The Magic of Robert Malissa

Solid close-up sleight of hand magic presented in a congenial, humorous manner.

I typically show sets of 3 tricks to a group and move on to the next group, progressing around the room. I vary the number of tricks based on the size of the crowd and the time allotted, so that I get to everyone that is interested.

I also perform close-up mentalism.

A native Philadelphian, Malissa was setting up his street show when a passerby said, “Hey a magician, the lowest form of entertainment!”

That statement was the inspiration for his recent Philadelphia Fringe Show, A Case for Magic, which takes direct aim at the view of magic as a tacky art or that tricks are only for kids. Sometimes comic, sometimes poetic, Malissa’s original presentations of sleight of hand, mentalism and general sneaky deception, support his point of view. This show has headlined at Smoke and Mirrors Magic Theater and in New York as part of the Frigid Fringe Festival where it received rave reviews.

Malissa won a first place award from the Philadelphia Houdini Club. He has also earned two awards from the Philadelphia Society of American Magicians - Close-up Competition, first place tie and Stage competition, second place.

Starting at 12 years old, Malissa began by entertaining at numerous birthday parties, restaurants and then street magic in New York City, Philadelphia and Europe. Most recently, Malissa has performed for many schools, community celebrations, professional organizations and county festivals. In addition, he has been doing close-up restaurant magic for the past eight years.

I prefer to use the in-house microphone if I am doing a stage or platform show. (If applicable).