The Hand & The Eye Showroom Operator/Resident Magician Chicago, IL · Full time Company website

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The Hand and The Eye dedicated to creating immersive, world class magic and performance experiences. Blending artistry, storytelling, and technical skill, The Hand & The Eye creates in-person & interactive engagements designed to captivate diverse audiences & to create astonishment for a truly unforgettable experience.

Role Title: Lead Showroom Operator

Reports to: SVP Magic

Start Date Goal: Q3 2026

Compensation: $75k - $85k

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Team Scope: High-impact individual contributor; operates at the center of live magic operations, coordinating across the Magic Department and serving as the primary point of connection between performers, showroom operators, and venue operations during service.

Purpose of the Role:

The Lead Operator oversees the live operation of all magic performances within The Hand & The Eye. This role is responsible for maintaining real-time awareness of every active show across the building and the state of live magic throughout the night.

Throughout service, the Lead Showroom Operator tracks show status and magician availability and serves as the primary point of contact for all magic-related communication. They coordinate directly with showroom operators and magicians to act as the direct point of contact for other departments that need to connect with the magic team during service.

The role works actively on the floor, checking in with showroom operators via headset communication and in-person walkthroughs, and stepping in to support or operate a showroom when needed. The Lead Showroom Operator also participates in weekly planning meetings, helping prepare and align upcoming programming so each night begins with clear expectations across the team.

Core Responsibilities

• Maintain real-time awareness of all active magic performances, including show status, timing, and magician availability.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all magic-related communication during service.
• Coordinate updates and adjustments between showroom operators, magicians, and other departments to keep performances aligned and on schedule.
• Work actively on the floor, checking in with showroom operators via headset and in person.
• Step into the Showroom Operator role when needed, including opening, operating, or closing a performance space.
• Identify and resolve issues in real time to support smooth service and ideal performance conditions.
• Support special guest moments by coordinating performances around celebrations, VIP guests, or unique opportunities.
• Communicate relevant guest information between performers or rooms when appropriate.
• Participate in weekly magic team meetings to help prepare and align upcoming programming.
• Maintain awareness of performer schedules, formats, and room-specific needs prior to service.
• Contribute operational and creative insight into how magic is deployed throughout the building.
• Work closely with Resident Magicians, Guest Artists, Events, and Operations leadership.
• Serve as a central coordination point between the Magic Department and other teams during service.

Required Background

• Familiarity with performance magic and magic methods
• Experience working in live performance environments (theater, variety, or magic-adjacent settings)
• Comfort working closely with performers in time-sensitive situations
• Technical literacy with sound, lighting, and basic show operations
• Strong communication skills and calm presence under pressure.
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Weekly Time Allocation

• Live Magic Oversight & Floor Coordination: 28–34 hours
• (Working on the floor during service blocks, maintaining real-time awareness of all active performances, tracking magician availability and show status, and coordinating communication across rooms and departments.)
• Programming, Planning & Internal Alignment: 6–8 hours
• (Weekly magic team meetings, run-of-show planning, programming alignment, and coordination with operations and events.)
• Admin, Performer Coordination & Advance Work: 2–4 hours
• (Communicating with performers, reviewing schedules and room needs, documenting notes from service, and preparing for upcoming programming.)

Collaborators:

EVP, SVP of Magic, Resident Magicians, Guest Artists, Operations, F&B

Reference Requirement:

No formal references required at this time. All candidates will be considered through existing industry relationships and direct experience.

Role Complexity & Scope

This role blends live performance operations, hospitality, and real-time coordination across multiple performance spaces. The Lead Operator balances situational awareness with clear decision-making, maintaining a comprehensive view of live magic throughout the building while remaining responsive to performers, operators, and operational needs.

The position requires independent judgment in fast-moving, live-service conditions and close alignment with the overall rhythm of the venue. Success in this role directly impacts performance pacing, communication across teams, and the consistency and quality of live magic experiences night to night.