Call us psychic because we know you’ve got questions!
Well, here are the answers.
Everything you need to know about Michael Gutenplan, mentalism, pricing, events, and what to expect when booking a professional mentalist.
General FAQs
What is a mentalist?
A mentalist is a performer who creates the experience of psychic entertainment through a mix of mind reading, predictions, psychological influence, intuition, and other extraordinary mental abilities. Unlike traditional magic, where audiences often wonder, “How did they do that?”, mentalism creates the question, “How did they know that?”
What is Michael’s show like?
Michael is a Master Mentalist, award-winning magician, and trained theatrical performer who combines mentalism, psychology, intuition, psychic demonstrations, comedy, and showmanship to create an interactive experience where audience members become part of the performance.
Michael’s show stands apart from other magical performers, giving audiences a one-of-a-kind experience filled with astonishing moments, laughter, and genuine amazement. It’s the kind of performance that makes guests wonder not just “How did he do that?” but “How could he possibly know that?”
Michael’s show stands apart from other magical performers, giving audiences a one-of-a-kind experience filled with astonishing moments, laughter, and genuine amazement. It’s the kind of performance that makes guests wonder not just “How did he do that?” but “How could he possibly know that?”
Why work with Michael?
You searched “hire a mentalist” and now you have so many choices that all feel the same! Choosing the right entertainer for an event is about more than finding someone who can do tricks or perform in front of the room. You need someone who understands audience dynamics, event logistics, timing, and the high expectations of the people you’re representing. In short, the performance is just the tip of the iceberg.
There’s a reason event planners love working with Michael Gutenplan. With decades of experience in almost every conceivable performance situation, Michael knows how to make it work and make it easy for the organizers. In addition to being a world-class mentalist who delivers a fabulous and fun show, Michael is professional, personable, and engaging.
In a world of duplicates and copycats Michael Gutenplan stands apart as a unique performer. His rave reviews in the New York Times, Time Out NY, Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and hundreds of testimonials from highly satisfied corporate and private clients tell the story. When Michael Gutenplan is your entertainment, you are in great hands!
There’s a reason event planners love working with Michael Gutenplan. With decades of experience in almost every conceivable performance situation, Michael knows how to make it work and make it easy for the organizers. In addition to being a world-class mentalist who delivers a fabulous and fun show, Michael is professional, personable, and engaging.
In a world of duplicates and copycats Michael Gutenplan stands apart as a unique performer. His rave reviews in the New York Times, Time Out NY, Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and hundreds of testimonials from highly satisfied corporate and private clients tell the story. When Michael Gutenplan is your entertainment, you are in great hands!
Who is Mentalist Michael Gutenplan?
Michael Gutenplan is a favorite entertainer for Fortune 500 companies, Hollywood celebrities, exclusive private clubs, and amazing events coordinated by the top event planners nationwide.
Recognized by his fellow performers as one of the world’s leading mentalists, Michael also serves as a creative consultant for television, film and theme park productions. His acclaimed one-man show ‘Extraordinary Deceptions’ was a hit Off-Broadway and aboard cruise ships and theme parks.
Michael is a proud member of the Psychic Entertainers Association, a performing member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.
If you’re searching for the best mentalist, entertainer, magician, or mind reader, Michael Gutenplan will always deliver a unique, fun, amazing, and fabulous experience your audience will never forget.
Recognized by his fellow performers as one of the world’s leading mentalists, Michael also serves as a creative consultant for television, film and theme park productions. His acclaimed one-man show ‘Extraordinary Deceptions’ was a hit Off-Broadway and aboard cruise ships and theme parks.
Michael is a proud member of the Psychic Entertainers Association, a performing member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.
If you’re searching for the best mentalist, entertainer, magician, or mind reader, Michael Gutenplan will always deliver a unique, fun, amazing, and fabulous experience your audience will never forget.
Does Michael have a keynote address?
Yes! Michael’s signature keynote, Building Instant Trust, uses the skills of a mentalist: reading the room, earning credibility fast, and creating genuine connections, to teach your audience how to build trust with clients, coworkers, or prospects within moments of meeting them. It’s engaging, actionable, and always tailored to the group in the room, whether that’s leadership, sales teams, government, teachers, or anyone whose work depends on connecting with people… which is everyone!
Perfect for conferences, meetings, off-sites, and professional development sessions that need a speaker who will genuinely captivate the room, not just fill the time slot.
