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Mike OJ New user 4 Posts |
Hi there, this is my first post on this site and am really interested in any help you all could give me!
I am not so much new to magic, I am pretty component when it comes to tricks and have done a few shows. I really need some advice at how to approach people for street magic (it's something that I always wanted to do but never really had an idea at how to start the conversation per say) and help getting my 'name out there' if that makes sense. Thank you all for any advice |
Ado Inner circle New York City 1033 Posts |
To get your name out there, bring business cards.
To start the conversation, start with "hi"... Do you have any problem asking for the time or directions? No? Then do it. And then follow up something like "hey, one more thing, did you know about blahblahblah" where blahblahblah is something about cards, coins, or whatever you're going to do. It helps not being creepy, though... P! |
ibm_usa Special user In Your Mind, Ky, USA 722 Posts |
With the little experience I have doing actual street work I would like to give you my experience and what I could have done better.
What David Blaine does is not true street magic, it's just strolling. You will find very quickly that people don't react equally and you will probably never get a reaction like the ones you see on David Blaine specials. What amazes one person won't amaze another no matter if what you do is your best. As a side note - they had to go through many shots to get those hysterical reactions when filming Blaine's work. You're talking an all day thing. Don't go into doing it thinking you will get reactions like that all the time. You're got to have guts and you have to be proactive. You can't sit/stand on the side waiting - make noises, make big claims - do whatever you have to with respect to the locals that you have to do to get people to notice. In some cities you have to have a permit to busk - but if your goal is just to show people something without making money the end goal then go right ahead. The police are not your friend. If the police come at you be prepared to be searched for cash and if cash is on you you better have a permit from the city. Worst comes to worse they will destroy your gear luckily that has never happened to me but I heard stories. If the police come - they will more than likely tell you to produce your permit and or leave. If the latter, leave the area and go somewhere else. I'm assuming you want to make this a full day thing - don't neglect your own safety and health. Stay hydrated. You can make a good amount of money if you pass the hat the right way - I've made well over $25 once in 2 hours but if you keep at it you can make a lot more than that (given that nobody robs you so keep everything you have close to you and protected)
"You may think that i only talk of things from the past, you know, history, well magic is history"
-Guy Jarrett "Curiosity isn't a sin Harry, but it should be exorcised with great caution." -Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) http://www.jordanallen-mentalist.webs.com/ |
ebackes88 Regular user 153 Posts |
I just say "Hey can I show you something cool?" People very rarely say no, in fact I can't think of it ever happening, just show them something quick and gauge their interest. Also you kind of have to know what to look for, generally people waiting are the best candidates, I like Starbucks. It's not like they have anything else to do while they're waiting. I wouldn't say "can I show you a magic trick?" I think saying "something cool," or "something interesting" makes people curious because they don't know what to expect.
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LoganPorterMagic Regular user 137 Posts |
Do you think people want to take a business card from guys on the street? That seems strange to me.
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ebackes88 Regular user 153 Posts |
Quote:
On May 13, 2016, LoganPorterMagic wrote: Couple weeks ago a guy asked me for a business card after showing him some magic. People hand out flyers on the street all the time. It's a little weird, but so is going up to a stranger and showing them a magic trick. |
Lillian Quest New user 16 Posts |
Perform for as many people as you can. Practice. Practice. Experience is the best teacher.
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
I note that you are, in your own words: " pretty COMPONENT when it comes to tricks, and have done a few shows". You need to become COMPETENT in
S P E L L I N G! Regarding being "component when it comes to tricks": S. H. SHARPE, many years ago, had this to say: "Those who think that magic consists of doing tricks, are strangers to magic. Tricks are only the crude residue form which the lifeblood of magic has been drained." No less a magician than DARIEL FITZKEE said it this way: "I must insist that tricks are but tools. This eagerness to add new tools to the workshop, at the expense of learning how to use the tools we already possess, definitely results in crowded workshops, but unskilled artisans." BTW: It is NOT "per say", it is: "per se".
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Quote:
On May 22, 2016, Lillian Quest wrote: Practice does NOT "MAKE PERFECT"! PRACTICE, with a QUALIFIED MENTOR, m a y "make perfect". EXPERIENCE IS NOT NECESSARILY THE BEST TEACHER. BTW: "Nemo dat quod non habet!" (NO ONE CAN GIVE WHAT HE DOES NOT HAVE!) Before you hand out advice, be sure that you know what you are talking about. P.S.: No one should "perform before as many people as they can", until they've learned at least the basics of not only how to do the trick, but most important, how to do the trick, so that it ENTERTAINS.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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writeall Special user Midland, Michigan 930 Posts |
Dick, you gotta start putting your punctuation inside the quote marks.
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SleepyMagic Inner circle Hopefully I'll pass my exams with 1646 Posts |
Well these are the two options if you go up to someone to ask...they say yes...which would be great and they sya no..which doesn't matter...there's no reason not to try as no damage will be done to you whatsoever... And I agree make some business cards and record some videos if you can to post on social media...social media is the best thing to get your name out there
Sleepy |
gomerel Elite user 458 Posts |
From street historical reenactment training (I do street magic in goldrush Sacramento and at ren faires.):
Figure out who is the alpha in a group you are approaching. Talk to them. Approach from the side. Less confrontational. |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Quote:
On Jun 6, 2016, writeall wrote: Would you care to clarify your comment? --Perhaps with an example!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Kyoki_Sanitys_Eclipse Inner circle 1513 Posts |
Also when you go up to them and say, "hey can I show you something cool," make sure you are wearing a trench coat tjat is fastened at the front. The pockets are great for holding tricks;)
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