a little extra time.
Cheap magician or professional: what is the difference?
You can certainly find a hobby magician for a few hundred kroner. The difference rarely lies in the tricks themselves. It lies in everything around them:
- Timing and the room. An experienced entertainer can sense when the guests are ready and when to turn things up or down.
- Children and adults at the same time. Keeping a 6-year-old and an 80-year-old engaged in the same show takes experience.
- When the schedule slips. The speeches drag on, the food arrives late. A professional adapts without anyone noticing.
- Humour. People rarely remember the trick itself. They remember that they laughed.
I represented Denmark in the comedy magic category at the World Championships of Magic (FISM) in 2012. Humour is a permanent part of everything I do. You can read more about it in the post about the World Championships of Magic.
How to get the most for your money
- Book in good time. The popular dates go first. For confirmations and Christmas parties, it is a good idea to book several months ahead.
- Choose the right time of the evening. The show works best when the guests have eaten the main course and are ready to laugh, before dessert or coffee.
- Combine. A short stage show that brings everyone together, followed by close-up magic at the tables, gives the most experience for the money.
- Tell me about the guests. The more I know about the birthday guest or the company, the more personal the show becomes, without costing more.
What do I need in order to give a price?
Send me this information and you will quickly get a fixed price:
- Date and approximate time
- Address or town
- Type of party and number of guests (and whether there are children)
- How long you would like the entertainment to last
You can use the form on the Get a no-obligation quote page, or call or text +45 22 32 19 52.
Frequently asked questions about prices
Is VAT included in the price?
This is always stated clearly in the quote, so there are no surprises.
How much space does the show need?
About 2 × 3 metres of free floor space is enough. I bring my own table, but a sturdy extra table is an advantage.
Can the show be performed in English?
Yes. I perform in both Danish and English, and a mixed audience is no problem.
You will find more answers under frequently asked questions. If you are in the Copenhagen area, also read about a magician in Copenhagen.