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ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
The wife of a co-worker is in charge of an annual fundraising bash for a local charity. Part of the function includes the typical reception (2 - 2½ hours) for about 125 people with drinks and hors d'oeuvres and everyone standing around those little tables. This year they hired a strolling magician to perform walk-around magic for the guests. He was from another city and was recommended to her by one of her acquaintances, and I do not know him.
When my co-worker and I were talking about the reception later, he expressed his wife's disappointment not with the quality of the magician, but with the quantity of "services" provided. Evidently, the magician averaged about one trick per table, and spent most of his time gabbing with the attendees. I don't think the gabbing was as much of an issue as was the perceived lack of magic. If they had asked me, I could have recommended a few local folks who would have done a great job. My question is, when you take a gig like this, do you have a "formula" for how much stuff you try to "average" for each table or group? Was this magician typical? I know a lot of other issues come into play, such as whether the folks want to see magic, but does this seem sort of scant?
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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twistedace Inner circle philadelphia 3772 Posts |
It depends on how long he was hired. For a job like this I always recommend at least 2 hours because of just that. The average time at each table coupled with the amount of guests could mean that not everyone gets to see magic. I think it was important for the magician to shmooze with the attendees but I also feel that if he was only there for a little while that he should have tried to build a little bit larger of a crowd by positioning himself in between two or three tables at a time and pulling them all into the magic.
On average I perform about 3-4 tricks at each table. I am aware of my time but if they are laughing and are having a good time, I stay becaue other tables become immediately interested. |
Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
Twistedace pretty much covered it.
You ask, "How Much "Stuff" Do You Perform at Each Table?". Yes, depends on how long he was hired for. If it was a setting where there were 10 seated people to a table and a total of 12 tables then everyone would get a chance to see some magic. I've recommended before that if there are a lot of tables and limited time to perform that some stand up, visible effects that a couple of tables can see should be incorporated. Also you mention, "about 125 people with drinks and hors d'oeuvres and everyone standing around those little tables." My opinion is that the magician probably did the best he could in this situation. From my experience these folks are moving around quite a bit and socializing. |
Davro Veteran user UK 319 Posts |
I too would generally do 3 or maybe 4 at the most with each group. I did however have a party yesterday when I had a table who couldn't get enough so I went back to them at the end. It all depends on how much time you have. I always count the number of tables and divide it by the time available, it gives me an idea how fast or slow I need to be.
Best Wishes, David
<BR> <BR>Mid way this way of life we're bound upon, I woke to find myself in a dark wood, where the right road was wholly lost and gone. |
PRINCE Inner circle 1448 Posts |
You cant really say to perform 3/4 tricks as you know one knows how long each trick lasts for? Each trick could last 10 mins so anyone reading this thread would not get an idea for advise. Like everyone has said it all depends on long you are booked for. On the enquiry you need to ask how many people are attending, how many tables there would be and how many people roughly on each table eg 100 people 10 tables with 10 per table. From the numbers you can then calculate your performance for each table. Are they having a meal? Is it 3 course? will there be any speeches during the time you are booked for?
The last thing you want is for people to complain as the never got to see the magician. It is your responsibility to be professional enough to work in the conditions you are booked for and by asking all the relevant questions you not only prep for yourself, but give off a professional image of yourself to the client. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I have no doubt this gentlemen did the best he could for the situation he was in. At times it is tough. I have NEVER promised every guest would see magic. It is not an easy goal and can sacrafice things, just as this obviously has.
You NEVER know the type of reactions that are going to be recieved. NEVER. You may go from one group very engaged, to another who is completly disinterested. This makes that sort of work quite difficult.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
twistedace Inner circle philadelphia 3772 Posts |
I agree with Danny. I let the client know up front that I try to make it to see every guest but it's not always guaranteed. I also ALWAYS ask if there are any special guests of honor or anyone in particular that the person hiring me would like me to perform for.
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PRINCE Inner circle 1448 Posts |
Yes I would definitely let the client know that you would do your best to entertain everyone - if you can. If I was the client then the whole idea of me booking a magician for the evening is so that EVERYONE of my guests get entertained. Depending on how many people there are and how long you are booked for - whether it be that you are paid by the hour or whatever, it is normally said that 100 people per 1 magician. But are you a performer who entertains through the main course etc or just starter and dessert. There is a lot to take into consideration but as long as you are up front with the client and come to some agreement, then all should be ok.
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Clinton,
Why didn't "YOU" perform for this gig? How cool would it have been for you to perform for your peers. To show off your talent? I know that if I was at my company's event and I saw another Magi walking around doing Magic, then I would have been mad as you know what for: 1. Letting the gig slip out of my fingers 2. Letting the gig slip out of my fingers and 3. Letting the gig slip out of my fingers Anyhow...there's nothing else that can really be added that hasn't already been said by everyone else above. I'll just add (or repeat) that when I book a gig like this, I let the client know to divide the # of tables there are by the amount of time they wish me to perform. 10 tables divided by 30 minutes of Strolling Magic equals 3 minutes per table (for example). If the client is fine with that, then it's THEIR FAULT that someone was upset with the "quanity" of the Magic. 3 mintues per table would be 1 trick per table for me.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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