Yes. There can be a difference between professional and amateur magicians. A professional magician typically has much more performance experience in the real world, and has learned how present his or her act, rather than just go through the motions of completing one trick after another. A professional spends time creating routines that are entertaining, and interesting, because it is not just a job, it is a passion! I have performed for over a thousand audiences over the past 25 years. Some are audiences of only a few people, and others have been audiences of thousands of people!

Something that sets professionals apart from amateurs is that professionals are (in nearly all cases) going to be more reliable. You can count on a professional entertainer to arrive when expected, be prepared, and have an understanding of how to work with you. When providing a quote to a recent potential customer who had her entertainer simply not show up, she asked, “What do you do for all that money?” (which was a lower cost than probably any other professional entertainer in the immediate area), I explained what my show consists of, but later thought that a simple answer would have been, 'For that amount of money, you can be assured that I will not be a no-show.'

In over 25 years and over a thousand performances, I have only arrived late to one show (I started 7 minutes late at a birthday party). The situation was completely out of my control. This means that you can count on me arriving on time, all the time!

A professional will be able to do business with you in a way in which you will feel comfortable and confident that you have made the right choice. Yes. A professional magician is typically going to cost more to book than an amateur, but for a professional, as mentioned above...this is his/her main (and sometimes only) job... not just a hobby!

I have a variety of different shows. I can do bit performances that are less than 10 minutes, up to an entire evening show for 90 minutes. Strolling magic is booked by the hour. I have shows that are for children, adults, or family performances, as well. In addition to all of that, I also travel nationally, and occasionally globally. All of these, and other factors come into play when pricing a performance. Discounts are also available for Schools, Churches, Scout Troupes, Libraries, and more. To get a FREE, no obligation, accurate quote on your event, please call 815-222-4912, email (zack@tnzmagic.com), or submit an inquiry form ("Booking Form" above)

This can partially be answered under the first question "Are you a professional Magician?". There are many different performers with many different amounts of experience and different skill levels. Typically performers know what their talent is worth. Although my fees are not always the lowest you may find, I do work with budgets, and I also guarantee that my performance and professionalism will meet and go beyond your expectations, and you will find that what you pay for my services is worth it. (As mentioned below, my shows are guaranteed! If you are not satisfied, I am not satisfied).

I will always return calls and emails. I will never be a no-show.  I will always be as accommodating as possible.

You can read more information on reasons why booking me is a great idea

by clicking HERE, or on the "Why Zack?" link above (to the right).

As mentioned above, I perform for children, families and adults. My kids/family show is best for ages 4+.

The reason I say that is because most magic shows are by nature more appealing to ages 4 or 5+. There are a lot of factors that come into play... The type of entertainment that magic is requires the audience to have a certain understanding of nature and physics. A 1-2 year old who does not yet fully understand that objects don't just change color or shape, levitate in the air, appear, or vanish, etc. will not fully appreciate the wonder that magic brings. Their attention span, on average is much lower than older children. With over 24 years of performance and observance experience, I have discovered that attention spans, for especially a 30+ minute performance can be lower in children 1-3. On the other hand, I have performed for audiences where there were 2-3 year old children that were some of the best audience members in the group! You just never know. Typically, children under 4 and even 5 need parental supervision because they tend to be more interested in using a performer's props as toys, than actually watching the show...

I can accept cash, checks, major credit cards, or PayPal. I typically request a deposit only for performances in which travel is involved. I have found that customers feel more comfortable if they confirm and secure their date and time for my performance(s) with a deposit, however. Unfortunately, some people have experienced situations where their performer did not show up, and since there was no deposit made, no liability was accepted by the performer. I have a perfect track record of showing up to all of my performances, so my clients have no need to worry about that, but anything to make you feel more comfortable doing business with me is always a plus!

Having a party at home is fine. It can save you money if you are on a budget! My birthday party show can be performed in pretty much any amount of space, so don't worry if you have a limited amount of room at home. We can make it work.

Yes...Lots... My current adult show has a massive amount of audience involvement. My children and family shows get pretty much everyone involved in one way or another.

The “seen one – seen 'em all” mentality is VERY common with people when it comes to magic. This is unfortunate, because the field and art of performance has a very large range as far as style, skill level and talent, personality, and more! Many magicians that turn people off to accepting the art for what it truly can be often get exposure over truly talented artists. I say this at the risk of sounding like I have an ego, but it is a plain and simple fact that is well known in the magic community. Of course, opinion plays a huge part in all of this, but most people will agree that magician “A” provides a MUCH more entertaining show than magician “B”.

