What's the difference between close-up magic, parlor magic, stage magic, etc.?
Close-Up Magic
Close-up magic is magic that is meant to be seen one-on-one or for small groups, in restaurants or cocktail venues, with crowd interaction being key. This magic is typically performed with playing cards and other small props like coins, balls, string, wallets, markers, envelopes, etc. This magic can be done with props Ryan carries in his pockets or in a small bag or case. This magic is typically done on a small table, on restaurant tables, cocktail tables, or even in the spectator's hands.
Parlor Magic
Parlor magic is named after the magic that was frequently performed in parlor rooms, libraries, or studies of the wealthy during the turn-of-the-century. In a modern context, this is magic that can be done in a home, living room, hospitality suite, comedy club, a private room in a restaurant, or even a small theatre. There are some elements of close-up magic included in a parlor show e.g. the show may have card tricks, rope tricks, etc. but the magic is performed less on the table and more in exhibition mode, with the magician performing higher for a small group to see. These shows are not strolling events but events where the show is set up in a small, formal performance area. It is essentially a small, intimate magic show, sometimes with a few larger props. These shows may or may not include music and microphone amplification depending on the space and size of the crowd.
Stage Magic
Stage magic is performed on a stage or in a small, medium, or large-sized performance venue or theatre. There are some elements of parlor magic included in a stage show e.g. the magician may do rope tricks, or tricks with a regular or jumbo deck of playing cards. The magician may also use larger stage props. The stage show typically includes music and audience participation, either with the magician interacting with the audience staying seated, or with volunteers being invited onstage to participate in certain moments. Stage shows typically include music and microphone amplification. A stage show may also include lighting or other special effects.
Illusions
Illusion shows include very large stage props. These are shows where the magicians may magically appear in a large box or saw an assistant in half. These shows are typically reserved for large theatres, concert venues, or carnival events. These shows require assistants, a stage crew, large equipment, microphone amplification, lighting, and special effects.
Mentalism
Mentalism or "mind reading" is a style of performance where magic techniques are used to "read spectators minds" or perform uncanny predictions. This style of magic can be done close-up, in a "parlor" setting or as a larger stage show.
Close-up magic is magic that is meant to be seen one-on-one or for small groups, in restaurants or cocktail venues, with crowd interaction being key. This magic is typically performed with playing cards and other small props like coins, balls, string, wallets, markers, envelopes, etc. This magic can be done with props Ryan carries in his pockets or in a small bag or case. This magic is typically done on a small table, on restaurant tables, cocktail tables, or even in the spectator's hands.
Parlor Magic
Parlor magic is named after the magic that was frequently performed in parlor rooms, libraries, or studies of the wealthy during the turn-of-the-century. In a modern context, this is magic that can be done in a home, living room, hospitality suite, comedy club, a private room in a restaurant, or even a small theatre. There are some elements of close-up magic included in a parlor show e.g. the show may have card tricks, rope tricks, etc. but the magic is performed less on the table and more in exhibition mode, with the magician performing higher for a small group to see. These shows are not strolling events but events where the show is set up in a small, formal performance area. It is essentially a small, intimate magic show, sometimes with a few larger props. These shows may or may not include music and microphone amplification depending on the space and size of the crowd.
Stage Magic
Stage magic is performed on a stage or in a small, medium, or large-sized performance venue or theatre. There are some elements of parlor magic included in a stage show e.g. the magician may do rope tricks, or tricks with a regular or jumbo deck of playing cards. The magician may also use larger stage props. The stage show typically includes music and audience participation, either with the magician interacting with the audience staying seated, or with volunteers being invited onstage to participate in certain moments. Stage shows typically include music and microphone amplification. A stage show may also include lighting or other special effects.
Illusions
Illusion shows include very large stage props. These are shows where the magicians may magically appear in a large box or saw an assistant in half. These shows are typically reserved for large theatres, concert venues, or carnival events. These shows require assistants, a stage crew, large equipment, microphone amplification, lighting, and special effects.
Mentalism
Mentalism or "mind reading" is a style of performance where magic techniques are used to "read spectators minds" or perform uncanny predictions. This style of magic can be done close-up, in a "parlor" setting or as a larger stage show.
What types of magic does Ryan perform?
Ryan is best known as a nightclub (e.g. Chicago Magic Lounge) and private party entertainer. His areas of expertise are in the close-up, parlor, and small stage performance formats. He does not perform illusion shows though he can coordinate one or two small illusions with plenty of advance notice e.g. make your guest speaker appear or saw your CEO in half.
He is an award-winning close-up magician, frequently performing strolling magic for events like wedding receptions, country club holiday parties, etc. He also has a formal "parlor" show, perfect for house parties or hospitality suites, that includes close-up and stand-up comedy-style magic for groups of 30-50. Ryan's stage show is great for groups of 50-250 people in a theatre, conference center, or ballroom setting. Performances can be adjusted for various timeframes ranging from 20-60 minutes in length.
