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n3o New user Valenciennes, France 44 Posts |
Hi. One of my friends is working for an IT company celebrating the new headquarters, and he wants to hire me as a close up magician to do some table hopping for the clients at the evening party.
Thing is : I've never done that! I've been doing close up magic seriously for 3 years now, performed for familly, friends as well as strangers, close up or on stage, so I'm confident (I'm actually trying to find a restaurant to work there on a regular basis). But this opportunity is coming to soon as I've never thought about how I can manage this and how much I can ask for (he asked me how much I want). So I need your advice. I'd like to know what kind of "show" you present, and usually how much you ask for? Knowing that it's a first "corporate" experience? Any help would be great. Thanks. |
David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
IT guys are sharp and tend to really try to figure it out...but once you get them on-side, you're golden.
I would strongly suggest that you try first off to get them laughing (with you)...be very careful with sucker tricks because a lot of them, regardless of how they try to look cool now are former nerds and they DO remember. I've always had luck with effects like the Invisible Deck, Color Monte, a Svengali deck. A lot of them are into bizarre stuff -- so effects like White Star will work. If the room is quiet enough, I might even be inclined to try an effect like Luna. Just remember that they respect presentation and you'd better be tech perfect because they will be burning your hands and will have NO qualms about whistle blowing. What to charge? You haven't said how many people are going to be at the event or how long you're on for. If it's a tiny group, be prepared to essentially wind up doing a stage show, parlour style. If it's larger, you are also going to want to know if there's something else (like a band) going on while you're performing. It matters. So does whether or not they're drinkers...try to get a complete picture of what you're walking into. I'd be inclined to look at between 250-350 per hour...but maybe things are different where you are. Good luck! David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
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n3o New user Valenciennes, France 44 Posts |
@David : thanks a lot for your advice. I'm going to remember all of this, makes a lot of sense.
About what I'm going to present : only material I've been doing a lot. Not going to take much risk hehe. I still have no info on what it's gonna be like there, and how many people will be attending. As soon as I'll get that I'll be able to appreciate more what I'm walking into and how to behave there. Thanks for all your words! |
ferrismagic Regular user 116 Posts |
Be prepared for anything, loud music, (you do visual effects).
too dark (bring blue and red decks) in case the tables are blue or red of it's too dark to see a blue deck, use red... Make sure the stuff you do resets or better still do effects that don't need resets. 2 card monte, ambitious cards... Work on your PR skills, you don't have to do magic all the time, talk to ppl, it's more important that they like you... When you approach a table, compliment the person or ppl your gonna be showing tricks to. Find the boss and work your way down. I`ve found it the hardest to approach new tables...So if just 1 person likes you he'll keep wanting to show you off to his friends... Makes approaching easier. Women are generally easier to perform for... Men like watching magic but hate being made to look silly... Don't do too much 3 or 4 effects per table and move on... You can always come back... Money wise I'd say since it's you 1st show don't charge too much...If they book you for an hour stay for 2 and if they book you for 2 stay for 3... U get the idea.. Have a look at my video and see if it inspires you... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE69xxOaLjE |
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
People are people ... do not be intimidated by the fact it is a professional group. These are the exact same people you run into when you are doing tableside magic in a restaurant; you simply do not know their occupations then.
For the most part, I like to keep it quick and visual. Look for the breaks in conversations when people are clustered together, or tables who are not actively conversing. You can be the icebreaker, the common experience for them. Remember, they are not there to see magic. You are a nice additional diversion, so do not think it has to be about you. A few minutes is all you really need to spend with any one group. Have material that can be done both on a table surface or in your hands. People may be standing around and a tabletop will not be available to you. They may also have their hands occupied (holding drinks or food), so be prepared to do things just in your own hands. You do NOT have to do difficult stuff. Concentrate on entertaining material. I have one client (a bank president) that has used me for over two decades and the trick he always wants me to show people is "Color Monte." Remember, they have no idea what tricks are easy and which are difficult (nor do they really care), but they do know if it is fun for them. And finally, be prepared with an "interruption introduction." They may not know who you are or why you are their, so plan a nice smooth way to offer your magic for a few moments. |
n3o New user Valenciennes, France 44 Posts |
Thanks for everything, it helps a lot!!!
I'm getting myself ready to perform, wether it'll be standing up or with the help of the table. You gave me lots of great tips! I'll let you know how it goes! You can still write your thoughts here, the contract if for june! Peace! |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
If this is headquarters, then wear a suit and tie. The best you can afford. You want to be the sharpest one there. Keep it business, go to a mens store and ask them for their advice on business attire for corporate climate.
Have you a set of multiplying sponge rabbits. Card in wallet. Color Monte. Only do trick you like and know very well, if something goes wrong, you know how to get out of it. Go get um! |
Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
It can be a big help to get the audience to like you,
If they like you the opportunity is much greater they will like what you are performing, be open to seeing and taking part in your performance Relax, don't "mug" anyone with magic. Speak with them first a warm up a little You have a little time before this performance, make sure everything you plan on performing is well rehearsed wmhegbli ~ is spot on about attire and as harsh as this sounds, remember the audience doesn't care about you (until you get them to) they don't care if you've had a bad day, if something happened to one of your gimmicks, if your big toe got crushed by a car. All they care about is being entertained .... and that is what you are there for
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
If it’s your friend that is hiring you, ask him what the budget is; it may surprise you and you can accept it as your first performance without asking too much and risk the committee saying no or too little when you could have received more. If he states a figure and you accept it, it’s a done deal and your in.
The attire is a good idea; wear nice clean clothing, bring lots of new business cards and give them out as requested. |
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