Maybe it's been asked however:

How often to you use the customers table for your magic? I understand it's best to do in the hands effects however, how often do you have the opportunity to use the table, even for let's say spongeballs?

Should we avoid entering their dining space?

Appreciate any comments and ahead of time, I apologize if this is redundant.

Keli

I choose not to, but that is my own personal preference. Your going to hear both sides on here, and your going to hear a bunch of reasons why you should/shouldn't do it. My advice, do what feels right for you. The main reason why I choose not to, is because I choose effects that can be done without a table, so I don't have to change my repertoire whether people are seated or standing. I load my pockets and I'm ready to perform under any conditions.

Again, that is my choice and it doesn't make it right/wrong, it's just the way I operate. There are some that prefer to sit at the table with the customers and perform for them that way. That's fine as well. I say pick whatever style you feel fits you best. Good Luck.

I improvise a lot so if I see room on the table and I need to put something down I will. But everything I do does not require a table. I could imagine it becoming very uncomfortable clearing table space with a group that are unsure about weather or not they want to see your magic. In saying that you will find if the people like you than they will clear the table for you. The only other thing to worry about is wrecking your props you are more than likely at some point going to put them in spilt drinks and food.

I sit down at the table and work by request. I always use it.

I sit or stand and always use the table.

If you don't need table space you won't be dissappointed when there is none.

Never. There is no need ever to do so.

Agree with Harry. I don't use their table. I often depending on the venue use my Banjo collapsible table as a working surface. Mostly I work from my pockets.

Larry

I use it when I can. Most times I can. Really the only time that has been an issue is when hired to work wedding halls or banquet halls. Then the tables are usually filled with 9 million plates, glasses, silverware, and such. In those cases, I do material that doesn't require a table.

Harry, not saying you are wrong or right, but I suppose that depends on what routines you perform. Regular size chop cup, Benson Bowls, matrix routines, etc. all would be tough or impossible to do in the hands. These and other table required routines are super strong. Personally, I don't feel that I'm intruding on their space by using a very small section of it.

I've had magicians come to my table when I've been in restaurants, and I've never felt like props or a mat on the table was a problem. If there is room, who cares? If there isn't room, do stuff in the hands. kinda simple
patrick

Wow I have never performed in a restaurant in Chicago that did not have tables. However at a cocktail party when it is a privet booking and there are no tables, I can work without one if needed however I choose to work sitting or standing at the table when I perform in restaurants.

Patrick I was talking about me and my practice. I don't care how strong a trick may be. In a dining situation I will leave it at home. There are thousands of tricks available that get just as strong a reaction as, say, the Chop Cup, so I tend to use them. My criteria for strolling/table-hopping magic is something that is performed in the hands, clearly visible, easily understood by non-English speaking folk, easily transported (fits in the pockets), and has a solid magical punch ending.

I don't ever put my stuff on someone's dining table. That is just me and my practice. It is neither right or wrong as you say (although your response implies "wrongness"). Frankly, I believe that putting a dirty deck of cards, a filthy close-up mat, or a unwashed Cup or Bowl on a dinner's table shows great disrespect.

Like you, I've had magicians approach a table where my friends and I were sitting and plop down a small close-up mat. They were sent away without even getting started by the folks I was with (all non-magicians, all "real" or lay folk ,and all there for dinner and conservation). This has happened more than once over the past several years (in Washington, D.C./Georgetown). I learned by watching and listening and putting myself in a dinner's place.

Personally, I feel that I am being disrespectful by contaminating their space.

Here is another side issue to the contaminating space thing. I love to have magic happen in the spectator's hands. I carry little packets of non-alcohol ,anti bacterial, hand cleaners to give a spectator who helps me. They get to sanitize their hand after handling my props (coins, cards, sponge balls). Some don't use them, most do, all say thank you. I actually get a nice joke and laugh out of giving the packet away.

I agree, Patrick. You just nailed it. And if I may add I would say the same thing for sitting and standing and I have also performed magic on a bar stool that was in reach and on a low coffee/cocktail table about a foot and a half high off the table in several restaurants (in the lounge).

I would also add that the audience enjoyed the show - with and without the table and on high/low tables.

Hand sanitizer and Anti-bacterial soap is now known to cause male impotence and other problems. Time to keep up with the news reports. Don't want to get sued.

Depends on the amount of space on the table and the people.
Most times I always used the table to lay small things like a deck down if need be.

Seriously????

But don't you normally use these AFTER you've held your di......... whoops better end it there!

I live in Massachusetts. I do not know anyone doing restaurant magic in this area that sits down at a patron's table. Occasionally I'll use a small piece of the table to do magic. The magic effect had better be worth the fact that you are using THEIR space.

The unfortunate thing is this. Once you have decided to do restaurant magic, you will learn the magic needed to perform in "restaurant conditions". You will probably not practice magic you want to perform, but, practice magic you'll need to perform in this environment. Among the other concerns you will immediately notice is limited pocket space, instant reset, bad angles and performance time constraints.

Ultimately, it is all worth it!

It is all in the pitch and in the venue. Turn and burn family places I would never sit. I would also never work them.

I work only by request. When someone requests you it is not out of line to sit. They have seen you sitting at other tables. I am part of an ever all experience, not a time waster to keep the mind off of a slow kitchen. This philosophy is the difference as to if you are intrusive or not.

I agree this is not the perfect approach. It is right for the places I work. I am sure everyone has their own perfect approach. As no two places are the same I should imagine everyone has their own right way. I hate one size fits all solutions.

Working by request is so smart. If I requested someone, I'd love for them to sit down. Many people, if they didn't request, don't even want to be approached.

I dined in a place where the waiter at the next table sat down to take the order ( not a high end place ). The people asked him to please stand up and they left.

Clarke

I would (and have) done the same. HOWEVER, I would not be put out if a magician I HAD INVITED OVER sat down.
Big difference between being asked and assuming.

What's that old saw? Makes an a-- out of you and me?