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Ratty Roberts New user 51 Posts |
Thoughts on the American Summer Camps
(I apologise if I'm in the wrong section, but if someone can point me in the right direction,I would be grateful) Anyway here goes .................... A friend of mine (No guesses who?) was asked if he could do a childrens party. Yes , no problem. He awaited confirmation of the date & time. he then found outthat they had booked someone else. Not an unusual story, but heres the kicker. It was an EIGHT YEAR OLD! He had attended Summer Camp, and was taught Magic by someone, as one of the camp activities. I have heard of this before, and shuddered. We all protect our Art, and shun people like the “Masked Magician”, yet as soon as a fee is mentioned, and provided, we tear off to expose as much as possible! If this had happened to YOU, and you lost that restaurant, or Party that could have meant the difference between eating Steak or Hamburger, I bet you would think twice in future. I have condemmed this idea, from the time I heard about it years ago. In England, it is not an idea that “Entertainers” prostitute themselves, their secrets and skills to any child that turns up. In my humble opinion, the sooner American entertainers wake up to the idea that “NO THANK YOU” could actually benefit them in the long run, you will go down a long route of cancelled shows, because “We have a FOUR YEAR OLD” performing for us! |
mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
I don't think you have too much to worry about with an 8 year old stealing your shows. They have to be in bed too early to make much of a difference!
On a more serious note, a friend of mine teaches summer magic camps for kids. They range in age from 7 to 12. The camp only lasts 5 days, at 2 hours a day, with the first 4 days being used to teach "magic." The last day the children put on a "magic show" for their family. I wondered just how much magic could be taught at this "camp." Given their ages and level of concentration and physical dexterity, only 8 effects are taught. These were really basic things such as the classic ball and vase (small, plastic version), color cube and a crayon trick (hand me your favorite color and put the rest behind your back - fingernail method) and a couple of basic card tricks such as a prediction with the the cut deeper force and the 16 card - card trick (think 21 card trick with only 16 cards). Nothing earth shattering and not likely to take food off the table of working magicians. If I had to be concerned with losing a gig to an 8 year old, I think it would have more to do with ME that with some kid. I'd have to rethink my skill level and go back to school. Maybe sign up for a summer magic camp myself! Mark. |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Some prospects you lose because you (the magician) didn't sell properly / effectively.
Some prospects you lose because they were totally unqualified, and buy based on price or other reasons (no amount of selling will convince them to change). Don't sweat the small stuff. Move on to your next prospect. Use your energy to grow your own business. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Ratty Roberts New user 51 Posts |
Many thanks for the quick replies friends.
I still think it's bad that someone in the USA is loosing work because of what I described, though! |
Eldon Inner circle Virden, IL 1137 Posts |
I'm sure they got what they paid for with the eight year old. If they paid him at all. On the other hand you have to start somewhere.
I will say that I am against groups like the IBM and SAM trying to make everyone a magician. They are constantly trying to recruit new members. I think that they should let each person develop thier interest in magic and then seek them out. They are both great organizations. |
Bill Douglas New user El Paso, TX 90 Posts |
Children love magic. When did most of us begin our interest and study of magic? Everybody has to have a starting place and venue to be bad. Where would Lance Burton or David Copperfield be today if no one had allowed them to do a few shows as a youngster?
My wife and I started the next magic prodigy a few years ago by hiring him to do our 5 year olds(at the time) B-day party. The kid wasn't too bad, he was 9. My wife said he was "cute and charming" and my son and his guests had a good time. Consider whether or not you are cute and charming and can let yourself and the kids have a great time. Competition can come from many different angles but the thing to probably ask is what did the other guy have that I didn't have and incorporate aspects that you can. Sorry, but you can't go back to being a kid again (real magic)? Can you get to that mindset again? ;-) |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-08-20 11:27, Ratty Roberts wrote: You may not like to read this, but that sort of comment shows a "scarcity" mentality. Business people who want to thrive, need to work on their "abundance" mentality. There are more than enough shows for everyone, provided you want to do shows. - Donald P.S. I saw an ad in the newpaper the other day for a birthday party magic show for only $20. I'm not concerned in the slightest about losing business.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
We live in a free country my friend. I had a dad tell me that for $200 he would go down to the local magic shop, buy some tricks, and do it himself. That made me laugh, and my only regrett was that he did not invite me to watch him make a fool of himself.
You can still look up magic in my local yellow pages and find an agency that will send a $100 magician to you house. I called that agency just for kicks, and he offered me a 50/50 split, and guaranteed three or four shows most every Saturdays. You also can also sell your car, and ride the bus, but I don't think it will be the same experience.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
As a birthday entertainer, you also run the risk of "losing business" to the local video / DVD rental place, as well as dozens of other options. A child magician is just one of those many choices parents have.
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
Well one could have said,,, Lets have the child magician perform and then let a pro perform or MC the show....
:)
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-08-20 10:16, Ratty Roberts wrote: OH REALLY NOW!! M:C |
Bill Douglas New user El Paso, TX 90 Posts |
I think the hardest to compete against is the Jumping Balloon guy. We just can't stand up to something we are not. I guess I am a bit ZEN about things and take to heart that which I only have control over and that is my perception of things.
The poem/poster thing that was popular in the 70s-80s titled Desiradata said (paraphrased): Do not compare yourself to others for there will always be those that are lesser and greater than yourself, doing so will only make you vain or bitter. Have fun, be unique, and enjoy your uniqueness; others will follow suit. The kid may corner the market because he has an act that is hot but not for long if he is totally relying on his cute factor. I say let him have all the $25-$50 dollar jobs he wants, he can work him self to death chasing those gifts. If people want a class act for a professional (yet reasonable) fee they will call a seasoned pro. |
Ratty Roberts New user 51 Posts |
Hooeeee, what a can of worms I opened with this one........
Still, I like the idea that everyone has at least SOMETHING to offer on the subject. It's now closed as far as I am concerned! Unless any one wants to continue it? Regards Ratty! |
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