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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I was wondering how to approach a hospital to do regular magic shows (for a fee). Does anyone have any ideas? I was thinking of doing a few for free, then negotiating.
I was also thinking of possibly getting a/some sponsor(s). |
disneywld Special user Denver, CO 614 Posts |
I do about 3 shows per year at Children's Hospital for free. From that I have received free publicity, leads for additional shows (Paid), and have been frequently called to do parties for staff and their families.
I have never had a hospital directly pay me for my services EXCEPT for public service outreach programs, health fairs, etc. This was through the PR department.
The Magic of Christopher Manos
www.christophermanos.com |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I was thinking of doing shows (for free) at various hospitals until the staff knew me well, and then trying to get a sponsor like Coke.
Back in the day when it was legal, I used to do a lot of hospitality suites for doctors, paid by the Pharm. Reps. Now they can't do that, but they may be able to sponsor a show for kids in a hospital . . . |
rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
I never found one that was even remotely interested - they have far too many volunteers.
Consider it a blessing - keeps the duffers out of the professionals' way. |
mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
I agree. I've never heard of a hospital paying someone to come in and entertain the patients either.
That has always been one of those "charity" events that people just do to help others who find themselves in a rough spot. After all, nobody wants to go to the hospital. It's always been a way for one to "give back" to their community. Good luck however. You might be able to start a new trend! Mark. |
Bob Johnston Inner circle Philadelphia, PA 1251 Posts |
Hospital interest in having a magician entertain is dependent on region and individual hospital policy. There are many hospitals that welcome magicians.
Staying out of the way of staff is a personal conduct issue. I have always asked the nurses station what rooms they would like me to cheer up a patient, and always found eager staff to direct me to their favorite patients. When any staff comes into a room, you should back out of the way and ask if they would rather you leave the room and come back later. By “staff” I mean ALL staff, from housekeeping to attending. I always found (in children’s hospitals) that the staff would ask you to continue, so they could watch the kids reaction to the magic. Bob |
magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Sorry Captain, this doesn't help you much but for anyone considering the same thing in the UK these are the people to contact:
http://www.podcharity.org.uk/index.html Sure the rate is reduced but it's usually mid-week and you get a warm, fuzzy, feeling bonus. |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I don't plan on visiting generally, just doing shows for those that can attend.
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
I also do POD shows, and they don't pay much, but as George implies, you get payback in your soul. But it's not so straightforward, you need to be able to entertain just about any age or group. Also sometimes I have very small audiences. Two months ago I had just a two-year old, and a 15-year-old. Tricky to find material that suits both those ages, though I managed by using puppets and balloons. Then did a couple of close-up tricks for the teenager.
On the other hand, you can get some useful publicity; my local radio station has now started sponsoring the shows at the local hospital - so of course, they will be broadcasting my name more often, which will likely lead to more bookings. Mainly, I regard it as a way to give something back, and to get to grips with the "packs small plays big" thing - and to be able to improvise a show for just about ANY audience from just one small case. Can be heartbreaking too, I'm shortly to start working hospices for POD, you really need to be able to put on a brave face, as so many very sick kiddies do. |
disneywld Special user Denver, CO 614 Posts |
As Bob Johnson said, there are regional factors. I live in a large metropolitan area. Things would be different, I am sure, if I lived in the country.
The Magic of Christopher Manos
www.christophermanos.com |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Well, I am contacting DUKE & UNC this week. I'll let everyone know how things work.
Posted: Jan 10, 2008 8:52pm Well, I am now doing PAID shows at two area hospitals! Yeah! |
John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
I perform about weekly, bedside, in the pediatric unit of a local hospital. I'm not looking to get paid for this, but I would be interested in how you set up your paid shows, and for who?
John
Breathtaking Magic;
Not Breath Taking |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-01-05 21:30, rossmacrae wrote: It's interesting that you have that kind of attitude, Ross. In Houston, professionals and "duffers" all do volunteer shows for the hospitals. We have the largest medical center in the country here. The protocols for doing these shows are very strict. In fact, some of us have taken specialized training, so we can go into the hospitals without a proctor. At Texas Childrens' Hospital, our clubs send out four qualified (make that professional level) magicians each month. The magicians go to the various rooms with a proctor, so nobody makes any silly mistakes. The rules are very strict. You must sign a non-disclosure agreement before you are allowed to perform in the rooms. Also, the kinds of tricks you do are limited by certain protocols. Volunteer hospital magic isn't just for "duffers" any more.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
donrodrigo Special user U.S.A. and Europe 635 Posts |
I do free show once or twicw a year,as well as other (REGISTERED)charity.
