John Sherwood at MysteryVisits
Tekonsha, MI
From $150; private & corporate events often $250+
Travels up to 65 miles
John Sherwood at MysteryVisits
John Sherwood has performed feats of wonder-working on three continents.
John Sherwood performs at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum
No matter the setting, John Sherwood can deliver entertaining amazements.
John Sherwood entertains visitors to Gillette Castle in Connecticut.
John Sherwood performs at the American Museum of Magic
John Sherwood learned manual dexterity as a graduate of the Chavez School of Magic.
John Sherwood entertains a group of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts in Indianapolis.
John Sherwood performs during an outdoor fundraiser.
John Sherwood performs manipulation magic in a stage setting.
John Sherwood performs strollling magic at the Jam for the Cure fundraiser at Dark Horse Brewing Co.
John Sherwood with visitors to the American Museum of Magic
John Sherwood performs mind-boggling mentalism with a light and humorous touch.
As a board member of the American Museum of Magic, John frequently greets and entertains visitors.
John Sherwood performs during an outdoor fundraiser.
In 2023, John was made a member of the NYC-based Baker Street Irregulars.
John portrays a New Zebedee sorcerer during an annual John Bellairs walk in Marshall.
John brings Charles Dickens to life during the Christmas season.
John demonstrates surprising mental skills during a Sherlock-themed program in Wisconsin..
In an impromptu show, John's magic skills made fans of the safari drivers in Tanzania.
In 1992, John was the first to interview Teller for a magician's periodical.
At a magicians' conclave in San Jose, John visits with the late Siegfried Fischbacher.
John with Gay Blackstone during a 2026 event presented by the American Museum of Magic.
John's Sherlock-themed programs have been popular nationwide since 1987.
John entertains a gathering of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts at the Commonwealth Club in Warren.
John has been a feature of many variety shows featuring magic.
John Sherwood's professional services are offered through MysteryVisits
Overview
Experienced, highly adaptable entertainment for libraries, senior organizations, fundraisers, corporate/community events, schools, private parties and special events.
John's professional MysteryVisits programs enhance ...
- Specialty fundraisers and social events
- Holiday and birthday gatherings for adults and youngsters
- Science-based educational goals of schools, libraries and nonprofits
- The life-enhancing goals of organizations and facilities serving seniors
John's programs are shaped by five decades of training and success in creating compelling mystery with humor, storytelling and laughter -- interactive experiences for all ages and venues, adapted to all needs and budgets.
Reviews
4 reviews
Michael D.
August 31, 2026Great Program! Very Educational!
John Sherwood presented a program at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum in May of 2026. His program was incredibly educational for young children, teenagers and even adults! He made a very nice connection between history and science, sorting out fact from fiction, while at the same time rolling it all into a magic show. It was very entertaining and well received by all who attended. He is a very professional presenter.
Hired as: Magician
John Sherwood at MysteryVisits
Thank you so much for this, Michael. It was a great audience and everyone was extremely enthusiastic. I especially appreciated your help in setting up our audiovisual material. All best to you! - John Sherwood
Marsha L.
August 31, 2026Excellent!
John’s engaging blend of magic, humor, and downright delightful personal skills make for an array of special experiences! His broad background in theater, performance magic, travel, and journalism provides an excellent base for his programs. It has been a pleasure to attend a number of his performances. Excellent!
Hired as: Comedy Magician, Magician, Mentalist, Strolling/Close-up Magician
John Sherwood at MysteryVisits
Many thanks for this, Marsha. As you know, I always enjoy performing at the American Museum of Magic, especially because you never know how the audience is going to form. It's always a challenge and I have to think on my feet! - John Sherwood
Stephen M.
August 31, 2026Did he really just do that?
John is an amazing performer. After just a few minutes of hearing him talk, you realize this is a well-read, educated, and clever man. His humor is low key, but always there, and as he talks, he slowly brings you into his world of mystery and enchantment. Then in a flash, you realize you've been astounded, amazed, and -- yes -- fooled. How did he do that? I've seen John work many times, and my friends and I are always pleased and -- yes, again -- fooled.
