Chicago Magician

Zach Waldman

Chicago Magician

The Magician to Hire to Make Your Next Corporate Event or Private Party “Unique, Fun, and Laughter Filled!”

corporate magician

Need a Chicago magician for a private party or corporate event?

I'm Zach Waldman, a comedy-magician that guarantees your guests will be amazed, wildly entertained, and laughing hard the entire show.

I moved to Chicago in 1998 and fell in love with the city.  My first apartment was in Rogers Park, right down the street from Loyola University.

I started taking classes at The Players Workshop of The Second City and then joined a comedy troupe that performed sketch, stand-up comedy, and improv shows in Wrigleyville.

The last job I had before becoming a full-time comedy-magician was as a trolley driver for Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.  I gave tours of the city and I credit that job, perhaps more than anything else I've ever done, for turning me into the professional entertainer I am today.  

I would love to perform for you and your guests at your next event, so please call me at 310-935-3684 to discuss specifics, and I'll put together a custom proposal just for you.  Thanks for stopping by!

Chicago Magician

Chicago Magician Zach Waldman

Chicago Magician - Private Parties and Corporate Events

I've been hired to perform for as few as two people, and for as many as several thousand.  I have a show for your event; such as adult birthday parties, weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceaneras, bachelor/bachelorette parties, meetings, trade shows, holiday parties, hospitality suites, and anything else you can think of!

Need an estimate of what I charge for shows?  Click here!

Chicago Magician Zach Waldman performing at El Portal Theatre

Chicago Magician - Shows

I'm a comedian and magician based out of Chicago.  I perform close-up, sleight-of-hand magic as well as stand-up and stage shows.

Close-up magic can be performed as a formal show, but I only recommend this for groups of 35 or fewer.  While many close-up magicians only perform card tricks, my show has tons of variety.  I mix comedy, audience interaction, and magic, while doing tricks with cards, coins, fire, ropes, and even dental floss!

Stand-up magic, also called parlor magic, is my medium sized show.  This is perfect for groups of 40 to 70 people.  I combine stand-up comedy, magic, and mentalism to bring a truly unique show to your event.

Stage magic covers a lot of types of shows.  For example, some stage magicians perform large illusions (think David Copperfield).  Other stage magicians barely have any props at all.  This if often the case with mentalists.  My stage show is what magicians call, "Pack small, play big." This means that I use props that don't take up much room, but can be seen in the largest theaters.  For example, I perform a magic routine using a rope.  The rope fits in my pocket, but the magic can be seen from any distance.  The advantage of hiring me for a stage show is that my technical requirements are minimal and so is my setup time.  Instead of needing all day to setup lighting, blocking, and a bunch of other things an illusionist would require, I just walk in and perform.

Get a custom proposal for your event here!

The Magic Castle

Chicago Magician - The Magic Castle

I've been a member and performer at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA since 2001.  The Magic Castle is a private club dedicated to advancing the art of magic.  It's a Victorian style mansion with several bars, theaters, and a restaurant.  You can only get inside if a member escorts you in or gives you a guest card.  The Magic Castle has a strict dress code which includes a jacket and tie for men and dresses for the ladies.  No denim or sneakers are allowed.  They recommend cocktail attire.

Although you're in Chicago, I mention The Magic Castle so you know you're hiring the best!

Private Party Clients

A benefit of being a popular Chicago magician is getting the chance to entertain the people who've entertained me over the years.  I can't wait to add you to my list of satisfied clients which include people throwing private parties, politicians, scientists, corporations, and celebrities.  It doesn't matter what type of event you're having, I will help you make your event fun and unique.

Chicago magician Zach Waldman with Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder

Yes, that's my real hair!



Chicago Magician Zach Waldman with Sugar Ray Leonard

sugar Ray Leonard

I was hired to perform at his 60th birthday party.  He was insanely nice!

Joni Mitchell with Chicago Magician Zach Waldman

joni mitchell

What can I say?  Nobody better than Joni!


Chicago Magician Zach Waldman with Sharon Osbourne

sharon osbourne

I've actually performed for Sharon a couple of times.  She's fantastic!


Corporate Clients

Corporate events require a very special type of performer.  Obviously, if you're hiring a Chicago magician for your employees, customers, or prospects, you expect to get somebody great.  After all, this is Chicago!

Some of the corporate functions I perform at include meetings, trade shows, hospitality suites, on-premise promotions, teambuilding events, company culture events, and holiday parties.  I often work with destination management companies to provide clients with exactly the kind of entertainment they want.

So, what makes for an awesome corporate event entertainer?

  • Provides an appropriate show - You may want a squeaky-clean show that has zero risk of offending anybody.  On the other hand, your company's culture may not be so uptight, and you want entertainment that's more adult, without going overboard.  A good corporate entertainer will listen to your needs and provide a show that meets your expectations.  If he can't meet your expectations, he'll be honest and refer you to someone else.  This is one of the reasons it's so important to get on the phone and have a conversation about your event with whoever you're considering hiring.
  • Experience - The last thing you want to do is hire a magician who has never performed at a corporate function.  We're not all the same.  For example, a magician may specialize in kids' birthday parties, but has never attended a trade show, let alone performed at one.
  • Listens - When you reach out to a Chicago magician about your corporate event, do you feel like he's listening to your needs, or just giving you the standard spiel he uses for every client?  Corporate functions often require customization.  If you don't feel like you're being heard, call another magician that will be responsive to your needs.
  • Understands business - Full-time, professional magicians, are actually pretty rare people.  If you do a search for Chicago magicians in your area, many of the people who come up are hobbyists, kiddie show performers, and part-timers.  There's nothing wrong with that, but there's a huge difference between them and full-time pros.  For example, I've been a full-time performer for most of my life.  I've been running my business over decades.  As a result, I study sales and marketing and use business tools like CRMs, Wordpress, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.  Why does this matter?  Well, let's say you hire me to attract a crowd in and around your trade show booth.  As a business owner, I know how important every lead is to your business.  I understand you've made an investment, and want great results.  In other words, I'm on your team, and want you to succeed because I empathize with you.  Not only that, I speak the same language as you and your prospects, because I use many of the same tools and face many of the same challenges.

Some of my clients:

Get a custom proposal for your event here!

Testimonials and Reviews

For More Testimonials - Click Here

For More Reviews - Click Here

As a Chicago magician, having people say nice things about me is great, but the real test is whether or not people hire me more than once. Actions speak louder than words, and I have clients that have hired me over and over again for over 20 years!

Chicago Magician - Promo Video

When researching a Chicago magician, you'll start to notice a lot of them look similar.  How do you decide on the perfect entertainer for your event?  The best thing you can do is pick up the phone and call the magician!  It seems simple, but people use their phones for everything except talking.


I get it, you're busy.  However, there are too many variables to consider when hiring a magician to try to do it via texting or email. When you actually talk to the performer, you can see if you click. Chances are, if you feel good about the performer from the call, you're on the right track.  There are many other things to consider, but definitely get on the phone for a chat.  


Another thing you can do is view the performer's videos. Take a look at this short promo video, and then call me to talk about your event. My number is 310-935-3684, and I'm a night-owl, so call me anytime, even late at night.

Contact Zach

Corporate Entertainment Originators

2201 5t St, 205, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA

310-935-3684

zach@zachwaldman.com

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Zach Waldman

Chicago Magician

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