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Magicmaven Inner circle 1235 Posts |
Hi everyone,
Earlier today I had my first gig table hopping at a retirement home. I volenteared. I figured that I wasn't proffesseional enough to charge, and, this would be a fantastic learning experience for me. I was right on both. Everyone loved my magic, and wanted to see more. The problem I had was that many of spectators were too slow to Mentally/physically to keep up with the trick(s). I did my magic as slowly, and clearly as I could without disrespecting their intelligence. How does one make space to do a trick, just a small service for putting the cards down, doing the C&B... should I bring a little fold up table around? are there special mats that attach to the table and one performs on that? Thanks. I also performed in the Loby, that went the best... I took a small break, and was going to do some magic in the "Game room." I figured that place would be the best because it was small, and I was doing close up magic, and the people in the game room would be the most "there" if you know what I mean. Well I set up, and was all ready to go in the game room. I'm there. waiting. no body is there. I started to figure that they didn't want to see me again. A worker there comes up to me, and says, "Are you Rmax, the kid doing magic?" hesitently I say "yeah," "well your supposed to be in the lecture room." so I ran down there. I had to do stage magic. there was around 100 old guy/gals sitting there. I had a lot of stuff for close-up and parlor, but no stage stuff with me. I did the best I could. Most people couln't see me. I'd ask for a volentear, and no body would, no body. So I moved onto someother trick. yeah, that was really, really stupid, but I am learning I gues. MAIN QUESTION: do you guys bring all types of magic with you even if your told that you are doing table hopping? What do you use as surfaces, or do you vear away from tricks using a surface. Do you try using tricks that are all in one, like a 4-7 minute sponge ball trick, or do you do multiple tricks at one table. If so, any ideas on transitioning from one trick, to another? what are some nice table hopping situation type routines for sponge balls, cups and balls, and the shell game. OR, do you rather other tricks when table hopping BESIDES the sponge balls, C&B, and Shell game? All help and advice is appreciated. ( I did a search, and I'm looking through it, FYI) Thanks a lot guys...
rmaxgoodwin.com
https://rmaxgoodwin.com/ |
gocall911 Loyal user Salem, VA 247 Posts |
Sounds to me like you did a great job for your first time and had fun as well. Frist off you are a very brave man, retirement homes are not very easy to perform at. I have done quite a few show at this type of place over the last few years and they do present some set backs at times. They are a great place to get experience though.
Ok, on to what you asked. I do not bring all types of magic with me for any booking. I will most of the time try and find out everything I can about the place I will be performing at and if I think there is a chance I may have to perform for a larger crowd I will bring something extra along and keep in the car just in case. ALthough 90% of the time I am just ready to expand on my close up show if needed. Most of the time you can find some way to work the room a good bit giving everyone a chance to see you up close. Most of the time I will ask to use just a edge of the table where hopefully there is not much setting anyway. For shows where I know I am going to have more space I bring a very small close up case that I can set on the table. When moving from one effect to the next I try and find a linking point, it could be a prop or something in your patter just anything to make a smooth flow. A few things to think about when looking for routines is how much pocket space will they take up, how much table space, can they be stoped at different points in the routine without wrecking the over all effect, how are the angles, and last but not lest how much time does it take to reset(hopefully none). I would list some of the routines I use but what works for me may not work for you. What you have to do is just find what fits YOUR style and then twist it untell it is all yours. In your search I am sure you can find some books and videos with many great routines to help you along the way. Good luck and happy hopping! Caleb
"Use your head." ~Dai Vernon~
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Magicmaven Inner circle 1235 Posts |
Thanks! I figured I do all that, but it is nice to here from other people besides my parents. lol
You're right, retirement homes are not easy venues for a begginer, I learned that the hard way. But, I am 15, and they cut me some slack. lol. Any routines (for the C&B, Shell Game, or Sponge balls, or others that you like more) or books/DVDs discussing the art of Table hopping/street type stuff is really appreciated! All help is gladly excepted. Thanks,
rmaxgoodwin.com
https://rmaxgoodwin.com/ |
gandalf Veteran user UK 310 Posts |
I've done magic in retirement homes aswell!
I usually take my case of all bits and bobs. I'll usually carry some cups and balls, Chinese sticks, sponge balls, Chameleon Silks equipment. When at tables I do a silk vanish/reproduction, followed by a few card tricks, no more than 10 minutes in length. I have a little folding close-up mat that doesn't take up much room on a table. You can make your own buy scouring a mouse mat, or have a look at the ones on magicshop.co.uk |
Magicmaven Inner circle 1235 Posts |
Like I said, I did the best in the lobby, where I set up in a corner, coaxed be to come by and watch my magic.
