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Eirik Special user Oslo 879 Posts |
I am working both right now. When I work behind the bar it's not that big of a problem, but I just started table-hopping, and there is were I need som advice on a thing most of you probably experience.
This is what I have experienced so far when the restaurant was about half full. I walk up to a table do a kind of comic introduction and start of with my first trick (right now the two card monte), they turn to see the two cards changed to queens - the reactions from the guests are huge - with laughter and applause. I get my credit for it, but when I look up right before starting my next trick I noticed that all the other guests in the restaurant are so curious about what's going on that they have stopped eating, just to follow my next moves. This is what I consider to be the problem, because when I walk from one table to the next, I have to do a totally different show each time, because they have already been following my last performance and I feel the element of suprise goes away when they already know what happens. So I am curoius of your pattern with this problem at hand. Thank you for your time. -e-
...As long as i`m not a world-champion at anything, the great reactions of doin` magic will do just fine.....
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Allan Elite user 405 Posts |
In reality, it is great that you are getting the interest from so many tables. It will help when you get to their table because they are expecting & waiting for your visit. Even though they have seen the trick from a distance, they will want to see it up close. However, you should have enough material to do a different act at least a few tables. You will find though that even if you do a different act, they will ask to see the trick that you did at the previous table.
Keep up the good work, but try and expand the number of effects that you do. Don't worry about the surprise. If your magic is entertaining & smooth, they will love it again & again. |
Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
This is why you need at least three distinct, separate sets of material for tables.
Use set one, say sponges, rubber bands and chop cup for your first table. Move halfway across the room, telling the other tables that you will be by shortly, and do Set two. Then to the far end from where you started and do set 3. Vary the sets as you move around the room, keeping sight lines in mind and you shouldn't have any problems with repeating. Hope this helps! Lee Darrow, C.Ht. http://www.leedarrow.com
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
david_a_whitehead Inner circle USA 2122 Posts |
Always be prepared with three different routines. That is what I go with.
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Try learning a few more of the thousand of worldwide tricks. Scott Guinn has a dvd you can purchase that has enough tricks you can put in different rountines (sponges, cards ropes, etc.) You can also purchase a cheap book with many card tricks, a cheap book for coins also. And you can a lot of bar magic from Doc Eason and J.C. Wagner videos.
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Leeman Special user Hollywood, CA 709 Posts |
I would say just do the same set for the people across the room, even if they saw you by the table doing magic it was from a ways away and also from behind, they couldn't have gotten the effect from that.
If you are going to perform for a table that is a couple of tables away or closer then definitely change the routine because even if that table wasn't watching you, then the table that you just performed for most likely will be. |
Eirik Special user Oslo 879 Posts |
Thanks guys,
Great advice! The few times I have performed in the restaurant, I always get a request to repeat a trick that l just did for guests at another table. That is why I try to build up a couple of strong routines that do not require to much preparation, because I do not like the idea after I have done one table, l'd have to walk into the kitchen to get ready again.(like getting ready with a prep.deck or scotch'n soda). For now I have only been performing five to six effects at each table. I am not that experienced yet that I can hook up or prep. infront of the next table while telling a story or something as an misdirection. Right now I have a friend fixing my working jacket with some new pockets, so I can carry more props with me at the same time, that will help me a bit. But I have been thinking on another thing. Do any of you do some preparation beforehand, like placing a douplicate forcecard under the tabletop, or make some arrangments so you easily can get into IT work? I have not tried IT now, but I do a couple of effects with Loops. I have no experience with spouge balls or Cups and Balls either. I guess that is because I feel it is kind of "old fashioned". But I have been reading a lot of posts on this lately, and since there are so many fine magicians out there who still use these, I guess it is still very powerful, and my act is missing this. Any great material on DVD on tablehopping sponge work or Cups and Balls would be the next thing to consider, but I do believe it does require a lot of practice though. Time - never enough time=) In short my routines now consists of: coins, cards, TT, Loops, rubberbands and acouple of mentalism effects. Please help me with some input on what you think I am missing out on. Thanks again. -e-
...As long as i`m not a world-champion at anything, the great reactions of doin` magic will do just fine.....
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Leeman Special user Hollywood, CA 709 Posts |
If you want a great sponge routine that doesn't really require too much practice with a lot of different moves then you should get a set of bunnies. it is pretty much a set routine and has just as much, if not more, impact then a regular spongeball routine.
And if you want a cup routine I would suggest looking into getting a chop cup. again very powerful and not that much sleight oh hand goes into basic routine. |
Eirik Special user Oslo 879 Posts |
Attended another lecture with Finn Jon yesterday, and he has a great sponge routine using multiple "tennis balls", guess this is the first one I will start practicing.
Always open for suggestions on DVD's on different sponge routines. Thanks! -e-
...As long as i`m not a world-champion at anything, the great reactions of doin` magic will do just fine.....
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Kaliix Inner circle Connecticut 1984 Posts |
Eirik,
Here's some quick advice. Three tricks per table max. You should have enough of a presentation with each that, if you presented them slowly with a lot of by-play, you could get 8-10 minutes from them. Sponge balls/rabbits are great. Don't know about sponge DVD's but the 25 tricks with sponge balls video is a great start for $10. Only do tricks that can reset in under 10 seconds unless it is a special trick that you do once for a special customer. The three sets of magic is a good suggestion, but don't be afraid to repeat the set for another table near by. The Loomis/Riser mini chop cup or Mark Jennests Jiggernaut will work great in the restaurant. I personally love Jiggernaut. It plays very well. Have fun!
The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.
~Daniel J. Boorstin |
DamienKeen New user Southampton, England 69 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-10-30 08:44, Kaliix wrote: Well said I also advise the Dennis Loomis/Jim Riser Micro Chop Cup routine. Amazing little objects that are worth every penny. One of the cups looks like a spirit measure that would go on top of a wisky bottle. So patter and motivation to use it shouldn't be a problem. You get a lovely copper cup but that looks more like a prop. The routine is all done in the hands. No table required and is resetable. You can also pour liquid into the cup from the flask you get with the set, and then vanish it. Very nice set indeed. Damien |
Eirik Special user Oslo 879 Posts |
Thanks again guys,
And Kaliix: great advice on the performance part for optimizing your routine. I will also start searching for some of these Chop Cups, and see how I can add those. -e-
...As long as i`m not a world-champion at anything, the great reactions of doin` magic will do just fine.....
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JackDaniel Veteran user nevada 376 Posts |
Search for Mark Jennest's Jiggernaut, I use this with some alternative combinations almost every night,and I have to say it plays big.
Easy to carry around too, and that's so important when you stroll. Keep on the good work! Jack :dancing:
Visit the magic of Vegas and your life will change forever..
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illuzns Regular user My Room in Va. 104 Posts |
You might want to consider the Sponge trick "And then there were Four". This is a great sponge trick that has a solid ending if you can find a good way to incorporate it into your routining.
I also use a pocket Chop Cup for my act. I think that producing so many objects from such a tiny cup is really strong for laymen. Kids are constantly looking under the cup afterwards to see if anything else is in there or how such large objects could have come out of it. I highly recommend getting a set. Also, if you have trouble with the size of the sponges in "Then there were four" you can always carefully cut them down to a smaller size, since this trick doesn't require the use of actual sponge balls, but rather Geometric shapes instead. Have fun and I hope this helps. Your friend in magic, Allen Cleveland |
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