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MAGICTOM Veteran user Dallas, Tx 354 Posts |
Hello everyone,
I have a question for you all, I have been racking my brain trying to figure out a descent place where I can get some real world experience performing for strangers.... So far, I am focusing on the local hospitals, but Im not sure what I should say, how to ask permission, and if it would even be appropriate.. Im not looking to make any money yet, I just would like to have some place to go during my lunch break to practice and feed the need.. if anyone has any recomendations on how to approach a hospital for charity work, or any other place where I can brighten up someones day or make someone smile, and at the same time get some of that real world experience, please let me know, I work in the middle of Dallas, Tx. so being in a big city, there are bound to be numerous places that I am just unaware of.. Thanks Tom Defrange
No Man is his craft's master the first day!
J.B. Bobo |
davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Hi Tom,
A great place to go are Retirement Villages and Assisted Living Centers. If you contact the entertainment director, (everyone has one) they will be happy to have you. Some of these facilities are required to have some sort of entertainment on a regular basis. (some pay quite nicely too) VA hospitals are another avenue. Usually if you contact the Volunteer Services of the hospital they will help you. If you want to perform for children in a hospital you will have to go through a backround check. At least in the city where I live you have to. Another place is shopping malls. Seniors usually gather at the food courts or other places to sit and chat. You may have to check with the management to let them know what you'll be doing and get their approval. Hey, there are tons of places, hope this gives you a start. David Paul
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Good advice from David Paul.
Seniors' centres and nursing homes are always looking for entertainment and usually have virtually no budget for it. The same with chronic care and veterans' hospitals. First, make sure you have an act that will "play" at such locations: Short effects, colorful, etc. and remember your audience may not be ambulatory. Second, check with the facility administrator and explain what it is you want to do and why. Third, do it (because, having talked to the administrator, it is MOST unlikely you will not be given the go-ahead). And congratulations, Tom, for wanting to do something like this. cheers, Peter Marucci showtimecol@aol.com |
woodmaven Regular user 102 Posts |
Great ideas Peter. I also thought of contacting some local camps for kids and the YMCA. They have activity directors that I'm sure would be happy to have you come in a fill some time. I know the Y in our neighborhood has an afterschool program that acts as "day care" for kids until their parents get off work. They are always looking for activities to keep the kids busy.
- Britt
Friends are our chosen family.
- Britt - |
MAGICTOM Veteran user Dallas, Tx 354 Posts |
Thanks all for the ideas,
I will work up the courage and get on the phone... and get out there..I cant think of anything else I would rather do for lunch each day than perform.. I Love what Magic can do for people who otherwise have nothing special left in their lives.. Thanks again, I will let you know how it goes.. C-ya Tom
No Man is his craft's master the first day!
J.B. Bobo |
Garrett Nelson Special user 644 Posts |
Most hospitals have a volunteer services center. I would start by talking to them.
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Hi,
I do not know about the US but here in the Uk there is a childrens ward play co-ordinator that sorts out the kids and the entertainment for them. I Perform in the childrens ward the first Wednesday in every month. However, I am Paid by a Charitable organisation who in turn get their money from large company Sponsors. Phillip |
Stefan Rupar Regular user 121 Posts |
I would not disagree with any of the other posters on this thread.
But my .025 is go to the hospital cafeteria and do your act for the hospital staff unannounced. . .remember, they only have 30 minutes (usually, I worked in a hospital for five years). . .when the hospital staff goes to the cafeteria for a short time they are BIG TIME receptive to entertainment. . . Once you've done this, I'll bet you'll get all kinds of references for the children's wards and other venues. The ladies who work in hospitals are NOT SHY about helping out and getting things going. Unfortunately, I can't work this strategy since I am a convicted three-card-monte worker on the Pike Place Market. . .ha ha, just kidding. . . |
KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
Got my contacts from a web search on volenteers for my local area. My focus is on any one who may be down and need some cheering up. Cold call the directors in the middle of the week.
When people hear you are working in hospitals they will try to buy services for individuals. Don't do this, or you may be asked not to come back. On occasion and if I have time, I will sit in with the patients for free and If thse folks insist on paying, I fold the payment and hand it back under a buisness card and promtly leave. (make sure your card says birthday parties, special events, or whatever you realy want to do for a paying venue) Just avoid confusing charity work and money. Don't abuse your contacts.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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magicalan New user 51 Posts |
I agree Kingstardog. I did a gig at a senior citizen center. It was a spagetti dinner fundraiser. I got a lot of tips (they love seing a little kid, I'm 13, do magic!), but I gave them back, but they just put them back in my pockets. I didn't want to be rude, so instead, I donated the money to the center itself!
-Alan |
KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
I would think that it would be ok at a fundraiser to do what you did. In some cases an envelope that was clearly marked with the final destination of funds (charity) would be in order for storing the tips. There is a very clear line on charity work that should never be crossed. If you donate your time, you give it freely for the promotion of the charity. If you are donating your time, anthing that comes in during that donated time, belongs to the specific charity. Anything else would be called: working for a reduced wage.
I commend you on your honesty and integrity.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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Andy Charlton Veteran user Palma Nova Mallorca Spain 311 Posts |
Just a thought.
Many Malls employ entertainers and magicians. Offering your services there for free wouldn't go down too well with the local professionals. Hospitals. In the UK try contacting the hospital radio station, as they often are involved with other entertainment. Overall. Great thought to give your time and skills for others. Cheers Andy
"Keep that smile on your face, that excitement in your eyes." - Don Driver
Check out www.andyandjeansbigadventure.com or www.andysmagic.com |
Genio New user 54 Posts |
Hi,
I am going to start doing work at the hospital work and a very excited. I am probably going to work in the children's hospital. Happy, Genio
Respectful Classic Magic.
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Genio,
Just a point about working the childrens ward in the hospital. I do not know if you are planning to go from bed to bed or as I do, Perform a 30 mins show then go around the beds for those that maybe could not make it. However, you will find that the numbers of children to work to varies greately. sometimes there have been as little as 2 children of the ward other times it is stuffed to capacity. it is no good ringing that morning to find out what you are up against as sometimes they are sent home throught the day and here in the UK they like to get the beds cleared for new possible patients. I am contracted for 40 mins so I must have enough material for this even if it is just 1 child. If you are just doing it free then you might not have to worry about minimum performance time. but I just thought I would let you have advance warning. Phillip |
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