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MagicalArtist Veteran user Hobart, Indiana 378 Posts |
I keep hearing that bad magicians give magic a bad name, and I don't want to be one of them. Mark Wilson once suggested that magicians starting out with a new act should do it for free until they become polished. Here's the problem: I don't belong to a church, I'm not a member of any large organizations, I don't know a lot of people and there are no magic clubs nearby. How do I find places to do these free shows so that I can become polished?
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FatTony Regular user Dallas, Texas 121 Posts |
If you want free shows, try volunteering at children's hospitals or charity events. Most local newspapers post upcoming area events.
If you just want a testbed for new material and perfecting routines, I would recommend a college campus. Most campuses are packed with people lounging in between classes or taking study breaks. These people will be more open to magic because they are lounging, as opposed to people strolling through a mall who are occupied. And I would definitely recommend finding a good place to perform for strangers and get out when you want, rather than actually booking a free show. Although I don't believe that a free show has to be bad, it is generally the case that bad magicians do free shows.
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed. - Einstein
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drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
Get your local newspaper and read it cover to cover with a pen in your hand. You will find charity auctions that need an auctioneer and emcee, talent shows that need an emcee, open-mic nights at coffeehouses, volunteer organizations looking for help, and so on. If your local Rotary does a pancake breakfast or hunter's breakfast, work the line doing close-up. Look for Turn Off TV week and perform at the library.
As FatTony says, volunteer at hospitals and nursing homes. While you are doing this, don't work for free for anyone who normally hires entertainment. This is taking food off the table of working pros. Stick to the bean suppers, square dances, and other freebies. You could also try busking if you are in an area where they will tolerate it. You will get good really fast that way. Yours, Paul |
George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3042 Posts |
Good points, especially from Paul. Also, doing a free show at places that normally pay entertainers will immediately label you as something other than a professional. You may not be a pro in the sense that you make a living out of magic, but you and your performance both need to come across like you are a pro.
Don't forget that Mark Wilson made his comment in a different time period. Things were a lot different back then. One final point. Listen to your audiences. Watch them during your show. Study their reactions. They can tell you a lot if you really and honestly pay attention. Good luck! Keep us posted!
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
The One Veteran user 325 Posts |
It was easy for me to get practice because I started when I was in school...Maybe you can join some type of non-magic club (sports, book club) in your area so you can practice as you socialize with them.
I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end...
I came here... To tell you how this is going to begin. |
Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
Hit the streets. Great way to get good fast, or die trying!
And go join a church or some organizations for crying out loud! If for no other reason than to have some social interaction with other people! And here's another idea... Create your own events and book yourself as an act or the MC. Get the book Stand-Up Comedy, The Book by Judy Carter for some great ideas about how to do this. I started producing my own events in high school and now I make about 60% of my income that way! |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
On Big Daddy Cool's suggestion I picked up a copy of Judy Carter's books. WOW! I've read everything I could find on magic and I've read everything I could find on business, but there was alway a link missing. The magic books were always more about adding matertial, the business books were about making sales, but I always had trouble learning to structure and write "an act." For years I've flown by the seat of my pants trying to figure this stuff out, but these books would have saved me years! Ms. Carter, who began her entertainment career as a magician, gives very helpful advice on moving from performing small shows for family and friends to professional venues.
I highly reccommend them to everyone! Thanks, Richard |
Cory Gallupe Inner circle Nova Scotia, Canada 1272 Posts |
Nursing homes, hospitals, charity events, schools, community centers. Put up a little ad in the newspaper, saying that you will be doing free shows until you become an experienced magician, and them people will have to pay. People will take advantage of that offer.
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magicman226 Loyal user San Antonio, Texas 234 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-02-14 13:09, Big Daddy Cool wrote: Definitely. I said on another topic that youhave to remember, it doesn't necessarily matter at all times if you screw up for a stranger. Chances are you will never ever see that person again in your life ever. If you mess up, so what? Find another person and try it again! Failure leads to success. If they don't get into it, and the next group does, find what you did differently. Use this to make performance better. It's better to mess up on random strangers than at a gig. Messing up for them could help your gigs be a better success, because you will have been about to get rid of the bugs. Hope I could help! Michael |
onebark Regular user Atlanta, GA 141 Posts |
Joining a church (through your aquaintences) is a great way to get experience. You don't have to believe what they believe - you just need to be sociable. Who knows? You may just like what you hear!
I get all of my experience at my church, andthe ministers are very supportive of helping me arrange shows that are relevant to the messages and ministries. |
alcorm1 New user Lancaster NH 64 Posts |
I just did my first public performance for my nephews cub scout day camp this past Saturday. It was a freebie, but the experience was priceless. I was nervous all last week about doing this but it went off without a hitch. As soon as I started, the nerves went away. The show lasted about 40 minutes and there were about 30 people there. I had a lot of comments from the adults afterwards and may have also secured a few paying shows as a result. This was definatley some of the best experience and practice I could ever get.
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JohnWolf New user 90 Posts |
Nursing homes,libraries,schools,ymca,church groups (you don't have to be a member)rec departments, just a few places to volenteer your services. And your own family birthdays etc. After all they have to love you their your family. All kidding aside like many I started rather young and was well received by family. Started my own neighborhood carnival, had a cousin that wanted to be in acting as my first assistant. And had nephews that saw me perform needle thru the arm as kidds let me know that I should be in it professonally. It may sound kinda of dense but I have had to have others tell me what I was doing. Had to read a newpaper article about me before I realised I "specialised in audience participation" Have fun above all and they will see the Love of magic in you.
John |
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