Mario "the Maker Magician" Marchese is a New York-based performer, author, and maker, touring worldwide with his self-titled, all-ages theater show. He infuses DIY electronics and robotics into his work and uses magic to inspire kids and families to make and create without limitation. The show took home the coveted "Best Kids & Family" Award from Adelaide Fringe 2024 and recently completed a sold out Off-Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse in New York City, culminating in an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. 

Mario has also appeared on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, HGTV, and live on tour opening for David Blaine, who calls Mario "the best kids magician in the world!!" Mario is also the author of two magic books: The Maker Magician's Handbook and Robot Magic, the latter of which boasts a foreword by David Copperfield.

It's a family business, through and through. The "Mario the Maker Magician" brand is a collaborative effort between Mario, his wife, Katie, and their two children, Gigi and Bear (the real bosses.) They tour together, invent together, learn together, and dream together, always.

Honors:

2024 • Offies Off West End Awards • nomination for performance in theatre for young audiences
2024 • Magicana • Allan Slaight Sharing Wonder Award
2024 • Academy of Magical Arts & Magic Castle • Creative Fellowship
2024 • Dai Vernon Foundation • Don Wayne Award for Creativity
2024 • Adelaide Fringe • Best Kids & Family Show
2021 • International Brotherhood of Magicians • Presidential Honor
2021 • Kids' Entertainer Fest • Hall of Fame Inductee
2020 • Penguin Magic • Lecture of the Year