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samthemagical New user Grand Rapids, MI 90 Posts |
Or, as to quote The Devils Dictionary, 'A Dentist is a prestidigitator who puts metal in your mouth and pulls coins from your pocket.'
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keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1167 Posts |
I normally use a warm-up in my shows (first got this idea from Mark Leveridge books— and normally use one of his routines). This of course costs nothing in the way of props but can fill out 5 minutes of the show.
Mark |
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Zack Special user 553 Posts |
I think that the idea that expensive props adds value to your show is mostly something that magicians say to convince themselves (and their wives) that it is OK to buy more stuff.
Unless a prop allows you to raise your price, such as the chair suspension, you are not adding value, you are only adding expense. |
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Scott Ocheltree Veteran user 364 Posts |
Trying not to drift the thread too far, this does have to do with spending on magic...
I received some extra cash as birthday gifts and, as usual, I decided to spend it on magic gear. Even though I have a pretty long wish list of new toys I'd like to get, I spent it on painting supplies and fabric to make new matching table cloths for my tables, and repaint several of my existing props to match better. The idea being rather than spend on more new stuff that might or might not find its way into my act, I wanted to upgrade and enhance my tried and true material while giving the look of my whole act more continuity. |
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
I perform a 45 minute show plus balloons in an area where other performers do a full hour show for the same price.
I have tried doing an hour show but I hype the kids up too much to keep them still for that long. |
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EricHenning Loyal user Laurel, Maryland 218 Posts |
What an interesting thread! So many topics!
First, it is quite easy to put together a very engaging, interactive family show you can work out of your suit pockets. Rope, Mouth Coil, Egg Bag, Hank Mouse, 20th Century Silks, Bubble Catch, TT Streamer, Sponge Balls, Vanishing Wand, Razor Blades From Mouth, etc. (Just kidding on that last one!) And the props need not be expensive, so long as they don't look shabby. Having said that, people do like to see a bit of equipment - perhaps they want to see where their money is going. Referrals and repeat booking came more rapidly after adding a Neilsen Roll-on Table, nice table cloth and a small sound system. Also a professionally made sign (read: Signs by Tomorrow) that attaches to a suitcase table or briefcase with Velcro is inexpensive but adds a great deal to one's image. Especially if it matches the logo on your Website. Costume can also go a LONG way to creating a professional image with little cost. What we wear ought to be clean & neat, fit properly and look "put together" rather than "thrown together." Decent black slacks, a generic black vest, colorful shirt and bowler hat do it for me. The hat was the most expensive part, and I am learning some hat juggling for my warm-up. I am not the cheapest guy in my area, but also not the most expensive. A good rule of thumb (don't know who first said it) seems to be that when your calendar gets full, raise your prices. If your calendar isn't full, don't lower prices, increase active marketing. Hope this helps, |
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Sam Sandler Inner circle 2487 Posts |
Seems we are bringing this thread back to life so I will chime in.
first off I firmly believe and have been lecturing on this for years that we need to create magical moments for each show. specifically if we are doing home shows we need to create a magical enviorment first. I turn the living room basement where ever I am performing into a theatre. 12' wide 8' high backdrop pro sound system 2 suitcase tables, large full color banner running across teh back drop with my name and picture and then of course the magic. I bring close to $1200 worth of equipment with me not to mention the years of experience in perfecting the routines for the show. if you are going to do this full time you need to have a top of the line presentation and it starts with the back drop and sound. I bought a chair suspension a year ago just to create a sencond show to offer with "bigger" effects thus being able to charge more. I personally hate the trick but laypeople like it and they pay the bills. I need to bring teh zany blanney latter suspension with me next time:) have fune
sam sandler- America's only full-time DEAF Illusionist
http://www.samsandler.com http://www.deafinitelymagic.com |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Sam, I rarely go to a show with less than $5000 worth of kit. But on an open beach, with nothing more than a TT, I can entertain everyone for an indefinite period......
;) |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
I have to disagree with Sam. I do the best magic show in my area, and the total cost for all the props for an hour long show come to well under $100. If you take out the cost of the puppet dog and the brief case, the cost comes down to under E40. I have no dealer items (because other guys have them) and only use a sound system if the crowd is big enough to merit it. I don't use backdrops unless I am in a theatre. Mothers don't like having to clear a room for half an hour because the performer wants to bring in the contents of a small truck.
I am not selling a big show. I am not selling a show of any sort. I am selling me. It is my personality and talent that gets me the bookings, not the amount of space my show takes up. David Copperfield had one of the biggest shows of recent years. But Chris Rock, using just his voice and a shiny suit, is drawing bigger crowds and earning more money. It is not the size of your show that counts, but the size of your talent and personality. Yes, you can put together a show for under $100. I wouldn't dream of spending more. Your costume, on the other hand, is where you should spend. I have never performed a show that cost me more than the costume I am wearing while doing that show. Tony.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-05 15:37, TonyB2009 wrote: ....if you're quite sure, then I'd say "forget all your props, your customers just want YOU, your talent and your personality. Props can only detract from the fabulousness of you!" ;) |
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Sam Sandler Inner circle 2487 Posts |
Hey tonny b
I understand what yoursaying and I have done many shows for audiences with no more than $20 worth of props and entertained for 30 minutes and got paid big time h owever what I am trying to point out is for me I sell and experience and that includes the decor meaning the backdrop etc. people not only buy "ME" but they buy me becasue th ey know I bring the best birthday part out there. many of my clients have seen my full stage show at a casino or major theatre somewhere and inquire what I do or if I do birthday partys and when I go there I want to create that same BIG STAGE feel. but I do understand whrere you are coming form sam
sam sandler- America's only full-time DEAF Illusionist
http://www.samsandler.com http://www.deafinitelymagic.com |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
More than once, I've been told "I want a 'real' magician not one who works out of a suitcase!" What the customer wanted is a "prop guy" that acted like the children's classic magician.
