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sbays Inner circle Burbank, CA 1065 Posts |
I have noticed after speaking with many Mentalism/Magic enthusiasts, that there are a great deal of what I call LRP's. No, not Live Action Role Players, but Living Room Performers.
Let me explain: There are a great deal of individuals who buy every new effect, tool, DVD, book etc, to learn as much as they can about our craft, but then never put it to use. They might show their family and friends, but then they are out of people to perform for, and they just stop. So, that new peek wallet they just got was used maybe two times, then put away forever or sold. I think this is a shame! I know it takes a lot of courage to get out there and perform for people you do not know, but that is pretty much the point of all of this isn't it? Maybe there are some who really don't want to be a performer, but just want to fool their friends and family ... so be it. But I think that the majority really DO want to get out there, but lack the confidence to do it. This topic was sparked by a conversation with a very educated "Would be Performer", who just cant find it in himself to perform. The point of this post is to hopefully provide some inspiration for those who fit into this category, to get out there and TRY! A great place to start learning to perform for an audience is at you local coffee house, or book store like Barnes & Knoble, Boarders etc. Any other thoughts on this?
"Opportunity may only knock once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
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Ken Dyne Inner circle UK 2268 Posts |
Interesting point indeed.
I think its much like anything, there are definate levels of interest. Some people enjoy it and see this stuff as a hobby and an interest. Some people's interest is a passing one, some is passionate. Others of us perform also fall in to two campp. I personally love this stuff and love getting outt here doing it for real, I think about it all the time and its my drive and motivation. For some I know it is only a job, they go out and do their gig and then come home, never thinking about it again. The thing is, I know some people who just don't want to try. They like performing casually. Working live is hard hard work. When you have such a drive and passion for this stuff you realise that it is not a case of it being fun, it is darned hard getting out there and pulling everything together perfectly. There is so much to think about, the "tricks" are the least important thing in a live situation I would say. This hard work does not appeal to some people, they like to see all of this as fun, and that's great. Kennedy
MR GOLDEN BALLS 2.0: https://mentalunderground.com/product/mr-golden-balls-2-0/" target="_blank"> https://mentalunderground.com/product/passed-out-deck/
BAIRN: Named 'Best Mentalism Product Of 2014 by Marketplace of the Mind is my collection of more than 40 mentalism routines in a beautiful paperback book: http://www.mentalunderground.com/product/bairn |
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John LeBlanc Special user Houston, TX 524 Posts |
Then there are cases like me. I do regular corporate work for primarily two vertical markets that are virgin territory for magic and mentalism -- and I'm happy to keep it that way. My corporate set is so "mundane" by contemporary mentalism standards that I doubt I could perform it for a local magic organization meeting and entertain them. But it plays spectacularly well for the clients who have me virtually on a repeat schedule. And that's one reason I am loathe to change it very much at all, despite the wonderful stuff that's come to market in the last few years.
That's the professional end of things. I also have an amateur side that is very interested in new books and new tricks. I keep up as best I can, read and learn, maybe even perform some of it for family and friends, but I'm not adding any of it to the corporate sets. In other words, most of it I will never perform at all for anyone. Still, I love learning new tricks and playing with them. It's mentally stimulating, and it's fun! I will note that there is a lone exception, and that's Richard Osterlind's stuff. But when you understand that the Mind Mysteries series basically chronicles Osterlind's professional work from the last 20 or 25 years or so, you'll understand why the tricks themselves are road-ready, waiting for personalization to be added. To my mind -- and professional opinion -- Osterlind's Mind Mysteries series is the mentalism version of Michael Close's Workers series, and there are a number of items I am working on now to add to my corporate set. John |
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sbays Inner circle Burbank, CA 1065 Posts |
I could not agree more John!
Richard's material is grade A, real world stuff. No pipe dreams there! I use more of Richard's material than anyone else's.
