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Christian Illusionist Special user Ohio (currently located in Missouri) 503 Posts |
Alright, here's where I may seem like the bad guy...
In the next two weeks, I'll do a show for a Christian youth camp. This will be the third year in a row that I've been asked to perform. It started when I showed the dean over the camp an effect with a gospel message and he asked me to present it to the entire camp. I did so and it's gone on from there. Every year I've tried to make a bigger, better show than the year before. I have never been offered payment for these shows, and have never asked. However...magic is a costly investment and I would like to at least make a little towards my expenses that I've put out. Is there any way to mention, or hint at this without seeming rude or anything like that? I mean, I'm very greatful for the time and opportunity, but what they don't realize is this is all money out on my part. Any suggestions?
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
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Kerry Kistler Loyal user Springfield, MO 234 Posts |
Hi friend,
Well, I've done my share of gratis "charity shows" and for a few years performed on a "love offering" basis. And, I lost money every year. You really hit it on the head - magic is expensive. Not to mention your time and skill. They are valuable too. A lot has been written and discussed on this issue. Bottom line - when people have to pay for something, they value it more. Every time I have given a show away, the promotional efforts were minimal and the attendace was low. Why? Apparently the hosts assumed I was worth what I charged - 0. I hate to reduce this to a marketing formula so let's look at the scriptures instead. They are clear: "a workman is worthy of his hire." Unless the whole camp staff is working for free, unless the campers are there without paying some sort of fee, you need to charge something. That's between you and God. Just make sure you're worth what you charge. Finally, if you utimately decide that it's wrong to charge for your services, then take the money and give it back to the camp as an offering - anonymously. But do charge. If you don't, it only makes it harder for full time professionals to make a living. Why? Because, after a while people grow to expect this kind of service for "free". Blessings on your decison and cheerio, Kerry
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Christian Illusionist Special user Ohio (currently located in Missouri) 503 Posts |
I agree with you.
I would like to charge something, just to help pay back part of my expense. However, most of the camp staff do work for free, and the campers only pay around 50 dollars each for food and lodging for the week. I just don't even know how to bring it up. The show I've made for this year is mainly parlor type effects and some smaller stage work. It's not a pro-theatre level show. I'm afraid that if I mentioned money, they would probably talk about it being a ministry, and also, if they don't want to all they have to do is say no and I'm stuck anyway. So it could come down to either doing it for free or not at all. Don't get me wrong, I love ministering and that aspect of it is wonderful. I'm a preacher also, so I understand the ministry aspect. I would rather do it for free and be able to get a message across than not at all.
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
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Payne Inner circle Seattle 4571 Posts |
I used to do a local Church sposored Mediaeval Faire every year for free as it was just down the street from my house and I thought it would be good local advertising. It wasn't so after a three or four years I told them that I couldn't do the faire as I had a booking conflict. the next year when they called me up they actually offered to pay my usual fee for performing. Perhaps you need to take a year off due to a scheduling conflict and see what happens.
"America's Foremost Satirical Magician" -- Jeff McBride.
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Christian Illusionist Special user Ohio (currently located in Missouri) 503 Posts |
I might try that, but this might be the last year I'll be able to be there anyway.
I would rather just do it for free and have an opportunity to present the message, then not at all. There really doesn't seem to be a good way to mention it and them take it positively. I really don't think they realize how expensive magic is and how much work and time goes into it. Again, I hope this doesn't come out the wrong way. I love the ministry aspect too. I'm not looking to make a profit, just a little towards expenses.
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
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paulmagic Loyal user Malaysia, now In New Zealand 290 Posts |
Share your thoughts on the impact of gosple magic as a ministry with those closer to you but with no strigns attached (e.g. people in your Cell group) Invite some people along to see you perform. Get some to pray for you as you do your Gospel Ministry. Share the results of your gospel magic for prayer and praise. Why?
I have only been doing magic and gospel magic shows for about 3 years (or is it 4?) and I find it expensive too. But because I do the above, every now and then I get a special love gift to use in upgrading my magic from someone (one off gift) who likes whar he sees (the crowd reaction, the conversations after, the people responding to the Gospel etc) and the fact that I don't charge) . I also do ballooning and I do it almost "everywhere" for kids and teens and even adults (for free) - I do it often without being asked etc. And people are appreciative ... and every now and then people will sit down with me and ask me about my gospel magic "hobby" cum ministry. As the conversation goes a little deeper, they realise that it is an expensive ministry and a big investment of time and money among other things. Out of all these people, again there will be one or two who will want to give something towards this ministry. After one camp I ministered as the speaker (not as a Gospel magician, I found the love gift a lot bigger than normal. I attribute it to my doing gospel magic on the side. and my doing dozens of balloon sculptures - spreading a lot of joy to both young and old (for free). The camp organisers had a chat with me about Gospel magic and asked me about balloon coss etc. My response was that I wasn't expecting any payment as I just liked doing it and seeing happy faces. I did some table hopping as well for fun and everyone had fun ... I like to think that the extra generosity was due to this. (BTW, I think as Christians we have to really mean this ... there will be just as many times when I make a loss as the people I do it for just can''t afford to pay anything not even give me a love gift). But everything kind of evens out and I use such gifts to upgrade my magic. Keep on giving brother and the blessings will return soon in all sorts of ways God knows you are doing this out of love!
Many Blessings!!
Paul |
revlovejoy Special user Pennsylvania 765 Posts |
Honestly, I would continue to do this particular gig for free.
I have been involved with a church camp for 15 years now, and I have been on the board of directors. I signed a loan document as an officer for a 20year mortgage on a $1million property. This camp has some year round full time staff, and summer staff that are paid, but far less than another summer job would pay. I would still never consider requiring a fee from the camp for sharing magic. That said, I have also put a lot of personal expense into my magic. I recoup my expense by booking shows with congregations. And in that area, I have even recently had to turn down a gig because the caller didn't want to pay more than 1/3 of my show price. My point: don't always give yourself away totally at the cost of being able to do the magic. BUT also pick the times/places where "working for free" is appropriate. A camp with that tight a budget, all volunteer, etc, - don't charge. JMHO. |
Christian Illusionist Special user Ohio (currently located in Missouri) 503 Posts |
Thankyou very much, it's been helpful and encouraging.
I agree with both of you. I'm probably going to do this particular show for free and give them the absolute best show I can and leave the rest to God. If anyone chooses to give towards it, that'll be a blessing. If not, then that's ok too. Money isn't the only reward for being able to present the gospel with magic.
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
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