Doug Jones Magic Comedy Magic, Laughter & Audience Participation – 35+ Years of Experience

My technical requirements are simple! For a stand-up comedy magic show, I prefer a clean, level performance area with good visibility for the audience, a small table, and reasonable lighting.

I bring my own professional sound system and microphone. Access to electrical power is helpful, although my portable sound system can operate on its own battery.

For close-up magic, very little equipment or preparation is needed. I try to make things as easy as possible for the event organizer!

I like to know approximately how many guests will attend, whether the event is indoors or outdoors, and how the audience will be seated.

It's also helpful to know about the stage or performance area, available sound and lighting, and parking and unloading arrangements.

For larger or more elaborate events, I sometimes arrange to meet with the event organizer for a personal walkthrough of the venue. It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss the program, get acquainted, and make sure everything is just right.

A little advance planning helps make the magic look effortless

Yes! I have my own professional Electro-Voice portable sound system and microphone, suitable for many small and medium-sized events.

For larger audiences, I can coordinate with the venue to use its existing sound system or arrange additional equipment.

I generally rely on the venue's lighting, although my performances usually require nothing more than good, even illumination of the performance area.

My goal is to provide a professional show without complicated technical requirements.

I'm quite flexible! For my stand-up comedy magic show, I prefer a raised stage or a clear performance area approximately 10 feet wide and 8 feet deep, where everyone has a good view.

I've performed under some unusual circumstances, including a corporate event for approximately 500 guests where the promised stage was filled with gifts! We improvised a performance area in the middle of the room, surrounded by the audience.

We made it work, but I learned long ago that good visibility is just as important as adequate space.

For close-up magic, I need considerably less room. I'm always happy to discuss the venue beforehand to ensure the best experience for everyone!

One of my most memorable performances was for the prestigious Rotary Club of San Jose, an organization whose guest speakers over the years have included U.S. Presidents, governors, and prominent business leaders.

Their invitation made it quite clear that they expected a good show! No pressure, of course!

During the performance, I invited Bob Kieve, a well-known San Jose radio station owner and former speechwriter for President Eisenhower, to join me onstage. Bob had a reputation among his friends for being careful with his money, and somehow, through a little magic and comedy, I managed to get a few dollars out of him!

The audience loved it, and afterward I received a wonderful letter from the club saying I'd hit a home run. They even mentioned that moment with Bob.

I've entertained larger audiences, but that performance remains one of my favorite memories. Sometimes the greatest magic is simply the laughter we share!

I especially enjoy corporate events, banquets, community celebrations, and gatherings where adults can relax, laugh, and have a wonderful time. My favorite performances combine amazing magic with plenty of good-natured comedy and audience participation.

Whether I'm entertaining 40 people or 400, my goal is the same: make everyone feel like they're part of the show and send them home smiling!

My journey into magic began in an unusual way. Years ago, I owned a sales training company called Sales Magic, where I taught salesmanship, communication, and one of my favorite subjects - showmanship!

I also traveled as a motivational and sales training speaker, presenting programs for companies and professional associations. I began incorporating magic into my presentations to illustrate ideas, capture attention, and, most importantly, make people laugh.

Eventually, the magic took on a life of its own!

That was nearly 40 years ago. Since then, I've entertained audiences large and small at corporate events, banquets, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. I've also hosted two television programs and am a member of the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Looking back, I suppose I've spent much of my life doing the same thing - bringing people together, making them laugh, and reminding them that life still has a little magic in it!

I've always had a simple philosophy about magic: If I'm having a wonderful time, there's a pretty good chance my audience will too!

My background in professional speaking, sales training, and teaching showmanship taught me that the real magic is connecting with people.

I've never taken myself too seriously as a magician. I love the laughter, surprises, unexpected moments, and especially the people. My performances are relaxed, conversational, and filled with comedy.

Years ago, I was paid $4,000 for a 40-minute magic and motivational show at a sales convention. The following week, I removed the sales message and performed essentially the same show for free. I enjoyed both equally!

Nearly 40 years later, nothing has changed. I still love performing, and I think audiences can tell.

My goal isn't simply to fool people. It's to give them a wonderful time!

My comedy magic shows typically run 40–45 minutes, although I can adjust the length to suit your event. Close-up magic performances are flexible depending on the audience and occasion.
I generally arrive 30–45 minutes early to set up and become familiar with the venue.

I have my own professional Electro-Voice sound system and microphone, so smaller and medium-sized events generally require very little from the organizer. For larger audiences, we can arrange additional sound equipment or use the venue's existing system.

My goal is to make everything as easy as possible for the event organizer. After all, planning an event is enough work without having to worry about the magician!

Absolutely! I've performed many outdoor magic shows over the years, including a nighttime event where I was told the audience numbered nearly 2,000 people!

My very first outdoor performance was a hilarious disaster. The wind apparently wanted to be part of the show, and some of my magic props had other plans!

Fortunately, I've learned a few things since then!

Outdoor magic can be wonderful, especially with a comfortable audience, good visibility, and a little cooperation from Mother Nature. I prefer a level performance area protected from strong winds, and shade for daytime events.

With the right conditions, outdoor shows can be great fun!

The comments I treasure most are about the laughter, the audience participation, and how much fun everyone had.

Clients often describe my performances as funny, entertaining, surprising, and engaging. They especially appreciate the combination of comedy and magic, along with my relaxed, friendly approach.

I love hearing that guests are still talking about the show afterward. That's the kind of magic that means the most to me!

Absolutely! No two audiences are exactly alike, and that's part of what makes performing so enjoyable.

I've entertained corporate executives, professional associations, community groups, families, and senior audiences. I adjust the humor, magic, audience participation, and length of the performance to suit the occasion.

Whether it's a corporate banquet, an intimate gathering, or a celebration with several hundred guests, my goal is to make the performance feel like it was created especially for that audience.