How Magic Cue Transformed My Magic Shows: A Magician’s Guide to Show Control Systems
By Damian Jennings - Friday, April 11, 2025
It's Damian Jennings here, when I am not hosting the podcast, or running all the marketing for VI, I do shows. Spefically I do family shows with my ten year old daughter. Now, you know how important it is to create a show that feels polished and professional. For years, I’ve been performing magic in small venues, schools, festivals and local theatres, and while our magic and storytelling always captivated audiences, I felt like our shows lacked the wow factor. That’s when we discovered Magic Cue, a mobile app designed for show control systems, and it completely changed the game for us.
If you’ve ever wondered how to add production value to your performances without needing a big budget or a tech crew, let me share my experience with this magical tool—and how it can enhance your act too.
The Killer Feature: Live Video from Your Phone to the Screen
One of the standout features of Magic Cue—and honestly, the one that sold me on it—is its ability to stream live video directly from your phone to a projector or screen. This feature is an absolute game-changer for performers like us who want to create immersive experiences but lack the budget for equipment or complicated setups.
During one of my routines where my kid reads someone’s mind, I used Magic Cue to project a live feed of the participant’s reactions onto a screen behind us. The audience could see every subtle expression—the surprise, the disbelief, the amazement—up close and personal. It added an entirely new layer of engagement and drama to the act.
The setup is incredibly simple. All I needed was my phone, Magic Cue, and a projector. With just a few taps on the app, we could stream live video seamlessly. This feature has opened up so many creative possibilities for our shows—from projecting close-up shots of close-up effects to creating dynamic visuals that interact with my routines in real time.
Why I Decided to Invest in Magic Cue
I first heard about Magic Cue from a fellow magician who described it as “a show control system in your pocket.” As someone who performs without any sound or tech crew most of the time, managing technical aspects like music cues, sound effects, lighting transitions—and now live video—has always been a challenge too far, and we just never bothered with it.
After researching Magic Cue and seeing its potential to streamline all these elements into one easy-to-use platform, I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you—it’s been one of the best investments I’ve made for the family show I do.
What Is Magic Cue? A Show Control System Made Simple
For those unfamiliar with show control systems, they’re tools used to manage various technical aspects of live performances—like audio, video, lighting, and visual effects. Traditionally, these systems required expensive equipment and specialized technicians. But Magic Cue simplifies everything by turning your smartphone or tablet into an all-in-one control center.
With Magic Cue, I can program cues for my routines directly on my iPad or iPhone. Whether it’s background music for an opening act or dramatic sound effects timed perfectly with a trick’s reveal—even live video streaming—everything is controlled seamlessly through the app.
Adding Theatricality to My Magic Shows
Before using Magic Cue, our show solely on live elements: sleight of hand, audience interaction, and storytelling. While these are the foundation of any magician’s act, we wanted to add more theatricality—something that would make our shows feel like immersive experiences rather than just tricks.
Here’s how Magic Cue helped us achieve that:
- Live Video Streaming: As mentioned earlier, this feature lets me project real-time visuals onto screens during performances. Whether it’s showing close-ups of card tricks or audience reactions during mentalism acts, it adds depth and drama.
- Background Music: Now I can set the mood for each routine with perfectly timed tracks. For suspenseful tricks, I use theatrical music; for lighthearted moments, funny tunes add a laugh.
- Sound Effects: Imagine revealing a card with a dramatic “whoosh” or making an object vanish accompanied by an audible “pop.” These little touches amplify the magic.
- Visuals: Using projectors (connected via HDMI), I display images or videos behind me during routines. For example, during Snowstorm In China, slow-motion visuals of snow falling all around paired with ethereal music created an unforgettable atmosphere.
These additions transformed our shows into multi-sensory experiences that left audiences spellbound.
Wireless Cueing: A Magician’s Dream
One of Magic Cue’s standout features is its support for Bluetooth buttons like Flic devices. And it comes with a Flic button too! As magicians, we aim for seamless transitions during performances—and these wireless buttons let me trigger cues discreetly without breaking character.
Investing in production value isn’t just about impressing audiences—it’s about standing out in a competitive industry. With tools like Magic Cue, you can achieve professional-grade results without needing expensive gear or technical expertise. Here are some benefits of using show control systems:
- Consistency: Every cue hits perfectly every time.
- Efficiency: No need for extra staff or complicated setups.
- Creativity: The ability to experiment with soundscapes, visuals, and lighting opens up new possibilities for routines.
- Audience Engagement: Multi-sensory experiences engage audiences more deeply than traditional performances alone.
Audience Reactions: The Real Magic
The best part of all this? Seeing how audiences respond. After one recent show where I used synchronized music and visuals during my finale trick—including live video footage projected onto the screen—someone came up to me and said: “That felt like something out of a West End production!” Hearing feedback like that makes all the effort worth it.
People don’t just remember your tricks—they remember how your show made them feel. And thanks to Magic Cue (and its incredible capabilities as a show control system), I’m able to create moments that truly stick with people long after they leave.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate your performances—whether you’re doing magic shows in small venues or any other kind of live act—I can’t recommend Magic Cue enough. It’s given us tools that were once only available to big-budget productions but in a format that’s accessible and affordable for solo performers.
Every time we step on stage now, we feel more confident knowing that every cue will hit perfectly and every moment will land exactly as planned—including stunning live video effects! And honestly? That confidence translates into better performances—and happier audiences.
So if you’re ready to take your shows from good to unforgettable—and want to explore what modern show control systems can do—give Magic Cue a try! Who knows? It might just be the magic tool you didn’t know you needed! Find out more here.
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