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patrick flanagan Inner circle lisle, illinois 1045 Posts |
Steve,
This happens to me on a regular basis...not so much dreading to greet that first group, but just the whole process of going to work. I work a regular job (yuck), plus 2 nights a week at a restaurant, 1 night a week at a bar, and, then, private parties. The "dread" for me is getting home from work, cleaning up, again, getting dressed, and driving 45 minutes, in Chicago area traffic, to the restaurant or bar. Sometimes, I'd rather just plant my a@@ on the couch and do nothing. What keeps me going is this. I imagine that each night I'm working, the potential for someone to change my life is there. Someone might be there that will absolutley love what I do and have the resources to make my dream come true. If I decide to skip the restaurant or the bar tonight, that person will be there and I won't. I've been using that motivation for 15 years now, and, while, I still haven't met that one person, it, still, is what I use to keep me going. That said, I do love performing and being a part of magic. However, if it was just too much of a grind and not rewarding at all, I certainly wouldn't keep doing it. I'd find something else to become passionate about. Fortunately, that's a bridge I haven't had to cross yet. Patrick |
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
I believe it was Eugene Burger who said something like, "There's a big difference between doing magic because your with friends and you feel like it and doing magic because it's 7 pm Wednesday night and you are contracted to perform."
That's absolutely true. I love ice cream, but sometimes I don't feel like eating ice cream. I love God, but sometimes I don't feel like reading my Bible and praying. I love my wife, but sometimes I wish she was off on a women's retreat for the weekend. I love kids, but sometimes I don't want to have to deal with them. And I love magic, but sometimes I wish I hadn't booked a show on that particular day; I'd rather veg out in front of the TV. Nobody ALWAYS feels excited and warm all over every time they perform--at least, nobody who's been doing it for a while... I once did a 60-minute school assembly when I had pneumonia and a 103 degree fever. Let me tell you, I was praying for the end of that show to come--I was on the verge of praying for the sweet release that death would bring! I did a show on a bus at six in the morning on no food and almost no sleep, and got motion sickness. I DREADED that show! Did a show once for a bunch of heavy equipment salesman who'd been drinking for two hours and were waiting for my show to end so they could go to a topless bar--I DREADED THAT show! I worked at the same restaurant, 2-3 hours per night, 4-5 nights per week for several years. Trust me, there were nights I DREADED going to work! But, like you, once I got there and people were laughing and gasping and smiling... Now, if you ALWAYS dread it... if dreading it becomes the rule rather than the exception, and if you dread it for the whole evening almost every time, well, then it may be time to take up the dulcimer or the diggeredo or philology.
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
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erlandish Inner circle Vancouver, Canada 1254 Posts |
I had this gig once where I was doing 25 kids shows a week, and at one point they changed my schedule temporarily so that on Wednesdays I'd have 7 straight. The worst part was that I knew by law of averages that at least two of the groups were going to be problems. Sure enough, on the death days, I'd have two bad shows, and they'd eat away at me even if my other five were good. That gig was pretty short lived, and I have to say that even though I love magic and performing and loved getting the experience, it was nice to be able to take a nice break from it. And right now I'm dying to get back in.
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dlachance Veteran user Mississippi 344 Posts |
Great advice everyone (well, almost everyone).
I really got a lot out of this post and I want to thank Magic_Steve for being transparent enough to put himself out there like that and risk an avalache of hate..... Thanks, Dorian
-Dorian LaChance
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Danny Diamond Inner circle Connecticut 1400 Posts |
There are definitely two kinds of "dreading" that can happen...
