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Gageillusionist New user 3 Posts 
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Hey! I have a full stage show and I have always been interested in performing on cruise lines, although, I don't really know where to start. Does anyone have any advice?
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10446 Posts
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I'm sure most in the magic community would recommend the Cruise Magicians Handbook by Fred Becker. I would recommend doing your due diligence first and learning everything you can about the cruise industry and market. Like so much else in operating a performing business, market research, education, and understanding is most important.
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misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 746 Posts
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Quote:
On Apr 17, 2023, Gageillusionist wrote: I had the experience of performing once as a guest performer. It was awesome to have all the technical expertise for staging. The audience also was very responsive and appreciative. Then, the next day as I was walking around the ship with my wife, I kept getting stopped by passengers who shook my hand, patted me on the back and told me how much they enjoyed my performance. I really felt like a celebrity for sure. I never pursued cruise ship performing after that experience, but I did talk to magicians who had extensive cruise ship experience plus I read several books on the subject. What I found out was that there is a lot more to performing on a cruise ship than what appears on the surface. Do take MINDPRO's advice regarding the book he mentioned, and find out as much as you can before you pursue this. www.entertainersworldwide.com is a source for bookings. They still send me notices regarding cruise ship opportunities. |
Lavey Regular user Luxembourg 150 Posts
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I've recently returned from a cruise in Norway. Securing a job as an entertainer on a ship is quite challenging. Agencies are inundated with applications, having already encountered various types of performances.
It took considerable time and numerous inquiries before I received concrete offers. However, the initial offers were unsatisfactory, and I turned them down. Initially, I also worked on river cruises to establish connections, gain experience, and acquire references. The current shipping company I'm working with had the following requirement: a 10-minute performance at the welcome gala, two distinct 45-minute shows, and another 10 minutes at the farewell gala. Additionally, I performed brief close-up acts for guests in the suites. If you're interested, Paul Romhany's book "Entertainment on a Cruise Ship" contains valuable information, although I'm uncertain about the accuracy of agency addresses. I highly advise against accepting offers that don't provide "guest status" from the cruise company!
Christian Lavey
Magician from Luxembourg https://lavey.lu Magicien de Luxembourg https://lavey.lu Zauberer aus Luxemburg https://lavey.lu |
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Jerskin Inner circle 2536 Posts
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You need a ship agent.
DCP in Florida is a good place to start
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
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Gageillusionist New user 3 Posts
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Hey Jerskin! Is DCP Don Casino?
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Jerskin Inner circle 2536 Posts
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Yes
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
David Todd Inner circle 2231 Posts
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Quote:
On Apr 18, 2023, Mindpro wrote: I'm sure Fred Becker's book is very good for it's time (Fred Becker is a great performer and a smart guy) , but have things changed enough in the cruise ship biz that it might need some updating ? Becker's book was published in 1997. The world has changed a lot since 1997. I don't know anything about the cruise ship market , but if I were going to get interested in the cruise ship market I'd want to read something more recent than from 26 years ago. |
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10446 Posts
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Quote:
On Sep 14, 2023, David Todd wrote: Hence my recommendation of doing your due diligence and market education first. |
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Jerskin Inner circle 2536 Posts
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It certainly has changed
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 20973 Posts
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Cruise line entertainment has changed drastically.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricky business » » Performing on Cruise Lines- Advice? (3 Likes) | |
Posted: Apr 18, 2023 04:23 am 
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