I think what George is describing is simply that using the word "adult" or "for adults" when describing any type of entertainment means that some people will automatically wonder "is this adult entertainment?"

And in reverse, just like Mindpro said - if you use the words "family" or "family-friendly entertainment" they will automatically think it is a kid show.

One last correction then, yes one can. Maybe you personally can’t, but don’t place your limitations on others.

You have moved the goalposts to “everyone in the world”, which is a ridiculous standard.

Perceptions can be shaped. They can be controlled. You can’t control what absolutely everyone thinks, you can control how you affect them.

In “Quiet Strength” Tony Dungy points out “You can't always control circumstances. However, you can always control your attitude, approach, and response. Your options are to complain or to look ahead and figure out how to make the situation better.”

It seems looking to make the situation better was George’s goal in the original post. As I said in my example my goal is always fewer icebergs.

So following this, which makes sense, avoiding those words that cause preconceived notions will cause the question to be asked less. Is that a logical progression?

If so, then despite what sine want to claim one with the right knowledge CAN control perceptions. THIS is the method.

Sorry George it isn’t my fault that it is also how branding is done.

I’ve had that question asked of me in days gone by. Much like Danny’s response above, when asked “what do you do?” My response was, “I do magic behind the bar at such and such bar or restaurant. Come see me!”. “Cool! Do you do parties?” Yep. As long as everyone is over 18 and preferably drinking (with a wink).

Very very nice.

Exactly how to shape perceptions! Even sets parameters for when they do call to book the show.

It came naturally. For some strange reason, I have always hated the word magician, and being called a magician. I don’t know why. I have all the respect in the world for those who do kid’s shows, but that ain’t me lol. I love Tom Mullica’s saying. “Performing close up magic for kids is like wearing a meat suit to Lion Country Safari!”

A stated earlier you can also simply change the word "adults" to grown ups, over 18 (as suggest above), mature audiences, or something similar. Just don't use family.

Must be something with us bar guys. Not many at Schulien’s used the word. Jim Ryan, Ernie Spense, Heba all avoided the term. (Only Heba was at Schulien’s, but the point is valid lol.

In my opinion, using the word "period" from the start also complicates the perception.

- Donald

I would have found that more confusing than adult.

So good to see Donald is still around!

I know George is done with this and it may not have led to the answer he was seeking (but I do believe there were some direct answers to his question) but I feel this has been a good business discussion of how what we (magicians and other types of performers) do and what we say, and how we say or present it affects so many aspects of both our business and the interest/booking transaction, and te overall perception of prospects and laymen. There is some very good entertainment business information here.

Donald is a perfect example of what I call a Family Magician; he can entertain both adults and kids in the same room. Do a birthday show for the little ones in the morning and then a church show for adults that night and get great feedback from both. I’ve been hounding him for twenty years to write a book on how to become a Family Magician.

I think running a business like his widens the marketing field so much for a local magician. I never could understand why a local magician would limit themselves to a much smaller audience, and then not understand why they couldn’t get work. I think it was Jay Marshall that said a magician that wouldn’t do birthday shows would starve. That pretty well still holds true today for many. There’s more demand today than ever for good clean entertainment. And if you want to see how keeping a show squeaky clean can rocket your success to the top, take a look at comedian Nate Bargatze. He's the only big-name comedian I care to watch anymore.

In magic when you’re able to market your show as a "Whole Family Experience," you aren't saying it's a "kids' show." You are saying it is a piece of storytelling so powerful that it transcends age. Just like the greatest movies of all time. Star Wars, The Princess Bride, or Toy Story were all designed to appeal to men, women, and audiences both over and under 25. They aren’t just "for kids" they are "for everyone."

Anyways, it’s been fun.

Tom

Tom you are hearing what you are saying from your perspective, not a customer. Big problem among many performers.

There are two parts to communication. There is what you are saying, and what they are hearing. You wonderfully demonstrate that difference.

I had a friend who bred and trained German Shepherds. He had a dog that every time the postman came over would bark. So when the postman came over he put the dog in the basement. What he ended up with was a dog who when the postman came over, would run in the basement and bark. It wasn’t what he was saying, but it certainly was what the dog was hearing.

As always you don’t use your own standard. I know lots who hate Star Wars so not everyone in the world likes them.

As for Jay way to take things out of context. First of all isn’t it ironic that IF that was what he meant that he didn’t do kids shows himself? And he was saying don’t complain about lack of work and turn down shows. He wasn’t talking about anything except don’t complain.

And finally for the comedian comparison, yet again you want to universalize your preferences and experience. Life doesn’t work that way sorry to tell you. There is so much work in NOT being squeaky clean it is unreal. You, as an older person from a Southern State does not like it. Ok cool that is not a demographic most care about unfortunately. It is not bad. All of us age every day. But it is FAR from a controlling demographic in the entertainment space. So to believe that is a universal position is not accurate.

Where did you see Donald perform?

Again, this has nothing to do with a family magician! Why is this still being brought up? This entire thread clearly stated he was not a kids performer - it was about adults with nothing to do with kids, yet Tom keeps going off-topic and this whole kids and family magic stuff. Why? There is absolutely no reason for it. This is insane!

Tom is the glaring example of nothing but me-based thinking.

Oh I agree, this topic was over long ago, and it had nothing to do with family magician, branding, promotion, you trying to give Tajrung advice on another old post, or very little of the other stuff said here. It’s simple, George wanted to know what to do ‘after’ it happened not before. So please, don’t suggest I am the only one that went off topic. If anything, I am the one that tried to get it back on topic.

But I am out now. So stop using me as your escape from not being able to answer the question. This is insane!

Tom

Oh Tom just stop. It has a LOT to do with branding as I pointed out. It is about letting them know who you are BEFORE they have an opportunity to gain preconceived notions. It is about PREVENTING the problem BEFORE it starts. BarFly and I pointed out how this process works. You never have to worry about answering the questions that are never asked.

But YOU want to make it about your own agenda opposing me no matter what at all costs. So quit. You have claimed and implied you will be not continuing in the thread so just stop. I know you won't. You never do. You just keep going and going. But in all seriousness why do you claim you are going to stop, and then make more posts? Not a great look Tom.

Yes the fact that you continue to do this is insane.

Yes, the same as ways, you claim to dip out after the damage has been done.

It is also not up to you to determine when a topic is over, sorry.

For your understanding, George was given suggestions and alternatives. The topic quickly progressed to preventing this situation before it happens. The Tajrung and Elevator Description was perfectly on-topic and about just that - properly preventing this so one doesn't find themselves in this situation in the first place.

Don't drag me into your nonsense. You are the ONLY one who keeps taking this to kids and family magic.