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TRUMPETMAN Special user Naples, FL 705 Posts |
I had done magic as a child and in my early teens, even worked some Bday parties. Fast forward thirty years.....when my son entered preschool, I began working as a volunteer to help out by demonstrating some of my musical instruments, and giving little storytime talks about my days as a musician with the circus band. This led right back to wanting to do magic for the kids, especially the ones age 4-8. After my first preschool show, I was SO hooked on the applause and smiling faces that I knew I had found the calling I had ignored for years. I am eagerly awaiting my upcoming children's library shows this spring....
Mark Pettey Naples, FL ROBBiE the RiNGMASTER'S CiRCUS of MAGiC !
Mark Pettey
Naples, FL facebook.com/robbietheringmaster |
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Red Shadow Inner circle 1788 Posts |
I got seriously into magic when I was 15, I had a friend at school who was into it, and he drew me into the art. He told me about a magic shop, not far from where I lived and I visited there to buy the latest stuff.
After that, I met a member of a local magic club (purely by accident), who took me along to the meetings (I couldn't join until I was 18). That sustained my interest in the art for a while, having a regular source for new material (auctions) and meeting other magicians. I think it was the money that first got me into doing shows. I heard how much you could make, and so decided to put a show together. At first it was an illusion show, which I performed in some talent shows, but I couldn't get any PAID work. I later developed a children's show and realized I had an skill for it, being the oldest of 5 children, I was accustomed to entertaining them. At 17, I got a job working at a holiday camp as a blue-coat. I was fired after a month because I was under-aged (they thought I was 18). They hired me based on my skills, and didn't even look at the CV, to see my age! Since then, I have developed as a pro children's entertainer, and close-up magician. Children's magic has been my bread and butter for the last 11 years. It has paid my way through college and University. Unfortunately, there just isn't any regular work anymore, not in my area anyway. There is lots of competition and many amateur magicians who charge tuppence for their show, leaving the professionals out of work. I cannot sustain a healthy living on the income from magic alone, I have tried every way to promote it, but the mid-week work is simply not there, and there are only two slots (that the customers want) on a Saturday and Sunday to fill, if they are filled. I enjoy entertaining children, but I have to live and therefore plan on getting a more seriously paid job, and keep magic as a part-time business. Steve |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Steve, I find that two shows on Saturday and two on Sunday earns me between £600- £1000. Extra mid-week shows are a bonus, and I find I regularly get one or two gigs even during term time. It does mean my weekends are always tied up of course (much to the chagrin of my girlfriend), but the money is there if you go after it. Are you sure you're not under selling yourself to the lower end of the market? That's a big mistake I made when I was younger, I simply wasn't expensive enough for wealthier clients to consider me!
Doug. |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Rock: That is great when you can send that idea of "wonderment' into the eyes and imagination of a child. It really is true magic and it certainly is a part of why I love doing this so much.
Laurie: You are indeed right. kids do want to be entertained and they show you appreciation for this enjoyment if they truely like what you are doing. It is a great feeling isn't it? Chad: Isn't is amazing that we can get paid doing something we love to do any ways? For me I love performing for kids and the money just makes it that much better. Even without the money, I would still have to perform. My love for magic is just that great. Mark: That is so great you connecting with the kids and the expression and amiles you can place on a child. I wish you much success on your upcoming shows. great stuff guys and thanks for telling us your own unique stories. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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GWSchott Veteran user Southeastern Michigan 361 Posts |
I got recruited to do a show for my son's sixth birthday and it went much better than anticipated. I think I had more fun than the kids! Well, the phone started ringing with requests to do more shows, and the more shows I did the better my act got, and the better my act got the more I liked it!
Yours In Magic,
Gordon |
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Andre Hagen Inner circle 1432 Posts |
I was first smitten by the magic bug at age 9 (63 years ago) when Harry Blackstone Senior brought me onstage as an assistant. Since then it has been a lifetime passion.
