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john scot Special user brighton, uk 585 Posts |
Hi,
I've never worked restaurants (not sure I would want to) so was just curious about how you guys approach people and what material plays best for you for this kind of gig. I can't really imagen some stranger coming up to me with a mousemat and a pack of cards (or even worse, clown noses, ropes or rubber bands) butting into my conversation with my girlfriend. How do you avoid being intrusive and how do you get people excited before even doing a trick? As much as I love card magic I can't imagen starting with a card trick. Paticularily one that's not 'in the hands.' I think somebodys table is like their private space. Nobody has the right to come along and move peopels drinks aside so they can set down their silly little mousemat. Thanks, John |
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meyegr Special user Only able to muster 800 Posts |
Approaching the way you have mentioned would definetly turn most off.
when I was doing restaurants I would approach as a member of the restaurant, not some 'outsider'. Welcome them and fairly quickly let them know what my place in the restaurant is. Something that a lot of magicians I have seen work need to realize is that not all want to see your magic. If it is a cool resonse to who you are, just be nice and move on. Like you said, it is THEIR private space and you ARE invading it. I never asked "do you want to see some magic" - gives them an easy out - "no". This type of approach worked great for me and I did not have that many refusals. There are numerous approach styles - and I am sure that soon someone will tell you to use the SEARCH function. |
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
This has been discussed a number of times here on the Café'. You might want to try the Search function.
For example you'll find a nice two page discussion at: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......&forum=5
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Markymark Inner circle 1686 Posts |
JohnScot,it seems you know how not to approach! 'butting into my conversation with
my girlfriend'Not a good idea.Unless they were [to quote Paul Weller] '' Two lovers missing the tranquility of solitude' I always find a table with a family to be the best bet then if there is a couple nearby who seem more interested in what is going on at the family table then in whispering sweet nothings in each others ear I ask them. I wonder how Derren Brown did it when he performed magic in that restaurant in Bristol.He gives quite a good clue in his book 'Absolute Magic'.
''In memory of a once fluid man,crammed and distorted by the classical mess'' -Bruce Lee
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tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
Darren presents an unfortunately too true stereotype of many magicians( I guess if it's true it is not really a stereotype though) I believe to perform magic professionally I certain level of maturuty is required or at least the willlingness to grow & if that is the case then the situations you describe will fade quickly.
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Adam1975 Special user UK 900 Posts |
JohnScott
I perform regular at such places and I can tell you,hand on heart,that my refusal or knockback rate is less than 1%.I "table hop" at various functions quite often so I think Im qualified to talk about it.IMO its all to do with your attitude,and your material.I don't work with a "silly little mouse mat",I couldn't think of anything worse,all my stuff is ordinary objects done from the pockets, So your not coming across as a "geek" or social inadequate,as I think you would if you took the approach you describe., The best approach is to be friendly,and straight up,telling why your there (such and such has hired me)to show you some magic.Without pausing I add"and don't worry,its free" This gets a laugh and dipels any fears they might have that your hustling them for tips,money etc. I then launch straight into the first trick.I can honestly say in 17 years doing this I have had about 4 "no thanks",and I perform a lot. I like to come across as a normal guy,thats going to make them laugh,amaze them,and generally(hopefully) improve their evening in a small way. You will find anyway in the restaurant,once you have got going,that other tables will see/hear what you are doing,and be intrigued,and want it to be "there turn".You will get asked things like "when ya coming over to our table" etc.This is how you get people excited about your act! This is purely from the reactions of other people.Of course,Im assuming that you have a structured act,that you know how to handle and entertain people,that generally your good! Which you should be if your going out doing this kind of work. My experience is that most people are keen to see a decent magician,to laugh and be entertained.So you have to deliver. So my advice is do away with the negative attitude,be warm,friendly and good,and everything will slot into place!
Ive upped my standards.Now,up yours!