Please this is not to offend, there are many great and funnier magicians than I who work out of a suit case. Chris Capehart is one example, however, even Chris told me he had clients wanting a prop guy instead of him.
Dennis Michael
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-05 16:19, Potty the Pirate wrote: Potty, you are so right. I get booked ahead of prop guys all the time, because people in my area know that kids laugh more at my shows. I know there are some top class guys who use a lot of props and give real spectacle. Like everyone else I love those shows, but there are none in my area. At the same time we all know there are a lot of guys who use the props as a crutch. There are a few of those in my area. If you operate out of a briefcase (or a pocket, which I frequently do) then you have no crutches. You will be caught out and disappear without trace if you are not good enough. I prefer it that way. I am the act, not the stuff I bring in from my car. Just like Chris Rock is the act, and would be every bit as entertaining if you saw him in the middle of a wet field.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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Al Kazam the Magic Man Inner circle Living in Perth Western Australia 1042 Posts |
Hey Potty,
I hope you don't mind me asking these questions? Just taking a little look at your website, and was wondering, do you take all of those Wolf props to every show? Then you've got the talking bird, and the flea circus, and half of the Axtell range of puppets. A short calculator check and I would say maybe about $12,000 or maybe $15,000 worth of props. Are you a prop guy or do you consider yourself a personality type that gets booked because of "Who" you are as an "Entertainer"? Does props make the magician for you? So you have a multitude of shows that you do? Like your A show and your B show and your C show etc? JoJo
Magic guy in Perth Australia
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-06 11:19, JoJo wrote: I have shows for every event. That means, if required, a minimal show with just a small case of props - I usually take a show of this kind to the children's hospitals. Or, I can simply have enough stuff in my pockets to entertain kids for hours, though I don't exactly have a "show" that I carry in my pockets. But more often, I expect higher fees, and deliver a much bigger show. I have over 20 1-hour shows for my clients to choose from, all different. Your guestimation of the value of my props is many thousands of dollars out, I LOVE big props. When I was a child, I considered any "magician" who didn't have a load of props to be a phoney. For me, the magic is in the spectacle, the performer is merely the demonstrator of amazing things. So, I aim to deliver theatrical shows that are highly visual, as well as hopefully amusing the kids with my own acting, style, and comedy. I simply believe that it's good to offer a complete package - also the reason I have learned many different performing arts. Potty |
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Al Kazam the Magic Man Inner circle Living in Perth Western Australia 1042 Posts |
Hi Potty,
Thanks for the answer, and your take on the questions I asked. I figured I was a bit low on the estimation of the costs of your props. Interesting thoughts on offering the complete package. I also am interested in different performing arts. Best, JoJo
Magic guy in Perth Australia
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Thom Bliss Loyal user Southern California 271 Posts |
I use a ring-toss type ring and about three feet of rope.
A magic coloring book (the kids seem to expect it and it usually gets a good reaction from the adults). Three small silks and a special silk that becomes a blendo for my 21 century silks-blendo combo. Also a drawstring change bag to produce the three silks in the first place. A tube made from a file folder and a drawerbox to vanish one silk. Also TWO break-apart wands (when I realize the first one is broken, I give the helper the other one), a "French maid" black and white feather duster, a pointer (a black stick with a white plastic pointing finger on one end), and a fake banana. A big needle and a balloon. And the magic-wand holder for the needle. A Bongo hat (and a spare), a cardboard crown or two, and a box to hold them. A rabbit production box, a large scarf or piece of cloth so I can "unveil" the box, a plucked duck (like a rubber chicken, but funnier and a little bigger),two feather boas, a rabbit, and a top hat to put her in. Everything fits into a smallish suitcase except the bunny, the bunny box and related props. I also carry a lot of balloons, which go in a doctor's bag. I also have another propcase, which carries all the stuff for my sound system except the speakers and amp-mixer. But mostly I use it to sit on, if the kids are on the floor, or for helpers to stand on, if they're short. (It's been reinforced with half-inch plywood.) The most expensive props are the bunny box and the bunny. A good felt-top hat isn't cheap either. So to produce a bunny probably costs more than the rest of the show, at least as far a props go. But it's worth it. But I also carry a sound system, in case I need one. It mostly stays in the van. It cost more than the rest of the show. When my wife is working with me, she has a keyboard (the musical kind), which wasn't cheap either. Everything except the sound system (and keyboard) can go in in only one trip. I use a dolly. Some parents do seem to be impressed with all the stuff. Except for the sound equipment (including keyboard), the rabbit and the bunny box, I could probably replace the props for my show for about $100. Except some of it doesn't seem to be available anymore; can anybody tell me where to get a new plucked duck? For the rabbit and bunny box, add another two or three hundred. Probably the biggest expense of any magic show is the stuff you have to buy but don't use. You have to go through a lot of stuff to figure out what works for you and your audiences. Thom |
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