I often get asked this question.
It’s surprising how many different terms there are to describe what it is I do. The term I use (as do my fellow magical entertainers in the same field) is quite simply a
"close-up magician". I perform magic and it is performed close-up.
For example due to the fact that the magic happens in the magicians (and spectators) hands he could be called a sleight of hand, close quarter or close hand magician.
If the performer is entertaining at an event such as a drinks reception, due to the fact he has to move amongst the guests working group to group would make him a mix and mingle, wandering, walk around or walkabout magician. Some would even use the terms strolling conjurers or roaming/roving conjurors.
All the different derivatives of the term close-up magician basically all boil down to the context of the performing situation.
On the occasions that the magic performer is entertaining (table hopping) at the tables of seated guests, he might be called table side entertainer or even a close hand magician. If performing at a wedding, he would be called a
wedding magician.
A more recent name for ‘close-up magic’ is ‘street magic’. This has been popularised by a well know TV magician from America where he is seen out and about on the streets performing to the public at random.
This brings us on to the name ‘TV magician’ which of course is where the magician is performing on a television show. So as you can see, a street magician can be a close-up magician can be a TV magician.
Another thing people sometimes ask is "What do you call them? tricks, illusions?"
I tend not to use the term 'tricks' myself, as this implies I’m out to trick someone, which isn’t a nice thing, nobody likes to be tricked. What I call them are effects, I perform magical effects (close up). I would'nt call them illusions, as most people associate the stage magic effects that use big props and crazy boxes and contraptions.
Anyways... I've blabbered on enough here, I'm going to get the kettle on.
