DAVID WILLIAMSONMAGIC & MISCHIEF

MAGICIAN. COMEDIAN. TEACHER.

DAVID
WILLIAMSON.

A little magic.
A lot of laughter.

Sleight of hand, spontaneous comedy, and a show that brings people together.

Book a performanceLearn with David

FROM CLOSE-UP TO THE WORLD’S BIGGEST STAGES

David Williamson as a circus ringmaster, leaning on a cane with a playful expression
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTEDDW / 01
ON STAGE & ON SCREEN

THE ILLUSIONISTS

CIRCUS 1903

MASTERS OF ILLUSION

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT

01 / THE SHOW

Good company.
Impossible things.

David Williamson sharing a playful moment with an audience volunteer on stage
THE AUDIENCE IS PART OF THE FUN.

Photo 1 of 6.

The best moments happen between people.

David mixes accomplished sleight of hand with the kind of comedy that only happens in a live room. A volunteer, a borrowed object, an unexpected turn: everyone becomes part of the story.

Theater & stage

Audiences have seen David on Broadway with The Illusionists and as Ringmaster Willy in Circus 1903. His solo work brings that same skill and playful audience connection to the stage.

Close-up magic

Cards, coins, and impossible moments at arm’s length. Sleight of hand and conversation make the magic personal.

Corporate & private events

For an event, celebration, or special evening, talk with David about the audience, venue, and format. Together, you can find the right fit.

Talk about your event

Uproariously funny.

THE GUARDIAN

02 / THE MAN BEHIND THE MAGIC

Meet Dave.

Official Bio

A performer’s performer.
A teacher who loves the work.
And always up for a laugh.

David Williamson peering at the camera with playing cards and a bottle
DAVID WILLIAMSON / YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO

David Williamson has spent a lifetime making magic feel alive.

His career has taken him from intimate close-up rooms to Broadway, London’s West End, and stages around the world. Television appearances include Champions of Magic, World’s Greatest Magic III, Masters of Illusion, and America’s Got Talent.

Along the way, he has consulted for David Copperfield and David Blaine, created original magic, and taught generations of performers. His book Williamson’s Wonders has been translated into six languages.

Based in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Dave continues to perform and share what he’s learned through Sleight School.

Get promotional photos
1981

First recipient of the
Gold Cups Award of Excellence

2017

The Magic Castle’s
Magician of the Year

2022

The Magic Circle’s Carlton Award
Excellence in Comedy Magic

03 / PULL UP A CHAIR

Let’s work
on your magic.

Technique matters. So do timing, personality, and the people watching. Dave’s teaching brings all of it to the table.

01

ONE TO ONE

Your work.
Dave’s attention.

Bring a routine, a move that’s giving you trouble, or an act you want to sharpen. Work on handling, comedy, scripting, and audience connection in a private online lesson.

Book a lesson (opens in a new tab)
02

SLEIGHT SCHOOL

Good magic.
Better company.

Join a community of people who love the craft. Study, practice, swap ideas, and spend time with other magicians through live sessions and a growing collection of lessons.

Visit Sleight School (opens in a new tab)

FOR THE CURIOUS BEGINNER. THE WORKING PRO. AND EVERYONE STILL PRACTICING.

…He changed the way we do magic.

DAVID BRITLAND, GENII MAGAZINE

04 / KEEP EXPLORING

From Dave’s
working repertoire.

Books, videos, and notes from a life in magic.

THE BOOK / 01

Williamson’s
Wonders

Original close-up magic from David’s repertoire, in the book that has found readers in six languages.

View the bookTHE VIDEOS / 02

The Classic
Dave Collection

Explore David’s classic instructional videos in the Sleight School shop.

View the collection (opens in a new tab)THE JOURNAL / 03

The
Ridiculist

Stories, news, and a look at David’s life on and off the stage.

Read The Ridiculist

05 / LET’S MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN

Have a room
full of people?

Tell David what you have in mind.

For performances, appearances, and lectures, send the date, location, audience size, and a little about your event.

Email David

Looking for help with your magic? Book a private lesson (opens in a new tab).

FOR PRESS & PROMOTERS

David Williamson
Official biography.

Download .txt ↓

David has been featured on ABC’s Champions of Magic, where he appeared with Princess Stephanie as he performed his miracles at different locations in and around Monaco. David has also co-starred in several top-rated prime-time network specials including CBS’s Magicians’ Favorite Magicians, NBC’s Houdini: Unlocking His Mysteries, and NBC’s World’s Greatest Magic III. His television appearances also include The CW’s Masters of Illusion and America’s Got Talent.

In 1981 David won first place in the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ sleight of hand competition. That year he also became the first ever recipient of the prestigious Gold Cups Award of Excellence in close-up magic. David was voted “Close Up Magician of the Year” two years in a row by his peers at Hollywood’s renowned Magic Castle. He was also twice awarded the “Magic Castle Lecturer of the Year” and the “Magic Castle Parlor Magician of the Year.” David was voted “Most Wanted Magician” at the 2003 FISM convention in Den Haag.

David was named Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He was also honored with the Performance Fellowship by the Magic Castle’s Academy of Magical Arts and awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership by the UK’s Magic Circle, the world’s premier magical society. He is also the recipient of The Magic Circle’s 2022 Carlton Award for “Excellence in Comedy Magic.”

As host of the United Kingdom’s acclaimed television series The Magic Comedy Strip, David’s irresistible mix of humor and skill helped make it one of the highest rated shows in the country. He has created illusions for and performed in several commercials and has developed TV shows for Walt Disney Productions and ABC, as well as consulting for David Copperfield’s and David Blaine’s TV specials. Other network television appearances include Masters of Illusion and The World Magic Awards special, where he was named Comedy Magician of the Year.

A popular and respected teacher and creator of magic, Dave has travelled the world inspiring magic enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. His best-selling magic book, Williamson’s Wonders, has been translated into six languages. His instructional videos Sleight of Dave, Dave 2, Magic Farm, and Ridiculous are bestsellers worldwide. David continues to instruct magicians with his popular online Sleight School.

David has been a featured performer in the world tour of The Illusionists Live, touring Australia, the United States, South Africa, Kuwait, and London’s West End. He was featured in the cast of The Illusionists Experience at the ElDorado Resort in Reno. David also starred in Presto!, a magic and variety show. His show Ridiculous debuted at Chicago’s Rhapsody Theater.

David has starred as the Ringmaster in Circus 1903. He has also been a frequent favorite guest entertainer on various cruise lines including Disney Cruise Lines, NCL, Azamara, Holland America, Regent, Celebrity, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages.

Contact: david@davidwilliamson.com