Alan Leeds: Bay Area Magical Entertainment

Serves Bay Area, CA

35244

Hired 66 times

1 employee

35 years in business

$600/hour

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 9:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mon 9:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tues 9:00 am - 11:59 pm

Wed 9:00 am - 11:59 pm

Thurs 9:00 am - 11:59 pm

Fri 9:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sat 9:00 am - 11:59 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Alan Leeds
Completed on 10/30/2019

Introduction

Whether it is stage or strolling magic, I deliver an act filled with mystery, humor, and just plain fun. My enthusiasm and animation distinguish me from magicians who merely perform. My performances are geared for adults in both private and organization settings. Before each show, I contact the host to learn more about the attendees or the organization, to make the magic more personal. I involve the audience in the entertainment and try to spotlight a few members of the crowd so they have a moment to shine among their friends. Audience participation is a guarantee in my shows and because I am so excited about the magic, the audience WANTS to be a part of the show. My customized performances for organizations such as Google, Amazon, Kaiser Permanente and Hulu, as well as private parties have left my audiences saying, "Would hire again in a heart beat..(and likely will)".

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

I do not have a standard set price for my services. My fee is dependent upon the type of magic (close-up, stage, or parlor) requested, the length of service, and the distance I travel to the client's location.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I start by asking a new client what they would like for their event. Do they want audience participation, a stage show, or the more intimate feel of close up magic? Once certain parameters have been established, I like to discuss how the show can be customized for their event; I can provide poker chips with the name of the event on them as souvenirs of the magical experience.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I am a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians, where we have monthly meetings to share ideas and work on effects with other magicians. In 2013 & 2014, I won first place in the Bay Area close up competition. In 2017, I won first place at the Oakland Magic Circle Northern California Stage Magic Competition.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have been interested in and performing magic since I was in my teens. As a member of several magic organizations (IBM and SAM), I have honed my skills over the years. Many years back, I joined a group of magicians that meet weekly in the Bay Area to talk about ideas, work on skill development, and perform for charitable events. From these experiences, I made contact with people who desired my type of magic and by word of mouth I created a client base.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I frequently do close up magic with the group prior to doing a stage show. I feel this personal contact relaxes the crowd so that by the time the stage show begins, they are excited to participate in the show. Customers include corporations such as Hulu, Cisco, Bankers Life, restaurants such as Groveland Hotel, Morocco's and the Dynasty and fundraisers for Las Trampas, ARF (Animal Rescue foundation) and the A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theater).

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Being the featured entertainer at the Groveland Hotel in Groveland, CA was gratifying because by the end of the evening, after the close up and stage magic, there felt a sense of camaraderie with each other. Several stayed afterwards just to talk about the evening with me and others in the group.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Know what kind of experience you wish to have. Do you want your guests to merely glance over at the magician and ask, "Who's he" before continuing their conversation without watching the magician. You hired him to entertain your family, friends, and co-workers and if they aren't inspired to walk over to the magician, then the party could be a bust. You want a magician who knows how to draw people in. Do you want the magician to do walk around (close up) or stage magic and do you want to have audience participation or just sit back and watch? Does your location limit what a magician could do or the size of crowd that could be entertained?

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

The customer should ask: How much money am I willing to spend? How much time would I like to have a magician at my event? What type of magic will the magician perform? Stage or close-up?