October 4, 2022 kscope
Clients looking to hire a magician for their upcoming event normally have two options: strolling magic or a magic show.
We asked our resident magicians Kenny and James (as well as our booking agent Jessica) to help us explain the differences so every client can book the best fit for their upcoming event.

What is the difference between strolling magic and a magic show?

 

Our magician James performing a stage show

James: In a magic show, there’s a boundary between the “stage” area and the “audience” area.  While volunteers from the audience are often invited up on stage, and the magician frequently makes forays into the audience, there’s a demarcation.  The stage (or “platform” or “parlor”) magic show is longer — often half an hour or 45 minutes — with several routines consisting of several tricks, to provide a cohesive whole with a theme.  Think of a one-act play.

In strolling magic, the magician approaches individuals or small groups (three to five folks, typically) to present one to three tricks.  The magic is more like a conversation than a stage play.  Often the members of the audience touch and examine the props, and the magic itself takes place in the spectators’ hands.  People sitting a dinner, folks waiting in line for some other event, people standing about — they are the ones who have a bit of magic touch their lives.  It’s up close and personal.

Kenny: My personal show is a 50/50 mix of comedy and classic magic with a twist of clown charm. You can expect to see me on a stage while I go through one trick after another with plenty of helpers and laughs. Like most magicians, every show I do is largely the same with some adjustments for the event.

My strolling magic is more clowning around. I do plenty of magic, but can cater each interaction to the event and individuals there. That might be some puppets, juggling, clown gags, balloon twisting, or anything else–all depending on what I think will work best for the audience.

What audiences does *your* strolling magic land best with?

James: For me, it’s often folks above the age of six or seven, though young adults through twenties seem to enjoy it most.

Kenny: My strolling magic is great for all ages, like an animated movie that’s made for kids ages 5-9 but has plenty of jokes and puns for teens and adults.

When would you recommend strolling magic over a show?

James the magician performing strolling magic at a public event

James: Would having everyone sit in rows looking in one direction fit in with your plan for the event?  Then go with a show.  A corporate dinner and awards presentation, for example. If you have more freedom of motion, mingling, and random movement with no fixed schedule for various phases of the day, go with strolling.

Kenny: I recommend strolling magic for fairs & similar big events where there is 100s off people to entertain a few at a time
Jessica: In my experience planning events with clients, event organizers who don’t have a formal schedule for their event often like the flexibility of having a magician wander through the audience.

When would you recommend a show over strolling magic?

Kenny performing a stage show at a school event

James: When there’s a schedule, when you expect folks to be all in one place at one time, then go with a show.  If it’s mingling/freeform, then go with strolling.

Kenny: Private parties, corporate events, big events if there is ample seating.
Jessica: Clients who are booking entertainment with the goal of keeping kids contained often prefer a show so the kids can sit down while parents talk amongst themselves (or also hang out and enjoy the show!

About how many guests will interact with you an hour?

James: For a show — all of them, all at once. For strolling, probably forty people an hour will be directly involved, with as many more looking on as random chance may provide.

Kenny: In a strolling set I can entertain 15-30 people, depending on how amped up the kids or adults are.

What sort of tricks should guests be ready to see in *your* strolling set?

Kenny strolling on a boat for a private summer camp event

James: Folks should expect to see dice, coins, rings, strings, dollar bills.  They’ll see classic sleight-of-hand using ordinary objects.  They’ll experience the magic in their own hands.

Kenny: Gravity manipulation with water, magic bags they can reach into, a cheeky puppet named Sherbert, ball juggling, and of course plenty of clowning around!

March 16, 2022 kscope

Have you ever seen a celebrity magician read someone’s mind on TV? Or guess something about a total stranger they could have never known? Consider bringing those larger-than-life moments to your next event!

Kaleidoscope now offers jaw-dropping, impossible-for-you-to-know, and get out of my head! psychic encounters with our resident mentalist, Marissa.

(more…)

November 15, 2016 kscope

Kenny is CT’s resident balloon twisting mime with a passion for bringing joy to all around him! His adventures have taken him from CT to MA and to the shores of RI. He’s a talented balloon twister and a hit with children!

(more…)

June 21, 2016 kscope

If you’re having a huge event (read: more than 100 guests looking for entertainment) Kaleidoscope has a few ways we can speed up your lines!

