Speed & Thro: High Energy Magic - Magicians, Illusionists and Entertainers

As per your requests, here are some of the most commonly asked questions asked about us. They are broken up into two categories: Business and Personal. If you have any other questions, please email us from the CONTACT US section on this site and we would be happy to answer your questions.

	How many shows a year do you perform? We perform about 270 high energy comedy magic and illusion shows a year.
	How many years have you been in business? We are a professional magic show performing since 1993 (12 years).
	Do you perform outside of the D.C. Metropolitan area? Yes, in fact, we are a national stage magic and illusion act performing all over the United States. However, most of our magic performances are based in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C..
	What are some of the magic effects and illusions you perform in your show? We have hours of magic which we can perform in our stage show. Some of the highlights include: The Dove Act, The Magical Snowing Indoors, The Card Sword, The Locked Trunk Escape, and The Sword Box. For more information on illusions and magic that we perform in our show please call us at (800) 998-4090.
	Do you perform for Charity functions? Yes, however, our schedule is usually very busy so we try to limit them to only a couple a year. We do, however, offer discounts and/ or free upgrades for many charities.
	Where do you perform most of your shows? Where can we see your show? Most of our stage performances are based within the metropolitan D.C. area and along the East Coast.
	Have you ever been sick or missed a show? Of course, we have been sick, but we have never missed a show and are not planning to in the future. You know what entertainers say " The show must go on."
	Are you full-time? Yes, in fact , Thro and I work Monday thru Friday at the office on promotional aspects of our show and practice. We are constantly working on new magical effects, comedy routines, and illusions to delight our audiences.
	Do you know how David Copperfield and other great magicians/ illusionists do all their magic? Yes, but we will never tell.
	Do you perform magic for adults? Absolutely. We have numerous magic effects and illusions specifically for a more sophisticated audience and corporate clients. These shows include more sleight of hand, manipulation and mind blowing stage illusions. Approximately half of our shows are for adult and corporate clients.
	Do you teach magic? No, unfortunately, teaching is very time intensive and would be very difficult for our busy schedule. We usually encourage individuals interested in magic to learn from books, as we did. The best place to find books on magic and illusion is at your local library or magic shop.
	What ages are best for your show? All ages. We actually customize every show so we can best target the magic, illusions, and comedy to each specific audience.
	How many shows can you do in a day? We can perform as many as 5 or 6 magic shows in a day depending on the magnitude and locations of the performances. For trivia sake, the maximum number of stage shows we did in one day was seven.
	Do you work with Agents? Yes, we currently work with several agents around the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. area.
	Do you have a video? No, we have stayed away from providing videos lately because I feel video tends to flatten the reactions and energy of our presentation. We also have had many clients trying to pick and choose effects based on a 20 -30 second clip versus the entire routines. If you are interested in seeing our show please contact me at (800) 998-4090 and I will be happy to provide you with our schedule so you can see us live.
	What is your fee structure? Our prices vary depending on the illusions, effects, and the locations for the performances. Please call us at (800) 998-4090 for a quote for your specific event.
	Do you perform shows individually? Yes, it is not uncommon for us to do shows on an individual basis when budget or schedule does not allow for both of us. We both have entirely developed magic shows specifically for this purpose.
	Do you perform for birthday parties? Yes, we can perform our stand-up magic show in the birthday party environment.
	How many people are in your show? Primarily it us just the two of us, however, we use crew for some of our more elaborate and/or customized shows.
	Can you perform custom magic shows or illusions? Yes, we can design a customized show to promote a specific product or idea. We have on many occasion have built a custom illusion at a clients request. Most recently, we made a custom illusion to make ex-governor Schaffer of Maryland appear magically at The Festival of Trees event in Timonium, Maryland.

	How long are your performances? Our show lengths can vary from 5 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. The average is about 40-50 minutes.
	Do you need a stage? No. Although it is nice, it is not necessary. We have even performed illusion shows in peoples living rooms before.
	Can you do close up and strolling magic? Yes, if fact, we started out as magicians performing our high energy magic in the walk around strolling environment. We often perform walk around strolling magic at private functions, mitzvahs, corporate functions, and / or to accompany a stage performance.
	Do you involve the audience in the show? Absolutely. We are the ultimate in audience participation. We constantly are asking the audience members questions and inviting them to participate in the show. The audiences participation and reactions are what make our high energy magic show so much fun.
	We have seen you before...do u have other magic effects? Yes, we have over 5 hours of magic and illusions which we can perform. Just let us know when and where you saw us and we would be happy to change the show around for you.

	Are you two brothers? No, however, sometimes it seems like we are.
	How did you two meet and/ or get started in magic? We met at the University of Maryland. Speed was a student and met Thro through one of his roommates. At the time Thro was a magician primarily performing magic as a hobby. Speed took up an interest in magic and eventually we started performing as magicians doing small shows and parties. One show led to many as we ventured into stage performances. We now have performed over 2,000 shows together and feel we are still growing.
	Did you have to go to school to learn your magic? No, we learned magic like all the other great magical entertainers of our time. We read books and attend lectures on magic, comedy and entertaining.
	How long did it take to learn all your magic? We have been studying, practicing, and performing our magic for over 12 years.
	Where and how did you get your names? Speed's name came about due to his hyperactive nature, fast talking, and love of fast cars and racing. As for Thro's name. It just is...that's the name he wanted. Nobody knows why. But, we have found our names to be catchy and to have a lot of energy. Also, the name Speed & Thro is unusual, and people just don't forget it easily, which is a very good thing in the entertainment industry.
	What tricks or books do you recommend for children? There are many great resources for learning magic and becoming a magician or illusionist. A few of my favorite books include: Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic (the full size version), The Tarbell's Course in Magic, and "Now You See It, Now You Don't by Bill Tarr. My suggestion would be to visit your local magic shop and they will be more than happy to help guide you into the exciting world of magic and illusion. .
	Where does Speed get all his energy? Believe it or not Speed is just naturally hyperactive. Fortunately, it is a great asset for an entertainer / magician / illusionist. However, I am sure his elementary school teachers would say differently.
	Is that Thro's real voice? He would say "I Don't Know."
	Which magician/ illusionists do you like best? Every magician has his favorites. Ours include: David Copperfield, Jeff McBride, Greg Frewin, Jeff Hobsen, and Kevin James.
	Why aren't you in Las Vegas? Las Vegas is a great place to visit, but neither Speed or Thro have any desire to have to live there.
	Have you ever been on TV? Yes. Speed & Thro have made many television appearances.



		High Energy Magic