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doug brewer
V.I.P.
1100 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 7:12am
I thought I'd throw out a question for you all too. I think magic venue is one of the toughest problems we face as performers. Mike Close had a nice article in his Workers book (not sure which volume) about this, but I think a lot of what he said then is true now. The "where" we perform seems a neverending problem. Comedians have their "comedy clubs". Actors have their theaters and stages. But the place where magicians can hone their craft into a fine-tuned "act" is hard to come by. I'm working a small theater in Old Town San Diego, right now called the Red Spade Theater. I feel lucky to be able to work there just for the experience alone. But outside of this venue and the Magic Castle, venues for our "acts" are few and far between.
Back in 2001 I had convinced a large hotel chain to allow me to set up a show in one of their suites, and perform weekly or monthly depending on its success. We were just in the planning stages when 9-11 hit. Of course, everything was put on hold after this and the deal eventually evaporated.
Just wondering, where have you all found success both in stage and close-up that maybe we haven't thought of as typical? Fairs? Hotel chains? Back rooms of large restaurants? Just curious and why not take advantage of our time here together to discuss 
www.dougbrewermagic.com
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David French
Loyal user
240 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 7:44am
Hi Doug, Great question! I think about this all the time. Goshman said "you are the magic" But I also think "venue can make or break you" Meaning you could perform the same show at two completly differnet venues and one will go over better than the other. The audience has a percieved value in some venues over the other of what we do.
Having said that. I too have tried all the "standard" venues. Resturants, bars, home parties and such. As a close up performer, I fell it is easier to adapt...
I did not answer your question, but this will be a fun topic, looking forward to the others thoughts on this.
David
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solrak29
Special user
NY Metro
927 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 1:46pm
I know some have used the streets to varying degrees.
To Find Me On The Pitch, Follow me :On Twitter
Checkout my pseudo blog : The Sidewalk Performers Forum
"I intend to live forever, or die trying" - Groucho Marx
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doug brewer
V.I.P.
1100 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 2:18pm
David - you're right! Shows play different in different venues. I'm a loud (and I hope, funny) character when I perform - a bit of an exaggeration of me - and in some venues this plays, others I have to tone it down.
solrak29 - I have yet to truly perform in a street venue. It would probably do me good to try this, as I think we should stretch ourselves and perform in as many venues as possible. It makes us better performers (I believe)
www.dougbrewermagic.com
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Pete Biro
V.I.P.
17755 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 2:22pm
Since I have "retired" from working... I find hanging out at Dean Dill's Shoppe is a great place to hone material. There's often a handful of spectators (mostly magicians) and conditions are much like the close-up room at the Magic Castle.
STAY TOONED... @ www.petebiro.com
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doug brewer
V.I.P.
1100 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 5:30pm
Dean's Shoppe is great. I love Dean - he's a good man and a great magician. It's a bit of a drive over there for me now. I had a project in north L.A. for about a month and I tried to drop in there as much as I could. A lot of fun.
www.dougbrewermagic.com
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mumford
Special user
607 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 7:35pm
The best example of a guy honing his craft in his own venue that I've seen is Steve Spill at Magicopolis in Santa Monica Ca.
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Mormo Zine
Regular user
113 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 8:26pm
I own a used bookstore and I perform for customers and try out new stuff. Now that the weather is warming up I will be hitting festivals busking for tips.
Ours the magic, Ours the power!
Please subscribe to my e-zine here.
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Devious
Inner circle
CANCER SUCKS!
1692 Posts
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Posted: Apr 25, 2012 10:22pm
Doug,
Come out and join me on the streets of San Diego!
I'll show ya' the ropes and the safe spots!
It would be lots of fun for you, I believe.
Devious Deceptions
Chavez School of Magic Student
Head Shot
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doug brewer
V.I.P.
1100 Posts
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Posted: Apr 26, 2012 3:45pm
Ha! I may take you up on that when I have some free time! Thanks!
www.dougbrewermagic.com
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Curtis Kam
V.I.P.
same as you, plus 3 and enough to make
3419 Posts
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Posted: Apr 26, 2012 3:46pm
It seems we're seeing a few more parlor and theater shows now, thanks to the success of Ricky Jay and Steve Cohen, and that's an extremely good thing. I think these settings are much more conducive to good magic than restaurants.
But you gotta work where you can. Is anyone working coffee shops, alongside poets and other performance arts? I can think of a few magic acts that could work these venues, but not many.
And since I was just there last night, you can't discuss venues until you've visited Warren and Annabel's in Lahina, Maui. Imagine the Magic Castle, complete with piano playing ghost, an elegant parlor/bar, and a separate bar theater, all designed to feature a single performer. Warren does a show (a two hour show) that justifies all the attention the venue gives him. Just seeing the place is worth the trip, but the show is better.
You want venues? That's the one I want.
Is THAT a PALMS OF STEEL 5 Banner I see? YARRRRGH! Please visit The Magic Bakery
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Devious
Inner circle
CANCER SUCKS!
1692 Posts
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Posted: Apr 26, 2012 4:45pm
Check your pm Doug
Devious Deceptions
Chavez School of Magic Student
Head Shot
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doug brewer
V.I.P.
1100 Posts
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Posted: Apr 26, 2012 5:38pm
Devious - got it. Let's talk soon.
@Curtis: I've heard nothing but raves about that place. Next time in Hawaii we should try to make it over there . . .
www.dougbrewermagic.com
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Curtis Kam
V.I.P.
same as you, plus 3 and enough to make
3419 Posts
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Posted: Apr 27, 2012 5:00pm
I got it all set up. Just waiting for you to get here.
Is THAT a PALMS OF STEEL 5 Banner I see? YARRRRGH! Please visit The Magic Bakery
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doug brewer
V.I.P.
1100 Posts
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Posted: Apr 28, 2012 2:33pm
Awesome!
www.dougbrewermagic.com
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| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The April 2012 entrée: Doug Brewer » » Magic Venues » » TOPIC IS LOCKED |
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