Almost every experienced pro magician whose advise I've read says that when you start out, it doesn't matter where you work, for who you work, or how much, if anything, you work for. Just get out there and do it.

Yup! As a student, you probably don't need to make money to "survive", (here comes the "but": you do need to acquire performing experience!).

If you decide to get in the business, the more experience that you have, will definitely be helpful.

Mazel tov!

Thanks to everyone who responded. I'm planning on getting out there in exactly one week. Wish me luck.

Break a leg!

Good luck let us know how it goes

Go out there and don't focus on money or tips...focus on having fun, it'll be contagious. Have a good time!

So, how did it go?

Badly. Had trouble approaching people. I didn't realize how much I rely on being asked to be there to give me a reason to approach people. I'm going to give it another try in a little bit.

Well congrats on trying. It'll get easier

Bin, don't approach people, make them come to you.

Confidence is a major factor. Confidence that your magic WILL be worth seeing and WILL be entertaining. I've been doing this for
quite awhile now and have no problem approaching any group. BUT I did. It's only by getting out there and performing, learning
what entertains people , what touches people on a personal level and experiencing sucess as well as failure. Over time and actively evaluting your performanes as well as reactions will educate you and give you the confidence to approach people
successfully.

It's not about you, It's all about the people you will be entertaing. Your goal is to make them smile, to create a sense of wonder
for THEM. If you can grasp that, the fear you have should, again, over time dissapate. Have fun and be a "people person"
genuinely.

Yeah, I'm starting to get that impression.

David, I knew that - or I thought I did. But that's how this works. The more you do, the more you realize you have a lot to learn.

Right! (Remember Sophocles!)

You appear to have a good attitude! I think you will do OK!

I have a friend in Malaysia been doing table hopper for many years in couple of high end nite club in his city. He earned quite alot.
Nite club guess always give a lot than restaurant guess.
But it s hard to do. You will often facing drunk peoples and many hackers.