"Opportunity may only knock once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
I see what you guys are saying, but here is my problem. I perform for several thousand people every week, just not Mentalism. It's hard for me to "Mentally" get ready to perform Mentalism for a much smaller group of people for a fraction of the pay. I have trouble getting motivated. Plus, I'm unsure of the outcome.
I'm not talking about my radio shows, Or corporate gigs, because they are great, but just a Coffee House type gig kind of scares me and I'm not sure why really....????? Public humilliation???
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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ALEXANDRE Inner circle 3024 Posts |
Long ago I used to force myself to perform. How? I would tell people I was a mentalist, they would ask me what that was and inevitably ask me to show them something, or maybe I would just put myself on the spot and offer to show them an example of what I did. I put myself on the spot so many times that after a while it became second nature to just start performing, then many opportunites and doors started opening up to me.
You have to have a real Zen approach to this, don't think too much or you'll end up not doing it.
HERE'S A SECRET ...
http://www.lybrary.com/mystic-alexandre-m-354.html |
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Gianni Special user WILMINGTON, DE 993 Posts |
Quote: - John LeBlanc
Then there are cases like me. I do regular corporate work for primarily two vertical markets that are virgin territory for magic and mentalism -- and I'm happy to keep it that way. My corporate set is so "mundane"...' I don't fully expect answers to my questions, but curiousity has the better of me, and so I ask John LeBlanc: 1. What are "vertical markets"? 2. What is your corporate set? Gianni |
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John LeBlanc Special user Houston, TX 524 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-01-29 21:10, Gianni wrote: A vertical market is a niche market or a focused market within a greater (larger) market. Back when I did tons more voiceover work than I do these days, there were tons of markets to approach. I specialized in one vertical market: the oilfield service company business. There are quite a few industrial videos out there that have my voice on them. I used the same approach in mentalism. I chose a vertical market that wasn't being served (or even approached) by mystery entertainers. It's like having a sweet tooth and owning your own candy shop. For a number of years I've been working on a marketing course for mystery entertainers, and each year I put it off for another year. But one of the foundational points I make is that the market for magic and mentalism is not finite, regardless where you live. It's not a pie of "X" size. In fact, the guy who thinks the market (as it currently exists) is all there is -- and believes he has to fight it out with every other performer for his unfair share of the pie -- will have a nearly impossible time hitting six figures a year -- a perfectly reasonable goal if you are willing to do what it takes to hit those numbers. If you gauge success the way I do (my score card is my 1040 on April 15 each year, not how many of my peers know my name), two things will help you more than the most brilliant set of magic or mentalism anyone has ever performed in the history of mankind: 1. Little to no competition in your market. 2. The manner in which you frame your product. As to number one, go out an make your market. You'll have no competition, you can determine what you think is a fair price, and you dominate that market. By the time the other guys learn for whom you are working, you'll already be known in that market as the "Copperfield" or the "Kreskin" of that market and the would-be competitors will be also-rans. Bayer is the number one aspirin product on the market not necessarily because they are the best, but because they were first. Also, in more ways than one, it pays to be the most expensive guy in your market. John |
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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
I agree with being the most expensive guy. that concept worked for my Top 40 band for years. If someone low balls, the "AURA" of being fantastic is gone.
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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JackScratch Inner circle 2151 Posts |
I like what you said John. I've long said that competing with other magicians is fun, but ultimately a waste of time. It always seemed to me that the better one of us does, the better all of us do. If someone sees a magician they find entertaininf, they are more likely to wind up hiring me, than if they didn't see him/her. Likewise, if someone sees a bad magician, I feel they are less likely to hire me. That's why I tend to be pretty critical of profesionals. I find Houston to be an enormous untapped market for magic. There realy aren't that many of us working, for the size of this city, but then Houston has never realy had much respect for performance art. Often times however, it's like you say, make it in the untapped market and you are truely "made".
