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Midnight333 Veteran user 353 Posts |
Hey, okay so I know some of you are making a living performing. I want to do the same. I mean Im a student, so I don't need to make huge amounts. What I want to know is, how frequent do you book work, and what resources are there to learn how to manage one's self. Thank you.
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calexa Inner circle Germany 1635 Posts |
What is your level of experience?
Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
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Midnight333 Veteran user 353 Posts |
I've been doing magic for around eight years. I've just recently settled on a plan to do two or three bizzare acts for shows and private shows. Im new in that area. Im willing to bust a hump to promote myself though.. I just want some realistic projections...
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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Check Hustle, Hustle. As a book for finding work, it is superb. Getting regular work as a bizarrist may actually be easier now than it was back when I started doing it back in the 70's as there is all the X-treme sports, Fear Factor and Scare Tactics shows on the air.
Look for the right venues to fit your show. If you are doing a big illusion show, then look for places that book them. If you are looking for an intimate theater venue, check with local theater groups and look into renting stage space or four-walling an event (where you split the proceeds of your show with the theater, with them getting a guranteed minimum). Working the college circuit is difficult if you are not an established performer or a member of NACA (the association of college associations of all things) and that will run you about $800 up front, plus you should have all of your promo materials made up before trying to join, including video, because they require that for membership these days. However, you may well be able to get frat and sorority parties for several hundred bucks a shot when you are starting off. However, a bizarre show has limited appeal and, once the audience has seen you on campus, that's it unless you can put together a completely different show for the next time. Complex, isn't it? Hope this helped a bit... Lee Darrow, C.H.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
Osiris Special user 610 Posts |
Ok... here's the truth about it all...
Most magicians claim they make thousands of dollars a gig. Truth is, the majority of us HAVE TO WORK A DAY JOB in order to make ends meet, we work longer hours than the average car salesman, few of us can hold onto a reasonable relationship (our magic gets in the way)and a very high ratio of those involved in "Professional"magic prove to be heavy drinkers/partiers (Alcoholics & Addicts)... as well as persons prone towards depression-anxiety disorders. HUSTLE, HUSTLE is the truth as well... you must "Bust your hump"and be willing to become a prostitoad e.g. someone that hops from this gig to the next, willing to take $50.00 for doing tricks, all day long. This includes Kiddie Shows, Mixers, et al. Set aside the delusional dreams promised by the so-called "Marketing"experts in magic. Less than 1% of those that love this craft earn an above average living... that's the sad reality. Most of us end up like farmers... equipment rich but economically up-side-down... we work in order to support our props vs. the way its "supposed to be." Now that I've set the record a bit more straight than it's typically painted, here's the up-side. Yes, you can make a reasonable living in magic but it depends upon what you are willing to do. If you wish to make your living as a Bizarrist, then give up now! These even less a demand for this mode of performance than there is for straight magic or mentalism. On the other hand, if you are willing to combine your "image" with that of being a Psychic Entertainer then there is some hope. Richard Webster and numerous others will point out to you that Mentalists host a unique "upper-hand"when it comes to this issue. We needn't be concerned about chasing after the "next show"because we can do Readings, Lectures & Workshops within the shut-eye markets as our day job. This is an action that embellishes our reputation when it comes to Bizarre performance. When I say "You can make a living"in this manner, I do not intend to lead you astray. An individual with a good personality and even moderate skills as a Reader can earn between $500.00 and $1,000.00 a week working part-time. This is not unrealistic and has proven itself applicable throughout much of North American and most of Europe. I would suggest you check on copies of Blair Robertson's "Money-Making Methods for Mentalists" series for some insights (Unfortunately my marketing books are not on-line at present but if you are interested PM me and we can make some kind of snail-paced arrangements. The books are currently $35.00 each.) You may want to check out my column @ Online-VISIONS (Psychic Perspectives)as well, some of the earlier articles do cover some of the basics when it comes to marketing and this field of work. Sorry about painting such a droll picture, but I really get rather tired hearing so many people pumping the BS into our world vs. telling new comers the truth. Our obsession with magic frequently blinds us to the reality -- the reality that few in the world really care about watching us work, let alone paying us what we're worth (given the investment of time, study, and equipment). Like so many other things in the world, unless you've become a household name, the laity don't want to pay. |
calexa Inner circle Germany 1635 Posts |
Thanks for the advice here!
Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
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Logan Five Inner circle Northern California 1434 Posts |
Osiris,
Thank you for turning me onto your Online-Visions column. I also enjoy reading your posts on Mental-List. I am not a full time pro, but I would like to be. Your right, I am not a bizzarist.. but I am doing every kind of gig I can get my hands on..but somehow I feel that there is some kind of light at the end of tunnel.
Self concept is destiny..
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Cholly, by golly! Loyal user 251 Posts |
There are at least 100 people performing magic in my area. I only know of one that pays his bills with it. He's gone 3 weeks out of every month and happens to live with his parents rent-free. Magic is sooooo lucrative.
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Black Hart Elite user Scottish Highlands 475 Posts |
Most of us end up like farmers... equipment rich but economically up-side-down... we work in order to support our props vs. the way its "supposed to be."
A very clever and humorous observation Osiris. : ) At least it keeps us dealers in pocket money. Black Hart
Black Artefacts, manufacturer and dealer of weird, bizarre and psychic magic: www.blackhart.co.uk
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enriqueenriquez Inner circle New York 1287 Posts |
I very much agree with Osiris about how profitable readings are. In fact I think there is nothing as meaningful and powerful as a reading, from the audience point of view. But that’s only my personal opinion, and it’s beside the point.
There is something I don’t understand: The Mainstream as never been as interested in Magic as it is now. I’m not talking about magic shows, but about Magic as people understand it. Hollywood is doing handsome amounts of money thanks to Tolkien or J.K. Rowlings, (seems like C.S. Lewis will be next); hundreds of books on magical worlds, filled with witches and wizards are published every year, and still, the possibility of going to a place to watch a flesh and bone magician doing things similar to the ones we enjoy in movies or books doesn’t seems like profitable. Where is the missing link??? |
Bambaladam Special user 636 Posts |
The things are not similar
In Hollywood, magic is a useful tool for use in dire emergency until the public know that there is magic that is more than "this is here, now it's not", they won't see the relationship /Bamba |
Slim Price Inner circle 1935 - 2006 1326 Posts |
Perserverance is what weeds out those who are serious
and dedicated from those who are hobbiests. Thing is, this is not just a hard business to break into, it is also tempermental. Somedays everyone seems to want sideshow, then the next it is passe, until the fad kicks up again. Those who "make it" maintain during those down times as well, and push things to new boundaries, new approaches, new presentations. A kicking promo packet, with a video, is a necessity, I find. And keep it constantly updated (this is my downfall to be sure). Same thing with the website, though thanks to photoshop it is relatively easy for the savvy to make it look like they can do things they can not. A band I worked with recently ran into that issue with their break act. Be honest and hype yourself up, but don't overdo it. Remember, there will always be someone who can do it better/longer/more etc, and sometimes they end up at your shows. Keeping that in mind when you put together your promo stuff helps keep things exciting but not overdone. Don't "slap" it together. No matter how important it is to have, take the time and invest in it. *NO ONE* will ever represent you the way you do yourself, and if your stuff looks slapped together, then what does that imply to potential clients about your performance? And truthfully, as far as other "in house" references, those are only important to other performers or performance support (like SSC). When it comes to a standard clients, they generally don't know who you are talking about and just want references. Contracts, sooooo important. Signed and returned by a specific date. It helps weed out the loser promoters from the not-so-bad ones. But you also need to let them know what you are going to do ahead of time. Knowing when to adjust your show for the clubs...sooooo important. If clubs kick you out for something, then don't do it. It isn't worth the aftermath. Remember, you are there for the audience and the promoter, not because you are a god and the only one who can do these things. Sell yourself but be flexible. Make everything you do professional, from the website to the contract to the show itself. There are a million half-assed hobbiests out there everyday