Let your guests grab-and-go a fast design, or stay-for-the-pro if they’re willing to wait!

Just hire two or four artists (depending on your event size): one to crank out tiny designs for wiggly toddlers or on-the-go parents, and a second to take their time on more elaborate designs.

(more…)

July 9, 2015 kscope

Our face painters would love to entertain at your party! Not only are our face painters, balloon twisters, and other entertainers top notch, but they’re great with kids! Our face painters specialize in bring and colorful full-face designs, and our balloon twisters build sculptures you can’t believe! All of our party entertainment packages are built specially for your party and budget, but here are a few we offer!

(more…)

July 8, 2015 kscope

Super Heroes are here! For spunky girls who love adventure and tough little boys who want to save the world, we have super loads of super heroes to choose from! Our birthday party packages give you more POW! for your buck every time.

(more…)

July 6, 2015 kscope

Our princesses come straight out of the story books and into your home! All of our Singalong & Story Time princesses are classically trained actresses with at least their BFA in theatre, and have been working with children for at least a year.

Each Princess Perfect package is customizable so you can make sure you pick your birthday child’s favorite songs and stories, and make all of their birthday wishes come true!

July 5, 2015 kscope

If you’re throwing a themed party and looking for a cartoon character to come visit your party, we’ve come up with a specialty package for anyone looking to save some money on entertainment for all ages.

(more…)

    What service(s) are you interested in? (Check all that you'd like price quotes for.)
    Face paintingBalloon twistingTemporary tattoosPrincesses or HeroesClowns, Pirates, Fairies, MermaidsOther characters, cartoons, or mascotsGlitter LooksCaricature ArtistsStilt WalkersMagiciansFoam & BubblesPsychicsCostumed ServersUV Face & Body PaintPaint NightDJsFire & LED PerformancesZen & Spa PackagesSanta Claus, Easter Bunny, & Holiday Characters

    What type of event are you hosting?

    What is the date and time of your event?

    Are you flexible with this date/time if we can save you money?
    yesno

    Event Location

    How many guests are you expecting?
    If it's a child's birthday party, please list the number of invited children; if it's a larger event, please list the number of guests you expect to be entertained.

    Anything else we should know?

    Your Name (required)

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    Your Phone

    How did you hear about us?

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    Get a Quote
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    Tell us about your event, and we'll tell you how we can help make it everything you dream it can be!

      What service(s) are you interested in? (Check all that you'd like price quotes for.)
      Face paintingBalloon twistingTemporary tattoosPrincesses or HeroesClowns, Pirates, Fairies, MermaidsOther characters, cartoons, or mascotsGlitter LooksCaricature ArtistsStilt WalkersMagiciansFoam & BubblesPsychicsCostumed ServersUV Face & Body PaintPaint NightDJsFire & LED PerformancesZen & Spa PackagesSanta Claus, Easter Bunny, & Holiday Characters

      What type of event are you hosting?

      What is the date and time of your event?

      Are you flexible with this date/time if we can save you money?
      yesno

      Event Location

      How many guests are you expecting?
      If it's a child's birthday party, please list the number of invited children; if it's a larger event, please list the number of guests you expect to be entertained.

      Anything else we should know?

      Your Name (required)

      Your Email (required)

      Your Phone

      How did you hear about us?

      X
      Get a Quote
      Get a Quote

        What service(s) are you interested in? (Check all that you'd like price quotes for.)
        Face paintingBalloon twistingTemporary tattoosPrincesses or HeroesClowns, Pirates, Fairies, MermaidsOther characters, cartoons, or mascotsGlitter LooksCaricature ArtistsStilt WalkersMagiciansFoam & BubblesPsychicsCostumed ServersUV Face & Body PaintPaint NightDJsFire & LED PerformancesZen & Spa PackagesSanta Claus, Easter Bunny, & Holiday Characters

        What type of event are you hosting?

        What is the date and time of your event?

        Are you flexible with this date/time if we can save you money?
        yesno

        Event Location

        How many guests are you expecting?
        If it's a child's birthday party, please list the number of invited children; if it's a larger event, please list the number of guests you expect to be entertained.

        Anything else we should know?

        Your Name (required)

        Your Email (required)

        Your Phone

        How did you hear about us?

        X
        Get a Quote