Perfect for conferences, meetings, off-sites, and professional development sessions that need a speaker who will genuinely captivate the room, not just fill the time slot.
What kind of events use a Mentalist?
Mentalism is one of the most in-demand entertainment options for events where audiences, clients, and guests are expecting something exceptional. One of the reasons mentalism works so well is its ability to play to rooms of almost any size. From 10 to 10,000 people, Michael’s show is designed to engage the entire audience, from the front row to the back.
Michael Gutenplan’s interactive mentalism show is built to fit the tone and goals of any event including:
Corporate Conference – Keeps attendees engaged between sessions with a fast-paced, interactive show built for large professional audiences. Michael also has a Keynote that uses the skills of the Mentalist to teach your attendees how to gain trust and read the room. It’s a session with amazing moments, laughter, and an easy to grasp take away.
Keynote Session – Michael also offers a keynote that demonstrates how the principles of mentalism can be used to build trust, read the room, and connect with others. It’s a session with amazing moments, laughter, and an easy to grasp takeaway.
Annual Meeting – Michael’s show turns a routine meeting into a memorable, amazing, and fun experience becoming something your group will talk about for years to come!
Sales Kickoff – The product is amazing and the group is energized… now make it extraordinary with Michael’s show. He’ll unlock everyone’s psychic potential so they can head into the year with renewed confidence, energy, and focus.
Association Convention – Michael is a great choice for national conventions as his show appeals to a wide range of attendees’ interests and senses. It’s a great choice for tough-to-please, seen-it-all audiences.
Fundraiser or Gala – Mentalist Michael Gutenplan always provides elegant, engaging entertainment that keeps donors and guests captivated all night. Michael can also assist with the auction and knows how to help drive up bids!!
High School Grad Night – Michael is a favorite choice for tough to please students. His interactive and engaging show is age-appropriate, fun, and gives students an unforgettable experience.
Leadership Retreat – An unexpected, immersive experience that brings executives and teams together. Perfect for a group that wants something really special.
VIP Client Experience – From high-end dinners in a private room to board rooms, hospitality suites to remote off-sites, Michael delivers an exclusive, personalized show designed to make top clients feel like the stars of the night.
No matter the event, location, or unique request – Michael provides high-impact, engaging, marvelous entertainment that keeps audiences engaged, laughing, and talking long after the event ends.
Michael Gutenplan’s interactive mentalism show is built to fit the tone and goals of any event including:
Corporate Conference – Keeps attendees engaged between sessions with a fast-paced, interactive show built for large professional audiences. Michael also has a Keynote that uses the skills of the Mentalist to teach your attendees how to gain trust and read the room. It’s a session with amazing moments, laughter, and an easy to grasp take away.
Keynote Session – Michael also offers a keynote that demonstrates how the principles of mentalism can be used to build trust, read the room, and connect with others. It’s a session with amazing moments, laughter, and an easy to grasp takeaway.
Annual Meeting – Michael’s show turns a routine meeting into a memorable, amazing, and fun experience becoming something your group will talk about for years to come!
Sales Kickoff – The product is amazing and the group is energized… now make it extraordinary with Michael’s show. He’ll unlock everyone’s psychic potential so they can head into the year with renewed confidence, energy, and focus.
Association Convention – Michael is a great choice for national conventions as his show appeals to a wide range of attendees’ interests and senses. It’s a great choice for tough-to-please, seen-it-all audiences.
Fundraiser or Gala – Mentalist Michael Gutenplan always provides elegant, engaging entertainment that keeps donors and guests captivated all night. Michael can also assist with the auction and knows how to help drive up bids!!
High School Grad Night – Michael is a favorite choice for tough to please students. His interactive and engaging show is age-appropriate, fun, and gives students an unforgettable experience.
Leadership Retreat – An unexpected, immersive experience that brings executives and teams together. Perfect for a group that wants something really special.
VIP Client Experience – From high-end dinners in a private room to board rooms, hospitality suites to remote off-sites, Michael delivers an exclusive, personalized show designed to make top clients feel like the stars of the night.
No matter the event, location, or unique request – Michael provides high-impact, engaging, marvelous entertainment that keeps audiences engaged, laughing, and talking long after the event ends.
Does Michael Travel? Can he come to our event?