P.S. I know your name, John. Maybe someday you will know mine, if you don't already. |
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noumena Regular user Orange County, CA 136 Posts |
I perform full time now with about 80% of my bookings being stage performances of pure mentalism. Before I started performing mentalism I had performed in theater several times and was in a band that played all over the west coast for several years. However, taking the stage solo was such a different monster. If the issue is a fear of performing in front of people you don’t know I think the following may help. These where some things that at least helped me when I first started.
1. Take some theater classes at a local college. You get to share your anxiety with others and together you slowly get used to being on stage and performing. It wont be mentalism, but you will gain confidence by learning many many things that are not published in mentalism books on how to prepare mentally and physically before taking the stage. You will also learn a great deal about stage craft. 2. Find a mentor that will help you develop your act. Having the guidance of a seasoned professional should help to foster confidence. Having confidence in your act is key. 3. Make friends with working professionals and see them perform as many time as you can. Just being around the environment can make the whole experience of taking the stage yourself much more familiar and therefore less intimidating. 4. Write a 10 minute piece and offer to be the opening act for other performers. When the success of a show does not entirely depend on you much of the pressure and intimidation is lifted. I did this several times for full time professionals that I became friends with. 5. Just get your feet wet by performing at open mic nights at comedy clubs. If you can cut your teeth and entertain a crowd as a mentalist at a comedy club then you are off to a great start. Doing this lead to having my own dinner theater show at the night club. 6. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. This should be done before you ever perform and doing it correctly will build confidence. 7. Surround yourself with supportive people. If there are any of you struggling with the anxiety of performing please PM me, I’d love to offer any help or motivation I can. - Brandon Cross |
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Tony Iacoviello Eternal Order 13151 Posts |
Wow, I did not think it was possible, but I am more impressed with John now than I was this morning!
I do this as a part-time professional (to quote the term used by Gene Anderson). My day job supplies the insurance and the money required to pay the bills, feed the kids, and pay the college tuitions. So I'm limited to weekends, some week nights, and the occasional vacation day. This limits me a bit. I perform as a psychic entertainer at about 30 colleges a year (I was doing 50 but had to cut back), about 10 high school lock-in graduation parties (these all take place within a 2 1/2 week period), about 20 home parties, the very occasional corporate event, and a few of my day job's trade shows (Hospitality and Telecommunications trade shows). I also keep do the magic club meeting and special event activity every couple of months. Last year I was asked to perform readings at the Mystery Lounge in Cambridge, Mass. You can find me there most every Tuesday night. Most of what I do is mentalism and readings. But I like to keep up with close-up and stand-up magic as well. So, I keep the local and Internet magic shops in business. My youngest turns 18 in a couple of months, and I've warned both of my children: If anything happens with the day job, its full time entertaining for me... They just blame it on a middle age crisis, or say I'm nuts. Could be! Tony |
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Gianni Special user WILMINGTON, DE 993 Posts |
Many thanks to John LeBlanc for the informative response...
Gianni |
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Logan Five Inner circle Northern California 1434 Posts |
I am a part time tarot reader. I also do psychic parties in my area. Formal mentalism performances..very little. I make some money at this to make it worth while.
Rick
Self concept is destiny..