I'LL ANSWER THIS TO YOU: When I see a child on a wheel chair with no hair on his head and that child smiles and or claps at me there is no god given money on this earth that can by it. |
JasonbytheOcean Regular user Washington, D.C. 102 Posts |
Don - Hear, hear!
I find the notion that volunteering in a hospital is just for beginners or novices somewhat, no - very, insulting. There are many other reasons to want to volunteer/work in a hospital or for another other charity. A hospital, where there are significant issues to think about when working with patients, requires some real thought and preparation, and is not for everyone. If helping patients is not one of your top priorities, then I would argue that one really needs to be looking elsewhere. It should NOT be seen as a place to work just because it's perceived as an easy gig to get and practice until you're good enough to work elsewhere. Yes, performing at a hospital is how I got my start working with audiences, but I've been doing it for years now and have witnessed some amazing, as well as heartbreaking, things as I have worked with patients one-on-one and with groups. I have found it overall to be very rewarding, personally if not financially, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. In my own small way, I do believe I've been able to help. CaptainKid - Your idea of getting sponsors to work in such settings is interesting. I know some hospitals, including the one I volunteer at, have hired entertainers from time to time, but not on a regular basis for the hours that might be anticipated of a registered hospital volunteer. The shows have also been for large audiences, whereas I tend to work mostly with very small individual groups performing and teaching close-up magic. If you find a different experience, please let us know, and good luck! If you can successfully combine your interests in this way, it sounds like a good opportunity. |
donrodrigo Special user U.S.A. and Europe 635 Posts |
Hi Jason and thank you for sharing your thouths.The hospital were I'm asked to perform for example in pediatrics (ARE OLD FRIENDS THAT KNOW OF ME.) They have launched this innitiative called healing is smiling. I was approached by the director and dr. staff along with other politicians and the archbishop to initiate
this program.there are also local schools that send their techers there to help the sik children while ill and cant attend school.I've been a pro for over 30yrs. and its with great pleasure that I do this.Many intertainers have their nose in the air I'm not saying nor pointing fingers at specifics. |
billm55 Regular user Des Moines, Iowa 144 Posts |
For the past three months, I have been volunteering at a children's hospital doing magic for the patients. I approached the hospital last summer and they were immediately interested in having me volunteer there. I work about three hours every Saturday afternoon and I have to say....it's the most rewarding experience I have ever had! I go room to room versus performing for a group. I like going room to room because every week it's pretty much a different group.I have gotten to know the staff nurses well and they seem to trust me and allow me a lot of flexibility.
Working in a hospital can be very rewarding and a great way for an amateur magician to hone his skills. The kids are very responsive and appreciative of someone coming in and performing magic for them. At times it can also be heart breaking. One of my "patients" recently passed away and it was difficult for me. For those who say to me "you're not being paid", I respond that "I am highly paid for the work I do at the hospital...but not in monetary terms".I would not trade my experience there for any paid job.
Bill Mogolov
The Mental Magic of M |
Justin Style Inner circle 2010 Posts |
It ain't an easy market to crack.
I've been performing in psychiatric centers in NYC for more than twenty years. I do around 75 - 100 shows per year. I get paid for every performance and they are part of their regulary scheduled events. I consider myself a leading authority and would be happy to help with any questions you have. You can find out a little more about me in the April, 07 issue of Magic Magazine - Therapeutic Thaumaturgy |
ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
I offered my services to Newport Hospital to do something for the kids in the Children's Ward for Christmas. They said their policy was that they didn't allow entertainers in the ward because it usually upset the kids... but would I be interested in doing a show for the children of the nurses and doctors at THEIR Christmas party?
Certainly... but I charged them for THAT one!
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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Justin Style Inner circle 2010 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-03-02 13:11, mandrake01 wrote: You are right. Getting past the front door is very difficult. Even when I show up for a SCHEDULED performance, I get a confused look? followed by "oh are you the MUSICIAN?" No, I say, I'm a MAGICIAN. Oh, then wait here I'll see if I can find the person who is to meet with you. But once I finish my 1 hour program I ALWAYS get a follow up letter saying how impressed and happy they were that I came. It is hard to get in the door but I have learned one thing over the years: Persistance beats resistance. They might not know it, but they really need you... |
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