Timothy Starnes · Charlotte, NC & beyond · Ages 18+
Pick a card. Show everybody except me. You’d be surprised how often that last part needs a rehearsal.
I’m Tim Starnes, a Charlotte comedy and bar magician. I bring cards, props, sleight of hand, and a dry sense of humor to private parties and company events. You can book the whole evening as traditional close-up comedy magic. The dead get the night off.
From the guest’s chair
I particularly like the guest who learned one from an uncle. Give that person a deck and suddenly the quiet end of the table has a spokesman. Meanwhile, the friend who hasn’t said a word has been watching my hands. I want both of them in a good seat.
Someone can choose a card, hold a prop, or just watch a friend swear that what happened couldn’t possibly have happened. The laughs come from what we’ve all just seen. If the birthday person would rather keep their drink than take the deck, they can keep their drink.
For the host
At an adult birthday, a bachelorette night in, or a private dinner, settle everyone where they can see the cards and one another. After the plates are cleared is a lovely time. Trying to compete with a server carrying hot gravy is how you lose an audience.
At a cocktail hour or company reception, I work from one dedicated spot. A few people gather, catch a trick, and bring somebody else back. Nobody has to break off a conversation because a man with a deck of cards has decided it’s their turn.
A typical party visit is one to two hours, adjusted to your plans. I use a table and three chairs, or a coffee table with audience seating in front and to the sides. I don’t need a sound system. Let me know about dinner, speeches, and anyone who would enjoy being part of the fun.
“He was engaging, funny, and a total hit!”
Availability & quotes
Text me your date, venue, guest count, and the part of the evening you have in mind. “Twenty friends, after dinner, and please leave my brother out of it” is a perfectly useful start. I’ll confirm availability and send a personalized quote, including any travel costs.
Based in Charlotte and available for travel, including Asheville. Want a little honest dishonesty or a haunted parlor instead? Explore comedy con games or my theatrical comedy séance.