1) Dreading a gig because you are nervous. 2) Dreading a gig because you are just not feeling like working. Number 1 happened to me a lot early on in my kid show career. Then I got comfy with the birthday parties and the dread went away. Then I booked a school, and the dread returned. Then I did a few school shows, realized that they were a lot of fun, and the dread went away. Then I booked a restaurant gig, and the dread returned. Then I hopped a few nights, and the dread vanished. See the cycle? I think this is relatively normal. Number 2 is just life. I get this time to time, especially when the show is an hour away or more, and I realize that my weekend is not really a weekend any more, but rather a continuation of my already long workweek. I get this dread once in a while, when I am burnt out from the long week, and taking care of an infant and a toddler, not sleeping, trying to fit in grocery shopping, mowing the lawn, taking the car for an oil change, cleaning the house, balancing the checkbook, etc, etc. So Steve, if it's really #2, and you are already, at 17 years old, dreading going to work...yikes, it only gets tougher bud! But on the bright side - you have something that can make you much more money than a lot of us on here. Do you know what that is? If you read some personal finance books, and make some smart investments now - then maybe when you are 30, you can afford a landscaper, a cleaning service, and a personal accountant to handle all your expenses! Then life won't be so hectic for you and you won't dread your work so much. Good luck.
You don't drown by falling in the water;
you drown by staying there. - Edwin Louis Cole |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
You are 17! You are going to dread any job you have to go to, and not be with a cheerleader! You are moving through life right on schedule my friend.
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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paymerich Special user Norwalk, CT 546 Posts |
I think MagicSanta is trying to use reverse psychology here ?? No, I did not think so either. I semi subscribe to the "tell it like it is " camp but MagicSanta you are way off. Not once did he say he does not like to perform. All performers at some time encounter "stage dread" . You think Cooperfield never got the shakes before a gig ? You gotta power thru it and it will all turn out ok .
Have a Magical Day!
<BR> <BR>The Maniacal Mage <BR> <BR>Pablo Aymerich <BR>Norwalk, CT 06851 |
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WoodRat Loyal user California 233 Posts |
Steve,
I think Danny Diamond nailed it. Quote:
1) Dreading a gig because you are nervous. It's the same thing for me whether I am performing magic, music or teaching. Some days I just don't feel like doing it, but it has to be done. Often the anticipation of starting drives me crazy. Motivation: When I'm not excited about doing it, I remember the great shows. I recall the adrenaline rush I get when things are superb, the happiness I feel when I see people enjoying what I do, and that helps me pump up for the gig. I try to remember the good times as vividly as the train wrecks. Nerves: I also take walks, then get to the venue early, and relax or mingle waiting to begin. I remind myself that I know what I'm doing, I'm as prepared as I'll ever be for this event, and I just "let it go" as best I can. Funny, how after the first few minutes, I'm doing what I do natually and things are going smoothly (usually). Afterward, I always wonder why I still get so nervous after all these years. I think it's a natural reaction and I try to use that nervous energy to my benefit. Great thread. Cheers, Rob
Learn something new everyday.
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Thanks again guys! I think it's definitely safe to say I Just get that way because I'm still a bit nervous, more or less because of the unknown. It's definitely not because I don't love performing, because I certainly do.
Anyways, I appreciate all responses. They're all extremely encouraging. Now back to the magic! Best, Steve |
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andrew martin Veteran user 394 Posts |
Man oh man oh man!!!!
Magic is the greatest!!! You have a gift . We all have this gift. Sometimes I think when I don't want to going in who needs me to cheer them up?? OR Think about it like going to party ! Your the man. The man with the magic. The Life of the party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO MAGIC MAN GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Andrew, after more than thirty years doing magic you have me thinking of quiting.
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dlachance Veteran user Mississippi 344 Posts |
In magicSantas own words.....
Then don't perform magic for people. Listen, no one is saying you have to be a magician, no one is saying you have to do restaurant magic. If you don't like going then quit, the world will continue, life will go on. Don't come back and say "I love being a magician!", you may, but you may love being like 90% of the magicians just doing it for yourself, family, and friends. Take or or leave it that is the way of life, no one can force you to do what you don't want to do unless they have a gun to your head and there isn't a gun to your head. Sorry.....I couldn't resist
-Dorian LaChance
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andrew martin Veteran user 394 Posts |
Why Santa ?
