From Strolling to the Stage: Essential Skills for Building Your Career in Magic
From Strolling to the Stage: Essential Skills for Building Your Career in Magic
Tuesdays: January 27th, February 3, February 10
6–8pm Pacific / 9–11pm Eastern
Tuition:
- Introductory Price: $295 (before January 3)
- Early Bird: $350 (before January 20)
- Full Price: $395
Taught by Paul Draper and special guests
A 3-Session Zoom Course from the McBride Magic & Mystery School
Corporate events often ask magicians to do two things:
1. Stroll and mingle, astonishing small groups up close
2. Take the stage, delivering a polished set that brings the room together
This course teaches you how to succeed in exactly that environment.
Learn what to perform, how to choose material, how to interact with clients, and how to thrive at the venues where most paid magic happens!
Class 1: The Corporate Magician's Toolkit
Choosing Strong Strolling and Stage Material
A deep dive into selecting routines that work in real-world corporate environments.
What clients expect during strolling
How to create quick, powerful, repeatable strolling moments
How to build a 10–20 minute stage set that complements your close-up material
What not to perform at corporate events
How to pack for strolling vs. stage work
3-Hour Breakdown
Hour 1: What makes strolling magic effective in corporate spaces
Hour 2: Building a tight, dependable stage set
Hour 3: Guest speaker teaches about their experiences
Class 2: Working the Event
Client Interaction, Venue Flow, and Real-World Protocol
Most corporate success comes from how you behave, not just what you perform.
Learn the professional behaviors that make you easy to book, easy to work with, and easy to rehire.
How to communicate with event planners
Understanding venue flow, schedules, and timelines
Where to stand, when to move, and how to read the room
Dressing for the event
Handling noise, lighting, chaos, and clusters of guests
How to introduce yourself on the floor and on stage
Corporate etiquette, professionalism, and problem solving
3-Hour Breakdown
Hour 1: Engaging with clients and planners
Hour 2: Venue dynamics and real-world logistics
Hour 3: Roleplay and scenarios navigating difficult moments gracefully with a guest instructor
Class 3: Booking, Pricing, and Delivering the Show
How to Get the Gig, Keep the Gig, and Get Booked Again
This session covers the business fundamentals needed to get consistent corporate work.
How to set rates for strolling, stage, and combination packages
What every contract must include
How to describe your services to clients clearly
How to get referrals, testimonials, and repeat business
How to deliver a clean, professional show from walk-on to walk-off
What to do after the gig to secure future work
3-Hour Breakdown
Hour 1: The business of booking corporate events
Hour 2: Show flow, running order, and professional delivery
Hour 3: Talk and Q&A with guest instructor
Guest Speakers (Tentative)
During the course, Paul will bring in three or four guest lecturers to share real-world insights, such as:
A corporate entertainment agent
A professional corporate event planner
A seasoned magician specializing in hybrid strolling + stage work
