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Magicjg Elite user 477 Posts |
Here is what I am interested in. In a few weeks, a few friends of mine are flying to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. I am a full time entertainer, I perform stage, close up, the works. This is all that I do. I am interested in flying in and meeting a few friends, but at the same time I would love to work while I'm there. Any advice on how to book a few shows the week that I am there. I have thought about contacting the chamber, maybe a few clubs. Do you think its a good idea to contact a few restaurants and offer my services (since I have performed restaurants for over 5 years now). Just thought of cold calling and letting them know that I will be touring through there area, and would love to perform. Once again I perform for a living and have the experience in performing successful shows. I am confident that what I have to offer, my customers in South Carolina will be 100% satisfied with. Thanks.
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suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
My best advice is: Try Everything - To be honest, I think you're already a little behind in planning this. Out of state bookings can take a month or more to book, so starting now you're probably going to face a lot of NO's but you only need one yes to make the whole thing worthwhile.
I would skip restaurants since part of the pitch is that you will be a weekly fixture, and focus on country clubs, camps and libraries, where they might jump at a chance to get a out of state act at a discount rate (you are going to bid low, right?). Best of luck peter |
Magicjg Elite user 477 Posts |
Thanks for the advice. I know I'm majorly behind. I just decided to give this a try, figure it was worth while. I figured with the restaurants I could pitch that I am performing later in the week ( hopefully I will be) and that I want to draw a crowed. So I would offer the come in for a few hours and work restaurants at a discount price. I will under bid my current price without upsetting any locals. If I get at least 3 hits I will be able to afford this. Thanks for the advice, I will start contacting everyone soon.
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Kipp Sherry Elite user Boise, ID 477 Posts |
If paying gigs don't pan out before hand, don't be afraid to hit the nightclubs while you're there. Perform for tips and hand out cards. I've done this a time or two when I went to Chicago. One night I received $170.00 tip from one table alone. Another night a guy was flipping me 20's for each effect, finally he hired me on the spot to perform a a party he was going to later that night. And yet another time I was hired by a club to come back later in the year as a booked act. You just never know who'll you'll meet.
Until we appear again, Kipp Sherry |
Magicjg Elite user 477 Posts |
Thanks Kipp I like your ideas.
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Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Don't forget the busking scene. Whenever I travel for any reason I hit the streets and busk. If a cop tells me it's illegal I explain that I am just passing thru and didn't know. Then I quit, there's always the next town. Yes you can make very good money busking.
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Dan Paulus Veteran user Utah is isolated from the real world by 343 Posts |
Ask some of your local clients if they have a branch office in the state you are visiting and get a contact name. Again, offer a discount since it is short notice. Make sure to drop the name of your client. "Mr. Big gave me your name and said I should call..."
Try contacting a local college. Tell them you're 'on tour' and want to book a show during a layover. Or, try the truth, sometimes they'll fall for that! Either way, offer a discount rate for last minute booking. If you have a magic lecture, call the local club and book it.
There is no great genius without a mixture of madness. - Aristotle
Aristotle www.danscomedymagic.com |
Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
I like to walk into a biker bar, produce a blank white silk, push it through my fist and show that it is now pink and has text on it reading:
"One percenters are overcompensating wussies!"
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Bairefoot Inner circle 1097 Posts |
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Drew Manning Special user Dallas, Texas 913 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-06-02 19:01, Scott F. Guinn wrote: ROTFLMAO!!!!! I bet your encore is 20th Century bra & panties
I live my life for a layer of ice
Just like those poured by my bartender vice Any taste of vermouth would be really sublime, When you have a good martini time! -The Reverend Horton Heat |
Victor Brisbin Elite user Washington, DC / NOVA 432 Posts |
Quote: Bwahaha! Scott, be sure to paint your thumbtip black and blue so it will match when they get through with you.On 2009-06-02 19:01, Scott F. Guinn wrote:
"It is better to practice a little than talk a lot." - Muso Kokushi
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Good one Vic! Drew, somehow I don't think there would be an encore. However, to my way of thinking, that would be no less classy than working for tips in an establishment that hadn't hired you and where you had not received permission from the management to perform...
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Troy_Roark New user 15 Posts |
If you have a childrens show, you might consider contacting libraries or day care providers.
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
See if any festivals will be in action. Try contacting the event planner in advance.
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Magicjg Elite user 477 Posts |
Michael,
Are you based out of Myrtle Beach? Also whenever I access your website my viruse protection tells me that your site is infected. If anyone is interested who is currently living in Myrtle Beach, I will be there Tuesday through Friday night. I would love to meet up and talk magic. Jason JasonALan@Jasonalanmagic.com http://www.jasonalanmagic.com |
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