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A Show By Joe Elite user Long Island 405 Posts |
Hi everyone,
I was booked to do magic show for an end of the year school party. It is sponsored by Citi Bank, and it is an all day event with different stations where each grade goes from one to another. Originally, I was booked to do 4 40 min magic shows with grades 1 through 5. A week before the party, they changed it to have grades 6 through 8 as well, but do 6 shows of 20 minutes long. The day before the director called and said they wanted to do each grade separately and have the shows 10 minutes in length. Needless to say I was upset because now it is just turning into show up, and "do a trick" and end. No routines, no connection or establishing yourself to the kids. What actually happened because of "time issues", was that the first 2 shows were 10 minutes, and the last 4, I was only allowed 5 minutes! I asked for combining classes so I could go longer, but was refused. All the kids wanted to see more, and I was able to do different shows for all the grades, but really couldn't consider them shows. The director was very happy, and I still got paid, but I was basically sitting around from 10-2:30 to do a total of 40 minutes of magic. He wants me to come back next year, so my question is do I ask for a different set up? Do I push for it, or just take it "as is"? I really didn't like only performing for 5 minutes. The kids didn't get a chance to get into the show, and I like to establish myself to them as well. |
The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
I would turn it down-let them know you don't operate that and if they want you, bring 2 or 3 grades at a time over and do show. You dictate how it will go, not them. Good luck
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Joe:
It stinks when things happen like this. But it is a case where the client or clients are making so many demands freely without really seeing your value. Your value is the ability to be a solutions provider to them. by doing so, they start to listen to you and want to take your advice. Too many clients see us only as a product for which they are buying. They do not see us as people who can immediately and positively effect the outcome to their event. They forget that we are entertainment professionals and have much more experience putting on events then they have themselves. It becomes our job to try and get them to change their perceptions of us. If they can get to see us as a value to them, then things start to change a lot. What I try to do is to get them talking so that I can start "listening". As I listen, I am engaged in what I hear as a problem for them that may also be a problem for me. The more I listen, the more I am tuned into hearing what problems they are faced with and what solutions I can give to them to solve it. Now do we have to offer solutions that do not really benefit us 100%? Of course not. However, being a solutions provider gets them to change their perception of you and increases your value to them. People of value tend to get treated better. So how do you treat or handle a client who keeps changing things on you through out the entire booking process? We start by listening to them first and locking in on what 1) you see as a problem for yourself and 2) what the problem may be for them. It also comes with a bit fo careful client education but done in a way that is not coming off as demeaning or degrading. For example they might be changing things and your show run times because of timing issues or scheduling issues. This is when you can ask them, "It seems like you might be having timing or scheduling issues. I know how that can be when trying to plan an event like yours and wanting it to be a huge success. Perhaps I can help you as I have done events like this for years." This is kind and gentle but gets them talking and listneing to you. it is at this point you can ask them what seems to be the biggest hurdle they are facing. You then can offer a solution that works best for them. In most cases, your solution works ideal because it is something that may not have even considered. Once you get them talking openinly to you, then it becomes both parties working together as a team for the interest of each other as a whole. You both talk mto work solutions that benefit you both and not just the client. So what happens if you were scheduled to do multiple shows in the same location and it ends up being that they want these shows to now be like 5 mins each due to timing problems? Well talking with them, you can find out what the timing and schedule probl;em is. Perhaps a solution is to do one large show at the beginning or end of their event making it easier for them to not have to shuffle people around. Perhaps you then offer to do strolling style magic ibnstead of multiple shows because it may help them wtih a spacing problem that they have. By listening and offering solutions that can help them, you are getting them to see you in a different way. When the client realizes you are a nice guy who is more then just a mere product, they will see the value you can have to THEIR end result. Hope this helps. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
A Show By Joe Elite user Long Island 405 Posts |
Kyle and Zuke (if that's o.k),
That's great advice and suggestions. This was the first year that I was hired to do this event. They do other events for other schools he wants to include me in other events. I guess I was just trying to be as accommodating as possible. I did suggest combining classes and strolling around. He was against both ideas. He had so many stations, and he had everything printed out with precise times that he was not moving one bit. Also, he didn't want huge crowds around me to stop what they were doing at that station. I did talk to him again, and I think now, because I will be "in the schedule" for next year, that it will be different. I don't like to sacrifice my show if I can help it. Thanks again. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I do not remember doing 5 minute shows in schools, but I have done multiple 10 and 15 minute shows in schools while other events are going on. The classes rotate from event to event.
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Crazy people make crazy requests all of the time, it isn't your rodeo. If the money is right do what they want you to do, only give your opinion if they ask for your opinion. Don't sweat the small stuff, go with the flow, and be sure to walk out the door with your check in your pocket.
Only rock stars get total artistic freedom, get over yourself you are just a performer at their event.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Did you keep the price the same after each change?
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
On the one hand, it does pay to be flexible with our clients.
We can do at times, educate the educators.(as wisely suggested by Kyle) At other times we have to be like the willow, and bend and not break during the windstorm. Sometimes we know of the changes weeks, days or minutes prior to a show. Side note, if I was given 5 minutes to entertain, say on a national talk or news show, I would be very grateful. Side note #2, I have shared at schools, under many banners including: birthday and book clubs in the media center(read library), full assembly under say Red Ribbon Week, or Bully (no not T.R, the President). My favorite was 15 minute segments where the students rotated to different career centers. I was there as a Comedian. Getting asked back is a good thing. I would take it as a compliment. As I grow as a performer and understand the business of show business, I realize, one doesn't have to take every gig offered. Harris still 2 old to know it all
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
A Show By Joe Elite user Long Island 405 Posts |
Yes George, the price never changed. My feeling was just as Al said. It's there function, and I am there to accommodate them. The shows the day before were set at 10 mins from 40, and down to 20.
I still had a great time as did the kids, do to the fact that I received a phone call today from the director stating that I was the favorite station as per the kids, and I will be getting a "set" time intergraded to next years schedule. |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Sometimes less is more
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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