trying what we do. How we present ourselves and our craft is what sets us apart. It is constant work. I would say that easily 80%, if not more, of what I do is paper shuffling and promotion. For every 10 promo packs you send out, expect to hear from maybe 1, but keep doing it. And when you have a set of gigs lined up, don't stop and get comfy, keep pushing forward. It is the only way to keep the momentum. If you want to make it in the performance industry, especially one so specialized as sideshow, it is *alot* of work and disappointment but when you hit, if your heart is truly in it, it is all worth it. It takes a special breed to be in the Sideshow, and an even stronger one to "make it". In order to do it, you have to believe you will, suck up the disappointments and keep going, just like everyone else. Pele ===== http://www.pyromorph.com I wish I was a glow worm, a glow worm's never glum, cause how can you be gloomy when the sun shines out your bum? __________________________________
sanscan@tds.net
"I will never bitter be, as long as I can laugh at me!" "The people who were dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music" |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
The best way to make money out of magic is to come up with a good dealer item that you can make yourself out of something that only you know the source for. Or that is too difficult for other people to make.
Steve Duschek reportedly paid for his house with sales of Wonderbar. There was a firefighter in Spring, TX who furnished his house by going to bars, performing Scotch and Soda, and selling it to the marks for $100 a pop.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
enriqueenriquez Inner circle New York 1287 Posts |
Sanscan/Pele,
”If you want to make it in the performance industry, especially one so specialized as sideshow, it is *alot* of work and disappointment but when you hit, if your heart is truly in it, it is all worth it.” Wonderful post. Lots of useful advice, and also very inspiring. Thanks. |
Slim Price Inner circle 1935 - 2006 1326 Posts |
Pele is an excellent performer. She works hard and wears several hats. If you ever get a chance to see her, pay any price...
sanscan@tds.net
"I will never bitter be, as long as I can laugh at me!" "The people who were dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music" |
Black Hart Elite user Scottish Highlands 475 Posts |
Look at any 'interest' forum on the net (photography, art, pottery etc.) and you will always see the VERY FAQ..."how can I make a living at ***** ?
I've said many times before, it is a VERY different thing having a hobby and doing the same thing for a living. You will always spend more time running the 'business' than doing whatever is your thing. Of course that doesn't mean that you shouldn't have a go : ) Black Hart
Black Artefacts, manufacturer and dealer of weird, bizarre and psychic magic: www.blackhart.co.uk
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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
To make a living as a performer one needs to understand the phrase "show business." The first part seems to be what many people focus on, to the detriment or exclusion of the second word. But, when you get down to where the money hits the bank, it's the second word that is the most important - BUSINESS.
You have to treat what probably started out as a hobby or obsession as a business and that means doing some very boring work - taxes, mailings, phone calls to potential clients, developing leads to potential clients, schedule organization, advertising, web site creation and management (the web is the new Yellow Pages - if you have no presence on the web, in the eyes of many, you lack credibility) and bookkeeping, among a myraid of other things. For some people with an "artistic temperment," such tasks are "beneath" them or they feel that they aren't necessary because they are "artististes." Most of those folks fail to make a living in magic. Period. You have to S E L L to get P A I D! Harsh? Possibly, but it's how I manage to handle the rent on a Chicago northside apartment and the mortgage on my house on the east side (yes, there IS an east side to Chicago that is not under water, despite what certain people might think - the lake curves you know! ) And even with all of that effort, there are still months that are a little on the financially thin side. So, if one wants to make it as a full time performer, one has to do the whole job, including the boring and annoying bits. Of course, you also need a show that people actually will enjoy watching! Hope this helps! Lee Darrow, C.H.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
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