In the early 1990's I retired. My swan song in magic was supposed to be editing and photographing "The Art of Astonishment" with Paul Harris and Tony Dunn. I even sold all my books and effects after the trilogy was finished. It left an emptiness I didn't expect and it lasted for about 5 years. I have eleven grandchildren and they all called me Magicgrandpa. I found that doing magic for children was magic for me. Now I care only to entertain children. To see a look of wonder on a child's face or watch them in uncontrollable laughter keeps me feeling younger than my years. Andre Hagen (magicgrandpa)
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one - Albert Einstein
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WagsterMagic Special user Myrtle Beach, SC 639 Posts |
I was bitten when I saw peter marvey performing on worlds greatest magic. I was six. It didn't become seriously in my blood until I was twelve.
Now I am fully devoted. Best Brandon
The Wagsters: World Class Magic & Illusion
www.wagstermagic.com |
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shomemagic Inner circle Missouri 2232 Posts |
Lets see, I was traveling on a carnival in my youth, and it was raining so going into the local town was out and I turned my little tv on and Phil Donahue had Mark Wilson on, he was doing some magic and I thought that's cool, then near the end he announced he had a new magic course available, for only $39.95 + shipping if paid before June 1 and then it was going to 49.95, so I started saving a little money from my daily draw and on a Sat I belive the last day May, I hurried to the post office and sent a money order and waited the rest of the season for my mother to get it ane either deliver it to me or mail it to me... Well the season ended and still no magic course, I couldn't believe it, we made it to winter quarter and was getting everything put away for the winter and the day before I was to come home a package was delivered and it was the course with props, rope, cards, sponge squares etc... I was up all night looking at this...I have been interstead in magic since, doing close up..never a kid show
Just a couple months ago a friend ask me to come and do some things for a kid show he was doing as he had to leave early... I thought sure no problem, so I gathered up some stuff and went, I thought it would be easy..... IT was horrible, I had several nice jumbo card effects but kids don't know cards and a couple other things that tanked... My hats off to all the kid show performers as its not as easy as one might think. It takes a lot of hard work and research not to mention practice. I would rather have a drunk heckler than a observing kid telling me what happened. I decided then to check into getting some kid show stuff and decided I was going to get into this big time and get some real stuff for kids... I have been working on a show since...just aboug have it ready, thanks to all the advice and stuff I have learned from all the great kid show entertainers here in the Little Darlings thread..Everyone has been so generous, I can't begin to express my appreciation for everyone here.. that's my story and Im sticking to it...Im planning on doing my first show first week of May..for family and friends, before I do a paid gig.. |
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Andre Hagen Inner circle 1432 Posts |
Shomemagic, be sure and let us know how the show goes. We are rooting for you!
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one - Albert Einstein
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mystic shriner New user Midwest, USA 64 Posts |
My magic bug bit when I was invited to visit Flosso at his magic shop by a friend of mine who lived in New York many years ago....wow, could that guy sell! His shop was a pit...but a GREAT pit! YOu could just stare at the shelves for hours! I bought about $10 worth of small stuff from him and started performing magic for friends.....turned into a major part of my life!
Sam |
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shomemagic Inner circle Missouri 2232 Posts |
Thanks MagicGrandpa.. I know everyone here is always wanting the best for fellow entertainers..and I appreciate it very much..
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Marvello Inner circle It's amazing how little I can say in 1612 Posts |
The magic bug hit me when I was around 7, and my parents took me to Hank Moorehouse's house, and in to his amazing basement/store when he was living in Ypsilanti. I was interested in magic before that, but seeing all of those mysterious and amazing props was like going to Santa's workshop. When he started showing me some magic I knew I was hooked for life, and I am still friends with him to this day.
Never criticize someone else until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then, when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away from them and you will have their shoes.
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GWSchott Veteran user Southeastern Michigan 361 Posts |
You know, the funny thing is that when I first started doing kid shows somewhat regularly they seemed like a safe alternative to adult audiences. I thought they'd be easier I guess. Boy, was I wrong! I love performing for kids, but they can be a tough crowd sometimes, especially the 11-13 year olds. It seems they're more pre-occupied with exposing you as a fraud than enjoying the magic, but you know what, that's just the way it is at that age and I roll with it. Truth be told, I know they're having fun even if they're trying to call me on all my secrets. It's all good.
Yours In Magic,
Gordon |
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