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Digital Deception
Digital Deception blends illusion with modern technology, transforming smartphones and social media into tools of wonder. Doug McKenzie and Ryan Oakes guide audiences through interactive demonstrations that challenge perception and spark reflection about digital literacy, truth, and how easily reality can be manipulated in our screen-mediated world.
Digital Deception is an interactive magic show created by Doug McKenzie and Ryan Oakes that explores the intersection of illusion and modern technology.
The production challenges audiences to question reality in an increasingly digital world. Doug has been profiled on CNN Tech, performed for royalty, and created original magic for televised specials. Ryan has performed at the White House, been profiled by Forbes, and appeared in almost every US state. Together, they launched Digital Deception in 2017, combining their expertise in illusion with their passion for technology.
Doug and Ryan guide audiences through a series of interactive demonstrations that blur the lines between digital innovation and classic sleight of hand. They incorporate smartphones, social media, and everyday technology into their routines, transforming familiar devices into tools of wonder. The show moves beyond traditional stage magic by inviting participation, making each performance unique. Their approach reveals how easily perception can be manipulated in an age where screens mediate much of human experience.
Audiences leave Digital Deception with a renewed sense of curiosity about the technology they use daily. The show sparks conversations about digital literacy and the nature of truth in the information age. Attendees report feeling both entertained and intellectually engaged, experiencing moments of genuine surprise alongside deeper reflection about their relationship with technology.
Book Digital Deception to deliver an unforgettable experience that entertains while prompting audiences to think critically about their digital lives.
Book Digital Deception to bring your team an interactive magic experience that blends cutting-edge technology with masterful illusion, sparking genuine wonder while encouraging critical thinking about our digital world. With performances for royalty, The White House, and features on CNN and Forbes, Doug McKenzie and Ryan Oakes deliver a unique show that entertains and engages audiences through smartphone integration and participatory demonstrations that will leave your guests talking long after the event ends.
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frequently asked questions
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Doug McKenzie and Ryan Oakes perform a live interactive magic show in which audience members participate directly in routines built around smartphones, social media, and everyday technology. Each performance is structured as a series of demonstrations that blend sleight of hand with digital tools, making the experience variable by audience and prompting reflection on how perception is manipulated through screens.
Digital Deception is an interactive magic show combining illusion with live technology, smartphone integration, and audience participation to explore digital perception and critical thinking about the digital world. The show was launched in 2017 by Doug McKenzie and Ryan Oakes, whose individual credits include a White House performance, a Forbes profile, a CNN Tech profile, and original magic created for televised specials.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
