Volunteer and help sick kids find joy

Bringing magic as a Volunteer Specialist will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Open Heart Magic’s training will prepare you to learn professional, close-up magic; how to engage kids at crucial moments in their treatment; how to safely adapt to intense medical situations; and so much more. Training is designed to prepare you to bring hope and laughter to a critically ill children – all of which will put everything in perspective.

Who makes a great Hospital Magician?

From young professionals to retirees to everyone in-between, what brings our diverse volunteer community together is a desire and passion to help kids. We’d love to have you join this dedicated group.

We look for applicants who are:

• Committed

  Volunteers sign up for one year of service; most then re-apply to continue serving for years to come.

• Outgoing

  When engaging young patients, it helps to be fun, friendly, and not afraid of being a little silly.

• Dedicated

  Magic experience is not required, but a dedication to learn is. Like mastering a musical instrument or a foreign language — learning sleight-of-hand magic takes time, patience, and plenty of practice.

• Reliable

  Hospital Magicians must be there on time, every time. Sick kids eagerly look forward to magic visits. Hospital staff uses the promise of magic to help patients get through challenging days, knowing volunteers will be there.

• Self-aware

  Working within the medical environment requires sensitivity, patience, and a unique understanding. Volunteers must know and follow strict protocol — to keep all kids safe.

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“Magic U prepared me for challenges and situations not even on my radar. Interactions that could have been awkward, or gone sideways, were addressed during training so I had the tools to ensure each patient had a positive and uplifting outcome.”

Jason Kilarski, volunteer since 2018

Magic University: Preparing volunteers to make a difference

Magic University is an intense multi-week training that teaches volunteers everything from professional, close-up magic to the strict hospital protocol needed to keep young patients safe.

Programs work because they meet kids where they are. And a key focus of training is how to adapt magic for kids in different medical situations (i.e. a girl who can’t speak, or a boy who can’t use his hands). The class thoroughly covers important hospital information, everything from how to enter/exit a room to protecting patient privacy. Candidates utilize hands-on training during a two-hour weekly in-person class, as well as independent learning between sessions. Each week comes with an opportunity to perfect their performance and approach live in front of experienced Magic U. Trainers.

To become certified, candidates must pass protocol quizzes and comprehensive evaluations, testing the knowledge they’ve gained throughout training.

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“I was surprised at how well Magic U prepared me for service. At the time it seems silly to practice getting turned down or what to say in different scenarios, but when those moments come up, as they do, it’s so helpful to have tools in your back pocket to use.”

Melissa Donofrio, volunteer since 2017

APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER SPECIALIST

Our dedicated smile-makers

There is a common understanding among our Hospital Magicians that transforming a critically ill child also transforms the volunteer. This begins with the instant gratification of seeing a scared patient turn back into a smiling kid right before the volunteer’s eyes.

There is a special camaraderie among OHM volunteers. You see it during Magic University trainings and fun social gatherings, or the ongoing new magic meetups and especially at our annual National Conference.

Open Heart Magic volunteers celebrate not only a true friendship, but a shared dedication and passion for improving the hospital experience for sick kids.

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“Service keeps me grounded and reminds me of the importance of being present in the moment. The kids and their families are in scary, challenging, often long-term situations. As magicians we get to bring some joy and hope to their rooms using the power of magic. It is virtually impossible to explain how amazing it is to be a part of that.”

Christine Gravel-Lippoldt, volunteer since 2007

APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER SPECIALIST

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“There are very few things that have such an immediate positive impact in a hospitalized child’s life like an unexpected sense of wonder! I get to deliver that every time I visit a kid’s room. There are very few things in life that make me feel better. And some days I get as much out of it as the kids – if not more!”

Mark Passerini, volunteer since 2014

Apply today

Are you reliable? Do you have a fun personality? Do you want to help sick kids when they need it most?

Then don’t wait — apply today and make your life magical!

APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER SPECIALIST

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“Again, the uniqueness of what we do. And our service has given me a greater appreciation for the struggles families face when a child is in the hospital. The appreciation I see in them — especially the parents — is very moving.”

Bob Driscoll, volunteer since 2018

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“It’s such a perspective shift, but also it just brings joy to your life. Like being silly with kids and parents and making them laugh, it’s contagious. It’s fun to help kids and teach them magic too.”

Andi Tonis, volunteer since 2019

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“It’s a really fun way to make a genuine difference for kids at a potentially really tough time in their lives. The community is amazing and very cool, and I’ve become “real life” friends with many, many really fantastic people.”

Jamie Sanden, volunteer since 2009

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“This entire program has given me some unique perspective. Something as simple as a disappearing ball brings so much energy and energy into an environment that desperately needs it. It’s the simple things like joy and wonderment that can help pivot negative scenarios into positive even if for a few minutes!”

Ayush Mather, volunteer since 2023

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“Using that magic to help children who are stuck in a hospital is one of the most satisfying feelings you can give yourself and others. For me, it has given me the confidence to perform fearlessly.”

Brian Carter, volunteer since 2019

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“Becoming a hospital magician has introduced me to a community of like-minded individuals who want to brighten someone’s day. Almost every interaction at the hospital has been positive, and the patients, hospital staff, and OHM staff are all very welcoming.”

Hayden Klopp, volunteer since 2023

If you have questions or would like to know more about becoming a Hospital Magician, please reach out to our Sr. Director of Program Development, Eric Steigerwald.

EMAIL ERIC