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Steve Landavazo Special user Northern California 654 Posts |
Hello everyone!
Thanks for responding to this post! Do any of you have a, "favorite" approach when going to a table to present magic? I know of some magicians that simply ask while others have a favorite line or approach! What's your method? Steve
Courage is the willingness to be afraid and act anyway!
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Steve Brooks Founder / Manager Northern California - United States 3780 Posts |
Gee Steve,
as you know, I've logged many hours doing the table thing. One approach that has always worked for me was to simply walk up to a table, and maybe say something like; "How are you folks this evening?" The patrons a**ume I'm part of management or something. After they respond (if the response is a positive one), I might add something along the lines of; "Have you ever seen one of these?" At which point I'm pulling out a sponge ball, hotrod, etc. It has always worked well for me.
"Always be you because nobody else can" - Steve Brooks
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Mike Giusti Veteran user 371 Posts |
The patrons at all my restaurants generally know why I am there through the ads placed within the venue itself.
I wish to personally publish the following here on The Magic Cafe first before it appears in my forthcoming book as it may establish the origin of the following introduction as my own independent thoughts (aside for a particular David Williamson line and NOT for egotistical reasons, I a**ure you): "Hey, welcome to (insert your favorite restaurant name here), where we serve you in 10 minutes or less or you pay double... By the way, I am the resident magi-ician -- hey, someone has to do it. How about a magic trick while you wait for the cooks to burn, er, BRING your food from the kitchen? Some mealtime manipulation? Some suppertime sorcery, perhaps (thank you, DW)... Lunchtime legerdemain? How about some fast food finger-flicking?" Although I vary the lines almost every single time, this will NOT work for everyone, but it does establish my personality and the type of magic about to be presented before anything is brought out. Also, it gives the opportunity for the patron to refuse (although about 98% of the time, they don’t because they know they are in for some fun). I am not a big fan of immediately going into a routine. I feel it’s a bit, contrived and forced, for lack of better words... |
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Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5930 Posts |
Mike,
You forgot to mention, "The managment asked me to entertain you for a minute while the cook scrapes your food up off the floor and re heats it." |
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asmayly Loyal user San Antonio, Texas 291 Posts |
Mike,
Interesting lines. You’re right, their not for everyone, but that’s great, because patter and tricks should be tailord for the individual in order to come off right. But my question is, no matter what you use as an opener, ("Want to see a miracle?", etc.), what are your personal "outs", when they say "no" (that makes walking away seem smooth and seamless). Thanks, AA (and what is an MPD?) |
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Mike Giusti Veteran user 371 Posts |
Great question. I always try to put them at ease & tone down the situation so they don't feel bad for saying no. Something along the lines like, "Hey you got it. You folks enjoy the food and have a good one."
You are right regarding lines not working for everyone. If only one could hear the tone of voice through email as sometimes remarks, lines, etc. may come off as harsh. They really are done in a playful manner. |
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Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5930 Posts |
The Rejection
Great question. It should not be taken so personally. Picture this, you are throwing a party, everybody is havin' a great time. You ask someone if they would like a beer. They say, "No, thanks." Simple enough you go about your hosting wishing them to enjoy and let you know if they need anything. Be gracious and leave the door wide open for their asking you to return. Then go enjoy some other tables. Tom |
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Scott Horn Elite user Dallas, TX 417 Posts |
I an "occasional" restaurant table hopper. Am also a believer in offering to entertain, but allowing for the occasional rejection.
Although the restaurant I work at advertises and promotes magic, I find that many of the patrons were unaware that ’entertainment’ is provided. Thus, on rare occasion people are there to dine in private as they may either truly not be interested, or may have some difficult issues preoccupying their mind. I have, in fact, been thanked for ’asking’ by diners who wanted to see magic as well as those who didn’t. In short, I approach with a few points: I’m an entertainer and magician I’m part of the restaurant staff It’s free A moment of conversation gives them the ’out’ |
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Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5930 Posts |
Great phrase Scott,
Play big to small. I never really coined a phrase for that but I do a form of it through routining rather than prop. That way I have no bad angles to consider, my pet peeve. Tom Cutts |
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tctahoe V.I.P. Lakeland Fl. 733 Posts |
“Hello, I’m here to entertain you…Whether you want me to or not.”
