FAQ
About Michael
Michael Gutenplan is an award-winning mentalist who specializes in creating unforgettable experiences using a mixture of psychic entertainment, magic, and comedy. A third-generation psychic, he has performed in 24 countries and 49 states, has been featured on dozens of TV programs, and received rave reviews by countless newspapers including The New York Times, Variety, and the L.A. Times. He was named best 'Club Entertainment' by Boardroom Magazine, awarded the Los Angeles Award for 'Best Psychic Entertainer,' has been named 'Best Corporate Entertainer' in the Corgentum Survey, and Time Out New York called his virtual show a 'Top Thing to Do.' Michael is an in-demand consultant to various film and TV shows, theme parks, and theatrical productions. He is the creator and star of the hit Off-Broadway show "Extraordinary Deceptions" as well as "Dark Minds" at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Michael is graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and a performing member of The Magic Castle.
Interesting Fact
Michael is a third-generation psychic who has astonished the world with numerous correct predictions including the winners of 10 Super Bowls, the top three places of fourteen Kentucky Derbies, and his amazing prediction of 12 spins of the roulette wheel at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas… which is why he is banned from that casino for life.
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Please call or email to discuss.
Q: Is Michael any good?
A: Yes! Michael has performed professionally for over 23 years and was awarded “Best Club Entertainment” by Boardroom Magazine for the past 3 years! Michael is a performing member of the Magic Castle and regarded as one of the top mystery performers in the nation. He is a third-generation psychic and has received rave reviews in the NY Times, LA Times, and Variety.
Q: I don't think our members will enjoy this.
A: Your members are special – but they are not different from others, and that's the secret to the show's success. Sophisticated members enjoy unique and unforgettable opportunities and this show definitely falls into that category. Michael is a fixture at the top clubs in the nation and the elite and sometimes rigid members love his show… as do the more youthful and relaxed members.
Q: Our members don't come to events.
A: Your success is our success and we want this event to sell out! We can't make promises, but if marketed properly to your members we have found that this event draws record attendance. After booking, we provide marketing materials including photos and posters. If requested we can also create a short social media promotional video just for your members! One important note… We strongly suggest selling this as a mind reading or psychic entertainment show rather than a magic show.
Q: How long is the show?
A: The standard show is about 60 minutes. Michael can perform any length from 20 minutes to 90 depending on the needs of the event.
Q: Our event budget is low... I don't think we can afford this.
A: Most clubs pass the cost of the event to their members by charging them for attending the event. The average cost, which usually includes dinner, is between $40-$110 per person. We find that charging members a slightly higher than normal cost actually drives up attendance! If budget is a concern the best thing to do is reach out.
Q: We've never done anything like this.
A: You've never done anything like this because there is nothing else like this! And while this show is designed to be a special member event, it works incredibly well as the entertainment for one of your societies, during the annual gala or closing party, at the member/member or member/guest, for the holiday party, corporate buyouts, or any other time you need top quality entertainment.
Q: We've already done this. Does the show change?
A: Due to the nature of mind reading, every show is a unique expereince. For repeat bookings Michael includes a mix of new material and highlights from previous shows.
Q: Do we pay for travel?
A: Great question! The cost of airfare is built into the cost of the show. For some performances we ask that the club cover two nights hotel.
Q: Do you have a cancelation policy?
A: Yes. Our performance agreement has a detailed cancelation policy.
Q: We already have a magician.
A: That's great – but this isn't a magic show, it's a special event unlike anything anyone else is doing.
Q: We had a mentalist last year.
A: That's awesome – so you already know how incredible the event will be. This act is very different from any other mentalist currently performing, so your members will have a completely new experience.
Q: We don't have an event that needs a magician or mind reader.
A: Of course you don't – and that's not what this is. The Members Only Show® is a self-contained event!
Q: Why can't we just use a local entertainer?
A: You can – but this show has been built from the ground up to entertain members of private clubs. After 5 years, it's member tested and club approved. Additionally, your members will love the bragging rights that you 'flew in' a performer for the event.
Q: We're a small club in the middle of nowhere. We don't have the budget to fly you in.
A: Give us a call or an email and we can find a way to get your members the best entertainment at a cost that works for your club.
Q: Can we see a video of the show?
A: Yes. Click here for the promo video.
Q: Most of our members are older, will they enjoy the show?
A: Yes! This show is designed to entertain the most skeptical and demanding audiences. Older audiences love this type of entertainment.
Q: Is it a kids show?
A: No – but it is family friendly meaning there are no dirty words or inappropriate humor. The show is designed for adults but will entertain children 10 and up.
Q: We had a comedian perform at our club once and it didn't work.
A: Comedy is subjective – mind reading and magical entertainment is not. Everyone will enjoy the show and have fun.
Q: We had a mentalist last year / we booked Michael before / we saw his virtual show.
A: That's awesome – so you already know how incredible the event will be. Michael's show is different than any other performer and his in-person show is totally different than his virtual show. If you've booked Michael in the past, we suggest waiting a full year between performances – but note that Michael keeps records of material performed in each show and creates a (mostly new) performance for return engagements.
Q: We are all booked for the season.
A: OK! Let's talk about next season.
Q: We have a last minute spot open in a few weeks, can you do it?
A: Yes – if Michael is not already booked.
Q: Do you need any special set up?
A: The only thing we require is a pair of speakers with XLR input. We also strongly recommend a raised platform for the stage.