Magic shows range from quick sets to full theater productions, and the “right” length depends on the audience, venue, and format.
What is the typical length of a magic show?
A magic show is 30–60 minutes for most public and private bookings, with shorter sets for tight schedules and longer formats for theaters and casinos.
Typical runtimes by magic show type
Different magic formats use different time blocks.
- Close-up magic (cocktail hour, strolling): 60–120 minutes total, delivered in 5–10 minute mini-sets for groups at tables
- Parlor magic (living room, small event space): 30–45 minutes as one continuous set
- Kids birthday magic (ages 4–10): 30–45 minutes, often plus 10–20 minutes for balloons or photos
- Corporate magic (banquet room, conference): 20–45 minutes for a featured spot, or 60–90 minutes for a headline act
- Stage illusion show (theater, performing arts center): 75–110 minutes, commonly with a 10–20 minute intermission
- Casino or cruise ship headliner (Las Vegas-style): 60–90 minutes, often built around a fixed venue schedule
What changes the length of a magic show
A show runs longer or shorter when planning constraints change.
- Audience age: Younger kids sustain focus for 30–45 minutes, adults tolerate 60–90 minutes with strong pacing
- Venue rules: Theaters, schools, and casinos enforce hard start/stop times, including load-in and soundcheck windows
- Participation level: Volunteer-heavy routines add 5–15 minutes through selection, reset, and applause beats
- Production scale: Illusions, lighting cues, and costume changes add 10–30 minutes compared with a minimal-prop act
- Event structure: Dinners, speeches, and awards compress a show into a 15–25 minute “feature” slot
How to choose the right length for your event
Pick the length that fits your schedule first, then match the format.
- Choose 30–45 minutes for birthday parties, school assemblies with tight rotations, and most community events
- Choose 20–30 minutes for corporate agendas with keynote speakers and hard transition times
- Choose 60–90 minutes for ticketed evening shows in theaters, comedy clubs, and casino lounges
- Choose 60–120120 minutes of strolling close-up for weddings and cocktail receptions (for example, 90 minutes while guests mingle)
Sample schedules you can copy
These templates fit common bookings.
- Kids party: 10 minutes warm-up + 35 minutes show + 10 minutes meet-and-greet
- Corporate banquet: 5 minutes intro + 25 minutes feature set + 5 minutes photo moment
- Theater night: 45 minutes act 1 + 15 minutes intermission + 35 minutes act 2