When you are booking shows of whatever kind, do you give the client an option of what kind of illusion they want to see?

Assuming you have the inventory to support it, do you tell them what some of the larger effects are and let them choose?

YOU: "Do you want a classic, like sawing the lady in half, or do you prefer a guillotine?"

CLIENT: "Well, I don't want anything violent. Do you have anything fancy that doesn't involve cutting someone?"

YOU: "OK, well, I can pull a rabbit out of my..."

OR do you only offer show length and/or style...30 min of parlor magic, 2 hours of wandering close-up...?

I am working on the business side of my show. I'm wondering how to offer services for parties. I don't want to give away the content of my show, so it will be a surprise for the host, but I do want them to feel there are choices they can make to have a "tailored" party...(I am also wanting to be able to say "no two shows alike".)

I hope this hasn't been discussed a lot on another thread, couldn't think of how to search it.

I do not allow the client to dictate what I perform in the show. By asking them which illusions they want, it does several bad things for you: 1) it starts to confuse the client; 2) it ends up taking too much of their time making for a not too easy booking process; 3) it conveys almost a message that you are not confident in what you perform.

Because of these reasons, I leave it out. I know my show better then anyone, and they are hiring me because of what I can do for them and how I can directly solve their needs for the day or event. I can do this with the set shows I have, which I know play well.

Now, what I can do is not mention the exact illusions in the show because, chances are, most clients have never heard of them in the first place anyways. Instead, I can have show packages which may instead list shows by time duration and the number of illusions that you present in the show. You can have a 30 min illusion show offering with 2 illusions, or you can do a full hour show with maybe 4-5 illusions. This way you are giving them an option but not having them tell you how to perform the show you do.

Hope this helps.

Kyle

By allowing them choices of illusions, you also limit yourself in the event of unforeseen events. For example, what if a prop breaks? What if your assistant can't make it? If you only promise 2 large illusions, you could get by with (for example) a headchopper, an audience acupuncture, and not need an assistant. But if you promise them a "Zig Zag", you NEED the assistant.

I give 'em options, but rarely specifics. If they request a specific trick in order to guarantee the booking, do so. Otherwise, I prefer to leave the choices to myself.

I agree exactly with Mark's thinking, and that is how my wife and I have done our show options and offerings for years now. It just means much greater freedom for us, and it also saves us and the client a lot of time. I try and make the booking process as easy and efficient as I can.

Kyle

Well, before I go to a place, I ask about animals and whether or not they are allowed to be used, as well as fire. I also ask whether they would like me to use blades, swords, etc., etc., or not...

Great advice from voices of experience.

Jim

Thanks, what you are saying makes sense. Keep it simple and options open. The point about the animals is valid, too, especially if it is taking place at a restaurant or other food-related location.

I would find out what the gathering is for first. It wouldn't look good doing a cut and restored chicken or rabbit trick for an animal rights group, or a guillotine act when the group is against the death penalty, or a bullet catching routine in front of the "Brady Bunch".