Everything you need to know before booking Daniel Nicholas for your corporate event, private party, or special occasion.
General Questions
What exactly is a mentalist?
A mentalist is a performer who creates the experience of mind reading, prediction, and psychological influence. Unlike a stage magician who uses props and apparatus, a mentalist works primarily with people, reading thoughts, predicting choices, and creating moments that feel impossible. Daniel Nicholas specializes in mentalism for corporate events and private parties, where the intimate, human nature of the work has the greatest impact.
What’s the difference between a magician and a mentalist?
A magician typically uses physical props (cards, coins, illusions) to create visual surprises. A mentalist focuses on the mind: reading thoughts, influencing decisions, and creating experiences that feel personal and impossible to explain. Daniel performs both, depending on the event. For corporate events and adult private parties, mentalism is usually the right fit. For family events or trade shows, a blend of both works well.
Is this appropriate for all audiences?
Yes. Daniel performs for Fortune 500 corporate clients, private birthday parties, anniversary dinners, galas, and everything in between. The content is always clean, never embarrassing, and adapted to the crowd. He’s performed for audiences as young as 8 and as senior as 90+.
Booking Questions
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible. Weekend dates (especially Fridays and Saturdays from September through January) fill up months in advance. If you have a date in mind, reach out now. Even if the event is 6-8 months away, it’s worth checking availability.
What areas does Daniel serve?
Daniel is based in New York City and serves New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and surrounding areas. He’s available for events throughout the tri-state region and travels nationally for the right event.
How do I get the process started?
Contact Erica, Daniel’s assistant, through the availability form. She’ll confirm the date, discuss your event details, and walk you through everything from format to logistics. Most inquiries get a response within one business day.
Is there a contract?
Yes. Every booking is confirmed with a proper agreement that covers the date, time, location, performance details, and payment terms. No handshakes, no ambiguity. You’ll know exactly what to expect.
Event Format Questions
What formats are available?
Daniel performs in two primary formats:
- Close-up / Strolling: Daniel moves through a cocktail hour or reception, performing for small groups of 3-8 people at a time. Intimate, personal, and highly interactive. Works beautifully for cocktail receptions, holiday parties, and any event with a mingling format.
- Focused Stage Show: A formal performance where the audience is seated and the show runs for 30-60 minutes. High-energy, audience-participatory, and built around your crowd.
Many events combine both: strolling during cocktails, followed by a short stage show during dinner.
How long does a typical performance last?
Close-up strolling: typically 1-2 hours. Stage show: 30-60 minutes. The right duration depends on your event format and guest count. Erica will help you figure out what works best.
What does Daniel need to perform?
Very little. Close-up work requires no special setup. For a stage show, Daniel needs a clear performance area with decent lighting and a microphone for larger rooms. No elaborate staging, no special equipment. Full details in the performance agreement.
Can Daniel customize the performance for our company or event?
Yes. Daniel frequently incorporates company names, products, inside references, and custom moments into performances for corporate clients. This kind of personalization is one of the things that makes the experience memorable rather than generic entertainment.
Pricing Questions
What does it cost to book Daniel?
Rates depend on the format, duration, location, and event type. Pricing typically starts at $3,500. Stage show rates vary by length. The best way to get an accurate number is to reach out with your event details and Erica will put together the right proposal.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A deposit is required to hold the date, with the balance due before or on the day of the event. Full details are included in the performance agreement.
Day-of Questions
How early does Daniel arrive?
Daniel typically arrives 30-45 minutes before the performance start time to survey the space and prepare. For larger or more complex events, he arrives earlier. Logistics are confirmed with Erica in the week before the event.
What if something changes last minute?
Life happens. Erica is your point of contact for any last-minute changes. Call or text at any time and she’ll handle it. Daniel is a professional, he’s worked through venue changes, time shifts, and unexpected situations without missing a beat.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out here and Erica will get back to you quickly. No question is too small.
Ready to Talk About Your Event?
Send over your date and details and a member of our team will get back to you personally.
Check Availability