I am looking into the the Gazzo books on (1)"keeping a Krowd," (2) his cups and balls routine, and (3)all those one liners. Anyone have any of these books? How do you like 'em? I have never seen his routine, don't know how long it is... all I know is that the final loads are great. The set of three books is ~$60, and that sounds like a great buy. Do you think those books of his would be a help in the Lobby type situation like discussed above? thanks guys! If you have other ideas, that would be great!
rmaxgoodwin.com
https://rmaxgoodwin.com/ |
magicjames798 New user 18 Posts |
Hi magicmaven, I did a retirement home last year and it went great. My magic table is only a three piece roll-on toolbox made by stanley I bought for 40$ at home depot! it has two drawers, a main toolbox and on the bottom a big drum container for sawblades and larger tools. I made a square circle deception box that fit easily into it and already prepared so I just have to pull it out before performance. The tool boxes break apart into three sections for easy transport and I just use a black cloth from a fabric store to cover it!! most of my magic is stage and I did a few birthday parties last week and got a 50$ tip! my show is only half an hour and packs small and plays big!! Most of the tricks I did in the retirement home were, unequal ropes, square circle, cut and restored rope, cups and balls, change bag magic, flowers from cone (jeff McBride), production tube(jeff McBride). these are a few I do. but theres more.
Hope this helps!
For those who believe no explanation is necessary, for those who do not none will suffice.
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Magicmaven Inner circle 1235 Posts |
OK! I was thinking about what my case should be, so Thanks!
Anything about the books/Dvds/routines that might answer my questions, or help? Gazzo specifically. Anything guys?
rmaxgoodwin.com
https://rmaxgoodwin.com/ |
mike gallo Inner circle 1341 Posts |
Maven, For future references. When booking a gig, always establish up front what the venue is. Is it strolling, stationary...how many people/rooms. Is it close-up, stand-up...perhaps they want x-amount of time for you to stroll, then x-amount of time where you work the entire group. Bottom line is, when going to a gig...you should know in advance what is expected, then you know what to bring. Not knowing is not looking very professional...and that doesn't amount to many repeat bookings not to mention it will give you word of mouth advertisement that you don't want! Know your battle ground...be a great general!
Mike |
Randwill Inner circle 1914 Posts |
Never expect to have a table. I'll say that again. NEVER expect to have a table. Guess what? None of the material in my regular, paying customer, professional (whatever you want to call it) repetoire, requires any kind of working surface. Be like me (in that way) and you'll never have a problem.
This is very easy to do. Think sponge balls, all in customer's hands. A One Coin Routine, Silver Copper Brass and Coins Across. That takes care of your commercial coin work. Cards? I don't need no STINKIN' table. Mullica Wallet, Ambitious Cards, Dr. Dailey's Last Trick, any of several in-hands 3 Card Monte effects. Hey, I'm talking about entertaining real people, not fooling the thirteen-year-olds in the church basement at the magic club meeting because you got the newest, latest greatest piece of magic dealer crap a couple of days before they did. Linking Rubber Bands, Silver Copper Transpostion (in their hand), Color Changing Knife. Learn Shoot Ogawa's Ninja Ring Routine WITHOUT the table stuff. Right here in this post is enough good solid entertaining and, above all COMMERCIAL magic, to last a lifetime. Learn to do four or five tricks better than anybody else in the world and the rest will follow. I'm just sayin'... |
BarryFernelius Inner circle Still learning, even though I've made 2537 Posts |
Mike Gallo knows what he's talking about. Bravo!
I'll add one other tip: even when I've been booked to do a close-up or walk-around show, I still bring the stand-up show in the trunk of my vehicle -- just in case. This has saved my backside on a number of occasions...
"To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time."
-Leonard Bernstein |
Magicmaven Inner circle 1235 Posts |
They told me walk around and table hopping in the dining hall, lobby, and Mezenene (game room), with 1-10 people watching. Next thing I know there are a 100 people in the Lecture hall. ...... Now I know... Thanks Barry, Mike, and Randwill!
It was a learning experience... Anything on the books/dvds/routines? Thanks again guys.
rmaxgoodwin.com
https://rmaxgoodwin.com/ |
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
Thr gazzo stuff is great but aimed more at the street performer.
Matt |
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