His shows include a small amount of mentalism and mental magic where predictions are made and revealed.
Ryan has over twenty-five years of experience working in corporate environments and can do speaking engagements on a variety of topics from marketing and communications to information technology. These presentations are more focused on team building and business goals and may include a small handful of magic effects for humor and impact.
He is an award-winning close-up magician, frequently performing strolling magic for events like wedding receptions, country club holiday parties, etc. He also has a formal "parlor" show, perfect for house parties or hospitality suites, that includes close-up and stand-up comedy-style magic for groups of 30-50. Ryan's stage show is great for groups of 50-250 people in a theatre, conference center, or ballroom setting. Performances can be adjusted for various timeframes ranging from 20-60 minutes in length.
His shows include a small amount of mentalism and mental magic where predictions are made and revealed.
Ryan has over twenty-five years of experience working in corporate environments and can do speaking engagements on a variety of topics from marketing and communications to information technology. These presentations are more focused on team building and business goals and may include a small handful of magic effects for humor and impact.
Is Ryan's magic appropriate for all ages?
Ryan adjusts his material for the needs and format of the event. For grown-ups, Ryan may include more adult-related humor. For family shows, jokes and effects are modified appropriately for children and senior citizens.
All of Ryan's material is tasteful and inclusive. You will not find lurid, offensive or insulting humor in his shows. He usually spends the majority of his time making fun of himself anyway, which crowds always enjoy!
Ryan takes great pride in treating guests with respect. We can always adjust things, turning things up for a raucous party, or toning things down for a more family-friendly crowd. We keep open lines of communication with our clients and are always happy to include or exclude specific topics or types of jokes.
All of Ryan's material is tasteful and inclusive. You will not find lurid, offensive or insulting humor in his shows. He usually spends the majority of his time making fun of himself anyway, which crowds always enjoy!
Ryan takes great pride in treating guests with respect. We can always adjust things, turning things up for a raucous party, or toning things down for a more family-friendly crowd. We keep open lines of communication with our clients and are always happy to include or exclude specific topics or types of jokes.
Does Ryan do kids shows or parties?
While Ryan performs for all ages, including family shows, we typically refer children's parties and birthdays out to other premiere entertainers who specialize in this area. Ryan is primarily known as a nightclub and party entertainer.
Can we take photos?
Yes! Hosts, guests, and event photographers love to snap photos of the magic and reactions. You can always tag Ryan on Instagram with your favorite pics.
instagram.com/ryanlawrencemagic
instagram.com/ryanlawrencemagic
What about video?
For various reasons, taking video of tricks and shows is discouraged without prior written consent, and we typically include this language in our event contracts.
Why is this? This is standard procedure for many magicians and magic venues. First, it helps magicians keep their secrets a secret! Magicians typically prefer creative control on how their magic is recorded and/or posted online to help protect the secrets of magic. It also helps ensure that magic is seen as it is meant to be seen, as live entertainment. Sometimes, guests filming magic may not be able to fully enjoy the performance themselves. It might also be a distraction for other guests who are watching. Lastly, there are other creative and legal reasons why filming magic may cause an issue so it's always good to coordinate these details in advance.
Occasionally, with permission, Ryan may coordinate filming of an event with a support team or professionally designated videographer. This will be coordinated prior to the performance. This footage may be used for promotional purposes or for post-show review to enhance future performances.
If you have additional questions on this topic, you can always email us or give us a call for additional details.
Why is this? This is standard procedure for many magicians and magic venues. First, it helps magicians keep their secrets a secret! Magicians typically prefer creative control on how their magic is recorded and/or posted online to help protect the secrets of magic. It also helps ensure that magic is seen as it is meant to be seen, as live entertainment. Sometimes, guests filming magic may not be able to fully enjoy the performance themselves. It might also be a distraction for other guests who are watching. Lastly, there are other creative and legal reasons why filming magic may cause an issue so it's always good to coordinate these details in advance.
Occasionally, with permission, Ryan may coordinate filming of an event with a support team or professionally designated videographer. This will be coordinated prior to the performance. This footage may be used for promotional purposes or for post-show review to enhance future performances.
If you have additional questions on this topic, you can always email us or give us a call for additional details.
Do I need to tell my guests not to record?
This is not something we ask our hosts to "police" with their guests. As a standard procedure, Ryan and team have creative, polite and fun ways to engage with guests on the topic of videos, even during the performance. Occasionally, we may request a copy of the video. For larger shows, we can provide a flyer to post at venue entryways and performance areas, letting guests know that filming is not permitted, or that recording has been prearranged. Sometimes, guests may request to not be included in final edits of videos and we are always happy to accommodate these requests.