Hi, Mr. Harris, I've heard your name mentioned lots of times as a great close-up magician and inventor of tricks, but unfortunately, I have very little money and I can't buy magic props very often at all . . . but I've practiced sleight of hand closeup stuff for years, and now that I've finally graduated high school, I'm thinking about closeup magic for a living. I'm just curious to how you got started and such . . . there's a restaurant/bar at our mall I'm thinking might like a magician, but I wouldn't know how to approach them or how much pay to ask for or anything . . . it is sort of an off the wall job, after all, but hey, it's in our blood . . .
so if you can offer any advice, I'd appreciate it . . . BTW, do you ever come around Alabama with your show? We don't get many magicians around here. . .


Cheers,

Hi Serling,

My first close-up gig was at a restaurant. You can read the story in full with some tips in the April 2002, Genii.

Basically, it was just a matter of impressing the management in a fun way. Then a sales pitch on how the magic could raise the profile of the establishment via the aquisition of publicity.

A one evening trial followed, and a ten year residency was the result.

Times have changed since back in the 80's. I don't know if the same approach would work today. the market has changed and everyone has a gimmick. back in the 80's a gimmick was a rare thing for a restaurant. Thus, it was valued, produced results and was willingly paid for.

Cheers

Ben Harris