Based in Chicago · Performing Worldwide
Which style is best for your event?
Five Ways to Perform
Cocktail Hours · Receptions
Strolling Magic
Diagram caption: Each group, in turn
Setting: Cocktail-Hour or Walk-Around style
Audience: As many of your guests as possible
Set Length: Usually 1.5 hours, up to 3 hours
How it works: Fast-paced, personal and highly interactive, bringing the magic directly into the hands of your guests
Best for: Cocktail hour receptions, holiday parties, formal banquets, wedding receptions and wrap parties
Mixers · Holiday Parties
Informal Close-Up Magic
Diagram caption: One table, all evening
Setting: One table, open to guests all evening
Audience: Small groups that gather and change through the night
Set Length: Usually 1.5 hours, up to 3 hours
How it works: Ryan holds one table, and guests drop in for magic.
Best for: Events where guests come and go
Dinner Parties · Intimate Gatherings
Formal Close-Up Magic
Diagram caption: Gathered at the table
Setting: Drawing-Room entertainment, gathered around a table in a private room
Audience: A small, intimate group seated close enough to see every detail
Set Length: 45 minutes
How it works: Expert sleight-of-hand and bespoke deception that captures the attention and curiosity of anyone present
Best for: In-home gatherings and dinner parties
Private Homes · Drawing Rooms
Parlor Magic
Diagram caption: A room, seated
Setting: A seated room, with Ryan standing at the front
Audience: An intimate crowd, seated together for one shared show
Set Length: 45 minutes
How it works: One continuous performance for everyone in the room at once
Best for: Private in-home gatherings
Theatres · Galas
Stage Magic
Diagram caption: A full house
Setting: A stage or riser in front of a full house
Audience: A full house, seated in rows facing the stage
Set Length: 60 to 75 minutes
How it works: A full show built for the stage, the same style Ryan headlines at the Chicago Magic Lounge and performs in Old Fashioned Magic
Best for: Theater shows and corporate special events
At a Glance
Strolling Magic: Guests standing and mingling
Informal Close-Up Magic: One table, all evening. Guests drop in for magic.
Formal Close-Up Magic: A small group seated around a table
Parlor Magic: Guests seated together in one room for a shared show
Stage Magic: A full house facing a stage
Our guests were thoroughly impressed and entertained with his close-up magic at my wife's birthday celebration, where, I should point out, many guests were somewhat skeptical about us having a magician. They had no idea what they were in store for.
— Steve Dolinsky · The Food Guy
Based in Chicago · Performing Worldwide
Planning an event?
Corporate events · Cocktail hours · Galas · Private parties