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IAIN Eternal Order england 18807 Posts |
...of being any kind of performer...
quite a wide subject, but here goes: what do you feel are the pros and cons of your performance level? I shall explain more by using myself as an example... I love close-up I do not have to do it to put food on the table I have the opportunity to perform every week for strangers I have gotten to know three owners/managers of bars in central london and have nice, free, "do whatever you fancy, iain" areas in busy places, with a wide variety of people to perform for so that means I can be who I want, test out whatever I like, and do as much or as little as I want I get gigs off of these performances and make good contacts too these all lead to adventures at the height of me wanting to perform, I was doind 3 hours a night, 3 times a week in various bars and on average one or two gigs a week, with me turning down around the same... because I am not a full-timer, I do not have the stress of marketing, or having to sell myself to others, nor to keep my profile high enough to remain visible...i do not do stage work, I think I know myself well enough to know that me and the stage wouldn't work well... I like the close-up, the romance of performing rather than the full-time "worker" of it all... so I have some leeway, it gives me extra confidence in some ways - I mean, I study a lot, I practice, rehearse and perform a lot - I take it all very seriously as if I were a full-timer (but without the marketing)...i do not have the pressure that doing it full-time has...of paying bills, insurance, mortgage and savings and so on... times have changed, and people diversify in this era - I don't know of any full timer that doesn't do something else on the side, the odd lecture here and there, publish something, even give talks on other subjects that they are specialists in before mentalism took a grip on them... so to sum up mine: I get to experience what its like to be a pro to a degree, with the awareness that I am not a pro, and I can perform to a good standard, I can hold my own as it were...and I have a way with people and I can do..."stuff"...but I would never try and say I am a pro...i think being a pro must feel different... so my ultimate question to you is: your current state of performing, what are the pros and cons of that?
I've asked to be banned
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
22-1/2 hours of travel, setup, soundchecks, road food, hotels, delays, rental cars, weather problems, promotion, meet and greets, loadins/loadouts, poor sleep, and so on, all for those 90 minutes on stage. Rinse and repeat.
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
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On 2014-02-16 15:35, Mindpro wrote: And those are the good parts! (But, being a natural vagabond, I see it all as part of the same adventure.) |
IAIN Eternal Order england 18807 Posts |
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On 2014-02-16 15:35, Mindpro wrote: getcha completely...i've heard the horror stories from many people.... so what are your personal pros, Mindpro? you perform and you're an agent aren't you? or am I mixing you up with someone else?
I've asked to be banned
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Bob's right those are both the pro's and the cons - lol. Those of us that are or have been road warriors seem to enjoy it (more at times than others) and do it because we have chosen to and have worked hard to get there.
Yes, I do own several agencies (a full-service and two specialty) as well as produce other road and touring productions, but they are separate from my performing. I am on the road 40-43 weeks per year, but I must say working the road has changed quite a bit over the past decade or so. People are different, they no longer talk, bond and share experiences, instead they are in their cell phones texting, emailing, gaming and everything else. Everybody is all about "me." If not the cell, then on their computers, ipads or other electronic devices. Customer service has suffered terribly. Doing the minimum to get by, intolerance, and "do whatever it takes to get them out of my face" or pass the buck onto someone else in another department. People seem to always have a chip on their shoulder, ready to snap at any minute. Hospitality also is less receptive and accommodating. Drinking is the worse that I've ever seen it - (drinking until they pass out - anything less is not enough) drunk drivers, drug drivers, and sleepy drivers. All of this while road expenses are greater than ever before, travel restrictions are greater and more difficult than ever before, insurance more expensive, gasoline, and lodging too. People's attention to detail pertaining to a rider is not the same as everyone always seems to put more effort into cutting corners rather than just complying as directed. Even audiences seem more abrasive and challenging. There is a huge difference (in my opinion greater than ever before) between the over 35 and under 35 audiences. Younger people (who I understand have not been raised on live entertainment as in previous generations) don't seem to know or understand how to act or respond to a live performance. Now of course all of this sounds like a rant or release, but it is just that side of the coin in today's world. I am still doing what I've enjoyed and have worked hard for for almost 38 years. I have been fortunate to do what I've desired, how I've desired, and how I set out to do so many years ago. I specifically remember decades ago thinking "what would be my ideal situation?" It seemed so impossible at the time. To create my stage performances, to become established in my markets, to perform enough to get and stay sharp, to take my show all over the country. I never cared to be famous or a household name, but rather live a very comfortable life doing what I love in the entertainment business on my own terms. It has led to doors opening and opportunities I would have never dreamed of, so for all of this I can't complain. My dreams became my reality. |
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
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On 2014-02-16 15:35, Mindpro wrote: Except the distances involved are less in a small country, that is about it. And I wouldn't have any other life. The pros are I travel, I get to perform on stage (never close-up), I dictate my own hours, I see parts of the world at other people's expense, and I have a network of friends and odd acquaintances in all sorts of odd places. The cons are in a bankrupt country my lifestyle has taken a dip. But that is temporary.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
Quote:
On 2014-02-16 15:35, Mindpro wrote: Haha now I remember why I stopped working full time and got a "real job" when my kids were born, the travel not quite as bad this side of the pond but still a lot of time on the road in the rain (and that's the summer season), performers digs, tough audiences in working men's clubs, getting changed in the toilets (and they didn't even put a star on the door 9 times out of 10) bookers constantly trying to get out of paying the full fee (or the booker mysteriously vanishing when it was time to pick up the cheque because they know you need to be 150 miles away tomorrow). Fortunately getting paid is a lot more reliable these days compared to back then but not much else has changed. It's an interesting way to make a living but it ain't for the faint of heart and it's neither easy money or anywhere near as glamorous as the general public assume it to be. Mark |
VernonOnCoins Inner circle NYC 1978 Posts |
Pros: I make a nice living and get to keep it all (no kids, thank God)
Cons: I'm forced to work on material with a somewhat limited range ie. must reset, must be brief, must be suited for loud venues (no living/dead tests or storytelling for me, unfortunately) |
David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Funny you should raise this, Iain. I was just thinking about it the other day.
I've been doing this for over 20 years and the fact of the matter is I still absolutely love it and wouldn't have it any other way. I get to travel. I've made some good friends in the mentalism community as well as on the road -- some clients I've worked with for many years. I get to see parts of the world that I wouldn't even think of traveling to otherwise -- and I am nearly always pleasantly surprised. Flying has become more of a hassle -- but I love that too. (They bring me peanuts. And pretzels also.) I get to do what I love to do and I am paid well for it. These days I am working (almost) as much as I want and I feel a fresh challenge every show to do it better than I did the last time. This all gives me more time to be with Sheree and develop new ideas and re-work material. The ONLY "con" sides to all of this is that I'm getting very tired of doing hospitality suites. I've done them for years and, while they are challenging, I get very tired of the drunks night after night. There seem to be significantly more of them now than there were even a few years ago. I'm also re-thinking doing trade shows entirely since I'm getting older and those 8-10 hour days seem to take more out of me now than they did before. Trade shows are hard frickin' work. Still my house is paid off, Sheree and I have great vehicles to drive and we take as many trips for pleasure as possible. But you know something? I can't imagine doing anything else. (I put myself through college selling shoes on commission. THAT was HARD.) Besides: it's completely within my power to change my circumstances (re trade shows and hospitality suites) if I want to. I just have to want to ENOUGH. This is a splendid way for me to make a living. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Time for a stage show David!
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Actually, the hospitality suite shows are nearly always an add on to an existing stage show agreement, MP. You goof.
David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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