Yes! Michael Gutenplan is a national performer who travels to events throughout the United States and internationally. Based in Dallas, Texas, Michael flies each week around the world to perform at corporate events, private clubs, conferences, private parties, and other special events. There’s nowhere too close, too far, or too remote. Michael has performed around the world and can’t wait to come to your location!
We’re often asked “Why fly in a performer instead of booking a local magician or mentalist?” For many event planners, the value is in knowing that you’re giving your client the best option. Michael has performed for audiences ranging from intimate private gatherings to Fortune 500 conferences, giving him extensive experience adapting to different venues, audiences, and event formats. No matter where he performs, Michael brings the experience and professionalism of a national touring performer to your event.
Click here to see a list of cities where Michael regularly performs.
We’re often asked “Why fly in a performer instead of booking a local magician or mentalist?” For many event planners, the value is in knowing that you’re giving your client the best option. Michael has performed for audiences ranging from intimate private gatherings to Fortune 500 conferences, giving him extensive experience adapting to different venues, audiences, and event formats. No matter where he performs, Michael brings the experience and professionalism of a national touring performer to your event.
Click here to see a list of cities where Michael regularly performs.
Michael’s Show
How long is a mentalist show?
While most standard shows are 45-60 minutes, Michael’s performances can be customized to fit the event, from short 15–20 minute appearances to 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90-minute performances.
How many people can a mentalist perform for?
There is no audience too large or too small for Michael’s show! Michael has experience performing for intimate groups of 10 as well as audiences of 10,000+. The show can be adapted to theaters, ballrooms, conference spaces, private rooms, and other venues. One consideration for larger audiences, video screens may be recommended to ensure everyone has a great view.
Does a mentalist need a stage?
For Michael’s signature Mind Reading Mentalism Show, a raised platform is strongly recommended. If one isn’t available, Michael can perform at floor level in a cleared area at the front of the room.
For strolling entertainment no stage is required.
For the stage mentalism show, audiences should always be positioned in front of Michael, not behind or to the side of the performance area.
For strolling entertainment no stage is required.
For the stage mentalism show, audiences should always be positioned in front of Michael, not behind or to the side of the performance area.
What do we need to supply for the performance?
Clients must provide a stage or cleared performance area and a speaker system. Michael comes with everything else including music, microphones, and tables.
Can we use our own audio system?
We strongly recommend two stand-alone speakers (PA system). Most ceiling speaker systems are not designed for amplified speaking or music. Trust us… use a set of speakers.
Is the show appropriate for a corporate event?
Yes. Michael specializes in clean, sophisticated entertainment for corporate meetings, conferences, sales events, executive dinners, awards programs, client events, and company celebrations. Michael’s performance is audience-tested and corporate-friendly.
Is Michael’s show appropriate for all audiences?
Yes. Michael’s performances, both stage and strolling, are designed for sophisticated, tough-to-please audiences and are always appropriate for a mixed-age audience. All of Michael’s material is clean, interactive, and perfect for corporate events, private clubs, conferences, private parties, high-school grad nights, and celebrations. His goal is to create laughter and amazement without embarrassing or humiliating audience members.
One important note: While Michael’s show is “family friendly,” with non-offensive material, it is not a children or kids show. The material, humor, and overall performance are designed primarily for a mature, adult audience – but everyone, from the youngest to most senior love the show!
One important note: While Michael’s show is “family friendly,” with non-offensive material, it is not a children or kids show. The material, humor, and overall performance are designed primarily for a mature, adult audience – but everyone, from the youngest to most senior love the show!
How far in advance should I book a mentalist?
Michael’s calendar is booked almost a year in advance! The earlier you can commit, the better. Michael accepts bookings up to three years in advance.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. To secure your date, a client must sign a performance agreement and submit a 50% deposit.
What is your cancellation policy?
The exact details of the cancellation policy are outlined in the performance agreement. In short, clients may cancel their performance up to two weeks before the event date.
Mentalism vs Magician – What’s the difference?
What does a magician do?
Magicians typically use props, sleight of hand, and visual illusions. Props such as cards, coins, and other everyday objects are used to create moments of surprise. The focus is on the trick itself with the spectator often interacting directly during sleight-of-hand close-up magic.
What does a mentalist do?
