|
|
calexa Inner circle Germany 1635 Posts |
This year I would like to start doing restaurant magic in the restaurant of a hotel where my brother is working in. Now I would like to hear some tips and experiences how to get started in germany. I know, that in this Café there are a lot of very good postings on "getting started with restaurant magic". But my experience is, that the people in germany are harder to entertain with magic than people in for example the US or UK. People in the US (that´s my experience) are more enthusiastic about magic than german people are.
So I would like to hear something from members of the Café who have some experience with restaurant magic especially in germany. And the best thing would be, if somebody can compare restaurant magic in germany to restaurant magic in the US. Thanks for helping! Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
|
dominik Regular user Germany 143 Posts |
Hi Magixx,
I am also planning to get into Restaurant Magic in this country within the next 18 month. I am sorry that, lacking experience, I cannot give any tips or advice, but maybe we can share some ideas. I am gonna PM you. Dominik |
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
Try to find some of the members of the FLICKING FINGERS... and I bet they would tell you entertaining people with magic in Germany is no different than anywhere else.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
|
calexa Inner circle Germany 1635 Posts |
Guys, don´t let me down! Nobody here doing restaurant magic in Germany?
Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
|
Keith Raygor Special user Naples, FL 968 Posts |
"But my experience is, that the people in germany are harder to entertain with magic than people in for example the US or UK."
I would agree, initially, with your assessment - but I find that it's not confined to just restaurant magic. My experience has been they have a slightly more serious outlook on life and there isn't as much time for foolishness like magic. I've had this expressed to me by quite a few people from Germany that were just being honest about their initial reaction to magic. BUT - Once you overcome their initial hesitation at things foolish it is very easy to bring them into your circle of fun and get them laughing and enjoying it in the same way as people from anywhere else. Also, they may be unaccustomed to the concept of magic in a restaurant, but the beauty of your situation is that you get the be one of the few that changes the magical landscape in Germany, and their opinions at the same time! Some of my favorite memories are needing to stop performing every few minutes to sing a song, then back to magic. In the US, people tend to get up from the table and leave when they are done with the meal. Thus, you are performing for a new group every hour or so. As I'm sure you know, the timetable is different there. Once they're seated at their table, they may be there all night, so it will require a different pacing. I have performed in restaurants in Munich, Erlangen, Nuremberg. I always envisioned the Island of Lindau at Lake Bodensee as a wonderful place to perform full-time in a restaurant because of the resort atmosphere, the German tourists as well as the acceptance of street performing (living statues) that already exists. I wish you the best of luck and please tell us of your experiences. |
calexa Inner circle Germany 1635 Posts |
Thanks Keith Raygor for your kind advice.
Can you tell me how you started with doing restaurant magic in Germany? Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
|
Ontrack New user 4 Posts |
Although I can't offer any words of wisdom, I thought I would share something...
An exchange student that stayed with our family from Germany a few years back came to visit over the holidays. We talked about many things...including a train ride she had in Germany. She said it was 3 hours long and nobody but her and her friend were talking the whole time...in english. She said it was funny, because the others were listening hard. (She said they were probably dusting up on their English skills). Anyways, she said Germans are much colder than the US. And everything costs in a restaurant...even if you get water with your meal. Good luck! |
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
How you get started. Just go in and talk to the managers and offer to show them what you can do with some guests.
Talking about it here won't get you there...
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
|
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-01-14 12:43, Ontrack wrote: That's kind of funny. I have ridden all over Germany on the train, and I never have a problem striking up a conversation with someone if I want to. But generally, over there, you will find that people respect each other's privacy on the trains, etc. However, if you run across other Americans or even other people who are from the UK, it is easy to get into a conversation with them. One time on a return flight from Germany, I struck up a conversation in German with another fellow who had a lot of photographic equipment. I had seen him near the Brandenburger Tor, while I was there. We spoke German with each other for about an hour, then we found out we were both Americans and switched languages! I'm not sure what to do to get a job working in a restaurant in Germany, though. I would find a suitable restaurant, and approach the owner. If your magic is good, the audience will like it. I just don't think it is as commonplace over there as it is in the US. A lot of places it is easier to work as a street performer than as a restaurant performer. Some of the restaurants are not laid out well for restaurant work. The space is a bit restricted, etc.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Memo New user Germany (northrhine-westfalia) 77 Posts |
I think it depends on the location. Most of the restaurants in Germany have got a very formal flair. You go there to buisness meeting or family-celebrations, or dating etc. But usually not to get entertained.
But there are special event restaurants. I think as a German you will know all that. But the point I disagree is, that the Germans are harder to entertain. To mention one of those event restraurants: The Zarenkeller in Dresden. There are not only people doing close-up magic, but also singers, hand-readers and comedians. All styled in midleage-dress. There the people go to get entertained and I don´t think it is hard for the people working there to do their job. It is always a great and loud atmosphere and it justs "works".
"There have been many claims by magicans and mentalists to the invention of mnemonics; some of the claimants have been world-famous performers - and none of them have a right to their claims!" - Corinda
|
mdownunder New user 6 Posts |
Hmmm. I can definetely see how German people are a lot colder at initial meeting. I've been to Australia for half a year and it was a complete change for me. There is a difference though. In Australia, most people are warm and friendly towards you from the get go, but if you get to know them, some of them will turn out to be disloyal to you, even if you thought you were the best chums. This is not necessarily bad, it is just an observation I made and people from Australia can probably know from the get-go, whether there is mutual interest.
In Germany, specially in Hamburg, people seem like a fortress of solitude. They do not give in, which was so annoying to me when I came back. Makes it harder to get to know people. However, If germans take a liking to you, they will be loyal and friendly and sociable and all the schtick. Just takes a while longer. |
Ross W Inner circle UK 1778 Posts |
Didn't Basil Fawlty in "Fawlty Towers" have a winning way with Germans in his restaurant? I think his approach could be a winner...
|
mdownunder New user 6 Posts |
I know what you mean. Trying not to mention the war and then mentioning it all the same is definitely going to be tops!
That episode was just plain silly. Him trying to downplay the war and magnifying it at the same time. Classic, classic! Monty Python rules! Tom Cleese as well! |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » Restaurant magic in Germany - help needed (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 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 < |