You're the master of magic. You make dreams come true. Man'what a joy it is being Santa. Santa everyone in the world loves you!!!!!! I'm still waiting for my big screen TV. I know it's coming!!! |
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Magicmatt1982 Loyal user Southeren IL 295 Posts |
I fyou do not want to work then do not do magic. Being a magician is not as easy as some people make it out to be. You have to work your butt off to make money to feed your family. I have been working going from restaurnt to restuarnt for the past few hours in a suit in 98 degree heat. But I love what I do so why not. I ffel that you have to make up your mind . Do you want to do magic or not. Pick something and do it till you cann't anymore. You are going to bust your butt for someone else why not do it for yourself.
This might be a little preaching to myself as well. But go and do it. |
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Some people like performing close-up better then stage illusions because there are NOT a lot of eyes on you - some like performing illusions because they can not see the eyes of the audience.
You have to find the type of magic you are driven to perform - like - you can't live unless you are doing it. I only get nervous while driving to the show. Once I'm there I am feel like all angles can be worked. The other exception is when movie stars, celebrities or booking agents are in the audience... I know they are regular people but they make me nervous anyway. The other prospect is when you are mounting an entirely different program. It's less nerve racking to add one new trick at a time, if you can. If you are not nervous - you don't care and therefoe you have little expectation. EVERY person doing something important will be nervious, at one time or another (it's human nature) or they will find something else to do. May I call your attention to the last person you dated. If they didn't make you nervous and there was no challenge then this relationship probably didn't last. If they made your heart pound and it was a challenge to date them, it meant more to you. And so it is with performing. In my case, the show is my better half and everything and everyone is second in line...... The farmer takes care of the roof on his barn before he takes care of the roof on his house. The cobblers children are always the last to get their shoes fixed... If your priority is to perform - then get out there and you will overcome the nerviousness over time. My father was a comedian, singer. his frist partner was Frank Gorshin (the riddler) in high school. I understand that Frank was utterly nervious before every show.... like you wouldn't believe. It happens to the best. You are in good company.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Magic doesn't make dream comes true, doesn't make one the life of the party, it doesn't make you 'the man'. Sorry. I can picture someone showing up at a party dragging their magic act being as welcomed as someone showing up with their microphone and speaker because they plan on singing for everyone all night (I've seen it happen).
No I wasn't offering reverse psycology. I was saying the truth, no one has to perform magic and if he was actually dreading it, which is a very strong emotion, way beyond stage fright or being anxious, a kid should know he doesn't have to do magic for people. In some cases they want to know it is okay to quit. Steve doesn't want to quit so more power to him. As for Copperfield I doubt he gets anxious, he looks at it very methodically and as a business. He takes notes throughout each show and addresses any errors after the show. It's his job. If Steve mearly didn't feel like he wanted to perform or was anxious but enjoys it then he just needs to push past it because he knows he'll enjoy it. If it is dread though perhaps he needs to remove the cause of the pressure bringing about that dread, how does one do that? They stop performing for people. There, hopefully that clears it up. Well, I'm off to the grocery store, have to load up on tricks to do in the check out line! I'm kidding! Only a nub would do that. |
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Phil Thomas Inner circle Newark, Ohio 1117 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-07-10 19:09, MagicSanta wrote: Then consider me a nub. I've done that.
"If we lose the sense of the mysterious, life is no more than a snuffed out candle."
Albert Einstein |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-07-10 22:28, Phil Thomas wrote: Same here! Been there, done that. I performed Fraud (she freaked out btw), and the lady wouldn't take my cash! I had to use my debit card! |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
I know, lots of McBride listeners have...I have too...I'm just messin' with ya cuz I'd knew y'all would bite.
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andrew martin Veteran user 394 Posts |
Magicsanta what kind of magic do you perform?
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