Magicopolis - Santa Monica, California - Live Magic Shows, Supplies, and Events

Santa Monica's live theater known as Magicopolis opened in 1998 with world-renowned magicians Penn & Teller taking the stage. They set the bar high with their outrageous performances, but the parade of illusionists who have followed continue to set the standard for magical entertainment on the West Coast.

The afternoon and evening shows at Magicopolis feature comedy, magic, music, illusions, special effects and audience participation. Gathered here over the years have been the stunts of mind readers, sleight of hand specialists, quick-change artists, tuxedoed and white-gloved traditionalists, comely sorceresses, and every other kind of magician imaginable. Each show last from 90 minutes to two hours, a live theatrical experience that's difficult to match. That explains why the theater has been featured on such national television shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, CNN Showbiz Today, and NBC Dateline, among others.

Performers Steve Spill of the CBS TV special "The World Greatest Magicians'' and Polish-born actress Bozena Wrobel currently pack the 150-seat main theater daily for their "Escape Reality'' show. Escapology and extra sensory perception are just a few of the tricks up their sleeves to entertain audiences. Individual matinee tickets cost $22 per person. Evening tickets go for $27. And hosting large groups is business as usual at Magicopolis. With advance reservations for 25 or more persons, guests receive a $3 discount per ticket.

Apart from the theater show in the main auditorium, there is a special show every Saturday night at 10pm in the Magicopolis Bar. Patrons can watch as one magician and two comedians perform their acts behind the bar. Professional performers from the world famous Magic Castle are featured. No cover charge is required, and there is no drink minimum. Admission is on a first come first served basis, but limited to those aged 21 and older.

Magicopolis has frequently been used as a movie and television location. The main theater, its stage, proscenium, and tech room can be rented for exclusive use for auditions, live productions, readings, workshops, classes, sales meetings, seminars, and performance rehearsals. Full wine and beer service can be provided, along with a private party room. Equipment and technicians are available, too.

Special schools and camps for youth can also be scheduled, allowing children to experience magic firsthand. Tricks are taught to help participants build confidence as they have fun. The cost for groups of up to 150 is $1,000 per session.

One other aspect not to be missed here is the retail Magic Shop at Magicopolis. It offers a wide variety of gifts for budding magicians and those who simply take pleasure in novelties. Items on sale range from complete magic sets to individual tricks.

Magicopolis is located in the Bayside District at 1418 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, California 90401. From Los Angeles International Airport, get on the I-405 Freeway North to the I-10 Santa Monica Freeway West, exiting right onto Fourth Street and continuing north for two blocks. Parking is available in one of two public garages on Forth Street between Santa Monica Boulevard and Broadway. The first two hours are free before 6pm; a flat rate of $3 is charged thereafter.