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William B New user 28 Posts |
I have a gig coming up when I will haev to do table hopping. I don't really have a clear idea of how to approach a table of people and get their attention. I would be very grateful for some advice.
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
William, don't take this personally but I see questions like this all the time. If you haven't done table hopping or don't really understand what is required, why did you accept the gig?
I see magicians asking things like "I have a close up show coming in two weeks. What effects can I do?" The act should be in place before booking a gig. Don't misunderstand, there is nothing wrong with asking about certain types of acts. Your particular question has been asked and answered several times on the Café. I always view this type of question like a particular TV commercial where the boss gives his employee a list of things to do and the employee's response is "I can do that, I can do that, I can do that. How in the heck am I going to do that." Similar to booking a gig and then asking how to handle it.
Where the magic begins
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William B New user 28 Posts |
Thank you for giving me your opinion. Could you maybe please tell me where I could find these questions and the answers because I would like to start table hopping.
Thank you William |
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Hi, William...
The way you approach a table really depends on what kind of audience you have (are they families, adults, kids) and what's going on around you (Is it just you...is there a dance, other activites) and the character you've developed and what kind of organization has hired you (a company, a community center, a family) and the kind of people they are (big drinkers, intellectuals, monster truck fans) -- all of these variables play a part in how you approach a table. Here are my Ten Commandments for Close-up, for what it's worth: 1) Smile before you approach them. REALLY smile. If you are faking liking the people...they will know. Even if you don't like them, convince youself you do. It's really important. Make eye contact. This puts them at ease. (Putting them at ease greatly reduces the risk of getting punched out by some surly fella who just wanted you to go away.) 2) Talk to them a little before you launch into your effects. It shouldn't be long but you need to verbally connect with them. Sometimes I will approach a table and ask if they've seen a guy in a black hat because said fella is doing card swindles etc. (I wear a black hat...) 2a) How are you dressed? Costumes are fine...but you really need to ensure it's clean and not at all ragged looking...and that you've remembered to pull your fly up. (Don't even ask me about this.) 3) Go slow -- especially if the environment is noisy. 4) Be aware of the angles: many a novice close up guy has been busted because they forget how close the people are to them. They forget some people are sitting while you're standing and they have a line of vision you may not be used to. 5) Remember everyone wants to see what you're doing. Think about the sightlines when performing. 5a) Pay close attention to the audience. Watch them. Their body postures will tell you what's working and what's not. Watch and listen very carefully. The show's for them, not you. 6) Don't approach a table that has just started eating...or where they seem to be having an animated discussion. You will most likely be unwelcome in both situations. (You may also get gravy all over your brand new close-up mat, which sucks. Seriously.) 7) Leave just a minute or two before they've had their fill of you. If you're paying attention to them...you'll know when. If they all get up and leave in the middle of your perfectly executed faro shuffle, you missed your cue. 8) Make sure you give the first few tables applause cues with your hands or your gestures. This really announces your presence, enhances your credibility and makes other tables look forward to having you there. Much applause = receptive laughing audience and receptive laughing audience = happy client. 8a) Be SURE to pack business cards for people who ask. But don't just pass them out. Wait to be asked. If you're doing a good job they WILL ask. 8b) Chew a sugarless gum. People who talk all night tend to get very bad breath. 9) Don't banter with a drunk. 10) Don't joke about sex, religion or politics until you are SURE it's gonna work for the group. Mess this up and you are dead in the water. 10a) Treat all audience volunteers with respect. If you diss them, the group will turn on you without even knowing they are doing it. Close up really is an art. There's no way to learn quickly. But you can really only learn by DOING. Have fun. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I tend to agree with Dave on this. It's like setting up a fruit stand before you have planted your trees.
But, that being said, everyone has to start somewhere, so to quote the good witch from the "Wizard of Oz", "It's always best to start at the beginning." Do a Google search for tablehopping books. Or, if you are one of the many who are financially challenged, and unlikely to invest in the proper tools, go to some public place where people gather, and strike up a conversation with a total stranger. It's pretty much the same thing... But considering you have already found the Magic Café, let us introduce you to the search function. Use some keywords, while searching this forum (Table hoppers & party strollers). These topics have been discussed here for years on end. But, none of this is likely to fall into your lap. You WILL have to do the work... research and read.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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William B New user 28 Posts |
Thanks guys
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Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
William B,
What sort of Close-Up do you have in your repertoire? Choose the ones that don't use the Table Top if possible and that involve the audience. I try to approach the table as though I'm offering free cookies. You're offering hospitality and Wonder. So David is right, approach smiling. I tell them the Restaurant or host have asked me to entertain the guests and ask them if they would like to see some Magic? My partner just starts with some visual Magic as he introduces himself but never asks point blank if they'd like to see Magic. Both methods work (although his works better). In the end you have to go with what suits your personality. You haven't really asked what to perform so I'm assuming you have Close-Up Magic but haven't worked in a Table Hopping situation. What is the event? Is it a one time event? Restaurants are harder for a variety of reasons. Banquets are great fun and you practically can't lose, (unless they are asking you to work during dinner. Try and dissuade them from that!). -Mary Mowder |
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Andrew Zuber Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 3014 Posts |
David Penn has some interesting tidbits in approaching tables in his lecture (which you can view for free!) on http://www.WizardFX.tv. Definitely worth a viewing - the whole lecture has some great material but he gives a couple of great pointers on how to get up to the table.
