We'll work wonders to create exciting and challenging fun!

In addition to his credits as a stage actor in more than 50 dramatic productions ranging from Shakespeare to musical comedy, John has been a professional magician and mentalist for more than five decades, entertaining audiences across North America, Europe and even Africa! He is a graduate of the Chavez Studio of Magic and Prestidigitation and a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (Order of Merlin - Shield), the Society of American Magicians and the Psychic Entertainers Association. He has written and edited books for magicians, has written for magicians' periodicals and is a board member of the American Museum of Magic, based in his hometown of Marshall, Michigan. Today he regards nearby Tekonsha, Michigan, as his home. 

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We'll work to give you the best program for your needs within your budget. Fees are subject to time, travel and resource requirements and can be tailored to your sponsor suppport; these may include grants, patronage and audience ticket prices. 

Venues with changing populations such as senior centers, libraries and schools are encouraged to ask about our reduced-rate plan, which offers lower costs as well as the convenience of dependable programming. Under that plan, we visit approximately every six months with alternate programs, which are repeated annually. 

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FOR EXAMPLE ... "SCIENCE VS. MAGIC"

Our educational program "Science vs. Magic" blends magic with lessons in science, history and world travel. Our goal is to reach schools, libraries and nonprofit venues so young people can learn how the scientific method works. 

Young people are captivated by the dynamic art of stage magic. As a compelling visual teaching tool, magic can compel attention and stimulate memory while illustrating complex concepts. This is how our audiences are able to grasp scientific ideas while experiencing an entertaining, interactive display of wonders! 

(Approximately 45 to 60 minutes, $250 plus expenses.)

“Our staff was very positive about the show and the children enjoyed the interactiveness. It was a great time!” — Elizabeth Tindall, director, Homer Public Library, Homer, Michigan, June 2026 

“Fantastic and very energetic. The kids and adults were all participating and involved. The show is engaging, informative — and mystifying, too!” — Sharla Vincent, Tekonsha (MI) Township Library, May 2026

"We recently hosted ‘Science vs Magic' by magician John Sherwood. What a wonderfully educational program!” - Michael Delaware, representing the Battle Creek (MI) Regional History Museum, spring 2026

"Excellent program, fun and educational! In talking to the kids afterwards, they got a lot out of it, too. We really enjoyed it!" - Audience member Stephanie B., Battle Creek (MI), spring 2026

"Our members were completely engaged, and the program reinforced curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills.” - Erin W., senior center leader

“My son was very enthusiastic. He had a wonderful time. He’s a big lover of science and talked about it for hours afterwards.” - Tiffany S., audience member, Homer (MI), June 2026🤣

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"BUY ME A COFFEE"

"Science vs. Magic" is a powerful program that impacts young minds in many positive ways. This important effort can be supported financially by visiting our page at "Buy Me a Coffee": https://buymeacoffee.com/jcsherwoodu Your assistance can change young lives for the better!

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THAT'S NOT ALL ... ! We offer a broad range of magical programs … !

“Don't Be Fooled!” - Our thematic successor to "Science vs. Magic," showing young people (and everyone else) how our senses can be manipulated and deceived by illusions of many kinds - optical tricks, mental assumptions, social habits and even more devious chicanery. Weirdness can be fun - but it can be deceptive and even dangerous. Good fun is laced with good information about how to avoid the risks of everyday illusions. (Approximately 30 to 60 minutes, $200 plus expenses.)

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“Mysteries, Psychics and Laughter” - Our all-purpose platform show for general audiences ranging in age from 8 to 98. Lots of visual fun and action. Objects disappear and reappear, others pass mysteriously through each other - often in the audience’s own hands. Mind are read and participants’ psyches explored. Many surprises are always in store! (Approximately 30 to 60 minutes, $250 plus expenses.)

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“Up-close and Impossible” - Our strolling entertainments are available for varied groups — young people 8-18 as well as adults of all ages, either in the open air or in an enclosed venue. Tell us about your audience and environment and we’ll tailor just the right program for your needs. (Two hours minimum, three hours maximum; rate varies by audience size and venue conditions, but generally $200 per hour plus expenses.)

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"Brain Tricks You Can Use" - An entertaining series of seemingly magical methods that young adults and their elders can use for themselves to enhance memory skills and improve brain health. Includes surprising demonstrations that are well within the abilities of most people — and much is explained! Learn to remember difficult numbers and lists, and perhaps even ace that next exam! (Approximately 30 to 60 minutes, $250 plus expenses.)

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"Your Healthy Magical Mind" - The first of our two entertaining programs for senior centers, focusing on relaxation, confidence, positivity and safeguarding cognition. It's a fun and informative magical show designed for family gatherings and group settings. Based on current research, the program offers  great information about improving your quality of life. (Approximately 45 to 60 minutes, $250 plus expenses.)

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“Tricks to Sharpen Your Wits" - The second of our two entertaining programs for senior centers, featuring valuable lessons in memory, health, alertness, longevity, logic, acuity and overcoming destructive habits, using magical fun that's simple, visible and memorable. (Approximately 45 to 60 minutes, $250 plus expenses.)

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“Conjuring Fantasms for Fun” - Was that a ghost or just an illusion? This riotous and sometimes silly show chills the spine but it’s all in the spirit of pure entertainment. It’s especially fun for late-night parties and small gatherings of friends age 18 and older. (Approximately 45 to 60 minutes, $200 plus expenses.)

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“Prophecy and Tomfoolery” - Perfect for light-hearted events large and small, for platform or strolling among small groups, offering beguiling and insightful personal readings that seem downright psychic. But wait! Are they? (Two hours minimum, three hours maximum; rate varies by audience size and venue conditions, but generally $225 per hour plus expenses.)

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We’re always working on something new! We might even create something unique for you!

John has been a stage actor and director for professional as well as amateur productions in many U.S. and international venues. He also is artistic director emeritus for the production company of The Victorian Villa Inn, a celebrated travelers' destination in Union City, Michigan. He began to shape his characterization of Sherlock Holmes in 1986 and eventually brought the great detective to a broad variety of professional venues in nearly a dozen U.S. states. By special request, in character as Holmes, he greeted visitors to the celebrated Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street in London, England. John also has performed as Holmes in live radio-style presentations staged by the Great Escape State Company of Marshall, Michigan.