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radiantentertainment Regular user Donald Collins 112 Posts |
I am beginning a new venue for the summer, Ryans Steak House, which has a buffet style dining experience. I plan on approaching tables during dessert. I'll also be using table tents so that my intrusion is expected. I am looking for other issues that I may need to be concerned about.
The proprietor of a restaurant, not Ryans, that I perform at during the winter also owns a fine dining style restaurant at the same resort. I would like to perform there as well. I'm intimidated though. Do I approach cold tables or do I use Eugene Burgers famed technique. Do I continue to wear a suit since this will still be a step above the patrons? Should I wear a tuxedo? I currently use balloon animals. Do I learn origami for this style restaurant?
Life is not a dress rehearsal!
Less is more. & Knock'em dead! |
bishthemagish Inner circle 6013 Posts |
What to ware? One step better dressed than your audience is a good rule.
Have a post or sign for people to read so that they know you are hired by the restaurant. If you can have table tents printed and use them. Smile alot. Open doors for people be friendly. Have fun... I hope this helps, Glenn Bishop http://www.mrhypnotist.org
Glenn Bishop Cardician
Producer of the DVD Punch Deal Pro Publisher of Glenn Bishop's Ace Cutting And Block Transfer Triumphs |
Allan Elite user 405 Posts |
If you only approach tables during desert, you will never get to all the tables. Buffet's usually have seatings a specific times. The only way to get to all the tables is to approach anytime they are not eating the hot portion of the meal. Also, if you go during desert, you will be keeping people in their seats when the restaurant wants them to leave so the next guest can be seated.
As far as how to dress, a suit is fine but if it is a high end place, the tux might be the way to go. |
radiantentertainment Regular user Donald Collins 112 Posts |
The restaurant that I will be performing at does not have certain seating times. I do not know why I did not think about slowing the table turn over if I perform during dessert. I am just so used to avoiding tables with food unless I am requested it is strange to me. I'll adept I am sure.
What I am really concerned about is the fine dining restaurant. If anyone has some words of wisdom for someone who has not performed in that enviroment I would appreciate it.
Life is not a dress rehearsal!
Less is more. & Knock'em dead! |
Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
For the fine-dining establishment, a tux would appear to be in order.
However, balloon animals are not; you don't want a piece of broken balloon flying off and landing in someone's food or drink! Why not do bead animals? Same principle but the guests aren't stuck with carrying around a huge balloon animal (which may be fine at a family, fast-food type place). I don't know what Eugene Burger's technique is (so I guess it's not all that "famed") so I can't comment on it. However, I approach a table "cold", introduce myself as the restuarant magician (so they know I'm not some nut off the street) and tell them that I'm there to present some complimentary entertainment while they're waiting for their meals (this way you establish up front that the entertainment is free!). If a tip is offered, I refuse it the first time, thanking them but pointing out that the entertainment is free. If it is offered a second time, I'll accept it because it is the guest's way of saying "thank you" and to refuse it a second time would be rude. Hope this is of some help. |
Craig Dickson Veteran user Pleasant Valley, NY 353 Posts |
Make friends with waiters, they can be you best allies. Even buffets have waiters to bring drinks, so educate them, and they can be you booking agent for specific tables at times. If they request you at a certain table, then the no hot food rule is out, they want you now. Makes it all so much easier. The waiter look good too, so tips get better, everyone wins.
Craig R Dickson
Website: www.wizardcraft.com Blog: http://wizardcraftmagic.blogspot.com Magicalendar: http://allmagicguide.com/c.html |
radiantentertainment Regular user Donald Collins 112 Posts |
I agree with you 100% Mr. Marucci. I do currently use the string of beads for the poodle. I also am considering using Origami after hearing of Michael Close use of it. Eugene Burger's technique that I mentioned is only approaching tables which have requested him. I believe this would be effective if table tents were used, the servers were my represenatives, and they sold me well. After one table was seen to have a good time I believe others would follow. I also refuse the tip after the first offer as the guests typically insist on me taking it. I'm just a bit nervous as its a new enviroment. Thanks to everyone for the advice.
Life is not a dress rehearsal!
Less is more. & Knock'em dead! |
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