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matty New user 3 Posts |
Does anyone have any tips on approaching tables and introducing himself? I don't like to just work up to a table and say "I am ..... and I am going to show you some magic" If anybody could help I would be grateful.
mat |
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Alchimest Regular user Alchimest 133 Posts |
My approach is simply simply to walk up to a table (or group of people) and ask if they would be interested to see some magic. Then I introduce myself. I found that once I got used to it, it was a very painless approach. Some people say no in which case you thank them and find another group.
Eugene Burger didn't like walking up to tables either, so he had the wait staff tell the customers that they had a house magician and would they be interested in a show. |
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Shane Wiker Inner circle Las Vegas 1199 Posts |
Here are some threads about approaching tables.
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5 :) Shane Wiker |
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liam-j-gilbert Regular user Leeds, England 121 Posts |
OK I've been performing table magic as a profession for a number of years now and have tried many different approaches and believe that there are two which work the best.
1. This has been mentioned already -- just walk up to the table and politely introduce yourself as the entertainment for the evening, asking if the guests would like to "witness a few little miracles while waiting for their next course." It does work, it is formal, polite and probably the better option if working in a upper class, prestigious venue. 2. Perform something quick and visual at the table side without even saying a word. Flash Paper routines work well as they catch the spectators eye and prepare them for some entertainment... from there you can introduce yourself as the entertainment for the evening and continue to perform. May I suggest the 'Restaurant workers handbook by Pace and Macgregor as an excellent book for discussing such topics as this. I also have a new manuscript being published soon on restaurant work... if you are interested in copy please contact me via http://www.newmagic.tk Make Magic Happen Liam Gilbert
www.liamgilbert.co.uk -- for info, booking or queries on Liam Gilbert
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Like Liam said, The Restaurant Worker's Handbook" is good. In it, Jim Pace says he just walks up to a table and does a quick, visual effect with flash paper before he even speaks. It gets their attention and establishes him as a magician right away.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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MDS Special user USA 528 Posts |
If you dress like I do (full suit and tie) then the tables first thought is that you are the manager. I make small talk and ask them how everything is and so on. Then I introduce myself as the house magician and show them a quick visual effect to catch there attention.
Matthew |
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andrew martin Veteran user 394 Posts |
I have kind of a Zen approach. I have them come to me. I know it sounds kind of goofy but it works.
First thing I do is entertain the kids. It's easy, and the parents love it. I also ask myself, I can I serve. I take notice if anyone is having a special occasion. I try not to walk up to people's tables anymore, because chances are you have four people. The three are loving your magic and the other person is a jerk and hates it. It's no fun for anyone. I look for people who need to be entertained. To add something fun and special to their evening. Some frosting to the cake, if you will. Now once in a blue moon, I have to go to a table. If I do I use flash paper to open with and say, "That was your bill." It creates a laugh. I dress in a tux. I really don't like looking like a manager. I'm in show business! I know a tux, but... with red shoes. Yeah, baby! To stand out.To look different. I hope this helps a little. But the thing to remember always is to have fun. |
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Kingry Elite user Virginia 464 Posts |
I just go up and introduce myself as the house magician and tell them, "It's my job to waste your time while you are waiting for your food". Gets a good laugh.
I think your close is more important than your opening. I always tell them to say something on the way out if they enjoyed the magic. Management mentions the positive comments they receive nightly. That will pay huge dividends. |
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Puppet Master New user South Africa 6 Posts |
I also reckon the advice of Liam should be followed, and as you know you have the two options.
I tend to look at the people at the different tables and see if they are fun, outgoing, relaxed group or not. With these people I tend to approach them with some flash paper and do a production. For other tables I just walk up and introduce myself but filled with energy and excitement in my voice and non verbal movement...usually I'm rolling coin down my fingers as I speak and do a coin vanish. |
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matty New user 3 Posts |
Thank you for the good advice. I will have to try some of those ideas out next time.
Thank you. |
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twistedace Inner circle philadelphia 3772 Posts |
I agree completely with MDS. I am always dressed in suit and tie and I always walk up to the table and ask how everything is going so far. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but how is everything so far?"
