A cabaret magician performs to audiences between that of a close up magician and an illusionist. A close up magician will typically perform to groups of between 2 – 10 people at a time. After finishing this ‘mini show’, he’ll then move on to the next group. An illusionist will perform to groups from 100 to several thousand, depending on the size of the theatre.
A cabaret magician is between the two
My cabaret performance lasts 25 minutes and can be performed from groups from 10 people up to about 60.
Cabaret performances do not require a stage. It is a floor show performed to all of your guests at once. The best seating arrangement is either guests sat in groups around tables of 5 to 10 people, or everyone sat facing the front. The seating is usually dictated by the layout of the room.
Other terms for this sort of performance are ‘Parlour show’ and ‘Floor show’.
Although I often perform this to one big table, that never connects with people as well as the seating arrangements listed above. These days, I tend to advise against a lengthy show to one big table.
I am often asked to perform my cabaret magician show after I have entertained guests in smaller groups with close up magic. It’s a very nice way to round off a magical event.