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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
I had a meeting with a GM of an upscale restaurant to discuss table-side magic.
This is the type of restaurant who advertises an award winning chef. Most of the establishments I've worked had a mixed crowd and a few that catered to the late 20's-30's + crowd( bar/restaurant venue) I came prepared with a professional portfolio with a letter of recommendation from a Professor of Physics department head of a prestigious university as well as references , photo's etc. To sum things up he didn't feel that magical entertainment would be conducive to this type of restaurant. I know some of you perform in higher end restaurants and would like to hear how you overcame the stereotype of the feelings of this GM. Any advice would be enlightening.
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Simple fact is, some restaurants choose to spotlight their chef, the food, and their atmosphere based on the ideas they developed themselves, as to how they wish to present their restaurant to the public. This is not wrong for them to do this, and it is unlikely you will change their mind. More so than overcoming this "stereotype", as you say, your best possibility for a solution is to keep knocking on doors until you find someone who says yes.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
greatscott Special user 595 Posts |
I have been told the same thing, by one upscale restaurant, in my town. I tend to agree with Michael, in the fact that I don't believe you will change their mind. However, if you do succeed in changing their mind, please share with us how you did it.
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
The GM has a point. After all, when you have a really great menu, you advertise the chef and expect the people to come for the food.
If you had a letter from a restaurant manager that told how you had been able to keep customers happy while their staff was busy covering a massive mistake, you would be giving references from his own level. The main thing you can point out is that if there is another restaurant of the same caliber nearby, the presence of a magician with a good following can often tip the balance in the favor of the restaurant where he works.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
PaulGreen Inner circle 1133 Posts |
Hi DavidPaul,
I worked in a Beverly Hills restaurant for over 25 years. Carl Andrews worked in a high class resort in Hawaii. It can be very difficult to get the job in one of these types of locations. I agree with much of what has been said above. I would go with a slightly different approach. What are you bringing to the restaurant that helps to make it unique? What benefit does the "house" receive from your presence? What is the vision of the restaurant? These are the kinds of questions you need answers to. Check out Scott Hollingsworth's book, Cashing in On Close-Up Magic. Check out the Magic Menu. Check out the work of David Stone, Jay Sankey, Kirk Charles. Check out the Live At the Jailhouse DVD set. Most important--Keep on trying. Enjoy the search. Regards, Paul Green |
davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Thanks for all the responses.
I have been performing consistently in restaurants for the last seven years, but this is the first time I approached this type of establishment. Paul, I have all the recommended resources. Thanks for including them in your post. Although Carl doesn't perform in Hawaii any longer I did get a chance to speak to Al Lo ha /(Al the Only) when I visited Maui and saw his close-up show. Bill, good point on the reference from anther Restaurant GM. I performed for a Department of Physics, get together party and his letter stated entertaining PhD Physicists was not an easy task. I included the letter to let the GM know that difficult people were entertained. This restaurant was part of a group and a sister restaurant did have a magical entertainer. It was however a more family oriented establishment. Again I appreciate the responses. I will keep looking for sure. David Paul
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
Next time wear an Armani, a Rolex (a fake one will do...) and drive a Mercedes. Take a page from Steve Cohen -if you want to perform for millionaires, look like a million bucks yourself!
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-21 23:14, gaddy wrote: I'll be off to the jewelry and clothing store on my way back from the Mercedes dealership this weekend. Thanks for the great tip. I'll need a bunch of those to pay for all this stuff!
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-22 00:52, davidpaul$ wrote: Ya gotta spend money to make money, comrade! Power to the people! Despite the sarcasm, I think the principle is still sound.
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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KENNYRB New user 65 Posts |
I would think that you need to make a fundamental decision here. If you want to perform in upscale establishments then you should look the part as gaddy said and everything you say and do should fit the profile. Your other option is to blow off that type of place and focus on gigs that you already are suited for. I think that although the letter concerning the PhD Physicists was hard earned it does not mean anything to the food service industry. I guess what I am trying to say is that your marketing should target the venue from beginning to end. Shotgun approaches do not have the same success rate as a more targeted approach.
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-22 00:52, davidpaul$ wrote: Wanna buy a fake rolex??? I got several from my trip to Shanghai!!! Going to Beijing end of October if you want one let me know. The look good just don't tell time.
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-22 11:27, KENNYRB wrote: Great post! I appreciate that. Thanks, Dave
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-21 23:14, gaddy wrote: Don't wear a fake Rolex. It's a really bad move. People who wear the real ones can generally spot a fake one a mile off.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
PaulGreen Inner circle 1133 Posts |
The discussion of what to wear is really a cliche. The old adage was to wear clothing that is "one step" above the patrons. While most of us that have worked in restaurants follow this "rule", I think that you also have to have the correct approach and mindset.
Please reread my posting above. Think about what value you will add to the experience of the guests (diners, clients). This is not the easiest thing to do, but if you can, you will be on the side of getting more jobs. Be prepared for the negative responses--Keep trying--eventually, you will find a match. Enjoy the search. Respectfully, Paul Green |
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