Yesterday I got a call from a client, who wanted a cirque-style stand around juggler for her chinese auction gift- she wanted to promote 4 cards for cirque du soleil's Wintuk. I passed this job on to other performers- it really sounded stupid for just $ 300 she wanted me to stand around for two hours and juggle. First of all my rate is much higher. (and two hours out in nowhere is much work and time...).

Do you sometimes feel the same- and let your ego and pride dictate if you take a job or not. For example someone asked me once if I would perform in a jester outfit- and I declined too. sometimes it becomes a little bit silly what people want from you. I have a set 45 minute show with juggling and some magic and most of the time the potential client has heard what my pay rate is and also has heard what I do. But they still come to me with silly requests and a budget, which is fine for a college student but unfortunately not for me anymore.

Is this a normal experience (welcome to the world of entertainment!!) or just me?

Nothing wrong with being clear on what you do and don't do, so long as you're able to get enough work to pick and choose. Nothing wrong with prospective clients asking for specific things either - he who pays the piper calls the tune and all that - and you did the right thing in pointing them in the right direction of other performers. The worst thing you can do in these situations is to have an attitude about it - it's the difference between getting a reputation as a top level go-to professional who's worth the money and as an unapproachable prima-donna with delusions of grandeur.

If this sort of thing happens a lot, have you thought about acting as an agent?

As a fairly recent college graduate and theatre artist, as well as magician for 17+ years, I can honestly say that no, that's not "fine for a college student" either. At least not for any actually trying to make a go in this industry. In fact, it's that sort of outlook which gives a young magician a bad name. Most young (college-aged) working magicians spend just as much money and put in as much time and effort as the so-called seasoned pros, in addition to juggling studies. And, if they study theatre, as I did, it is not uncommon to spend 17hrs/day at the theatre working on productions/in class, 7 days a week, and still find rehearsal time and time for "homework". Sleep...well, that time is more difficult to come by. So, I have to disagree and say that it's really not okay for ANY magician who wants to be taken seriously as an artist to succumb to these requests, unless that is the genre of work he/she does. (I'm not attacking you or your statement, mind you, only explaining why it isn't okay, in my opinion.)

Clients will always come with a budget and/or sob story. That's life and show business... People are always looking for what they consider a bargain. Some of these pleas are legitimate, others are just being cheap. I agree that as long as you stay true to yourself, and are kind in your dismissal of a potential job, you have made the right decision as an artist.

I think there are a lot of variables to this.
Are there things I won't compromise on? Absolutely. And sometimes it is completely exasperating the requests that are made (could I dress up like I Dream of Genie for my broken glass routine???).

People have the right to request what they want for their money (no matter how pathetic the amount offered) just as we have the right to refuse and/or pass the gig along.

A producer I once worked with said that as performers our greatest power is the word "no". On crap offers, I use it liberally.

You sound like a person who knows your venue. Sometimes, you have to guide the client. They are not pros, but they conjure up ideas that sound good in their heads. Most of these ideas do not work in the real world and often fail miserably.

Many times, the client will let you 'mold' their ideas into a successful program. This happens most often when you let the client think they are coming up with the ideas themselves. (Really, you are making suggestions that include some of their original ideas.)

Occasionally, these clients are firm in what they want. In this case, if the venue does not work and the client is not willing to listen to your suggestions, save yourself a real headache and PASS on the show! Do not be afraid to say no if you cannot shape the request into a successful performance situation.
:)
Autumn

An old article "Marketing Myopia" by Theodore Levitt is a basic article I require all new MBAs to read. Its focus is defining what the customer is buying and what the vendor is selling. It is as basic as the alphabet. Never consider yourself a pro without reading it.

It is still available from Harvard Business Review.

http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvar......d=R0407L

I have been known to reread it before returning a phone call. And I started in the professional entertainment industry forty-nine years ago! There are still days when I need to better understand what I’m offering too. This works!

Enjoy!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Great suggestions from Autmn and Bob. and yes I do agree that there are quite a few College students who are putting in as much, if not more work than the pro's.
The word NO is your ability to prevent disater in cases like this. As Has been stated, the client has a vision in mind and you have skill and creativity to creat that vision. However the two may not be compatable with the clients' budget. I frequently will turn a show down based on the clients Ideas VS budget constraints because I do not want to sour My name by giveing a less than appropriate performance. This includes a show that realisticaly will not fit the Look the client is after. Yes I have dressed in some crazy costumes over the years but (bob Give me back that picture of me in the elf suit) seriously each occaision has been properly compensated for the work needed to fit the character change. I further, also when wearing a costume, wear a top pro costume that sets me apart from the folks that just run to the costum shop and buy something. This includes Custom dyed tights for my rennaisance show and hand made Dickens gear. The bottom Line is that I have to make the client understand How much work goes into what they are asking. This builds Value in your show. quite often the "budget amount "has gone up considerably when the client realized "Yes I can make their dream come true But at a price." Above all is the amount of professionalism I bring to the table. I usually will not change my show nor should you. The custom taliored show is pricy.
The concept of coming to a real understanding on both parties is the holy grail of bussiness and something we as succesful performers must strive for.