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Jacob Smith Inner circle Columbus, OH 1871 Posts |
Hi everyone!
My name is Jakob, I am new to this part of the forum and I am a mentalist and hypnotist in Central Ohio. Basically, to be absolutely honest with myself and you, I am young, stupid and need to learn more about the business side of performing because as of now I have a polished stage and walk around set...but no business skills to get started getting paid...I have looked into past posts on the subjects of college shows including NACA and APCA, but I didn't really find a lot of it answering the questions of what, I feel, I need to know...does anyone have any wise stories, tips or books to reccommend to someone familiar with the show side, but fairly new to the business side? -Jakob Michaels |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
My advice I sto stay away from NACA and APCA until you have a better understanding of entertainment business and the college market. Please understand I do not say this to discourage you, but as legitimate advice to prevent you from losing thousands of dollars, which it cost you just to learn the very basics. Your money and efforts are much better spent in many other ways, especially getting entertainment business education, marketing and promotion, and possibly mentoring or coaching.
I know many experienced and knowledgeable entertainers who fair terribly with NACA and APCA and the college market by not understanding, knowing and being prepared, or by rushing it prematurely. Truth be told many entertainers are terrible at the business side of the operation. My best advice is to learn and educate yourself on entertainment business, nit magic business. There is a big difference. Many here seem to fall under this category, no offense. Don't be afraid to invest in yourself and your business. |
Jacob Smith Inner circle Columbus, OH 1871 Posts |
Thank you Mindpro, I appriciate your honesty with me. A lot of sources have been telling me NACA and APCA can drain your money and produce almost zero results...which is a tad bit discouraging to someone like me who is a fairly broke mentalist and hypnotist
My main issue that I am having is finding somewhere to perform where I am at in the Columbus, Ohio area...I mean I am about to speak at TEDx Columbus which will really help my branding as a fusion of a life coach and entertainer (strange combination right?), but I feel like something simple like getting a place to perform shouldn't be this difficult! Eh, maybe I am making excuses...anyone have a good source for a book or something on the college market and how to work NACA and APCA I can start studying to start prepping early on? -Jakob |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
I have had a few experiences with this market. IT is a great market. Another market you might want to consider as you build yourself in this business is to do the PROM parties and also some college work on the level of their social events (for example the welcome party, the lunch social etc) this will keep from being center stage, since it will be mainly lots of strolling or smaller presentation.
Also, read books on marketing your act for this market and similar markets. Best wishes magician 336.... Cheers
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
I understand your concerns. Don't misunderstand me, NACA and APCA success can make or break a performer in the College market, but my point was that it is not a starting point. People often think "if I can just get in with NACA/APCA things will really take off for me and my business:. All I'm saying is this mentality can get you into trouble, quickly. NACA/APCA are great, if you completely understand then, from the inside out, have an extreme top-notch, professional and perfected performance or presentation, completely understand how to adapt the benefits of these organizations to your business plans and operation, and have the money, upfront, to invest in yourself and your business. I wouldn't even think of starting with any less than $15,000-$30,000, and again that's only once your have a completely polished and well-performed show and understand all of the nuances of these organizations.
I would take my time and efforts and try to be self-represented and market myself to local areas colleges or try to find a college agency, again if your show or presentations are College Market polished and ready. Your walk around won't be of much help in the College market. You must start with the basics - professional promo and web site, and a killer professionally shot and edited video demo. Nothing will happen in any market without these. Also Ohio is a great state to start to establish your entertainment business. Just by targeting the "3 C's", and Dayton and Akron, you have a great starting point. I love working Ohio, great audiences and bookings. One more point - don't view NACA/APCA as a source to expect direct bookings (you may be less disappointed), but rather a source for lead gen. |
eatonmagic Special user Orlando, FL 737 Posts |
I know that my friend Jonathan (a.k.a "Jonny Zavant") toured around with Brian Brushwood and learned as an understudy for a few years and now he's been on his own touring the NACA circuit for the last 4 years. He loves it!
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Zombie Magic Inner circle I went out for a beer and now have 8733 Posts |
MIndpro, as usual, is offering golden advice.
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