Michael Griffin, America's Escape Hero
- Columbus, OH
- Magician
- 5 Verified Bookings
Lee N. said “We had Michael perform atbour festival. He was a big hit with the kids. Unfortunately, due to iffy weather and poor planning we did not have the crowd…”
Your list is empty.
Save musicians, entertainers, speakers, and services, and they’ll appear here.
You're not just hunting for any entertainer. You crave a flawless event with an unforgettable guest experience. Meet Billy Gladwell — a top-notch pro dazzling global audiences for over 30 years with his engaging, funny, and mind-blowing shows.
Your guests will buzz about their amazing experience way after the event's over. Billy's got this uncanny knack for reading minds, turning thoughts into an open book. Picture him pinpointing someone's first kiss details — right down to their partner's name.
Curious? Check if Billy's free for your event now!
Billy was great to work with! He provided details upfront of his capabilities and was very responsive via phone and text. After changing travel plans and an unexpectedly flooded house on our end, Billy was flexible on the date and location of his performance. The event was a joint surprise 75th birthday party and he was the icing on the cake for my family and friends. I would absolutely recommend him for your event.
We had the enjoyment of having Bill perform at a 50th birthday party and it was nothing short of magical! From start to finish, the show was a dazzling display of skill, creativity, and pure entertainment. The illusions were mind-boggling, and the level of showmanship was top-notch. Bill has a unique ability to engage the audience, making every trick feel fresh and exciting. The blend of humor and suspense kept us on the edge of our seats throughout the performance. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, look no further. Bill is truly a master of his craft! Bill was also the utmost professional in his communication during the planning stages. He was always very prompt in his responses and had no problem answering any questions before we officially booked to ensure we felt comfortable about what we could expect. Highly recommend!
Response from Thought Reader Bill Gladwell:
Hey Trina,
Your kind words mean the world to me—thank you for the heartfelt review. Performing at the 50th birthday party was a pleasure from start to finish. The energy around the pool was palpable—every trick felt like magic unfolding.
Engaging an audience and seeing those moments of wonder and surprise light up their faces is a unique thrill. Your feedback about the humor and suspense in the show is particularly special—I strive to create an experience that’s dynamic and memorable.
I also appreciate your acknowledgment of the planning process. Ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes is as important to me as the performance itself. Your comfort and confidence in what to expect are paramount.
Remember me for future events, and feel free to pass along my name to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. If you know anyone interested in making a change through hypnosis, I’d be more than happy to assist there as well.
Thanks again, Trina. Your support means the world.
Best,
Billy
Bill was great! His act was impressive, he had us laughing the whole time and everyone loved the uniqueness of his content. We wanted him to come back and hypnotize us all to loose 20lbs for our next event lol
Response from Thought Reader Bill Gladwell:
Hey Megan,
I wanted to thank you—thank you for your kind words and for letting me be a part of such a memorable afternoon. Bachelorette parties are always special, but yours had a certain magic that made it unforgettable.
Reading your review, I felt a surge of warmth and gratitude. It's one thing to perform and hope humans enjoy it, but it's another to know that my act resonated and brought laughter and joy to your celebration. The thought of coming back to help everyone shed 20 pounds—that’s a challenge I might just have to take on!
In all seriousness, it was a joy to see everyone engaged and having fun without anyone feeling uncomfortable or out of place. That’s the true magic of these moments—creating a space where everyone feels included and free to laugh.
Thanks again for the opportunity to be a part of your celebration. Looking forward to the next time our paths cross.
Warmest regards,
Billy
We hired Bill Gladwell for a corporate meeting, he was so easy to work with. His show was interactive and engaging from the moment he started. Thoroughly entertaining, loved it!
Response from Thought Reader Bill Gladwell:
Thank you so much, Ana Maria! It was a pleasure performing for your group, and I hope to see you again.
—Bill Gladwell
We've seen Bill Gladwell's show twice, and both times it was incredible!!! He was very warm and engaging with the audience, and the show kept my family and I captivated from start to finish. He is an extremely skilled individual! Over and over I shaking my head in disbelief, wondering how he was doing what he was doing. I would have no hesitation going to see his show again. If you get the chance, go see it!! Entertainment of the highest caliber!!!
We hosted Bill at ImprovMANIA in Chandler and every audience member felt like they were part of the show.
Bill is an entertainer's entertainer. 5 out of 5!
Response from Thought Reader Bill Gladwell:
David, thank you for the kind words. Without an audience, it would just be me."thinking" on the stage. ImprovMANIA is a great venue with amazing people.
