Bring magic to kids – and to your life – at Rush Children's

Here it is … the magical volunteer opportunity you’ve been looking for. Become a Volunteer Specialist with Open Heart Magic and experience the most rewarding way to help kids.

Imagine stepping into a quiet, dimly lit hospital room. A young patient, a girl weary from relentless treatments, countless injections, and plenty of sleepless nights, lies anxiously in her bed. She silently wonders, "What now?” assuming your knock was from another unwanted interruptor.

But you're not another interruption. You are a Hospital Magician.

You introduce yourself, quickly surveying the small room filled with toys, games, suitcases, and drawings taped to the walls. Your playful introduction, with a little self-deprecating humor, sparks the question, "Wait, did you say you're a magician? Like a real one?!"

Magic is an irresistible hook.

In just a few short moments, you have her. She's sitting up, turning on lights, and clearing her bedside table for an extra special performance. She's engaged and smiling, even telling her dad to put his phone down and watch. You teach her her own magic, a trick she immediately boasts will fool her brother once he returns from the cafeteria. The room is brighter. The air is lighter. And as you glance at her parents, you realize they aren't watching you or the magic; they're watching their daughter—no longer a hospital patient, just their little girl laughing once again.

You helped this girl get her magic back.

Become a Volunteer Specialist with Open Heart Magic and create magical memories that will last a lifetime. Through personal magic shows, you'll empower young patients, give them the strength they need to fight for their health.

And don't worry, no magic experience is required!

Why Volunteer with Open Heart Magic?

Open Heart Magic is quite possibly the best place to volunteer. Why? Because Open Heart Magic Volunteer Specialists are responsible for kids going through remarkable transformations in just a matter of minutes. Volunteer Specialists get to witness firsthand the amazing impact they have on vulnerable kids, bringing magic, joy, and hope where it's needed most.

You can help sick kids get their magic back.

The Indescribable "After-Service Vibes"

The energy our Volunteer Specialists feel after service is indescribable. Bringing a smile to a sad girl's face during a long hospital stay, or creating laughter in a teen's dark hospital room is a unique privilege. These kids are weak and vulnerable, and magic works wonders—volunteers create magical transformations in just a few minutes. It's why Open Heart Magic Volunteer Specialists look forward to their service so much, and why parents often follow them out of the room to genuinely thank them for visiting their child.

You will bring magic to kids as a Volunteer Specialist.

World-Class Training: No Magic Experience? No Problem!

A hospital can be a unique and unpredictable environment. Fortunately, our Magic University has you covered. Our robust training will teach you how to master sleight-of-hand, perform close-up magic, and become an engaging character to work one-on-one with kids.

Magic University will give you the knowledge and skills needed to help kids in any situation. You'll learn how to safely work within a medical environment, how to navigate key protocols, adapt to a patient's needs and situation, and more during training.

You will become a confident Volunteer Specialist in Magic University.

What it Takes to Be a Volunteer

Energy, self-deprecating humor, dedication, and charisma. These are the qualities of a great Volunteer Specialist. While magic experience isn't required, a commitment to learning the craft and safely bringing joy to a child's hospital bedside is. For this reason, every volunteer must complete Magic University—a rigorous, all-encompassing training—to become a certified Hospital Magician Volunteer Specialist.

You will help so many kids as a member of an inspiring community of Hospital Magicians.

Bring magic to kids at Rush Children's

• Rush University Children's Hospital is located at 1620 W Harrison St, Chicago IL 60612
• Service at Lurie Children's is scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:45pm, and Saturdays at 10:30am
  • Service is a set schedule with limited spots, and while a training invite is not guaranteed, the more flexible a schedule and hospital preference is the more spots OHM has available. Please consider selecting as many hospitals that may interest you.
• Due to organizational resources, training happens once per year; it is common for some to wait several months before a Magic University begins. The training is a mixture of in-person sessions, virtual sessions, and independent work.

What does Open Heart Magic look for in potential Volunteer Specialists:

• A reliable schedule for consistent service so kids expecting you are not let down
• Dedicated, charismatic, fun, outgoing individuals with a sense of humor
• Sensitivity and social skills to work with kids and families during this important time
• Commitment to learning and mastering the art of magic so you can create fun
• Confidence in facing new situations and working in a medical environment
• Performance experience – in any area – is highly regarded to understand that anything amazing requires a practice
• Previous volunteer experience is highly regarded so you understand the commitment of service and its power

Other requirements:

• Commitment to learning the hospital environment, navigating the protocol, mastering the magic, and being present at all scheduled service times is critical.
• Commitment to at least one year – every other week – is required. You will need to consistently provide service every other week or swap times with your dedicated hospital team magicians to ensure no evenings are missed and children’s disappointed since the magician didn’t show.
• Must be at least 21 or older due to the nature of service and hospital requirements.

APPLY TODAY and help kids in the hospital laugh.

Service will put everything into perspective. You will find energy and a purpose when you work with Open Heart Magic – after all, it is, quite possibly, the best place to volunteer.

If you are interested in becoming a Hospital Magician and be responsible for helping hundreds of kids laugh and smile in the hospital then please click "APPLY NOW.” You'll receive an email with more information and the application to fill out and return.

Thanks so much for your interest in Open Heart Magic, we can't wait to hear from you.