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bobser Inner circle 4178 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-01-29 19:09, sbays wrote: Yes, I have tons of thoughts on this. Built over many years being associated with many of those so-called: 'Living Room Performers', who have kindly taught me most of the stuff I know. First of all 'the point of all of this' as far as many of them are concerned is nothing to do with 'getting out there' at all. Some of them are self-made millionaires who enjoy this as a hobby. For example Richard Branson does a bit of magic (he does a cool 'pass'), but I don't think you should suggest to him that he's lacking confidence and needs to 'get himself out there'! While others have other lifestyles that they simply love, such as professional carers etc. My doctor does kids shows but as an £80k ($160k) per year medical person probably doesn't think he might make as much as a mentalist, and anyway... he saves lives! The point I'm making is that it's not about getting out there at all, at least not for the majority. Rather it's about making their friends and family smile, laugh and go "wow". Interesting to hear Slim King talk about smaller crowds. The lead vocalist of 'Simple Minds' (can't remember his name Talked last year about a British tour where he had to actually see peoples faces for the first time in his career . He said he felt sick with fear as he hadn't played to crowds so small (300-500)since the band had 'made it' some years ago. I'm sure that many performers will agree with me that there's something special about playing to smaller groups of people. For what it's worth I know that I'm not in the same league as that of Osterlind, Banacheck etc. My average fee is £300 (I have been paid 4 figure fees but I'll happily cross the road for 50 bucks!)and I perform to many audiences in the corporate market of less than 50 people. The point I'm making is we're all much of a mish-mash, and I think we actually like it that way. I don't think we can ever say what the point of anything really is or how the majority really think. It's like assuming what might be construed as 'common-sense'. Any decent sociologist will assure you that there simply is no such thing. So... I say leave the living room performers alone. To my mind they're the saviours of the business. I do understand and commend you for attempting to inspire others. But I suspect that most of the horse know where the water is.
Bob Burns is the creator of The Swan.
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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
Bobser
Please understand. The House of Blues has two stages. One for several thousand people and one for three to four hundred in more of a bar situation. The smaller one is ALWAYS better. I just have a small fear of playing for a group of a dozen folks when one could easily call bull **** on my performance and I have no where to get away to. No crowd to sway my way. No group hypnosis to stifle the critic. See what I'm saying? I fear being too close. Know what I mean?
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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John LeBlanc Special user Houston, TX 524 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-01-30 22:07, Slim King wrote: Oh, I think I know what you mean. I've found one of the real secrets of performing is that you can get away with murder -- if the audience likes you. We always cut our friends more slack than anyone else, right? Establishing rapport with audiences, large and small, helps to smooth over the roughest of spots. This is why "charming" performers go over so well. There will always be audience members who are overly challenged by magic and mentalism. But making "friends" with the rest of the audience brings them to your defense without asking. Don Alan had a great way to handle people like this: he'd just wait until they were done then he'd continue where he left off. On occasion, I've run into people who are so challenged by magic and mentalism, they just can't stand it and won't let up. They are actually hostile. The only thing I've found that helps is to look them square in the eyes, smile, and say, "They're magic tricks." This diffuses 99% of their perceived issues. If I were to guess, this type of situation -- the guy who calls you out while you're in the middle of something -- is the biggest impediment to people performing. But I have to say, having a natural love of people goes a long way to overcoming it. John |
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noumena Regular user Orange County, CA 136 Posts |
Slim King,
I have performed several times at the House of Blues in Orange County, CA. PM me if you want to talk about it. - Brandon Cross |
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sbays Inner circle Burbank, CA 1065 Posts |
Bobser -
I understand your point, but the post was geared towards those who DO WANT to get out there, and just lack the confidence to do so. It is not about the others you mention. I am also not talking soley about getting out there and doing this for a living. It also applies to those who are maybe just hobbyists, but want to go beyond just family and friends for an audience. "Richard Branson does a bit of magic (he does a cool 'pass'), but I don't think you should suggest to him that he's lacking confidence and needs to 'get himself out there'!" Agreed ... because that is not what he wants to do. This is what he chooses! Again, this topic really wouldnt apply to him, or any other like-minded individuals. It is about those who want to, but just don't. The horse may know where the water is, but getting there and drinking it takes steps, one hoof in front of the other. Some need guidance, which again was the whole point. I also disagree that "Most" just want to entertain their friends and family, and that's it. How many times can you perform the ACR for your friends? Eventually, I think most hope to have an opportunity to perform for real audiences.
"Opportunity may only knock once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
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KiKi Inner circle GERMANY/ Hannover 1143 Posts |
If you do it in front of friends or a large audience. why are we doing what we are doing? because we need acknowledgement and apreciation! it`s in the nature of the human being!
kiki |
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