The Disappearing Act That Hurts Us All: A Professional Magician’s Reality Check. A peek behind the curtain
I purposely sat on this post for a while.
Not to bury it, but to sharpen it. Because when this happened, I was furious. I lost composure. But now? Now I’m clear. And clarity cuts deeper than rage.
Recently, a client reached out with a simple yet thoughtful request:
They were planning a private show for five guests. One of them didn’t speak English, and they wanted a magician who could speak their language. A small show, but with big heart behind it.
I wasn’t the right fit, but I knew someone who was. A magician I once held in high regard: talented, multilingual, and (allegedly) professional. So I referred them confidently.
Weeks passed. And then I received this message from my client:
"Hi there, I reached out to _______ as per your excellent suggestion. I tried via their website, email, DM, and WhatsApp. No response at all. So disappointing."
Ghosted.
Not a “Thanks but no thanks.” Not even a one-line “I’m unavailable.” Just complete silence.
And this is the part that infuriates me: ghosting a client doesn’t just reflect poorly on you, it bleeds into the whole industry. It makes us all look untrustworthy. It makes magic feel sketchy. And in a business where connection is everything, that damage lingers.
And this wasn’t a one-off.
Another planner an elite one told me they also reached out to this magician for a high-end 65th birthday party featuring Jann Arden. Same outcome. No reply.
This was someone who years ago used to loudly claim 100+ shows in a few months. Now? Gone. Still active on Instagram stories. Still performing… apparently. But when it’s time to answer an inquiry? Vanished.
Meanwhile, I hear whispers from within the Vancouver magic community that I "don’t even do the work." That my “assistants run everything.” That I just got lucky.
Let me tell you something.
For the past four years, I’ve consistently performed over 140 live shows each and every year, while growing my business, my family, my fitness, my health, and my craft.
I show up early. I stay late.
I build custom intros. Send floor plans. Shut down distractions like photo booths and bars when needed.
I’ve given free shows to autism organizations, performed pro bono for close friends and family, and offered my services in new markets just to learn the ropes.
I MC events. Lead workshops. Adapt. Evolve. Overdeliver.
Why? Because this isn’t just a hustle. It’s my craft. It’s my passion. For over 25 years and never stopping.
And even with all that, I’ve received over 25 anonymous hate messages through my website laced with profanity, racial slurs, jealousy, and vicious accusations. I’ve been called every name under the sun. Labeled a "gig stealer” by an Angry attacker. Just because I built something that worked.
That’s when I realized:
It’s lonely at the top.
What am I thinking about?
Just reflecting on how I bet everything on myself
People love a rising star until they realize you’re not just passing through you’re here to stay. And then the daggers come out.
But here’s the thing:
I’m not going anywhere.
I don’t chase followers, I build reputation.
I’m not a part-time real estate agent
or have some day job at a tech company
or an engineering firm
I don’t count dollars per show, I count the impact, the experience, the rebooking’s, the moments that made someone’s night unforgettable.
I hire help, not to offload, but to ensure every client gets the full experience especially during busy seasons like November and December.
I workshop new material.
I revise my marketing, my scripts, my website.
I stay current, not just visible.
I’m doing this full-time, and coaching other magicians from around the world on how they can deliver better to their clients
And while others fade…riding on ego or coasting on nostalgia…I keep building.
Because I didn’t get lucky.
I got relentless.
If you're a client reading this:
Please know that not all magicians or entertainers are created equal. Some will ghost. Some will fake professionalism on Instagram. And some will show up, blow your mind, and earn your trust for life. Learn to tell the difference.
If you’re a fellow performer:
Communicate. Respect the inquiry. Even if the gig’s not for you reply. Refer. Show integrity. It costs you nothing and means everything.
And if you’re one of the ones quietly watching my growth, assuming there’s some shortcut I took?
Here’s the secret:
I just care more than you.