I look like a manager, so they usually answer. RIGHT AWAY from the answer to that question you can have an idea sometimes as to whether or not it's a good table to work. Usually everything is good, and they are more than happy to see magic. I hit them with something that is fun, visual, and in their hands (sponge bunnies for me), then I move on with tricks I feel will suit the table. If everything isn't all right so far, MAKE IT ALL RIGHT. Find someone who can help, a waiter or waitress, and alert them if any problems occur. Then walk back over to the table and tell them you're sorry for the delay or problem, THEN introduce yourself and what you do there. From there you can play by ear. If they say no, say thank you so much for coming in, I hope you enjoy your meal and everything is wonderful. Maybe next time you come in we can have some fun together, or possibly later tonight if you change your mind we can have a private show at your table. Thank them again and walk away smiling. It's what I do and it works for me! |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-11-05 16:53, Kingry wrote: That works! And very well. It says a lot in just a few words, such as... "Hello" "Fun is coming" "I'm not a geek" "You don't mind making fun of yourself" I'd go for that.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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RonCalhoun Special user Independence, KY USA 599 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-11-03 16:27, matty wrote: ************** Hi folks, is everything going okay? (They think I'm the manager) Great. Could I ask you a big favor? My name’s Ron Calhoun, I’m a professional magician. (Venue name) has actually hired me tonight to entertain people. Could you folks watch one or two tricks and act like you’re having a good time? (Pause) Wait for people to stop laughing. ************** I know this isn’t for everyone but it has served me well for many years. It is a very soft sell. I’m making sure everything is okay before I start and if it’s not I can find the right person to handle it. I’ve introduced myself as a professional and explained my purpose. (entertaining them) I’ve asked permission. It’s rude to just push your way in. I’ve walked up to a table in a restaurant once that was planning a funeral. Ask first. I’ve invited them to have some fun. Ron Calhoun
Founder Heroin Doesn't Care. Find us on https://www.facebook.com/heroindoesntcare
www.heroindoesntcare.com |
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Marco S. Inner circle 1017 Posts |
Alchimest`s suggestion is right. Do it this way, it is most natural. If you don`t like this, you can always do as Eugene Burger did.
No need to wear a suit and tie, though. In most bars, there is no need for that. It all depends on where you perform. |
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twistedace Inner circle philadelphia 3772 Posts |
Remember Burger doesn't hop tables. His situation is very different. He has basically formal close up shows sitting down at the tables with people. This would never fly in the restaurant I work in.
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stevesmagic Regular user 179 Posts |
Buy Maximum Entertainment by Ken Weber, his advice on approaching tables and much more is quite invaluable and up to date. Everyone needs this book
to the blue sky at the top of the hill...
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Harris0n Loyal user leeds uk 290 Posts |
I occasionally used to find that I was introducing myself with an apology ie "Sorry to bother you but I'm the entertainment..."
I've since made certain that I never do this. Beginning with an apology is always the wrong way to start. Something polite but assertive is bound to give your introduction more impact and get people interested.
"There are times when the truth is necessary and times when myth-making is necessary." Nick Cave
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daffydoug Eternal Order Look mom! I've got 14077 Posts |
Michael Ammar, in his book, The magic Of Michael Ammar, has an excellent little introduction routine called "Pepper Or Salt" It fits perfectly at a table in a restaurant.
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
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caseman New user Greensboro, NC 56 Posts |
I approach tables like so "Hello, my name is "whatever" and I'm a professional magician. I'm here tonight with "Whatever Restaurant's" compliments. Would you like to see some magic"? This does several things. It gives a warm professional intro, lets them know they are seeing a pro, (not like uncle so & so who takes quarters from their ears and shows them piles upon piles of cards to find their's) lets them know they don't have to pay for anything (well, they do have to pay for their food, but not the magic), and gives them an out if they really don't wish to be bothered. I always believe in giving people the dignity of choice (except when I force a card on them, but hey , they think it's their choice so what's the diff? )
After performing for many years in a wide variety of situations I have just learned when and when not to approach people. I don't think that can be taught, it just comes from experience. Many have argued to show them an eye-popping opener and then judge by the repsonse whether or not to continue with your set. I disagree, but that is why we have various performers and approaches and all the variety makes magic more fun. I don't want to perform for someone who is not interested so I always give them a choice. By the way Ron, you have it down pat in my opinion. You obviously know what I'm talking about.
"Don't forget the ACES"
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patrick flanagan Inner circle lisle, illinois 1045 Posts |
I, as many have responded, always ask if they would like to see magic. Sometimes,not often, there will be an uncomfortable silence from the table/group. They aren't sure how to respond or they don't want to appear rude. When this happens, I tell them that I will be here until xxx hour and if they are interested, they should tell their waitress to get me. I'd rather give them an option rather than have them say "yes" because they thought they were being polite.
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