I have a question. I will be working a Corporate event for Qualcom next week at the Del Mar Fairground (Southern California) next week doing audio/stage technicican work. The entire event is Magic themed with around 6 stages for various magic performances and I would venture to guess that there will also be some strolling magicians there as well.

My question is...is it okay for me to perform a bit while I am there? My audience would more than likely just be the crew for the show (people I am working with), but I don't want to step on anyone's toes that is a paid performer. I was also planning on speaking to a few of the performers and letting them know that I am a hobbyist and offering to help them in any way that I can, even as a stooge if they'd like.

I would avoid performing for many reasons.

One, you are not being paid to perform and it might appear that you are looking for attention.

Two, you are not being paid to perform and it might appear that you are jealous of the attention others are recieving.

Three, you are not being paid to perform, so why undermine the professionals by offering free performances in any manner?

Don't offer yourself as a stooge. Your reactions might not come off as sincere. Most magicians don't need or use stooges. Also asking someone if they would like a stooge might imply to them that you think they need a stooge and therefore is a "put down".

It sounds like a wonderful event though - I'd be so busy trying to take it all in, I'd have no time. Hope you enjoy the gig.

I also forgot to mention that if you are working there, you'll already be busy, so use any free time just to take in performances at a distance. You say it is a corporate event, so I don't think it would be appropriate for you to mingle with the rest of the crowd if you are a techie or stage crew. Don't forget that you are representing your company, or the company that you are working for and must act accordingly.

How would you feel if the electrician working on an AV setup started discussing presentation technique and the subject of your presentation with you... because their child is studying that stuff in school now?

Cringe.

I would never perform for the actual audience at an event like this, after all I'm not the one hired to perform. I was thinking more along the lines of doing a few effects for my coworkers during our downtime backstage (out of the view of the real audience of the event).

Even if I don't do any effects at all, it's gonna be a fun event. The best part about my particular position on this show is that I will get a chance to see all the performances.

Thanks for your advice. I won't bother any of the performers I'll just enjoy their work.

I am sure you can entertain your coworkers with your magic back at the office. There is a time and a place for magic and if you are trying to perform where there are working pros performing (even if you are "hiding out of sight of customers"), then that shows a real lack of professional respect for other magicians that are working.

I think mrbilldentertainer said it all.
if you know that you will have some free time on your hands at this show try and learn something from the professionals working there.
enjoy the show and, like Silly Walter the Polar Bear said, there will be enough time to entertain your coworkers at the office.

-Matt

I worked the event, and I made friends with several of the working magicians during the event. It was funny, some of them actually kept trying to get me to perform a bit, but I declined. They taught me some new handings and I had a great time.

I did perform a few effects for my coworkers but I did it while hanging out at the hotel or at dinner....away from the event.