Bill Gladwell
I always rate entertainment acts by the number of WOW moments it gives me! And Bill Gladwell's show had plenty of them. That and the fact that he is funny and really works with the audience makes this show a 5 star performance! Watching other customers faces is very telling! He seriously had us all laughing, smiling and wondering how the heck did he know that!!!! Great show to go with a group of friends and family friendly!
Response from Thought Reader Bill Gladwell:
Thank you so much, Randy! It is always a pleasure to perform for you and your guests.
Bill Gladwell
Price Range: Request a quote: Please provide detailed info.
Gig Length: 20 - 90 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Specialty Insurance Agency
You don’t just need an entertainer — you need a stress-free, unforgettable event. Book Billy for this. He's not just any professional; he's a mind-blowing, critically acclaimed artist who's entertained hundreds of thousands for 30 years.
Billy wows audiences nationwide with his live stage shows. He knows what matters most:
• Theater attendees get a top-tier performance.
• Corporate event participants leave thrilled, having had a unique experience.
• Special events turn into lasting memories.
• Offstage, Billy's professionalism makes him a joy to work with.
In his 90-minute show, Billy seems to read minds, predict words, and understand unspoken thoughts.
Here's the kicker — most communication is non-verbal. Billy has mastered reading these cues to grasp your thoughts and feelings, often before you do.
In essence, Billy leverages nonverbal cues to create an illusion of psychic powers. Mixing psychology, suggestion, attention control, humor, and showmanship, he delivers a performance that's unforgettable.
For instance, he might ask someone to recall their first kiss, then describe that moment in detail, including the other human's name.
“Let’s face it, Billy Gladwell belongs in Vegas. His show is an absolute must-see. What he does will blow your mind!”
— KRISTY M.
“Billy revealed things that were impossible to know.”
— TIM
Billy Gladwell and His Captivating Performance: 16 Fascinating Facts
1. Billy is renowned as a critically acclaimed mentalist, captivating audiences with his extraordinary talent.
2. With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Billy has been mesmerizing audiences with his unique performances.
3. Billy’s talent caught the eye of the “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” cast, leading to an exclusive performance for them.
4. Billy performed on Air Force One for President George W. Bush and Bruce Willis, adding an exclusive and memorable performance to his repertoire.
5. Billy had the honor of performing a private party for Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, two legends of space exploration.
6. Billy entertained the cast and crew of the Discovery Channel series “Moonshiners,” creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
7. Musical icons like Prince, Rodney Atkins, Toby Keith, Céline Dion, Bret Michaels, John Mayer, Warren G, ZZ Top, Ted Nugent, and Alabama have all experienced Billy’s captivating performance.
8. Billy thrilled the cast of the movie “Wild Things,” featuring stars like Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon, Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, Theresa Russell, Robert Wagner, and Bill Murray.
9. Billy performed for members of the cast of the James Bond film "Die Another Day," which starred Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Rachel Grant, Toby Stephens, and Rosamund Pike.
10. After the filming of “Hot Tub Time Machine,” Billy performed at a private party on the yacht featured in the movie, with John Cusack, Clark Duke, Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry, Chevy Chase, Crispin Glover, Lizzy Caplan, and Lyndsy Fonseca.
11. Billy has illuminated the stages of Las Vegas multiple times, bringing his unique flair to the entertainment capital.
12. In the competitive hubs of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Billy’s show was rated #1, outshining over 60 other performances.
13. For several years, Billy’s show was #1 in nightlife on Hilton Head Island, drawing crowds and acclaim.
14. Across the United States, Billy’s performance was rated #1 by VIP guests of Diamond Resorts, with Céline Dion being a very close second.
15. Billy performs for Fortune 500 companies across the United States, showcasing his unique blend of entertainment and mentalism.
16. Billy plays theaters across North America and is highly sought-after for private events, showcasing his captivating mentalism abilities and comedic talent.
------
"Billy puts on a show that is truly entertaining. We are still talking about it. His show is definitely a must-see."
— RODNEY ATKINS (COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST)
"Billy's show will deliver high-energy, jaw-dropping, mind-blowing entertainment that promises to impress."
— JESSICA
"This was a fantastic show. Unique is the best word I can think of to describe it. You will not be disappointed. It will stay with you."
— TED
“Billy’s show is very unique. I spent the whole time either laughing or trying to figure out how Billy does what he does. It was quick-paced and entertaining.”
— LACEY
“I encourage anyone and everyone to see Billy perform... you will be amazed and awed!!! Thank you, Billy, for such a wonderful and unforgettable evening.”
— SUSAN
“I have seen countless shows, and never have I been so entertained. He had my attention from beginning to end. Bill Gladwell is a MUST-SEE!!!”
— MAG
“We seriously had the best time at Billy's show! Our entire party agreed it was amazing. It was a blast, and we were highly entertained the whole time. There was a lot of audience involvement which kept it interesting.”
