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Magic Tad Regular user 177 Posts |
How long should I design my routine for? I am a childrens Magician mainly But a friend is calling in a favor. So I will be doing a little walk around but I could use any advice. Thanks Magic Tad
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Jim Wilder Special user Birmingham, AL 954 Posts |
I would suggest a few effects that you are good with performing. Recently I did walk around, which is not how I typically work. I stayed with certain tables longer than others because "chemistry" was better with certain tables.
I would tend to be brief if I caught the slightest hint that the people were busy or just uninterested. I would stay as short as 2-3 minutes but at one table, I realized I had been there between 10-15 minutes, which I think most people who work walk around would agree is too long. |
Magic Tad Regular user 177 Posts |
Thanks J. I guess this is a very difficult time to nail down? Would you think 5-10 minutes? I can just see how I could go on and on with the right table. As to my effects I have been practicing Carl Andrew's cups and balls routine and I just got Paul Wilson's Restaurant Work DVD. I will need to work much harder on the pass and the perfect double lift. Thanks.
Magic Tad |
Dirko Loyal user Michigan 287 Posts |
I would recommen doing two to three effects at ecah table. Make sure thees are tricks that can be shut down very fast when the food arrives! Good luck and don't forget to tell us how it went.
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eddieloughran Special user 942 Posts |
My system is to divide the time I'm preforming for by the number of tables or groups and that will give me the time I can allow for each table.
Its not very accurate but will give you a guide. If there are ten tables and you preform for an hour you will get in real trouble if you start doing ten minutes. Its important to perform at each table otherwise you will get complants ! I do a set of tricks at alternative tables and then get a second set and go back round to the tables I miss. This avoids the next table seeing the set they will get. If there is any spare time go round again to those that liked you. And watch out for people moving from proup to group. I would not worry about the pass. - sponge bunnies will impress them more. You must involve the audience, and have a good time yourself. that's the important thing. |
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
Stay as long as they are awake.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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maxrubin New user 11 Posts |
90 seconds.
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Magic Marty New user Illinois 80 Posts |
I think the time spent at one table should depend on the reaction from your spectators. While you should be conscious of other guests in the restaurant, it is important to make sure your talents aren't wasted on spectators who aren't interested in your magic. Just make sure your routines are flexible enough to work around meals, other guests, etc.
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Magic Tad Regular user 177 Posts |
Thanks. I like dividing the time by the tables as a guide to get started. I guess the flexabilty factor is hard to get a feel for until you do it. I like the idea of doing several different set's of tricks so the table next does not get wise. The importance of being able to shut down the trick, WOW, I had never thought of that, it is a very good point. Pete, how do you keep them awake? Loud noises or a poke in the side, I can't decide which would be better? Thanks again.
Magic Tad |
EricHenning Loyal user Laurel, Maryland 218 Posts |
Hi Tad,
Yes, by all means look at your time vs. the number of tables. But it's even quicker than that. If I am in a restuarant with 50 tables and I am there for 3 hours, I don't actually have 3 hours to get to all those tables, because most people will be through with dinner in 35-60 minutes. But I have even less time, because my rule is to hit the table after they've ordered the meal and be finished before the entree arrives. So my window to work each table may only be 15-20 minutes long. Multiply that out by the tables and you can see the problem, especially if many tables get seated at once. Fortunately, the hostess usually staggers the seating to aid the waiters and the kitchen, which also helps me. If things are really busy and there's a wait, the manager may expect you to take time to work the waiting crowd for a few minutes to reduce walk-outs. That is one reason you're there, after all. So if it's slow, I might do 4-5 minutes per table. If it's really hopping, I might to one routine for a minute or two and keep moving. You will develop a feel for the rhythym of your particular restaurant or situation. You'll also get a feeling for what one minute, two minutes, etc. feel like. Do your routines on video and time them. If you work banquets a lot, you'll eventually get to the point where you can walk into the room before the crowd is seated for dinner, calculate how much time you'll have per table, and stay on track, giving everyone a full, unhurried experience and finish your last table just as the announcements begin. It's a great feeling! Hope this helps. |
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I try to gauge my time depending on how busy the store is. If it's a slow night and I have a table with a lot of people, I might spend a little more time. If it's very busy, I do one or two tricks, and move on. Typically, 5-7 minutes is plenty.
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Magic Tad Regular user 177 Posts |
Thanks Eric. I guess my initial assessment of time divided by tables needs to be changed. There are many more variables to consider. So I need a routine of maybe 4-7 minutes and the option of a fast 1-2 minute set. I will practice on video to get the timing down. Eric, tell me about your book Tips. I think it would be just right for me. I have read you do a fortune telling fish routine that is out of this world. Starrpower, 5-7 minutes sound right. I guess I will just have to try it out to get the feel, still talking about this will help me feel comfortable about it. Thanks Friends.
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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi Tad,
Another thing to consider is how many effects you will be bringing to the restaurant. Depending on how many tables there are you can do anywhere from 1-3 effects at each table. This also takes into account what the other posters mentioned regarding the number of tables, how long you are booked for and other factors such as trying to get to them before meals arrive and how well they receive you. Also remember that when you are performing others may be able to view you and you can be assured that the tables closest to you will also be watching. Try not to perform the same effect in close proximity as those people will/may have just seen you perform it. Best of luck to you! |
Mogwai II Veteran user The Alpes 314 Posts |
Sometimes I do one routine and go, sometimes I stay at one table for half an hour. I work in a quite small restaurant (30 Tables and a bar) and usually work from 7 pm to 11 pm, which gives me enough time for all the customers.
If I realize, that they don't really are "into" magic, I just move on. But It happens quite often, that I have table, where the people really get excited very much of my stuff. So they always say: Please, just ONE more! And One more, and one more.... but since I'm free to do so, I kind a like that. Sorry for my not alwasy so perfect english...
"You'll wonder when he comes, you'll wonder more when he's gone..."
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chichi711 Inner circle 5810 Posts |
Wow a half hour. Are you performing while they have food? I stick to the three tricks rule.
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Magic Tad Regular user 177 Posts |
Wow Mogwai I hope I can get that kind of relaionship with the restaurant. I have a chance to visit in Switzerland, I work for Siegfried Pharmaceuticals they are centered in Zolefingen I have been told I may get to go soon and am looking forward to seeing the country. Many of my friends tell me what a beautifull country it is, and how great the food is.What part of Switzerland are you from? Magic Tad Usa, Delaware.
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dynamiteassasin Inner circle Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan 1158 Posts |
2 MINUTES ONLY.
Leaving your audience wanting for more increases your reputation and spreads your name. |
kasper777 Regular user 144 Posts |
One thing that I do if I can't get a good feel of the table, after my second trick I will announce "one more trick and then I'm off to harass someone else" this way, they know the end is coming and can either ask for more, or they say thank you.
just a thought |
Flec Special user UK 585 Posts |
5 - 10 mins is average I think.
a bit of homework can help here, simply divide the tables by the amount of time you have. and an extra minute or two onto each table for preparation, and actually gettin to the table, and there you have an EXTREMLY rouch estimate of how long ot spend at each table. I say rough because things never go to plan. conversation takes over, things get spilt, broke etc, and few people are THAT good at keeping time. |
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