It’s a great icebreaker and has worked for me for, way too many, years. I do a fast coin flourish and vanish. “Would you like to see some magic?” if no… “I don’t blame you, I quit watching me years ago. But if you change your mind just tell your server, or throw somethin’ at me and I will be happy to come back and play. Have a good night” That’s how I do it. _________________ When in doubt…drop an anvil |
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Jon Allen V.I.P. England 1771 Posts |
In a nutshell, I come up to the table of four or more and, with a smile, say,
"Is this a fun table?" Their response allows me to go in any number of different directions. If they are not fun and they tell me in no uncertain terms, then I can leave without feeling bad. Who'd want to entertain a table that tell you they are not fun?! If they cheer and scream and throw money at me, I know I'm going to have fun with them. There are many different sub-texts within these premises that help me gain a lot of information about the group and the situation from just this one question. It works for me! Regards, Jon
Creator of iconic magic that you will want to perform.
The Silent Treatment, The Pain Game, Paragon 3D, Double Back, Destination Box and more. Available at www.onlinemagicshop.co.uk |
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Robin Parker Regular user Atlanta 117 Posts |
I may sound ******* to some, but it's an easy way to approach the table. I simply begin to pick off red lights from an individual's shoulder with D'lites, especially children. It's an easy intro, no dialogue is necessary and immediately they know you are the magician. Sometimes I use it with adults and sometimes no, it depends on what I have previously observed from a specific group of adults.
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Steve Brooks Founder / Manager Northern California - United States 3780 Posts |
A very interesting approach Robin.
"Always be you because nobody else can" - Steve Brooks
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Cliff New user Warrington, England. 73 Posts |
I approach a group and ask if everyone is having a good time. I drop a sponge rabbit on to the table and say, "The management has asked me to show you this." A quick routine follows and at the end I say, "Let me introduce myself. My name is Cliff Cowling, I’m the magician here and I have 3 rules.
1. I will not perform to people while they are eating, so pray the food gets here fast. 2. You do not pay me. I do not work for tips, this is a gift from the hotel. 3. "I will not make a fool of anyone unless requested". (If it’s a large group, I’ll change the last line to "I will not make a fool of anyone, (then pointing to someone) except for you." By now I can tell if they want to see the magic or not. If I feel I’m not wanted, before they have a chance to reject me, I say, "I will be here for most of the evening and if you would like to see the magic just ask your waiter. Enjoy your evening here." and I walk away. With this little speech, I’ve told them I work there, it costs them nothing, I’ll not embarrass them and I’ll not be at the table for the rest of the evening. This system has always worked for me. _________________ All the best Cliff
All the best
Cliff |
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Steve Brooks Founder / Manager Northern California - United States 3780 Posts |
That's very cool Cliff...I like that a lot.
"Always be you because nobody else can" - Steve Brooks
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J R Thomas Regular user Champaign Illinois 138 Posts |
I like your approach Cliff.
I developed this over the years and I am comfortable with it. Good Evening...I’m JR the "restaurant’s name’s" magician. IF you like I’d be glad to entertain you for a few moments. I certainly don’t want to interrupt anything. It is entirely up to you." I know this sounds a little direct and contrived but it has never failed me. If they say no I usually say "Thanks for coming to "restaurant name". Enjoy your evening." Without a doubt your approach should fit your personality. Sometimes I ask how they are enjoying their evening. If there is a problem I get it taken care of. Remember we are an extension of the hospitality of the restaurant. Of all the approaches I’ve heard and read about I think Burger’s is the best. Have the wait staff ask when they take the drink orders. "Folks we have a magician here this evening. If you’d like to see him please let me know." It’s great if you have a trained wait staff. JR
Those who hear not the music
Think the dancers mad |
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Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5930 Posts |
I see a great flaw in Burger’s approach and in any approach that is apologetic before it gets started, which Eugene’s isn’t.
