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gomerel Elite user 458 Posts |
Northern California strolling magicians contact me A.S.A.P. about performing at State Fair July 13-29.
While there's no pay for your efforts, you will get free admission and parking the days you perform. You're welcome to pass out business cards. And although you can't solicit tips, if they are offered, its up to you. Many slots available between 10am and 10pm. Air conditioned building. The venue probably will not have much seating for audience members. We will have a space for a small performance table. So, the style of magic will be close-up, strolling and standup (as last year). No stage or parlor props. The audience will not be in a fixed position. No lighting. No sound. |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Great for beginners.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
cbguy Veteran user 350 Posts |
Working for free...At a State Fair...in CALIFORNIA!
Do you realize how much money they have? Do you realize every other act is PAID, except for you? Plus, you can't even pass the hat. I guess if you just want to get in front of people and your time and talent has zero value, then it's worth it. Otherwise, you'd be better off busking. At least then you have a chance to make something. |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Though I think it's fine for a pure beginner to get come practice..... I agree cbguy.
Especially a venue like that. Not to mention other fairs in CA definitely pay well. Several years ago the CA state fair called me and asked if I would work for free ("you'll get great exposure"). I asked the woman who called if she was getting paid, if the bands were getting paid, and anyone else I could think of. She told me they all got paid. I refused... obviously.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
gomerel Elite user 458 Posts |
I am not a professional or even semi-pro magician. If I was, I might not do this. I am having fun.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I find it odd how willing people are to judge others, when most are so upset when others judge them.
While I would not recommend doing work for free, there are circumstances in which it might be beneficial for others to do so. One has been outlined above. The other point is that it doesn't matter what others are paid. What the band gets paid has no relevance to what your value is. It is a ridiculous correlation to even consider. The band is worth what the band is worth, and your value is what your value is. I am not arguing for people to work for free. My position on this is pretty well known. But I do argue against judgement of others when some hate it so much when it is done to them.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 22, 2018, gomerel wrote: Glad you're having fun. Enjoy it!
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
Rocky Elite user 486 Posts |
Yes...HAVE FUN! Danny makes an excellent point with his perspective.
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MeetMagicMike Inner circle Gainesville Fl 3501 Posts |
Whatever arrangement you make is between you and the buyer. If you are both happy with the deal that's all that matters.
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gomerel Elite user 458 Posts |
Thanks for the support.
My impulse is just to say, "Whatever." It was a mistake to post what I did. Clearly, The Magic Café is for professional and semi-professional magicians. The building we are in has mostly county exhibits, ones from mostly small, rural counties promoting their tourist attractions or agricultural products. I doubt that any of the people in those exhibits get any more than per diem. There are outdoor stages with local musical and dance groups. I doubt that any of them get paid. I do close up tricks, mostly for kids. It is not a *Performance* |
MeetMagicMike Inner circle Gainesville Fl 3501 Posts |
Quote:
The Magic Café is for professional and semi-professional magicians Hardly. There are some very helpful people here but there is also a lot of pettiness and sniping. Some working pros have been driven away by the sometimes toxic climate. |
Kaliix Inner circle Connecticut 1984 Posts |
I mostly agree with you. I would say though that it does matter IF the band/others ARE being paid. Volunteering when everyone else is too is different from you being the only "volunteer" amongst paid performers.
Quote: On Jul 22, 2018, Dannydoyle wrote:
The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.
~Daniel J. Boorstin |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
No it makes NO difference. The band has their value and you have yours. If they were not being paid should you not be paid?
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 24, 2018, gomerel wrote: I like your impulse to say whatever. This is not only a place for professionals and semi professionals. All are welcome. I'm glad you posted. Have fun!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Kaliix Inner circle Connecticut 1984 Posts |
I think you misunderstand. I was not talking about value per se, but talking about a situation where everyone is there as volunteer. I don't think you are arguing that someone should demand payment for their services at what is a volunteer event.
My club volunteers magicians every year for a children's hospital event. No one there gets paid. Another scenario is our club partnering for an event with a winery where a bunch of us perform, but no individual gets paid. Any money earned goes to the club. I perform every year for my school on community day, 3 shows over two hours plus some walk-around if I feel like it. Everyone there volunteers. Each of those shows done without payment have little to nothing to do with one's value as a performer when it comes to a commercial situation. Quote: On Jul 25, 2018, Dannydoyle wrote:
The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.
~Daniel J. Boorstin |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Apples and oranges.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
I am always glad to find a chance to agree with Danny. (I often do not) Different experiences - different point of view.
I do sadly reflect on how many view performance magic to have little value compared with other performing arts/approaches, but realize that magicians have brought this on themselves in many ways. (opinion) That has little to do with how one values themselves - performance or or other life activities. When money becomes the measure something is lost. about 60 years ago I decided not to try making a living from performance magic. I have never charged for a performance since - or accept tips. This gives me a freedom to decide where, when and if to perform. I have performed magic effects in varies venues tens of thousands of times. I have many effects practiced in case the right moment/setting occurs - some never performed because that moment has never occured, but I am prepared. The moment it is about money someone else gets a vote. You become an entertainer first and a magician second. My values - don't expect anyone else to follow. So, it is certainly Ok for any performer yo decide to perform for free, but not Ok for any one else to ask you to do so. Why to the fair organizing scheduling even think a magician might want to perform for free? And then want to dictate where and when to perform. "Free" should mean just that. If I still lived in Sacramento I might be willing to accept a free ticket and free parking in return for the ability to "freely" perform magic effects for folks bored, sad, bemused - whatever. My goal would not be to entertain, but to enhance the "fair experience" by reminding folks that any fair is about appreciating awe and wonder in what others do. I went to the fair every year to wallow in the magic I found there - the inexplicable things in crafts and human interactions. Never listened to the payed band, though. Too loud and the crowds rude and always too hot. Value is as tricky as magic to define.
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Yea Ken you're right. One's own value is a very personal thing.
I would not do things the way you have, but respect that it is the right thing for you. Your perspective is different and goals different so you do what is right for you. This is the best part about life!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
rabbitok New user Sydney, Australia 52 Posts |
Even if I'm doing a Charity Gig I would expect:
Reimbursement of 1. Cost of Props 2. Fuel/Travel Expenses Plus 3. to be fed and watered. No performer should be left out of pocket for doing what they love.. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Should is a funny word.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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