Deal Direct – 0% Booking Fees • No Middleman

Description

Hello, I’m Fred Zimmerman | The Chicago Mentalist, and I love bringing people together.
My clients come to me when they’re looking to turn their ordinary party or event into something special and memorable.
There’s nothing better than starting the evening performing for a group of “individuals,” and watching them transform into a family … whose minds have been collectively blown.
The fact that I’m from Chicago matters. We’re no-nonsense people in Chicago, and the tone of my show is friendly, but sharp … inventive but grounded … just like Chicago.
But it’s a ... lso a LOT OF FUN … just like Chicago.
I offer a unique approach to Mentalism … my featured show, “THESPIAN: An Actor Prepares… to Read Your Mind,” pulls the curtain back on the tools actors use every day—observation, intention, character analysis, and listening—and weaponizes them for entertainment.
My audiences don’t just watch my show … they ARE the show.
People leave laughing, talking, and a little more alive than when we started.
Sure … I’m a fake … but I’ll make a believer out of you.
Questions? Let’s talk.
Be well.
Read More

Reviews     (6 Reviews)

Experience

I also offer Strolling Mentalism.
Never heard of “strolling mentalism?” That’s OK … not many performers can do it.
I move through cocktail events, interact with small groups, and read minds. It’s guerilla entertainment … in a nice suit.
My clients come to me when they’re looking to turn their ordinary party or event into something special and memorable.
There’s nothing better than starting the evening performing for a group of “individuals,” and watching them transform into a family … whose minds have been collectively blown.
The fact that I’m from Chic ... ago matters here. We’re no-nonsense people in Chicago, and the tone of my performance is friendly, but sharp … inventive but grounded … just like Chicago.
But it’s s also a LOT OF FUN … just like Chicago.
I offer a unique approach to Mentalism … I pull the curtain back on the tools actors use every day—observation, intention, character analysis, and listening—and weaponize them for entertainment.
My audiences don’t just watch my show … they ARE the show.
People leave laughing, talking, and a little more alive than when we started.
Sure … I’m a fake … but I’ll make a believer out of you.
Questions? Let’s talk.
Be well.
Read More

Previous Clients

My type fo entertainement knows no boundaries. I have entertained groups of all sizes from all walks of life; from private party of 4 people to corporate banquets of hundreds. Once I get inside the heads of my audience, no matter who you are or where you're from ... it becomes personal ... and it's a lot of fun.

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Bachelor / Stag Party Bachelorette / Hen Party Bar / Bat Mitzvah Birthday Party (Adult) Birthday Party (Teen) Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christmas Party Club Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Conference / Meeting Corporate Event Cruise Ships Dinner Party Engagement Party Graduation Party Grand Opening Party Halloween Party Hanukkah Celebration High School Reunion Hotel Event Jewish Wedding New Year's Eve Party Nightclub Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Prom Night Quinceañera / Sweet 16 Party Retirement Party Social Club Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions University / College Event Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception

Acting Experience

Fred Zimmerman is a respected Chicago actor who has spent over 25 years acting in National Broadway Touring Companies, at Regional Theaters, Stock Companies, and in theaters across Chicagoland, including Goodman, Court, Northlight, Porchlight, the Lyric Opera, the Oriental (now named the Nederlander), 18 productions at the Chicago Marriott Theatre, as well as Chicago's famed Auditorium Theatre.
Career highlights include:
*2 years with the Tony-Award-Winning National Touring Company of Hal Prince's Show Boat.
*The Original Cast of Stephen Sondheim's "Bounce," including the original ca ... st recording.
*JP Morgan in the Tony-award winning version of Ragtime directed by Frank Galati.
*Pritschitsch, Embassy Consul, in The Merry Widow at Chicago's Lyric Opera, starring Renee Fleming
*The Théâtre du Châtelet's My Fair Lady at Chicago's Lyric Opera, directed by Robert Carsen.
*Santa in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rocketttes.
*Kris Kringle in A Miracle on 34th St. directed by Tony-Award-Winner David Cromer.
*Lieutenant Nick Rosettii in the Chicago comedy icon, Shear Madness.
*Over 18 critically-acclaimed productions at Chicago's Marriot Theatre.
Periodic appearances on television include NBC's Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, as well as ABC's "Doubt."
In 2025, Fred was nominated for A Jeff Award (Chicago's version of the Tony Award) for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the play Primary Trust at the Goodman Theatre. Read More

Physical Characteristics

Meet the Act

It's all about the client & the audience. When they're happy, the job is a success.
My primary job is to arrive on time and be charming. This may sound flip, but rest assured, it isn't. Cool tricks and being "deceptive" is the window dressing of what Magicians and Mentalists do. But ultimately, it's all about the client and the audience; if they aren't charmed by you, and having a great time, you've failed. It's that simple.

Additional Information

You can learn more about my career as Professional Business Writer for Tradeshows & Events by visiting www.fez-productions.com. I mention this because all of my time spent on the tradeshow floor has taught me how to focus on client needs and how to stay on message.