The biggest obsticle I feel is differentiating yourself from the perception. Most people have never seen outstanding close-up magic, especially live. One needs an approach that displays your talents quickly and definitely without jarring the guests out of their restaurant experience. Barging right in, tricks flying from your fingers is not the answer. Nor is the "Hope I’m not interrupting" approach. One must be ambassador to the restaurant and cognizant of the guests’ reaction while displaying your talent, which you better have a lot of. Make this display quick and very impressive. After the display take a beat to let it sink in and read the reaction again. That will tell you if you should graciously depart or move seamlessly into a more detailed routine. Picture this: "How is every thing this evening?" reply "Wonderful, well I am here for one thing..." Holding index finger in air and gradually lowering it to the table top (2 inches from the edge so as not to encroach on their space) while finishing."... to ensure your time with xyz restaurant is an outstanding, unique experience." At "xyz restaurant" your finger comes in contact with the table. During "outstanding unique" your finger mimes a ball or coin appearing. The final "experience" is delivered as the object appears. You have cut to the chase and proven yourself without jarring their world into yours. Accept their reaction (very important) and roll into a routine with the object. I love the idea of brainstorming ideas like this, and the real world application of theories of magic. So much so I created a periodical on the subject, AM/PM... About Magic, Performing Magic. Anyone who is interested in more information about AM/PM can email me at am.pm1@juno.com . . . _________________ Tom Cutts Your Newest Moderator! Publisher, AM/PM...About Magic, Performing Magic |
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5445 Posts |
I approach the table holding a pocketknife looking concerned. “Did anyone here drop a black pocketknife? No! Well then did anyone drop a white pocketknife? (Doing the change, and going into my color changing knife routine. At the end of the routine the final pocketknife is placed into the pocket that has two sponge balls and a purse frame for a sponge ball routine).
(As the knife is being put away and the balls palmed and frame picked up) “As you can guess I am the restaurant magician and I have been asked to entertain you. Say have you ever seen this kind of purse?” (Showing purse frame and opening it) “Well it is where I keep my balls (a little risqué - produce the two balls and go into the sponge ball routine-that ends with the balls being put back into the pocket. Out comes the hand miming holding a deck of cards). “Could you take this deck of cards and shuffle it? Thanks. Hey, you have to take it out of the box first! OK, now fan the cards toward yourself, good, now choose any card you see, put the balance of the cards back in the box and give the box back to me. Good." (I take out a thin wallet, opening it and flashing the money compartment showing a few bills). "I’ll give you what’s in the wallet if I can’t get your card, OK? Now for the first time name your card (does so)." (I reach into the wallet and immediately pull out one card) "Would it amaze you if this card were your card?" (Turns the card over and it matches!). "Thanks folks, I hope you enjoyed that, please enjoy your meal and visit us again real soon.” Note that each trick leads into the next. Because it is a restaurant each effect can stand alone, should the food show up! I never use lines that insult the establishment or the wait staff or bartenders. I do not try to get a cheap laugh at the expense of my employer. I am positive, upbeat and projecting the image that will bring a patron back to the restaurant and to see me. But that's just me!
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
As a table hopper for the past 10-plus years, I particularly like Cliff's approach.
And, while I almost always agree with Mumblepeas' views, this time I must differ: The knife approach (first inflicted on audiences by Ron Wilson, I believe) has a built-in flaw: When you ask, "Did someone here drop a little red knife", what do you do if a patron says, "Yes, thanks" and grabs the knife and pockets it -- and resumes talking to other people at the table! Occam's Razor applies to table hopping: Keep it simple; approach the table, identify yourself, and show an interest in them. Just as if you were meeting strangers for the first time at a party. As for leaving, if rejected, it happens; and it happens to everyone at one time or another. When they say "no", you simply reply, "well, perhaps some other time. In the meanwhile, enjoy your meal and have a good evening." And you walk away, dignity intact! cheers, Peter Marucci showtimecol@aol.com |
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5445 Posts |
I agree with Peter’s comments, especially about leaving with your dignity intact!
I did “get” the knife approach from Ron Wilson (and Paul Green includes it in one of his booklets I think). In my approach I am asking the question as I am moving and I answer the question well before the spectators and make the change. It is a three beat flow; question, self-answer, change. Followed by a pause to allow the effect sink in, then on with the routine. In the many years that I have performed the routine I have never had anyone even reach for the knife. I’m lucky I guess (or I read my audience well). Now I will be a bit paranoid about that event occurring. As to people not wanting to see magic, I watch the tables and find one that has a family and that the conservation is not animated or intense. That usually breaks the ice and other tables pay attention, which lets me “hop” to the next interested table. A total lack of interest and eye contact by a table telegraphs to me a desire to be left alone. Plus the wait staff is working the room for me asking if the table would like to see some magic as they wait for their food. I am usually kept jumping with interested to very interested spectators.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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