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
John,
Are you even a Magician? Looking at your profile you mention nothing about magic. Matter of fact, you state: Occupation: temp Interests: music, comedy, pool Signature: 'Performing magic is nonsense and posturing: uninteresting puzzles ludicrously presented by sexually anomalous men with poor social skills.' Derren Brown I'm just curious... Anyhow...as any working pro will tell you, the BEST way to approach a table is to let them approach you. What I mean by that is working "by request" is the way to go. The wait staff/hostess should be working WITH you to accomplish this. That way, you don't bother those who have no interest and are only performing for those who WANT to see your act.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
Quote:
Are you even a Magician? Looking at your profile you mention nothing about magic. Matter of fact, you state: You have my curiosity as well. |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Actually...In looking at ALL of your posts, you almost seem to be a complete outsider. With the questions you're asking, I'm wondering really who you are and what your motives could be? Hmmmm....ponder this I will.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-02-15 07:07, johnscot777 wrote: This is all very good news and great for me to hear. A young magician that thinks about others' personal space. So refreshing from the common hack that thinks their tricks are so wonderful and wanted to be seen by all. The same hacks that burst on the scene, slide onto the table on their @ss, and start yucking it up. (I've seen this and it's not a pretty sight). You may not know what to do today, young man, but you ARE starting down the right path! This compares wonderfully to other young magicians that hop on the Café and start giving everyone their "sage advice" at the age of 19 and their "recipe for success" that is full of typos, grammatical errors, posturing, and a completely transparent attempt to be a big business man. Thank you!
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Frank is actually right.
As a matter of fact when you work from an angle of respecting others and their space I am just as happy to know you will figure out the way best for you and them! Really man I am impressed by this as well. I will have to like this guy already!
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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tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
"I don't work with a "silly little mouse mat",I couldn't think of anything worse,"
neither do I, but I think Michael Skiner might have disagreed with that view, too each his own |
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john scot Special user brighton, uk 585 Posts |
Lylemagic,
As far my profile in concerned thought I would list interests besides magic since I think this is a Magcians forum and don't want to state the obvious. I do paid gigs but also temp and go to college part-time which is good money and I need to work during the day. However, if I were a layman my opinion would be so much MORE valid! The quote is from a Magician I greatly respect and admire, and it really made me think about my approch and who I am when performing magic. I think it's important for Magcians who think they are the dogs b**locks to think about this statement. However I don't agree with it wholeheartedly..! I'm just trying to get a feel for other magcians approach in regard to restaurant work as I see this as being one of the most difficult fields in magic to do well and with any charm.. I'm not looking to offend anyone, I'm looking to learn from you. Thanks, John P.S. Which of my other posts was of paticular interest to you? |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
John,
It's all good buddy...I was just curious...the combo of THIS thread along with your not knowing who Dai Vernon was picked my brain as strange. At any rate, welcome to the Café'. I was not offended, just curious. You are correct, Restaurant Magic is one of the most difficult areas in our craft to do well. I've been performing in Restaurants now for just over 20 years and I'm STILL learning new things each and every day.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Hazerman15 New user H-town 11 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-02-15 15:10, lylemagic wrote: Not trying to dispute this quote or anything, but ive heard the same thing about kidshows, busking, trade shows... Is there really any easy area of magic. |
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john scot Special user brighton, uk 585 Posts |
Lylemagic,
I was trying to find out if Vernon had a vocation outside of magic and how often he performed for the public since I can't find a copy of his biography. Does anyone know if this is out-of-print or not? John |
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Jerrine Special user Busking is work. 629 Posts |
No, Magic is hard.
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Hazerman15 New user H-town 11 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-02-15 16:18, Jerrine wrote: Exactly. I think its funny how everything can be labeled as "one of the hardest branches of magic" |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Oddly enough after so much time in them restaurants done right are easy for me. I find the childrens entertainment branch of what we do very challenging. SO MUCH SO that I never, and I mean never, take a show.
I admire those of you who can do them with any level of success. I am not talented in this area and at least I find the courage to admit it.
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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SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
Danny,
We all have our weaknesses. I find family shows (I call them family because I get EVERYONE involved) and restaurants both easy and challenging at the same time. If I am doing a restaurant and approach a family table, game on and I rock. Yet, I tend to avoid any table with the elderly or just adults on them. For me, it's easier to break into a family table rather than a table with nothing but adults..........unless I am requested, then it's a different story. With my stand up shows, I do very well with family and adult shows but I have a hard time doing my stand up material for just teens. I guess I should work on my teen stand up show. |
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