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Mattillusion Regular user 170 Posts |
Hi Jeff,
I was wondering about your thoughts on repeat bookings... I've worked hard over the years to develop a cohesive act with a begining, middle and end as well as original material and signature pieces that are unique to my show. I am honored to get repeat bookings but am not sure of my repeat clients' expectations when they book me again. I don't think the general public has any idea how much work goes into developing an act, which is fine, but I don't want them to expect a completely different show each time. I currently will change about a third of my act, while keeping my 'greatest hits,' so to speak, in the show. What is your approach? Thanks, Matt Roberts |
Jeff McBride V.I.P. Jeff McBride 246 Posts |
Greetings Matt, and all...
Great Question! The paradox is that people want to see their favorites, and they also crave novelty. I've had this discussion with my teacher, Eugene Burger, here at the School, and Eugene says often, when he performs for repeat clients, that their joy is watching their friends watch the magic. It's that "hey, Eugene, show my friend here that trick you do where you tear the thread!" So, you see, there are different agendas going on at repeat bookings. My personal formula when I have a repeat booking is to put 30% new material into the show, mostly towards the beginning of the show... why? After experimenting for a number of years with where to put new material, and where to put the favorites, I found that I wanted to create the surprise of new material, and the desire to see the classic material... So, here is a description of the mind-set that I am putting my repeat viewers in: "Wow, that's new! Hey, that's new, too! That's another new piece, gee, I hope he does the coin trick with the little kid, and that thing he does where bounces the cards off the floor... I wonder if he'll do the water bowls tonight?" The above short description satisfies the urge for novelty, and also creates a NEED to see the favorites, the way we NEED to hear a pop star sing their greatest hits. I also do not take for granted that a repeat audience is even aware that I do new material. So, before every new piece that I do, I will mention that this is a new piece, just to let them know that I am rotating material in and out of my show. I hope you find this helpful, Matt... Yours in novelty and nostalgia, Jeff
Let's keep in touch! I would love to send you my free, inspirational MUSE-LETTER. SIgn up here:
<BR>http://www.mcbridemagic.com/join/ <BR> <BR>Creator of [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxHcwrL6lZU]The McBride Magic and Mystery |
Mattillusion Regular user 170 Posts |
That is an EXCELLENT answer. Thank you so much. Valuable advice.
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EricHenning Loyal user Laurel, Maryland 218 Posts |
This may be the most important post in this session. Let's all read it again. I've never seen this addressed properly before. Thanks, Jeff!
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EVILDAN Inner circle 1279 Posts |
To follow this question...what type of venue would you change the 30% for (ex: private clients, certain venues such as repeat booking at the same theater in the same town)?
by EVILDAN....
"The Coin Board Book" - moves and routines with the coin panel board. - http://www.lybrary.com/the-coin-board-book-p-827955.html "SLASHER - A Horror Whodunnit" - a bizarre close-up routine based on Bob Neale's "Sole Survivor." PM me for more info. "Zombie Town" - a packet effect about how a small town turned into zombies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJhcoJtyOM |
Jeff McBride V.I.P. Jeff McBride 246 Posts |
Greetings EvilDan and all...
Let's hit the nail on the head. I change 30% of the material for all shows within a 12 month period of repeat booking. That means, I will change, if I have been booked for an annual event, for the same group of people, regardless of the venue. I will not change 30% if it is just a single client with a different audience. I'm not here to impress just one person, but I will do something special and novel for them, or their special guests. Often, I do a post-stage show "informal close-up presentation" for the booker and VIP guests after the show. If it is a corporate event, this would be after the banquet, after I pack, visiting the late night bar/restaurant and meeting the client for a night-cap. This is where I could mosey up to the client and say, "Hi, Mr. Jobs, I certainly enjoyed performing for your annual banquet tonight. I have something special that I've created just for you, which you've never seen before. I've been working on it all year, and would love to share it with you and your guests." This is a way of doing new material, either before or after the show, and makes the client feel special, and that you are generating new wonders.... Great question, Dan. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Your friend in the art of magic, Jeff
Let's keep in touch! I would love to send you my free, inspirational MUSE-LETTER. SIgn up here:
<BR>http://www.mcbridemagic.com/join/ <BR> <BR>Creator of [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxHcwrL6lZU]The McBride Magic and Mystery |
ufo Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 1185 Posts |
Once again great wisdom. Thanks.
"What's your drug?" she asked. "Hope" he said, "The most addicting one of all."
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Steve Spill V.I.P. 211 Posts |
I need to chime in here to give a first- hand example of Jeff’s repeat booking formula, and to add my thanks and admiration to one of today’s magic treasures. McBride did three two-week engagements, each a year apart, here at Magicopolis in Santa Monica. All three runs included fourteen performances that were ninety minutes in duration and featured Jeff’s trademarks such as his Masks, Water Bowls, Miser’s Dream, and everything had his unique flavor of Japanese art and Kabuki.
But each show was different. One engagement he included illusions like the Sword Basket, Levitation, Drum Production, and showcased guest performers Scott Hitchcock and Joan Dekore. Another was a two man show with Eugene Burger where they alternated performing, and Burger’s pieces added a cerebral feeling to Jeff’s mythical vibe. Jeff also did an “unplugged” concert type show that featured a lot of new, at the time, “in one” material with Dlites, delicate blooming flowers, his unique version of close-up on stage, but still included signature material like his classic card manipulation finish. Every show was highly entertaining, well designed, and startling. Thanks Jeff for your great performances here at Magicopolis and your valuable service to members of The Magic Café. |
noble1 Special user 651 Posts |
I saw each of those performances and each and every one is etched into my memory and are among my top all-time theater expeiences.
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Jeff McBride V.I.P. Jeff McBride 246 Posts |
Wow Steve you have a great memory!
I really enjoyed my time "living above the shop". Great times and thank you for all you do to keep "repeat customers" coming back;) Your friend, JEff
Let's keep in touch! I would love to send you my free, inspirational MUSE-LETTER. SIgn up here:
<BR>http://www.mcbridemagic.com/join/ <BR> <BR>Creator of [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxHcwrL6lZU]The McBride Magic and Mystery |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The May 2009 entrée: Jeff McBride » » Repeat Bookings...to change the act or not to change the act? » » TOPIC IS LOCKED (0 Likes) |
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