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Rocky Elite user 486 Posts |
Given that many magicians enjoy approaching people who are engaged in an activity other than being seated in a theater expecting to see a magic performance (eating dinner at a restaurant, taking a walk along a city street), why not consider strolling magic at a local supermarket?
During peak shopping hours supermarkets have several times the potential spectators than even the busiest restaurants. There are many opportunities for the magician to perform ranging from a few tricks for the kiddies who are driving mom crazy as she tries to stock her cart to the bored and restless customers waiting in the check-out line. The savvy performer could also work out a deal with management to help promote the store through offering coupons and other sales related gimmicks to ensure customer loyalty. For those who prefer effects that need table space, setting up a small buskers table would take up no more room than what the employees use who give away free food samples. Finally, if management likes you, the opportunities to appear at other store locations within the area and appearing at grand openings could be potentially profitable for those looking to earn a full-time income through their performances. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Why are you trolling?
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
If you can find a way that won't block the isles or distract or slow down the check-out personnel.
I'm already dodging cell phone users and others who don't have a clue that they are blocking traffic. -Mary Mowder |
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bigfoot Special user 502 Posts |
My first thought would be that most people want to get in and get out of a store. So would this just drag any inevitable agony? I also wonder if this would be a hostel environment due to these factors. I say give it a try perhaps it's the wave of the future. I did work for Toys R' Us performing magic to promote the "Magic Works" line, so maybe this is not too dissimilar?
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Rocky Elite user 486 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 5, 2015, Dannydoyle wrote: ...not trolling at all. Just trying to encourage fellow magi to seek out alternate performance venues. BTW...toy stores...not a bad idea. |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Well, Rocky, it's a possibility, but,not a new idea. I knew guys who were doing this 40+ years ago.
Mary and big foot make good points, however.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Supermarkets promote additional sales while people are waiting in line. That's why they place magazines, tabloids, gift cards, candy, gum, lip balm etc. etc. there. If people are paying attention to you they are not looking at the items mentioned. The supermarket loses money.
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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Rocky Elite user 486 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 5, 2015, Dick Oslund wrote: Thanks Dick...I don't claim this is as a new idea. I actually just finished a trip to Pittsburg where an old friend was reminiscing about his days doing promotional work for Nabisco. They often had him tour supermarkets to perform magic/promote product. |
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Rocky Elite user 486 Posts |
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On Sep 5, 2015, davidpaul$ wrote: Some people are waiting in lines that go out beyond the magazines, tabloids, gift cards, candy, gum, lip balm, etc. etc. These are the folks I would stroll for. Also...the area where you imply is hardly large enough for any sensible entertainer to begin a routine. |
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Rocky Elite user 486 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 5, 2015, Mary Mowder wrote: A good restaurant performer must also be conscious of these obstacles in terms of busboys, wait staff, management, and customers. I am sure that these skills would cross over to supermarket venues. |
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Herr Brian Tabor Special user Oklahoma City 729 Posts |
As someone who works in a supermarket, I can tell you this is a bad idea. During peak hours we try to make the lines move as fast as possible, and the isles and checkout lanes stay clogged. The last thing they would want is someone causing a small crowd to form, obstructing aisles and checkout lanes even more. Not to mention customers have cold things in their cart that they want to get home as soon as possible, and many are concentrating on getting their shopping list complete, and getting the correct items for coupons. They don't want distracted, they want to make the shopping go quickly. I could see how entertainment would help make the wait at the front seem quicker, but it would clog the lanes and create congestion.
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 5, 2015, Rocky wrote: So while you are performing for those further away the people closer to the cashier are not going to look to see what's going on? A sensible entertainer would realize that...anyway Herr Brian Tabor's post would seem to be the final word especially with his experience regarding the topic.
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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Kabbalah Inner circle 1621 Posts |
Instead of striving for corporate work, private parties, night clubs, pubs...we are talking about supermarkets!
"I am thinking about hiring a magician for our company party. Where can I come to see you work?" "Well, on most Saturdays, you can find me in the cereal aisle, at the local Stop and Shop!"
"Long may magicians fascinate and continue to be fascinated by the mystery potential in a pack of cards."
~Cliff Green "The greatest tricks ever performed are not done at all. The audience simply think they see them." ~ John Northern Hilliard |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
FINALLY a guy who can spell aisle!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Rocky Elite user 486 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 5, 2015, Kabbalah wrote: That's funny! |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I have done a few of these in the past. Different formats, different results.
The first was a family-owned grocery store that ran a special promotion, and actually had an area sectioned off to do a stand-up show. It was advertised and drew a fairly good crowd, families with kids, mostly. They were happy, I was happy and it seemed the crowd was happy. Another time, I was brought in by an ad agency to do random magic as people entered the store and hand out coupons. That job sucked. Most the crowd were old ladies, some of whom took a coupon without as much as slowing down as they barreled on in. I spent most of the very long day chatting with the produce clerks, and trying to look busy. I have also worked outside the stores when they have a special promotion or grand opening. People seemed to be a bit more cordial, probably because they could also munch a free hot dog or get some give-away swag from a local radio jock. Anyone leaving the store has to get home and get their groceries put away. I respect anyone who looks for new markets, but I think the usual ones are so for a reason.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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TheMightyRicardo Loyal user 225 Posts |
I once did a show for a supermarket opening. I was facing a section of seated families with children, but there was a long line of people right behind me waiting for hot-dogs. Performing was very difficult. It taught me the value of angle-proof tricks such as Fibre Optics and easily blocked tricks like Extreme Burn.
Richard |
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joseph Eternal Order Please ignore my 17407 Posts |
'Aisle' work near the vegetables, so I can really 'produce'. ...
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler." (Einstein)...
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Michael Baker reminded me of a proposed date (from an agent) which I turned down (about 40 years ago.
The client was one of Chicago's major league baseball teams. "They" wanted me to stand on top of a ticket "kiosk" in the parking lot and perform for the fans as they walked to the stadium. Can you imagine trying to do ANYTHING for a "dynamic" crowd walking fast to enter the ball park? I told the agent to call a juggler. Juggling is basically a "sight" act. I never heard how it worked out. From my side show days as a teenager, and years later as manager of the late Tim Deremer's "Girl To Gorilla" show, I know how to "grab a tip", "nail 'em" and "turn 'em" I've even done a little busking (just to see if I could do it! and, I could, and did.) But, I would much rather work for a seated audience! I've even managed for three seasons, a "PIG RACING" UNIT. We toured from New York to California. playing fairs, and festivals. Yes, I still like pork chops!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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cheesewrestler Inner circle Chicago 1157 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 6, 2015, Dick Oslund wrote: Gotta been the Sox. |
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