"I'm sorry - if you were right, I would agree with you." -Robin Williams, Awakenings
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imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1337 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-02-09 15:34, Mary Mowder wrote: Priceless advice! Thanks Mary
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
These guys are spot on. BUT, we've all (I think) made the mistake of jumping in before we were ready and as Michael said you have to start somewhere. My advice is if you have time before the gig find somewhere, ANYWHERE to practice being bad. If this is a very important or high paying job, you don't want to trip over your words in your introduction, which you will do the first few times. I did strolling at one restaurant for about 9 months and was awful. I went home, retooled my presentation and intro and approached another restaurant and was there for almost 8 years until the place closed. Different approaches work for different people.
Some folks will tell you that you have to perform a miracle in the first 30 seconds, like produce a silk, or fire or something. Personally, I don't care for this. I also don't care for approaching a table under false pretenses. (Excuse me, did you drop a black knife, no? How about a white one?) I'm from the Mike Close school, I like to talk to them first. I merely say good evening and I work here, and I'm the evening's entertainment. It may take a while to find the opening line that works for you. Good luck! |
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Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-02-09 14:46, William B wrote: Dave is no small fish. Like Mahatma Ghandi, you would certainly do well to at least give him the dignity of your full attention. Also, you will find that this particular opinion is very widespread here at the Café. So much so that you would be inclined to get told the exact same thing time and time again.
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
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Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
William did not say he could not perform or had not performed Close-Up Magic.
He said he was unsure of how to approach a table. People who work at restaurants sometimes have problems with this and there are differing opinions on this subject. While I agree with Dave S. and Michael B. if William is new to Close-Up, we don't really know the situation yet due to lack of information. -Mary Mowder |
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pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
Excellent point Mary.
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-02-10 04:19, Mary Mowder wrote: I agree however, even if he has the effects in mind or even a routine, he's accepted a gig without knowing how to present it. In reading the original post, I can see he is doing the correct thing by asking for references and guidance. Better to do that than show up and not have a clue. I apologize if I came across too sharply. Just that I've seen this type of question so many times.
Where the magic begins
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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Here's an outrageous idea I have actually tried quite a few times...
Approach tables while Blindfolded! It is just so surreal that they just smile or are dumbfounded when you approach... Regardless, you get their attention! At least the times that I've tried it. Go into your Set as usual after a few Blindfolded Routines. Then take it off... If you use the Duct Tape technique, that is an event all by itself! Get a reliable Blindfold System and Practice like heck of course... Remember, they think you can't see them so they'll be more honest with their gestures which might not be a good thing. Have an Assistant follow you if need be, I don't really need one. Most of the time... But that's up to you. And it also helps if there is an announcement that there is a Magician/Mentalist performing there that night by the establishment... I know, it is extreme and out there, but it works for me!
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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silent shadow Loyal user United Kingdom 231 Posts |
Some great advice here, I think taking longer to introduce yourself works better than a quick flashy entrance.
Magic or just an illusion? it's a free choice .... isn't it?
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jmhall New user The Midwest 12 Posts |
Quote:
because I would like to start table hopping. William, Congratulations on booking the gig. All of the above advice is great, but if you are serious about doing table hopping on a more regular basis, you need to do the research, as has been already stated. What you're looking for now is some quick pointers to get you through the gig, and that is somewhat understandable, but when this is all over you need to find some good resources on table hopping. I would suggest a copy of "The Magic Menu" by Jim Sisti. It's contains a wealth of information on this genre of magic. |
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djurmann Inner circle thinks time to practice and stop writing 1481 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-02-09 14:10, Dave Scribner wrote: Got to start somewhere. I too have seen questions like this (heck I ask them) and generally the answer is "experience"...so you have to start somewhere. I am NOT experienced, however advice from an experienced magician Mark James. Go up, smile, introduce yourself, shake hands with everyone at the table, don't leer at the ladies, be enthusiastic and confident. If it is a restaurant gig don't take tips but if they insist say thank you very much and when the time is right ask the manager to give the tip to the waiter or waitress serving that table. D |
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Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-02-16 10:59, djurmann wrote: I think you may have missed the point. From the looks of things, Dave assumed that the question had been asked by someone who may indeed have performing experience but was unfamiliar with the myriad 'ins', 'outs' and complexities of the restaurant magic industry. Without fail, every book written on restaurant magic makes the same premise: That the practitioner should NEVER assume that a restaurant gig is no different than a strolling cocktail party or a small parlour performance. With a question like 'How do I approach a table?', I think Dave was entirely justified in his response. Heck, I know we need experience. But to go into a restaurant without an understanding of the crucial lynch pins of table hopping...? :heckno: That's cuh-razy man.
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
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djurmann Inner circle thinks time to practice and stop writing 1481 Posts |
Fair 'nuff.
The last two issues of Magic Seen have sections on table hopping. The free download contains part 2 of this series. http://www.magicseen.co.uk Danny |
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