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Magic_streak Regular user Singapore 196 Posts |
I've been into magic for a few years now but my audiences have always been friends and family. Ie. places where I can afford to make mistakes without major consequences and places I can experiment new stuff.
I'm thinking of making use of my up-coming holidays (yes I'm a student) to perform as a part-time professional. Should I start off in hotel restaurants? Bars? Normal restaurants? Any ideas how? As in, how do I get the deal? Go up to the manager and show impress him off his seat or something? Many of you guys here are already working professionals so I'd like to hear from you. I don't really care much about the pay (I'm thinking of asking for half of what most moagicians charge), but I want the experience and enjoyment. Please give advice! Thanks! |
Victor Brisbin Elite user Washington, DC / NOVA 432 Posts |
If you haven't already, please check the topics on "Table Hoppers and Restaurant Strollers," and also topics like "Tricky Business," here on The Magic Cafe for some great ideas about where to start, whom to approach, etc.
One of the best approaches, in my opinion, is to have the manager/person in charge think it's his/her idea to have you perform. Scott Guinn has published some great ideas for this (here and in other places). If you can get a third party, including someone on the waitstaff, to get excited about what you can do and to introduce you to the decision maker, it is even better. Two small pieces of advice: Don't work merely for tips; and position yourself as an attraction, a hospitality troubleshooter, etc. Be more than the guy with the trick deck and the balloon animals, who assumes that people are more interested in watching ANOTHER trick, than in enjoying their meal while it's still warm. Best of luck, Vic
"It is better to practice a little than talk a lot." - Muso Kokushi
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Magicman0323 Special user Just outside parts unknown. 713 Posts |
Good advice Victor, the other forums are a great place to find some advice on this subject. The only other advice that I'd like to throw out to you is something that Lance Burton told me, and it reaches into almost all aspects of your magic.
"Keep in mind it doesn't matter if you are performing for kids or adults, for one person or two thousand. Just perform at any opportunity that you have." Good Luck, and keep us updated !
You'll wonder when I'm coming, you'll wonder even more when I'm gone. - Max Malini
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Magic_streak Regular user Singapore 196 Posts |
That's sound advice. Thanks guys! Do you think I should offer a few free shows first to get them interested? How many restaurants are actually willing to pay a magician to work there? For them, is it worth it?
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