— NICOLE
“The description sounded unbelievable, but the reviews were so good that we decided to try it. So my boyfriend, parents, and I went to Billy's show, and the reviews were right. The show was awesome! Billy is engaging, funny, entertaining, and amazing! We all had a great time!!! We've been recommending Billy's performance to everyone we know. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! DON'T MISS IT!!”
— REBECCA
“Billy has a crazy ability to read people! So much fun. So cool, it is scary. This man should be on some government watch list! Well worth your time and money.”
— WENDY
The following are the requirements for Billy Gladwell’s show. Any changes to this Rider need Billy Gladwell’s approval and initials.
1. Load-In/Schedule
— Arrival: 1.5 hours before the show. The venue should be ready, with loading and parking sorted
beforehand.
Billy won’t pack up until the audience has left, needing an extra 30 minutes post-show.
— Sound Check: Finish at least 15 minutes before doors open.
— Show Time: Can be delayed by 10 minutes if needed.
— Performance Length: Roughly 90 minutes (can be adjusted from 20 to 90 minutes).
— Load-Out: Done within 30 minutes post-show.
2. Promotion/Billing
— Use your posters, following these rules:
— Bill must be billed as a “Thought Reader,” “Thought Reader Bill Gladwell,” or "Mentalist," not as a
“Magician.”
— The by-line “He knows what you’re thinking” is allowed.
— Download authorized promotion photos from: [Bill's Photo Link]
3. Stage/Platform/Risers
— Required area: At least 8’x10’.
— Preferably 12”-18” above audience level.
— Stage ready and clear when Bill arrives.
— If risers exceed 12”, place steps STAGE RIGHT, downstage.
4. Backdrop
— Usually not needed. Cover reflective surfaces like windows or mirrors if behind the stage.
5. Portable Seating
— Chairs close together, with the first row 3’-4’ from the stage. A central aisle is ideal.
— Don’t extend seats beyond the stage's front or back.
— Best view if front row starts 3’-4’ from the stage, extending no more than 20’ to the sides.
6. Hospitality and Lodging
— Green room with power, a mirror, and bathroom access. Wi-Fi details if available.
— Green room essentials: Two water bottles, a hand towel, and facial tissues.
— Hotel: Non-smoking room with Wi-Fi, booked under “William A. Gladwell,” in a reputable chain, within 15
minutes of the venue.
— If performance is before 4:00 p.m., book the hotel for the previous night.
— $150 hotel buyout option available.
7. Guests
— Bill may bring up to 10 guests for public or permitted events, with comped tickets.
8. Show Conditions
— No other entertainment during Bill’s performance.
— Introduction: Pre-show music starts 45 minutes before. Pre-written intro to be read by an emcee or played as a recording.
9. Show Supplies
— Required at stage upon arrival: Two tables (3’ wide, presentable if folding).
10. Lighting
— Professional stage lights preferred for a general bright wash.
— Blue accent lights if there’s a black backdrop.
— House lights off during the show, controlled as needed.
11. Sound/P.A.
— Adequate P.A. system for crowd size.
— Onstage handheld mic, preferably wireless.
— Straight mic stand with a round base.
— Balanced input for laptop, plus a power outlet.
— Sound technician required.
12. Payment
— Prefer credit card payments via emailed invoices.
13. State Withholding
— Communicate any nonresident entertainer tax during negotiation. If not, the venue/client covers it.
Arrival: 1.5 hours prior to performance. Please make venue available at this time. All necessary loading and parking instructions as well as any required loading/parking passes will be discussed in advance.
Sound Check: Must be completed no less than 15 minutes before doors open.
Load-Out Time: Will be completed by 30 minutes after the show.
No other forms of entertainment (including house music or televisions) will be present during Billy Gladwell’s show.
Two (2) Tables (round or square, approximately 3’ wide). If the tables are folding tables, they should be draped as to look presentable. If the tables are sturdy wood decorative tables, they do not need to be draped.
One microphone on a stand—preferably with a round base.
Lighting and Sound (if necessary) so the audience can see and hear me.
Lee N. said “We had Michael perform atbour festival. He was a big hit with the kids. Unfortunately, due to iffy weather and poor planning we did not have the crowd…”
Heather D. said “I hired Andrew for a combined birthday party for my 2 sons ages 10&11. First let me say that he was the most affordable after calling about 7 different…”
Courtney K. said “We hired Brenden for our daughter’s first birthday and he was absolutely phenomenal! We had a few less children then expected due to a family emergency…”
Kelly C. said “Jay was great, he arrived on time and worked the crowd, all were amazed. I was too busy hosting, but I'm still scratching my head on the card trick…”