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rowland Inner circle 1526 Posts 
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When I perform in resturants I some times get asked can I teach them a simple trick at the moment I am using an idea of Jerry O'connell but I would be interested to hear other views
Rowland |
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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts
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IMO, teaching at a paying venue is not the best idea.
The role there is entertainer, not teacher. If you feel you must do this then teach the quickest, self-working trick you know. Here are some opinions of others. http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......&forum=2 |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts
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As I am primarily a children's entertainer, I'm often asked by the kids to teach a trick. My restaurants all provide crayons for the wee guests so it's quick and easy to teach the mindreading crayon bit. Spectator chooses a crayon, places it in the "magician's" hand, "magician" turns around and without looking reveals the color chosen. Kids love it. If time permits on those really slow nights, I may also teach the old salt-shaker-through-the-table routine.
I follow this up with a bookmark that I created with my logo & contact info, the Dewey Decimal number for library magic books and a list of the local libraries. Who knows, we might be encouraging a future Chris or Copperfield.
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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rowland Inner circle 1526 Posts
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Hi , thanks Jaz I have been on the link very helpful I can't believe some of the tricks some people were willing to teach !
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Koolmagic114 Veteran user 319 Posts
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I tend to agree with Jaz. Being there to entertain and not to take of the paying customers time with me teaching an effect for one group of folks. Maybe at the end of my gig (Time permitting and I was not pressed to be anywhere else) I would decline teaching and just mention..time permitting after I am done if you are not busy I will come back and show you a little something. With some rubber bands in my pockets.. maybe I nice little simple 'Jumping Rubber Band' quick, easy, and out..
<Poof> gone!
Eddy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Co-Creator of "TAGZ" / "Iced Over" / " TelePad" / "Penigma" www.magicianslair.com |
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Hart Keene Inner circle Eugene, OR 1486 Posts
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Not your job to teach..
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts
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I'm there to serve and entertain the customers in any way time and ability permits. Giving a little extra attention to a customer practically guarantees good word of mouth and a return visit. That is in my favor.
If time allows and a customer wishes to learn a quick and easy trick, where's the harm? It's a personal service often rewarded with a generous personal tip! Naturally I'm not going to do this if the place is hopping and customers are piled up like cord wood. But, on a slack night - it's better than standing around with my thumb up my tip! Just MY opinion.
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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ldl1017 Elite user 476 Posts
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If someone asks to learn a trick, I teach them King's Fool and then they get to keep my business card with the trick printed on it. This is great for children and adults. I've done this at corporate events and have even been asked by the people who hired me to teach it to them. I also got repeat business since they had my card/trick on their desk for later. At restaurants it's great because you don't appear to be soliciting clients while on their dime. Yet, It gets all your contact info into the families hands in a subtle manner. Better than a regular business card trick.
Lou
“I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.”
Billy Joel |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts
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Quote:
On 2007-10-23 13:33, Skip Way wrote: Are we related because I am a kid's entertainer too. Plus those are the same two I teach. But I do not teach when the patrons are new. They will have to be regulars. |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts
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Quote:
Are we related... Could be, Mike! We both have those genetically enhanced good looks and flashing smiles! 
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts
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LOL
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ringmaster Inner circle Memphis, Down in Dixie 1974 Posts
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Two Card Monty. The instructions and payroll size envelope were nicely printed with the Rosy O'Grady logo, the resturant paid for it.
My name was prominently featured. if I were doing it today, I would include a 'to learn more tricks' link to that part of my web site.
One of the last living 10-in-one performers. I wanted to be in show business the worst way, and that was it.
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts
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Since when did magic become all about just performing?? I consider myself an entertainer...and yes, I have taught people a quick trick while being paid. Only my regulars though. If they come in to see me every week, I think that more than warrants me being able to teach them something simple they can show their friends. And it also generates more word of mouth advertising too...
They show their friend the trick you taught them and their friend asks where they learned it..."Why the magician at Red Robin of course!" And I know first hand it pays off too...and also creates goodwill with their friends as well, as it's making you seem gracious and professional. What's the harm in teaching a trick? Certainly not exposure, that's for sure. Oh...and the trick I teach is a hindu force and and the magicians force. They force the card, then deal out 6 cards (2 piles of 3). Then from there use the magicians force to find the selected card. I've only taught this twice though... Best. Steve |
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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts
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The thought that those I may teach will keep coming back and buggin' me to teach even more free tricks don't appeal to me.
I suppose mentioning paid lessons outside of the gig could reap some added benefits.
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts
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Here's what I do in this situation...
I tell the person (child or adult) that if they're REALLY interested in learning a magic trick, to go to the local library. It's FREE and there's a vast array of info on the subject. This gets them reading and keeps them away from the internet distractions provided by Ellusionist like websites.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts
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Quote:
On 2007-10-26 16:20, Jaz wrote: I've haven't had anyone do that...or heard of it happening to anyone. Most people have enough common sense to understand that it isn't an everyday occurrence, and not to get greedy. Quote:
On 2007-10-26 16:50, lylemagic wrote: IMO, that just further makes it seem like you're above them. Of course we can all do stuff they can't, but I don't see the harm in teaching them a quick trick. It builds goodwill among those at the table and spreads word-of-mouth about you and the restaurant. It's a win-win situation that doesn't really hurt anyone. Best. Steve |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts
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Steve,
I do agree IN PART... HOWEVER... I'm there as a paid entertainer...not a teacher. If I teach one then I should teach all. Picture Red Robin on a busy night...I mean really busy. Would you have time to teach?
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts
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Quote:
On 2007-10-26 23:54, lylemagic wrote: Well, I've spent a bit of extra time with my regulars on a busy night. That's why they keep coming back, so it's worth it to both you and the restaurant to make it worth their while. And while I'm there as an entertainer too (paid), teaching a trick CAN be entertaining to your average lay person. Make it interesting, and then reap the rewards as their friends come pouring in! (witnessed it first hand!)
best. Steve |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts
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I can see where you're coming from...my only fear is that over time, you get swamped with people wanting to come to the free magic workshop that RR is offering featuring Professor Magic Steve.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts
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Quote:
On 2007-10-27 00:20, lylemagic wrote: Like Steve, I've never had a person balk or complain when I say, "I'm really busy tonight. Catch me on a slower night and it'll be my pleasure." Meantime, Lyle, on busy nights I use your idea of encouraging the kid to hit the library and show me a new trick next time they come in. They usually love this idea. This builds regular customers, grateful parents and big tips.
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Posted: Oct 23, 2007 04:14 pm 
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