Maximum Entertainment 2.0 by Ken Weber – The Essential Guide to Powerful Live Performance

Maximum Entertainment 2.0 by Ken Weber is widely regarded as one of the most important and practical books ever written for magicians and mentalists who want to elevate their live performance to a professional level.

Revised and expanded, this edition adds over 75 pages of new material, clarifications, and refinements—all focused on helping performers become more engaging, impactful, and memorable on stage.

A Book Without Tricks—But Full of Secrets

There are no tricks in Maximum Entertainment 2.0, yet it is filled with something even more valuable: the hidden principles behind exceptional performance.

These are the real secrets of entertainment—how to hold attention, create emotional impact, and deliver a show that feels effortless and professional.

What You Will Learn

Ken Weber breaks down the craft of performance into clear, actionable principles, including:

• How to become your own director
• The difference between a trick, a puzzle, and an extraordinary moment
• How to target the “Big Three” audience reactions
• The Six Pillars of entertainment success
• Powerful strategies for scripting and rehearsal
• How to select the strongest possible material
• Voice control and language techniques for stronger impact
• Smart and effective use of humor in performance
• Professional approaches to music, sound, and lighting
• What top performers do before, during, and after a show

Specialized Guidance

The book also includes focused advice for different types of performers:

• Close-up magicians
• Silent acts
• Mentalists

These sections address real-world performance challenges and provide practical solutions used by top professionals.

Praise from Leading Performers

The original edition of Maximum Entertainment has been widely praised across the magic community:

• Joshua Jay called it “essential reading for anyone serious about performing magic.”
• Marc Salem highlighted its clarity and deep insight into performance structure.
• Eric Mead emphasized its invaluable chapters on lighting and sound.
• Shawn Farquhar recommended it as required reading for students.
• Jeff McBride described it as one of the most important books on stage performance.

Why This Book Matters

Ken Weber draws on extensive professional experience performing for over 500 colleges and universities, as well as corporate and international audiences. His work reveals the structural differences between average performers and those who consistently stand out.

Upgrade your performance with Maximum Entertainment 2.0 and learn the professional secrets that separate good performers from truly great entertainers.