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Kex Special user Arlington, Texas 577 Posts |
For the past decade magic has been more than a hobby... but not a full time career. I'm finally taking the leap to make it my full time career as I am gearing up to retire from my regular job in a few years. I'm looking online at events where I can perform around the country but I'm seeing that many of them need a description of my show to publish should they decide to hire me.
Writing copy or anything similar to that is not one of my skills. I'm looking for advice/help on writing this or at least a website or two geared towards writing an effective description of my show. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Kex |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
My best word of advice to offer here is do not write it from your own perspective but rather the perspective of those hiring you and their audience (the end-user). Things like how many years you've been doing magic, or worse yet the age when you got your first magic set, awards that are only known to you and the community, the types of magic you can do, etc. These are not what they are wanting and not what best represents you in these circles.
Think from their perspective. Their level of market (consumer or professional) can also matter greatly. One of my best words of advice is to really know the markets you are targeting and what they are seeking. Generalities will at best only get you general responses, and likely only a few at that. Also, truly ask yourself, can I really serve these markets and their expectations? Talk in terms of the benefits they'll receive. What are the top three things you really want them to know? Decide if your description will be in first or third person. Best of luck to you. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Quote:
On May 31, 2020, Kex wrote: Just out of curiosity, what kind of events are these you are looking at? It seems rare that someone goes from amateur or hobbyist to "gigs around the country?" Also, your promotional materials should provide all of this info for your description, which you would need to get the bookings in the first place. I'm just trying to understand what you are thinking here? Also, what makes you think you can go right from hobbyist to full-time? That is a huge leap, especially for someone with no professional performing experience and no entertainment business experience? |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
What are you selling during the pitch?
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
I'm wondering if he is trying to perform for other magicians and magic events, rather than real gigs?
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Those are real gigs, but I see the point.
I'm hoping he comes and clears some confusion. I think the description of the show when I do it is part of the pitch. I mean this way they know what is being purchased. I don't know of another way to do it. Maybe he is speaking of busking? I'm sure he is in the beginning stages so maybe a clear goal is not laid out. But certainly a description of the show seems essential.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Kex Special user Arlington, Texas 577 Posts |
Also, what makes you think you can go right from hobbyist to full-time? That is a huge leap, especially for someone with no professional performing experience and no entertainment business experience? [/quote]
We all start somewhere. Twenty years ago I wouldn't have considered this. I never said I have no professional performing experience or entertainment business experience. I spent five years working with the Chicago Magic Lounge as well as other paid gigs (side note, and gig that is paid is a real gig no matter who the audience is) I've been busking quite successfully in my state but I am wanting to travel around and hit some of the bigger festivals this summer. All in all I've been treating this as side income for fifteen years. Just looking for more solid advice on how to write a decent show description. I understand that you need to write for their needs but when it is a street festival or arts fair where they are just looking for solid entertainment I'm at a loss where to start. Hope this helps to clarify a few things. Kex |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Didn't help me at all. Sorry. Good luck.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
thomasR Inner circle 1189 Posts |
Hey Kex,
What does the Chicago Magic Lounge say about you? Or who writes the description for them? I’m guessing some of their staff or magicians would be able to help you out. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
There are also a couple of different things at play here. A description for a venue or event to generate a booking is quite a bit different from the description you or the venue or event would use to, promote your appearance, so essentially we are talking about two different descriptions that may be needed. This was one of the reasons I questioned your entertainment business experience. It is also why I thought you might be attempting to perform for magicians and magic venues as they usually operate off of a submission or application process, which is much different than marketing to consumer or business markets and targets.
Also, it seems you may not be very well-versed with how the fair or festival operates? Still many questions unclear. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Quote:
On Jun 1, 2020, thomasR wrote: Most usually only go off of the information they are provided by the artist/act. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I'm unclear how you sell ANYTHING without a description.
Then again I'm out of touch I guess.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Kex,
Why not use the information on your website, it reads good. Take the info there and add some quotes from past clients and it may work. There is certainly enough there to get a writer a good start on putting something together for you. If you new in this market, you really need to talk to someone that works fairs and festivals. I am sending you a couple of names. Fairs and Festivals are slow right now but it’s a good time to get everything together. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
hypblake New user 61 Posts |
Quote:
On May 31, 2020, Mindpro wrote: Mindpro you old dog you are still around I see! I am on a break that was required by the CDC haha, so I guess I am back for a time. Hope to catch up with you sometime! |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Quote:
On Jun 5, 2020, hypblake wrote: Hey, great to hear from you! I hope you and the family are doing well. Yes, I am still around. As you can clearly see my work is still needed here, lol. Sure, let's catch up some time. It's been interesting that so many people that used to be here 5, 7, 10, or more years ago have been coming back around here or checking in after being gone so long. So great hearing from all of you. |
hypblake New user 61 Posts |
It's because we have all been working and all our shows got cancelled!
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