TRANSFORM YOURSELF FROM "WHO?" TO HEADLINER!We often hear that "it’s not what you do, but how you do it." The catch? Very few books actually dive into the "how." Not clearly. Not honestly. Especially not from someone who’s sweating bullets with a mic in hand.
Veteran comedy magician Michael Misko brings you 25 years packed with stage time, blunders, and the realisation that the true magic isn’t in your hands—it’s how you own the room. Here’s a taste of what you’ll discover:
- How to be funny on purpose—not just accidentally charming.
- Why "character" isn’t merely a costume (and how to stop pretending it is).
- How to wield silence, stillness, and timing to draw laughs without overdoing it.
- What to do when the tech goes awry, the audience is frosty, and your spirit leaves your body mid-performance.
Be it a mic, a deck of cards, or your breath before stepping on stage,
Comedy, Character & Control is your essential guide to becoming the kind of performer audiences can’t wait to see again.
This isn’t just a book of scripts or tricks.It’s a roadmap to landing laughs, mastering pauses, and commanding the spotlight.
"The real work isn't a destination. It's a path. And like any path, some guidance is useful. This book is that!"-
Doc Dixon"This explains, in lucid detail, how to make any trick an applause-worthy feature. I'd say this chapter is 'worth the price of the book,' but considering the bargain it would be an insult to the chapter."-
Ryan Pilling"You are the first person I've seen who also talks about hecklers with an approach that is different to 'slam them down quick'."-
Ian Kendall"Your details and explicit instructions on how to handle one item made me realise a fatal error I've been making for a long time. That changes today in my afternoon performance!"-
Doug Scheer"Comedy, Character & Control is a must-read for not only the working pro but also for the newly budding magician. It will shave YEARS off your learning curve if you implement Michael's insight."-
Jason ChristopherABOUT Michael Misko:"90% Comedy. The other half is magic." Once dubbed
"the Zach Galifianakis of magic," Michael’s greatest skill is blending dry wit with world-class sleight-of-hand to craft an evening of side-splitting entertainment... or so one lovely old lady told him. After witnessing his show, actor and comedian T.J. Miller remarked,
"your stage presence is unmatchable," whilst stand-up star Brian Regan quipped,
"I loved the part where you harpooned the guy in the chest!"In 2015, Michael was hand-picked to create the role of the "Magic Maker" in the World Premiere of Stephen Schwartz's Magic to Do, and you can catch him on the Original Cast Album, available on iTunes, Amazon, or Spotify.
He’s graced the stage at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA, The Chicago Magic Lounge, and in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, he boasts one of the highest-grossing shows in Liberty Magic's history.
Currently, Michael is a highly sought-after consultant for Fortune 500 Companies, helping them connect with their employees and clients in astonishing and memorable ways. Additionally, he performs on cruise ships, at universities, comedy clubs, and private functions around the globe.
He resides in Pittsburgh with his lovely wife, Sarah, and their perfect daughters, Rosalind, Sloane, and Murphy.
