F.A.Q.
Answers to some of Shazam's most-asked questions
Peter Wood, owner and cheif question-answerer of Shazam Magic, offers some answers to common questions he is asked:
Q: Do you only do birthday parties? or Do you only do big stage shows?
A: No, we strive to provide fun and entertaining magic in both cases, which means understanding our different audiences. The magic is tailored to your venue and audience, so a birthday party show will be just as much fun as a stage show, because they're custom-fit.
Q: Can you recommend any clowns, face painters, or DJ's?
A: We cross paths with many entertainers, but we have a select few that we highly recommend. These are the folks that I know well enough to personally vouch for, since their performance reflects upon Shazam Magic. You can visit their websites on our Resources page.
Q: What does Shazam stand for? Why did you choose that name?
A: In 1940, Captain Marvel first used the term "SHAZAM," which is an acronym for six Roman gods (Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury). Since then, it evolved into a "magic word," even being used as an exclaimation by Gomer Pyle on the Andy Griffith Show.
We chose Shazam because it was short, easy to spell, and associated with magic already. Originally we were "Shazam! Magic by Peter Wood;" this later evolved into "Shazam Magic," with the tagline "Magic and Comedy by Peter Wood."
Q: Can you saw me in half? Can you make my wife disappear? Can you pull a rabbit out of your hat?
A: No, no, and why would there be a rabbit in my hat?
Q: Do you perform outside?
A: We will, but it's not our preference. So many things about the outdoors make it difficult to perform a show, so we strongly recommend having it indoors when possible.
Q: What is your stage name?
A: Peter. Or Peter Wood, if you like. Shazam Magic is the name of the business, and working under that business are Peter, Matt, and Casper the Bunny.
Q: Are you guys a "brother act"?
A: Sometimes. I'm very much the magician, and Matt's very much the assistant. Matt comes along whenever a rabbit wrangler is needed, and he plays an important role in our stage shows, theatrical trailer, and behind the scenes with technical elements and routine creation.
Q: Is Shazam Magic internationally known?
A: Yes! Not only is this website available on the World Wide Web, but we've advertised before in Argentina and Germany. ("advertised," meaning a few college friends wore Shazam shirts while studying abroad, but let's not argue semantics here)
Q: Which magicians do you admire?
A: While I don't have one magician in particular that I idolize, I admire attributes about many magicians. David Copperfield for his innovation and show business skills, Lance Burton for his elegance and genuineness, and Mac King (with Peter at right) for his sense of comedy and originality.
I also really enjoy the thought-provoking magic of Penn & Teller (see Teller and Peter, below right), as well as the behind-the-scenes wizardry, theatrical contributions, and books of Jim Steinmeyer.
Q: Have you ever performed in Las Vegas?
A: Of course! Although, not professionally. Just a few card tricks for a some friends in our hotel room. But I have performed in Vegas, technically.
Q: What got you interested in magic?
A: When I was four, my best friend's older brother had a magic set, and held mini magic shows with it. For my fifth birthday, I got a set of my own, and was able to reproduce the miracles as he had. Once I had bought out all the toy store magic kits, my parents got in touch with a family friend* who was a professional magician, and he helped steer us in the direction of magic catalogs and shops in our area. The rest is history!
*I've subsequently purchased the magic collection of our friend, Richard Kitterman, and am proud to own many of the tricks that amazed me as a child. Check out the full story here.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: I started doing magic when I was 5, and did my first paying show in early 1994. I turned 10 later that year, and on the way back from a birthday-cash-spending-spree at Barry's Magic Shop, Mom and I discussed the prospect of me starting a business. Later that evening, I used sticky letters to brand my performing table, and Shazam Magic was born.
Q: What ages do you perform for?
A: 5 years old and up is ideal, because before 5 it's hit-or-miss whether the magic ideas will register. Especially if the bulk of the guests are under 5, we recommend waiting a few years, and perhaps considering a clown, storyteller, or puppet show in the meantime.
Q: Do you juggle, swallow swords, or eat fire?
A: No, no, and no ... I get heartburn too easily.
Still have a question that wasn't answered? Feel free to contact Shazam, and if your question becomes frequently-asked, it'll be added to this page!
