Four-Walling a Show

I'm a professional comedy-magician based out of Los Angeles.  I have an investor who's interested in four-walling a show for me.

However, this will be a close-up, sleight-of-hand show, which means I need a small space to accommodate seating for no more than 40 people.

I've called a few casinos downtown, but I'm not sure who I should be asking for.  The person in charge of meetings at Circa said they don't have licensing to allow a show.  I've left messages for marketing directors at a few places, but haven't heard back.

I'm literally trying to give them money for a space and can't get an answer.

Does anybody know the title of the person I should be trying to contact?  Would it be the marketing director, or someone else?  I appreciate any advice you may have.

Thanks!

Zach

Hi Zach.  There is a QoD from July 10, 2021 about the meaning of "Four Walling" shows in Las Vegas.  You can probably find it like I did, which was to Google "four-walling a show".  It does not specifically answer your question, whom to contact, but it was quite interesting, informative, and maybe somewhat useful to you.  It gives history, specific shows and entertainers who four-walled shows in Las Vegas, or attempted to.

I'm sure you already know the "what else" involved in addition to renting a room:  "staff...sound, lighting, stage hands, wardrobe, management, assistants, ushers."  Maybe you don't need all or any of those, but you'd probably need a business plan ready other than just the fact that someone is interested in bankrolling your show.  How have your Los Angeles shows gone?  Attendance, making money?  Those people (whomever) probably get dozens of calls a day.   Have your LA show facts and figures/projections for a 40 seat show ready.  

Good luck!  (BTW, I know nothing about the business, only what I read in that QoD.  But David Saxe is a name to check out.)

Candy

Thanks for the reply.  I read that QoD when it came out.  I read it every day.  :)

I've been in the business my whole life, so all of the details you're describing are accounted for.

The hurdle I'm facing is simply finding a space, but I've reached out to several people and am getting some good ides.

Thanks again!

You are welcome.  I've been to a lot of the smaller shows/theaters in Las Vegas (mostly years past).  Probably many are long gone, but I'd say they had at least 100 seats.  Forty seems awfully small to make a profit on.  Maybe a lounge-type show, pool, bar setting?  Work up some small freebies like Big Elvis does (or did), catch some interest of the passing public.

Candy

Thanks, but that part of it is figured out.  Close-up magic is a different beast.  Take a look at what a magician named Asi Wind is doing in NYC, and you'll have a better idea of what I'm going for.

I just found out about this show.  This is an example of somebody doing something like what I'm trying to do:

https://www.themagiciansstudy.com/

Wow, interesting.  Is this for real in Vegas?  Certainly have never heard of it.  Looks like a fun departure from gambling and the usual shows.

Of course it's in Vegas, lol.  Here's an article with more detail.  By the way, unless it's changed, the code word is Merlin.

https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/magicians-study-offers-an-intimate-evening-of-magic-if-you-can-find-it-2632371/