The Mystify Magic Festival Brings Female Illusionists Center Stage
Try naming a female magician. Go ahead, we’ll wait...
Drawing a blank? You’re not alone. In a world where “abracadabra” has seemingly always been uttered by men in tuxedos, the Mystify Magic Festival is about to wave its wand and transform Las Vegas into the epicenter of magical diversity this March.
The first-of-its-kind event dedicated to women and diversity in the magic industry is set to dazzle audiences from March 10-12 at the Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino. And here’s some magical news for night owls and busy locals: due to overwhelming demand, Mystify has just released evening registration tickets for those who want to experience the after-hours enchantments.
“Representation in magic matters – when you see someone like you on stage, it sparks the belief that you, too, can excel in this world,” says Leah Orleans, founder and producer of the Mystify Magic Festival. “We’re giving more people the chance to engage with the festival, experience unforgettable performances, and build relationships that will shape their future in magic.”
For $165, evening registration grants access to a star-studded lineup that would make even Houdini do a double-take:
[caption id="attachment_75235" align="aligncenter" width="510"]
Leah Orleans, Courtesy of the Voxx Agency[/caption]
When we asked what inspired this groundbreaking festival, Orleans revealed the spell that started it all: “Mystify Magic Festival was born out of a deep desire to create a possibility model in magic—an environment where women and underrepresented voices could see themselves thriving in this industry.”
The challenge? “One of the biggest hurdles was proving that an event like this was necessary to folks outside of magic,” Orleans explains. “The magic industry has been so male-dominated for so long that many non-magicians don’t even realize how limited the spaces for women and diverse performers are until they’re asked to name one female magician… and they realize that they can’t.”
Orleans, herself the daughter of magicians, took an unexpected turn toward circus arts rather than following the family tradition. “I’ve experienced a more inclusive and welcoming community with loads of women in power and strength in circus,” she shares. “I’m hoping to bring that joyful and inclusive energy into the magic community.”
The festival has already awarded 30 scholarships to talented youth and adults worldwide, ensuring access to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.
Unlike traditional magic conventions that can sometimes feel like competitive showboating, Mystify aims to foster collaboration over competition.
“Mystify is not just about these three days—it’s about creating a ripple effect that will continue long after the festival ends,” Orleans notes. “The festival’s core philosophy is that opportunities come from people—when you’re in a room with others who support you, collaborate with you, and believe in you, doors start to open.”
[caption id="attachment_75236" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Miss Uchawi, courtesy of Miss Uchawi[/caption]
With full festival registration already sold out (faster than a vanishing elephant!), these evening tickets are the last chance for curious locals and tourists to witness history in the making. For $165, you’ll gain access to all events after 6 p.m. across all three nights.
Whether you’re a magic enthusiast or just someone looking for a uniquely enchanting Vegas experience different from the usual casino circuit, Mystify offers an opportunity to see the future of magic taking shape—one that finally includes everyone in its circle of wonder.
As Orleans puts it: “The legacy I hope Mystify leaves is that it’s possible to change the industry when we create space for people to be themselves.”
Now that’s the kind of magic Las Vegas needs.
Drawing a blank? You’re not alone. In a world where “abracadabra” has seemingly always been uttered by men in tuxedos, the Mystify Magic Festival is about to wave its wand and transform Las Vegas into the epicenter of magical diversity this March.
No More Disappearing Women—Except in the Tricks
The first-of-its-kind event dedicated to women and diversity in the magic industry is set to dazzle audiences from March 10-12 at the Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino. And here’s some magical news for night owls and busy locals: due to overwhelming demand, Mystify has just released evening registration tickets for those who want to experience the after-hours enchantments.
“Representation in magic matters – when you see someone like you on stage, it sparks the belief that you, too, can excel in this world,” says Leah Orleans, founder and producer of the Mystify Magic Festival. “We’re giving more people the chance to engage with the festival, experience unforgettable performances, and build relationships that will shape their future in magic.”
The Lineup That Will Make Your Skepticism Disappear
For $165, evening registration grants access to a star-studded lineup that would make even Houdini do a double-take:
- Monday, March 10: Opening show featuring Rachel Wax, Juliana Chen, Joan Dukore, Cate Great, and Alexandra Duvivier (the first French female magician to fool Penn and Teller, by the way).
- Tuesday, March 11: The Something Different Cabaret hosted by local drag queen magician Miss Uchawi, bringing a delightful twist to traditional magic.
- Wednesday, March 12: Final gala starring Lucy Darling, Meadow Perry, Nicole Cardoza, Mistie and Kyle Knight, and Scarlett Business.
- For more information or to purchase evening registration, visit MystifyMagicFestival.com.
[caption id="attachment_75235" align="aligncenter" width="510"]
Leah Orleans, Courtesy of the Voxx Agency[/caption]Breaking the Magic Boys’ Club
When we asked what inspired this groundbreaking festival, Orleans revealed the spell that started it all: “Mystify Magic Festival was born out of a deep desire to create a possibility model in magic—an environment where women and underrepresented voices could see themselves thriving in this industry.”
The challenge? “One of the biggest hurdles was proving that an event like this was necessary to folks outside of magic,” Orleans explains. “The magic industry has been so male-dominated for so long that many non-magicians don’t even realize how limited the spaces for women and diverse performers are until they’re asked to name one female magician… and they realize that they can’t.”
Not Just Pulling Rabbits Out of Hats—Pulling Down Barriers
Orleans, herself the daughter of magicians, took an unexpected turn toward circus arts rather than following the family tradition. “I’ve experienced a more inclusive and welcoming community with loads of women in power and strength in circus,” she shares. “I’m hoping to bring that joyful and inclusive energy into the magic community.”
The festival has already awarded 30 scholarships to talented youth and adults worldwide, ensuring access to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.
Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors
Unlike traditional magic conventions that can sometimes feel like competitive showboating, Mystify aims to foster collaboration over competition.
“Mystify is not just about these three days—it’s about creating a ripple effect that will continue long after the festival ends,” Orleans notes. “The festival’s core philosophy is that opportunities come from people—when you’re in a room with others who support you, collaborate with you, and believe in you, doors start to open.”
[caption id="attachment_75236" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Miss Uchawi, courtesy of Miss Uchawi[/caption]Make Your Evening Vanish into Wonder
With full festival registration already sold out (faster than a vanishing elephant!), these evening tickets are the last chance for curious locals and tourists to witness history in the making. For $165, you’ll gain access to all events after 6 p.m. across all three nights.
Whether you’re a magic enthusiast or just someone looking for a uniquely enchanting Vegas experience different from the usual casino circuit, Mystify offers an opportunity to see the future of magic taking shape—one that finally includes everyone in its circle of wonder.
As Orleans puts it: “The legacy I hope Mystify leaves is that it’s possible to change the industry when we create space for people to be themselves.”
Now that’s the kind of magic Las Vegas needs.