A mentalist like Michael Gutenplan combines psychology, mind reading, predictions, psychic abilities, influence, and a touch of theatrical magic to create an experience that is personal, not just visual. Instead of watching a trick happen with a prop, guests experience something happening in their mind with their thoughts, their choices, their memories. That’s what makes mentalism a uniquely powerful choice for corporate and private events: it’s not just a show people watch, it’s an experience people become part of and remember for years!
Which is better for a corporate event?
Both magic and mentalism can be excellent choices, but mentalism is particularly effective for corporate audiences because it is highly interactive, sophisticated, and centered around the participants themselves.
Thanks in part to performers like Oz Pearlman and shows like America’s Got Talent, mentalism has become one of the most popular forms of event entertainment.
Michael’s show is designed to work seamlessly in almost any environment; from large ballrooms, theaters, and conference halls to more intimate spaces like offices, private restaurant rooms, and boardrooms.
Thanks in part to performers like Oz Pearlman and shows like America’s Got Talent, mentalism has become one of the most popular forms of event entertainment.
Michael’s show is designed to work seamlessly in almost any environment; from large ballrooms, theaters, and conference halls to more intimate spaces like offices, private restaurant rooms, and boardrooms.
Does Michael perform magic?
Michael loves magic and is an award-winning magician, so yes, he does perform magic when entertaining with his strolling magic and mentalism. For his Mind Reading Show, however, he keeps the performance strictly focused on psychic entertainment. It’s a theatrical event that is fun and magical, but it is definitely not a magic show.
Will this offend our religious or conservative guests?
Michael’s show is clean, professional, and theatrical, with nothing intentionally offensive or inappropriate. It is clearly presented as entertainment, not as a religious or spiritual practice. Every audience is different, of course, and individual beliefs vary, but Michael works hard to create a fun and respectful experience for everyone in the room. You can assure your concerned clients that this is a fun, fascinating, and amazing theatrical performance.
Does Michael Hypnotize or reveal any personal information?
No. Michael does not hypnotize audience members or use hypnosis as part of his performance. The performance is designed around participation, entertainment, and surprise, not embarrassment or the disclosure of private information.
Short answer: A magician performs tricks that make audiences ask “how did they do that?” A mentalist creates experiences that make audiences think “how did they know that?” It’s a subtle distinction with a big impact on your event. While mentalism is a branch of the magical arts, it is distinct.
How much does a Mentalist cost?
Short answer: Hiring a professional mentalist like Michael Gutenplan for a corporate or private event typically costs between $4,000 and $15,000+ per performance. The exact rate depends on the event type, location, show format, performance length, and other event-specific requirements.
Why is there such a wide range?
No two events are the same. A strolling performance at a cocktail hour is a different rate than a 60-minute stage show for 2,000 people at a national sales conference. Factors that affect pricing include:
– Audience size
– Type of performance
– Event location and travel time & distance
– Performance length and number of shows
– Date and season (peak months may affect availability and rate)
– Audience size
– Type of performance
– Event location and travel time & distance
– Performance length and number of shows
– Date and season (peak months may affect availability and rate)
What am I actually paying for?
As one of the nation’s top-rated and most in-demand corporate mentalists, Michael Gutenplan’s rate reflects experience, professionalism, and a consistent track record; it’s not just a performance, but a guaranteed result for your event. With more than three decades of performing for Fortune 500 companies, private clubs, associations, and the top event planners nationwide, the performance fee covers a show that’s been audience tested and proven to work for exactly the kind of high-expectations audience you’re representing.
Why does professional experience matter?
Entertainment is one of the few elements of an event that directly interacts with your guests. Great entertainment elevates an event. Bad entertainment takes the air out of the room and can ruin an event! Professional experience matters because an established performer understands how to read a room, work with different audiences, adapt to unexpected circumstances, and deliver a polished, audience tested performance from beginning to end. Michael is the professional entertainer trusted by the nation’s top event and meeting planners for his experience, professionalism, and ability to make any situation work!
What’s included in the price?
For most performances, Michael’s fee includes travel expenses such as airfare and ground transportation. Hotel accommodations are generally provided separately by the client or set by Michael as a direct buy-out. For shows with unique logistics such as car service, private charter flights, or other unusual travel situations are discussed and arranged case-by-case during booking.
How do I get a quote that’s within my entertainment budget?
The fastest way to get a quote that fits your budget is, honestly, to share your budget and expectations in the initial email. This allows Michael to tailor the proposal, adjust the entertainment options when appropriate, and recommend the best solution for your budget.