What Table Hopping DVD or Video do you recommend for instructional purposes and why would you recommend it?

David Stone Table Hopping video. It is rare and hard to find but it is worth it.

Mark Leveridge has a two-DVD set called the Art of Hopping Tables...check his website http://www.markleveridge.com. ALternatively, there is a re-release by Stevens Magic called Restaurant magic.

R. Paul Wilson has a dvd called The Restaraunt Act. He goes through his complete table hopping routine which resets instantly. His routine includes appearing/disappearing hankerchief, sponge ball routine in the spectators hands, ambitious card routine w/ card to wallet, chop cup routine with two final loads.

If you want table hopping cups and balls get carl andrews table hopping cups and balls. it also has a great sponge ball routine.

I agree with RS1963. Carl Andrew's table hopping cups and balls is great. But do keep in mind that he only uses 2 cups for his routine. His cups and balls routine is great and efficent. Now, I'm going to use only 2 cups instead of 3.

Take a look at Eugene Burgers books and videos/dvds, especially the first volume of his "Magical Voyages" and "Gourmet Close-Up". I also recommend to read the "Books of Wonder", "Real live Magic" and "The complete guide to Restaurant and Walkaround-Magic". I know, you asked for videos/dvds but as far as I can say there are more great books about this topic then videos.

Ingo

Try to get Todd Lamanske's "Get Real" video tapes! This is good working material!
Frank

I think all audiences are different and the audience Mark worked for were British and their reactions may lack the 'over-the-top' reactions from American audiences (notably the L & L resident audience)

I own the Mark Leverage tapes, Mark's style is classy and professional and may not fit the loud fast paced preferences of some of today's MTV style performers. The material on the tape is solid and much of his advice comes from real world experience. The experience of Magic can be different for different cultures, age groups, and intellectual levels.

At 40 something, I happen to enjoy sophisticated, intellectual and theatrical magic, my 12-year-old nephew enjoys slapstick comedy magic, and my 16-year-old daughter enjoys larger Las Vegas style stage illusion. The point being is that performance style is a matter of taste and preference, and that while YOU may prefer a particular style; the consuming public can be varied and may differ greatly from your own tastes.

From a business standpoint, successful commercial magicians look to satisfy their audiences, where others often look to satisfy themselves. Members of this forum who are looking for ONE definitive source for a video on Restaurant or strolling magic or any other type of magic are deluding themselves in their search for a magic bullet or Holy Grail. I recommend that you spend as much time money and energy as your budget and schedule will allow researching all of the offering available, take the advice, and techniques, and throw away the performance styles and develop your own magic personality. If your audience likes you, it will be easy for them to like your magic.

Look at people like Frank Sinatra. When Sinatra reached the age where his voice was no longer as fine as his youth, he still had an adoring audience. Why? Because of his style, personality and presence, that’s why. His success wasn't entirely based on his songs or voice; it was an entire package that made him an icon. The same is true of any great performer; they make a lasting impression on their audiences. Again it's the age-old question; will they remember YOU or your tricks? That's up to you.

I was not looking for the Holy Grail of Table Hopping, just what other members of this forum had found usefull and what could hopefully help others, but your point is well taken and should be noted by others..

The reason I did not go into books, manuscripts and other info was due to the section in which this topic is posted, however all the other sources should come into play.

I should have made myself clearier. As far as instructional I mean the ins, and outs of table hopping. The approach, the turn down, the acceptance, the arrival of food before the routine is completed and other such conditions(and/or problems) that will come up in such a setting.

It was not a question of what tricks to perform.

As Carlo said personality is of upmost importance as tricks are only as good as the performer.

Also notice I asked why do you recommend them?

I think there's some strong usuable material and some good advice on these tapes. You may have to make some adjustments, but IMO, these are well worth having, as are his "Master Routines" videos.

It's new, but Front Row Sankey has some really strong material, and it's all well-suited for table-hopping.

Kevin

I love his Master Routines 2 video set. The Table Hopping ones fell flat with me. If you already are working restaurants, then you could get some material from them and make the proper adjustments. But if you've never worked those venues, then these vidoes would give you the wrong idea.

Gregory wilson's "on the spot" is a very good tape for table hopping
vinny

I like carl andrews strolling magician, gregory wilson's on the spot, and mark leveridge's art of hopping tables. while the later may not be as fast paced as some would like, I think it is a realistic representation of people you will encounter and the approaches that you should take and realistc reactions that you can expect. I got this before my first table hopping gig several years back and if anything it cut the tension for me. I think it is very useful.

oliver

I use a modified version of Carl Andrew's TH C&B, combined with a neat little 3 cup monte by Dan Turcotte from You Do Magic (which is now on sale for $7.20 - 2 vids, pdf instruction, plus instructions on building your own portable table). The monte ends up being more comedy and presentation than anything else, but was worth it for the ideas is conjured up in my head to make it my own, so to speak.

Mark

I was going to post a topic about this question too. Thanks for the advice.

Update to his web site.
http://www.markleveridge.co.uk/
Cheers...