Hired as: Magician, Mentalist
John Sherwood at MysteryVisits
Many thanks, sir! I've had such a great time entertaining people on the East Coast, and it's great to know that the enthusiasm has been mutual. Although I'm pretty well entrenched in Michigan now, you never know .... - John Sherwood
Theresa C.
August 31, 2026Engaging and Fun entertainment for all ages.
John has performed magic - both on stage and tableside for our annual Jam for the Cure. He has a way of captivating, engaging, and inspiring all ages with his performance. From large magic "tricks" to the very small he draws in the crowd and gets them involved. I highly recommend John for your next event.
Hired as: Children’s Party Magician, Comedy Magician, Magician, Mentalist, Strolling/Close-up Magician
John Sherwood at MysteryVisits
Thank you! One of my favorite gigs over the years has been to stroll among those attending the Jam for the Cure and finding out what makes them gape in amazement. Let's do it again! - John Shewood
Booking information
Price range: From $150; private & corporate events often $250+
Languages: English
Gig length: 15 - 180 minutes
What to expect
Expect *interactive* entertainment rather than a performance that simply happens in front of you.
John's programs are designed to involve the audience. Depending upon the event, guests may participate in magic, experience seemingly impossible demonstrations, make predictions, solve mysteries, explore the psychology of deception—or simply enjoy being amazed.
You can expect:
- Professional, reliable and personable entertainment
- Magic and mentalism appropriate to the audience and occasion
- Plenty of audience participation
- Humor without depending on embarrassing audience members
- Flexible programs that can work in libraries, museums, schools, senior centers, meeting rooms, private homes and event venues
- Minimal technical requirements
- Programs adapted to the age and interests of the audience
- A performer who can entertain and communicate
John is particularly well suited to organizations looking for entertainment with an additional dimension—history, science, mystery, critical thinking, storytelling or the psychology of deception.
About
About John Sherwood of MysteryVisits ...
John is a retired newspaper reporter and editor, longtime public-relations professional, writer, storyteller and magician whose fascination with mystery has occupied much of his life.
He has been performing and studying magic for more than five decades. His experience includes training at the Chavez School of Magic and involvement with the magic community surrounding the American Museum of Magic. He has performed throughout the United States and internationally and has had the opportunity to meet, interview and work with some of the world's best-known magicians.
But John's approach to magic is not simply about fooling people.
His background in journalism, literature, history, science and education has led him to develop programs that use magic as a doorway into curiosity, observation, critical thinking and the mysteries of human perception.
Among his interactive programs are presentations involving Science vs. Magic, the world of Sherlock Holmes, avoiding con artists and scammers, mentalism, critical thinking, puzzles and the psychology of deception, as well as traditional interactive magic and strolling entertainment.
John's performances are designed to be adaptable. He can entertain a small group gathered around a table, move among guests at a reception, or present a complete program for an audience in a library, museum, school, senior center, corporate setting or community venue.
The goal is always the same: Give people an experience they will remember—and perhaps leave them looking at the world a little differently.
Additional booking notes
Our programs require a small area of about 100 square feet to accommodate two small tables and an area where up to seven people may stand. For audiences up to 60 people, no sound system will be required unless the area is in the open air. A small area for equipment and outerwear storage is useful. Setup and breakdown times normally run one-half hour but may be less.
Influences and inspiration
I was most influenced by my teacher in magic, the late Neil Foster, who advised me as a young man beginning at age 12 until I was 38 years old. He was the chief instructor in the Chavez Studio of Magic, and presented me with my diploma in prestidigitation in 1981.
My other chief influence in magic was the late Robert Lund, founder of the American Museum of Magic in my hometown of Marshall, Michigan. His expertise in the history and purpose of magical entertainment had a huge impact on the manner in which I present my MysteryVisits programs. Today I am a member of the board of directors of the museum, which continues to be the largest collection of magic memorabilia available to the public in the Western Hemisphere.
Setup requirements
Negotiable. Some programs call for access to audiovisual screens. Small platform or corner space will be adequate for small groups. Shows can be presented on a riser or platform.
Our programs require a small area of about 100 square feet to accommodate two small tables and an area where up to seven people may stand. For audiences up to 60 people, no sound system will be required unless the area is in the open air. A small area for