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HypnotizeAmerica Veteran user 399 Posts |
Figure this thread might help people making the transition from thinking about performing a show to actually doing it. I guess I'm looking for a collection of tips to help people (even me) get off their butt and stop thinking about performing, marketing, etc and actually doing it.
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rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Here is a suggestion from Judy Carter from her Comedy Bible. Book yourself at an open mike night somewhere 2-weeks from today. This will force you to get something ready.
Thanks, Richard |
wizardofsorts Special user Chicago, IL 935 Posts |
Richard,
Isn't the definition of "open mic" mean no one is booked? Every open mic I've been to you sign up when you arrive. Edd
Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts is a corporate magician available for your next trade show, hospitality suite, client luncheon, or company event. http://www.wizardofsorts.com
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
My experience is basically the same, and anyhow they are going the way of the DO DO bird. BUT the point is valid. When Judy wrote the book it was good advice, and as a matter of fact it still is.
What he is saying if I may be so bold, is to make a comitment that you FOLLOW UP ON. So it forces you to have your things ready. I agree completly with the premise, even if stated in a dated fashon. By the way if you DON'T follow through on the comitment, then forget doing it. Excuses are the easiest thing to find.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
Here's how I got off my butt. I got Jim Snack's course. In our follow-up conversations, he suggested that because I live in a tourist town, I should approach a hotel and book a show there in one of their empty meeting rooms, not renting the room but offering to split the gate, as well as offering them comp tickets for their favored guests. This is a good, solid idea, but the other performer that I have been working with thought that we needed some more performance time in front of people.
I walked around with this problem firmly fixed in my mind for several weeks during the winter. Finally, I ran into someone who is on the board of a nonprofit that maintains a little hall that is struggling to emerge as a community center. After I visited and fell in love with the hall, I proposed that our show be there every Saturday night in July and August, and they accepted. We will be splitting the gate 50-50 with the nonprofit. No one is going to make serious money doing this, but the hall is going to become known as a good place to have fun, and our show is going to get polished. The hall is very nice, but modest, and we decided that no one in this part of the country would pay more than $5 to get in. This is actually a real confidence builder, because there are a several features in our show that are worth $5 to see, even without anything else, so we know that no one will complain that they didn't get their money's worth. So what's the message here? 1. Set up a plan, commit yourself to it, and think about it all the time. You will get a break, because when the opportunity appears you will seize it. 2. Lead time! I started working on this in January. We got our break in February. The new web site just went public this month. 3. Publicity Stunts! I have written about this elsewhere. 4. Deadlines. Nothing focuses the mind like looking at the calendar and knowing that the day is coming when you have to deliver. That's the story of Miller & Wilson's Theater of Marvels! Yours, Paul |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-24 23:46, Dannydoyle wrote: Just to clearify, I think what Judy Carter was saying is to make the commitment BEFORE you feel you are ready to follow up on it. The commitment will force you to get your act together. It's kind of a "scared straight" approach (I guess that term is pretty dated, too. Oh well, I'm an old guy, so it's OK) In Portland the Open Mike thing is still pretty popular with music venues, but for some of them, you do have to reserve a time in advance. If your style would appeal to these types of audiences, they would probably be happy to add a little variety. We also have a good comedy club here that does a monthly open mike. Recently, when learning some new stuff, I called up a bunch of retirment homes and offered free shows. They were very receptive. I told them upfront that this was new material and that was why I wanted no fee for performing. Basically, they got some fun entertainment and I got time in front of people. Also, Dr. Wilson hint at something else that will help tremendously. (The info he says outright is great, too.) Work with a partner. There are a lot of ups and downs when building a show and a partner will even things out. Thanks, Richard |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Paul,
I'm so pleased to hear about your application of that idea. Splitting the door with a local non-profit arts center that has space is a win/win for everybody. When I was starting out performing I needed movement classes, but I had no money for the classes at a local dance company. So I approached the director and offered to do a magic show every Saturday morning during the month of March that year in exchange for unlimited classes during their next term. I would bring people in the door to help promote that session of classes beginning in April and she could keep the proceeds (I think it was $3 admission). We drew about 50 people for each show so the box office covered my classes for the next six weeks, we got great publicity and everybody came out ahead. Earlier this year I did a show/workshop at my local arts center, splitting the door. We had over 100 people come and we both did well. Partnering with a non-profit that has space is a great strategy. I'm glad to hear that it is working for you. Jim |
TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-24 17:43, HypnotizeAmerica wrote: At times it can be hard being the “boss” and the “worker” both. It's to easy to bribe him. Telling someone else what you intend on doing can help. Making a commitment to your wife or a close friend can help motivate you to get going. Also, while your in the planning stage, being the boss that is, write yourself notes to take action, and then post the notes so the “worker”(you) can see them. It’s hard to fire yourself for not doing the job when you are the boss, but sometimes it takes a good chewing your own self out to get the “worker” up and going. "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." Vince Lambardi "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." Ben Franklin Until you take some action nothing will ever happen. Dream all you want, wish all you want,plan all you want,read all the success books in the world, buy every dvd made, spend a million dollars on success material, but until you push that action button nothing will happen. Discipline yourself to do the things you need to do, when you need to them, and before long the day will come when you will be able to do the things that you want to do. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Richard, your right. And anyhow us old guys have to stick together!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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