|
|
Stephen Williams Regular user 164 Posts |
How do you start doing tricks in pubs? Do you just walk in and start doing tricks?
|
Dr_Stephen_Midnight Inner circle SW Ohio, USA 1555 Posts |
One mentalist walks in, orders a drink, then shows an effect or two to the bartender and nearby patrons. When interest builds, he stops and asks to see the manager, stating that he wants permission from management to continue.
After the 'okay,' he continues for a short while, with the manager aware of his presence. Afterward, having displayed his ability to entertain the patrons, he talks to the manager about coming in to do his thing on a regular basis; talking terms, etc. That's one approach I know of. Steve
Dr. Lao: "Do you know what wisdom is?"
Mike: "No." Dr. Lao: "Wise answer." |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
First time I ever did this, I went with a magic buddy. We went in as customers and decided to start at opposite ends and work toward the middle. When we met again, it was time to go. This was basically to get that one thing that rehearsal never gave us... the spectator involvement.
We assumed we were not ready to charge for our services yet, but we needed to learn the cold approach. Surprisingly, people enjoyed these two greenhorns enough to tip us. We jokingly said if we left with more money in our pockets than we went in with, and a good buzz to boot, it was a successful night. Steve's suggestion is probably safer, and anymore, I usually do let someone know what I'm doing. You never know if you're going to be flagged as a weirdo that's bothering people. I have also gone in with friends, gotten a table, and after some time started to magish for them, with every intention of getting noticed. When other people start to watch, I invite them over for a closer look. By then, the employees/management will begin to notice. What they see is a guy showing his friends some really cool stuff that is apparently also good enough to interest other people, too. Have one of your friends "put a bug in the manager's ear" by suggesting how smart it would be for him to hire this magician to work for the tables. If the manager then approaches you, he is already sort of patting himself on the back for "coming up with such a good idea". That puts you in a really powerful negotiating stance. Now, assuming you have to run this track solo, definitely play on a waitress, a bartender, or any other employee who is not too busy to watch. Just be careful about tying up someone who should be doing something else. That could create a negative immpression with the management if they have to remind their employees to get back to work. So, evermagic... chart your path and let the nervous sweat roll on the inside. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Chris Thibault Elite user Massachusetts 469 Posts |
These are all great suggestions. I got started in pubs by going to my local beer distibutor. Met with their brand managers. They hired me to promote their products. On average I work three nights a week, all in different restaurants and bars. They have hired me for beer tastings and conventions also. I've been doing it for three years and love it. It also gives me a chance to hand out plenty of business cards. I currently work for The Miller Brewing Co., Coors Brewing Co., Bass, Guinness, Smirnoff, Mike's Lemonade.
-Chris
|
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Evermagic,
You have just been had by one who is certainly no "greenhorn". Michael Baker is one of the best kept secrets in the magic industry. Read some of his writings or better yet, see him work sometime. His encouragement to you is certainly no joke. It is professional advice. Have at it! Good Luck! Bob Magic By Sander |
Mike Wild Inner circle NY, PA, TX, MA, FL, NC 1290 Posts |
I got my first bartending/magician gig by doing exactly what Dr. Midnight and Mr. Baker described above. I walked in, did a few effects for the bartender, manager, and a few regulars. Came in a few times after that doing pretty much the same thing, but of course, new material each time, and eventually approached the owner. I asked for a bartending job, and offered to throw in the magic to make the bar an "even more unique and memorable place for people to come" than it already was. Within a year or so, and being that it was the only bar in South Boston with an on-staff magician, it started getting a reputation for itself.
Bar's and magic were made for each other. If you don't want to tend bar and perform at the same time, just stroll the room and do your thing. I wouldn't do it on a regular basis any place other than a bar... well the Coffee Haus that I do now is an exception. It's a pretty cool place too. I dig the blues and jazz music, and the lack of alcoholic beverages being served... keeps them more focused on my magic! Best, Mike |
Stephen Williams Regular user 164 Posts |
Thanks Guys!
Found out that my uncle has a pub! I have been doing magic there. I also go to afew other places! Magically Yours, Ste |
Cory Gallupe Inner circle Nova Scotia, Canada 1272 Posts |
How old are you? It doesn't matter to get the job as a pub magician, but Im just wondering how old you are because in your picture you look young. Anyways, have you done a pub yet? If so, how did it go?
|
evolve629 Inner circle A stack of 3838 Posts |
I think evermagic put on a picture of himself years ago.. He should be old enough to order and drink a pint of lager now, don't you think?
One hundred percent of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky
My favorite part is putting the gaffs in the spectators hands...it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside! - Bob Kohler |
Cory Gallupe Inner circle Nova Scotia, Canada 1272 Posts |
Well, possibly. But even if he was that age he could still work a pub. I am 14 and will soon be doing a pub for a few days.
|
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
He could do a pub, but NOT an American bar.
I have never been a fan of the "suprise" audition. I know it works but it is not me. I know a lot of guys who do exactly what is said above and walk with the job. So don't discount the idea. If your old enough to bartend, that is a great way. You already have a reason to be there, talking to them. Heck your providing the drinks. I prefer those methods personally, but as I said the others work great also.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Shaner316 Loyal user St. Catharines, ON. Canada 213 Posts |
You can always do what I am doing. About 4 weeks ago I started taking a bartending course, just so I could have another venue to perform magic at, besides kids birthday parties (which is what I normally do)
And it is a whole lot of fun learning to mix drinks (especially if you are like me and don't drink a lot and don't know what ingredient is in what drink LOL) I it would make for a good little part time job, as well as being able to perform for a different crowd than what I am used to. |
steve j Special user Long Island, New York 559 Posts |
"You drunk yet sir? Well here is something for you to wrap your mind around." Honestly I have never had a problem with just introducing myself as a magician and performing, I know a lot of magicians think that you need a joke or something to break the ice but I just introduce myself. I haven't been turned down yet.
|
michaelrice Loyal user Ireland 257 Posts |
I usually show a friend a trick and do a few flourishes, if someone is interested or if you see them looking ask them if they want to see a trick. I'm not sure if your old enough but this is great for getting people to buy you pints, I usually get a free night out of it but end up with sticky cards!!!
Mike |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » How do you start doing tricks in pubs? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |