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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
I perform magic for a living yet I never just do magic for strangers in random situations.
A guy I know does tricks EVERYWHERE, service stations, banks (flaming wallet!), casinos (got kicked out), and all manner of places. Despite the occasional hassle, he is very well recieved by strangers when he performs. Do other people do this? |
Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
I'm sure other people do this. And I'm sure they can be just as irritating (I'm not surprised he got kicked out of a casino!).
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Larry Davidson Inner circle Boynton Beach, FL 5270 Posts |
I'm glad he has enough sense to not perform flaming wallet at service stations.
Larry D. P.S. - No, I don't perform for strangers unless it's a gig. |
Magictrickster Regular user UK 114 Posts |
I don't perform for strangers either unless it's at a show.
I think people would think it odd if I started demonstrating tricks at random, and would probably also think it was just showing off. I think magic is to be enjoyed, not thrust upon people at random. Cheers, Brian.
Brian
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Reis O'Brien Inner circle Seattle, WA 2467 Posts |
I will occassionally do a trick or two for a total stranger, but that is ususally at their invitation. They may see me messing with a deck and ask if I am a magician (I never quite know how to answer that) and then sometimes ask if they can see something. I'm only happy to oblige. I figure, if they ask, they must really like magic so what I could show them would really be a treat for them. Just walking up to people, however, and throwing magic in their faces whether they want to see it or not is just rude. We're here to spread wonderment and happiness, not to be annoying look-at-me-ists.
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Shane Wiker Inner circle Las Vegas 1199 Posts |
I perform for strangers, but I don't THRUST it upon them. Usually whenever I'm out, I just do flourishes for myself to practice (I do it almost subconsciously). Sometimes people either say, "Wow, are you a magician?" or, "Wow, you should be a dealer in the casinos." In the latter case I explain that I'm a magician, and they often ask me to perform. Of course, I am happy to get the practice and experience.
Shane Wiker |
paulajayne Inner circle London England 1160 Posts |
Hi,
If you are looking to earn a living from magic then do not give your product away for free. If there is a possibility of a booking then yes or a session at a resturant looking at a regular gig then do not give it for free. Paula
Paula Jay - Magic to Remember -
--------------------------------- I once wrote a book on elephants, I think paper would have been better. ---- |
NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
This guy, who is a GREAT magician, thrusts his magic upon people, but they always seem to love it!
I'm glad it's not just me who feel awkard doing this! Sometime people are VERY interested in magic but are too embarrassed to ask. I should offer to a do a trick if people show a degree of interest but not be pushy. |
Shane Wiker Inner circle Las Vegas 1199 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-06-05 19:05, paulajayne wrote: I find that doing magic for free can increase business. For example, I was at a library and performed for the librarian. She hired me to do a show there. Then, from my show, I got a call from someone else who hired me to do a birthday show. The point is, sometimes doing magic for no money can get you more money than you would have had originally. Just my 2 cents. Shane Wiker |
NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Yeah, there's a big difference between doing a couple of tricks for people and giving away free shows!
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kihei kid Inner circle Dog House 1039 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-06-05 00:56, Nicholas J. Johnson wrote: Looks like I may be on the other side of the coin on this one, as you noted, “despite the occasional hassle, he is very well received by strangers.” I do magic all the time for strangers, I RARELY if ever get hassled and I am received extremely well. Let me give you a typical example, if I am standing in line at taco bell it is not unusual for me to pretend to the clerk that someone left a wad of chewed gum stuck under the counter, I pull it out and then proceed to do Andy Leviss’ Sticky Situation. 9 times out of 10 I will not only get a smile, a laugh and a “how did you do that”, but they in turn go to get someone else in hopes I will perform it for them (which of course I don’t). 1 out of maybe 100 times I might get a “that’s nice” but for the most part (vast majority) people LOVE IT. How often has someone had the pleasure of seeing a magician perform up close? Never. Yes, maybe once in their lifetime they went to a big stage show, or maybe saw David Copperfield make a 747 disappear on T.V. and quite possible have an uncle who knows a couple card tricks. But how often have they seen a wad of gum turned into a dry stick then re-wrap itself right before their very eyes? I guess it’s just the personable side of me, being a bartender for a living performing magic for “strangers” is second nature to me. Night after night I reach into my tip jar, pull out a dollar bill, and say to someone “check out this dollar bill this guy gave me for a tip” then I do the old dollar bill to matchbook routine. I guess you could consider me “thrusting” magic upon someone, if this is the case, nobody’s complaining and the vast majority down right loves it. Now keep in mind I am only doing one effect and if I am asked to do another I usually will be gracious enough to show one or more, I don’t however start doing a series of effects and become and instant bore to the general public. Also this has nothing to do with a look at me see what I can do attitude, yes I am a bit of a show-off but that is ONE on the reasons I got into magic in the first place! To show it off! It is a beautiful art when presented correctly and it does not surprise me in the least that Nicholas’ friend is very well received, I know I am.
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed. Until we meet again “my old friend”. |
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
I think total stranger performing is ok in some situations, like socializing, in a bar, floating nuts from the bowl, showing a few tricks to people to get them to buy you a drink! And if your doing your 'pet' tricks to people you meet on the street and they ask you to do a show you will probably just do your pet tricks or they may assume as you came up to them for free they may think they don't have to charge you much or nothing.
Just my 2 pence worth (I cant really do 2 cents over in UK!) Matt |
Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Here's what I do: I carry my cards and do flourishes as I shop. Someone ALWAYS stops me and says: Do you do card tricks?"
I say, "I don't do card tricks, but I am a magician and have something amazing to show you." DO NOT DO LONG BORING TRICKS! It should be quick and amazing. I always leave them my business card at the end and say, "If you ever have a special get together and would like to have a magician entertain, please let me know." Try it and you'll do it forever, because you will get work!
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
Chris Thibault Elite user Massachusetts 469 Posts |
I sometimes perform for strangers, if they see me with a deck of cards. But usually only when I'm working.
-Chris
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EricHenning Loyal user Laurel, Maryland 218 Posts |
In this, as in all things, the key is choosing the moment. There are times when magic would be rude. There are times when it would break the ice. And there are times when it can be cathartic for someone who is going through a rough time (as I have learned through many hospital stays).
If you watch and are sensitive to the people around you, you'll find moments every day that are perfect for adding magic to someone else's life. I recommend Jeff McBride's booklet "Magician 24/7." It raises some interesting questions that are worth considering, and it helped me greatly. I had the last essay in the last issue (#13) of David London's magazine "Behind the Smoke and Mirrors." It's somewhat on topic. If anyone's interested, I'll send it or post it on the Web and post a link. Cheers, |
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