In other words, it is possible for anyone to walk into a magic shop and spend a few hundred $ of some typical beginners props, read the instructions, then print some business cards. They can then start doing shows. This does not mean that they know how to present the art in an entertaining fashion. This is why I encourage you to view my demo videos and read my client feedback, etc. so that you can see that what makes me different from someone you may have seen is that I am a dedicated PROFESSIONAL entertainer.

Absolutely! I do demonstrations for potential corporate clients interested in booking me for a corporate meeting or other function. I can also discuss with you how I can customize my performance(s) to fit your event, and/or promote your message. Typically there is no charge for this demonstration, and the distance I will travel to do this depends on the type, size and financial investment of the event.

Although there is absolutely no obligation, please beware that EVERY free demo I have done has resulted in a booking!

Contact me to find out how you can get close-up entertainment at your next corporate meeting for next to FREE!!

Also, the “Videos” page of this website has a restaurant demo that shows some clips of me performing close-up mostly for children. I do many of those and many more effects for adults, too!

No. At no time in my show will an audience member go back to their seat feeling foolish. There are portions of the show in which audience members will make me look silly, or look a bit silly, but this is done in a way that they are not embarrassed, and know that the audience is laughing with them, rather than at them!

This is actually my most common question... still working on that one...

As far as possible. I have a lot of bookings, especially near holidays and during the summer.... This does not mean that I will not be able to perform for your event if you do not book me far in advanced, however.  I will book a next day performance if I am available. Sometimes dates fill up fast, but if I am able to do a show for you, I will. 

Occasionally, I get bookings more than a year in advanced!

Often, immediately after performing for an annual event, I get rehired for the next year.

Two to four weeks is usually best, though.

Although I have performed as far away as Japan, Holland, and Egypt, I am currently performing nationally within the continental US. Most engagements are in the mid-west... Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana are my most common States.

In my show, I often say “about 75 years”, but this is not 100% accurate... I started performing magic when I was about 8 years old after getting a magic set for Christmas. When I was 11, I started taking classes at a local magic shop, and before I turned 12, I started getting paid to perform. This was around 1986. So, it's been a little while...

I use a live white tiger in my birthday party show... Just kidding! I use a dove in my family and kid shows. In most cases the kids (little and big) get to pet the dove after the show, if they wish. I occasionally use a gold fish, too.

Yes. Contact me via email (zack@tnzmagic.com) for a reference list (serious inquiries, only, please)

Yes. At TnZ Magic, We provide basic balloon animals. This means that I can make dogs, hats, swords, giraffes, bunnies, and more. You can find more information about this under the show descriptions for children and family performances.

I also have a team of face painting artists that work with me. Tina is the lead face painter and usually the one who provides the service. If more than one face painter is required, we have Brina and Deanna, too!

Magic goody bags are also an option.

You can contact me directly (zack@tnzmagic.com) for further details.

It does happen pretty often. If I am already booked when you have your event scheduled, I am nearly always able to help you find a magician for the type of event you are planning. I know many magicians in the area, and am familiar with a lot of their shows. Just from getting an idea of what you have planned, I can recommend someone who may be suitable for your event, 9 times out of 10.

Believe it or not, this is a question people do ask from time to time.  This is a serious concern for some people in various religious groups, especially.  It is most commonly wondered after my mentalism shows, as mentalism acts can be very convincingly realistic.  In other words, some people are completely convinced that I am truly psychic after seeing this type of show.

I feel a strong moral obligation to let those who do not assume the truth about this matter know that I am not using any type of paranormal abilities in my performance.  Although I believe that anything is possible, I have never seen anything to convince me that true psychic or magic abilities exist within anyone. (Yes, this includes Criss Angel & David Blaine... sorry... but they would be the first to admit it).

As a famous magician from the 1800's said: We are actors playing the part of magicians.  We all perform illusions and tricks.  Much of what we do looks so real, but that is the 2nd most important of the art.  The first most important part is that it is entertaining!

Absolutely! Got questions that are not answered here?  Submit a question using the form below!

You can also contact me directly: 815-222-4912 or Zack@tnzmagic.com