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Cody Comet Loyal user Louisville, KY 201 Posts |
Al, can you explain what a gravity fighter is?
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
I'm sorry Cody gravity fighters are what jugglers call each other.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Cody Comet Loyal user Louisville, KY 201 Posts |
Oh, that's ok. I just haven't been around too many jugglers since you are right, not many magicians are jugglers.
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Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
Plenty of good advice here Cody. A little more and it's nothing to do with magic.
Go and get yourself some lesions in acting. I don't know where. There may be courses you can go on. There maybe a brilliant amateur theatre club. Learn how to stand and hold yourself. How to walk onto a stage or performing area and how to walk off. There are a surprisingly few ways of doing it properly and effectively and so many think they know what they're doing when they don't. Learn how to STAND STILL in front of an audience, relaxed and balanced and at your ease. When you convey ease, your audience relaxes and you can do almost anything with them. Learn how to take calls. Absolutely essential if your audience is going to show you their appreciation. learn how to breath so you can speak clearly and be understood. You will learn pre-performance vocal exercises and breathing techniques which will stand you in good stead the rest of your life. Sounds a lot to learn? Take it a step at a time. Your getting involved in a business where you will never stop learning, even in fifty years. that's why it's so fascinating.
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Cody
Juggling is a calling from God. I guess God didn't call you to juggle.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Cody, it's worth getting a copy of "Seriously Silly" by David Kaye, do a search for it here, and read the rave reviews.
I agree 100% that you should look at other entertainments in addition to magic. Juggling is good, ballon modelling is very good, ventriloquism is excellent, and singing/playing an instrument will levitate your show above the rest. You have years to perfect any or all of these skills, and each is easy to learn given the proper dedication. I personally like to start and end most of my shows with a song. This builds excitement and anticipation in your audience, gives you a "proper" beginning and end, demonstrates your versatility, and adds at least 5 minutes to your show. I highly recommend learning to play a small guitar like a ukelele or banjo. It will take a couple of years to be able to knock out a good solid rhythm, if you've never played before, but otherwise these instruments are easy to get to grips with, even if you're a bit scared of the whole playing/singing thing. As for there being a shortage of kids' entertainers in the future, I don't think so! In recent years, there have been over 100 new kids' entertainers appear in my area alone. Most of these will of course, fall by the wayside. Lots of middle aged men and women mostly, who are disaffected with their boring jobs, and suddenly decide they can earn £100+ an hour by donning a cheap costume, and grinning inanely! I had an enquiry just the other day, and when I told the caller that my basic fee is £150, she told her husband.....and I heard him reply: "How much was the clown?" "£65" came her reply.....and they decided to go with the clown. Fine by me, I don't want their business - they feel I'm too expensive. However, they will likely regret their choice when they have 20 6-year olds running amok in their house because the "clown" isn't funny. It really doesn't matter if there are a ton of good entertainers, or a serious dearth of them.....a good performer will create his own market, and never have to worry about advertising or marketing. A good 90% of my business is from referrals and existing clients. Aim to create the best show you can, soak up as much knowledge from those who have gone before you, and you can and will have a highly rewarding and successful career. Good luck, Potty |
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housermagic New user In the mountains 71 Posts |
Cody. much very good info here. And, while I don't normally do the kidshows, I am branching out into that arena. I do nursing home shows, however, and there is a similarity.
It is a plus that you are getting input and encouragement from Steve Bargatze. The wife (assistant) and I only met Steve last year at a convention. Despite rolling in the aisle at his antics, we learned some very valuable lessons. We hope to see him again soon. Good luck (or theatrically "break a leg"). Magically yours, Bill |
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jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
I also do nursing home shows. They're very similar to children's shows - if you make a loud noise or pop a balloon, somebody's going to wet their diaper.
Jim |
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Cody Comet Loyal user Louisville, KY 201 Posts |
Hey everyone, thanks for your great advice. I will definatly make the best out of it.
Tony James-I'm in my school's drama club, which has really helped me out in my magic, even though all we've been able to work on is improv techniques. But what I learned from the improv games really helped me out in a sticky situation at the Unconventional Convention while preforming my PB&J routine. What happened was that I got so into the presentation of my routine that I forgot to squeeze the cover for the jelly to appear. So I had 2 penaut butter jars instead of 1 pb and 1 jelley jar. The improv games let me think of a recovery line so quick that hardly anyone knew that I messed up. What I decided to say was that the jelly came late. Well, thanks for your tons of advice! Al Angello-Your probably right about that. Potty-I'll probably be able to get it soon since my local magic club is having a dealers show a week from today and I may request the dealer(Daytona Magic) to bring down a copy. And is there a way you can translate the pounds to U.s. Dollar amounts. Ant thanks for you excellent advice! housermagic-Steve is one great guy and I'm thankful to have him taking me under his wing! jim-Can you tell me a little more about doing nursing homes. that's probably something I could do, especally since I live near Georgetown Manor Nursing Home. Thanks for everyone for your great advice. And I hope for as much advice as I can get! |
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Tom Riddle Special user Chelsea, UK 507 Posts |
Cody............
Here is something else you could have done with the Peanut butter and Jelly: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=......56&hl=en
"Yes, Virginia, there really are people named Riddle...isn't that AMAZING! And to think of all the royalties I'm missing out on! SCANDALOUS!"
Thomas Williamson Riddle III Chelsea, UK |
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Cody Comet Loyal user Louisville, KY 201 Posts |
What a very good idea. That was a very good and original routine. And I watched his bigger wands video too, and that was great. Also, do you know where I could find Open Sesame in the states? Thanks.
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AragorntheMagician Veteran user Metro-Atlanta 304 Posts |
Cody,
One of the previous posts mentioned that when on the phone you need to "Smile" and that the prospective customer would know it. That is VERY true. In my previous life as a telecom engineer I researched Alexander Bell. One of the main reasons he chose the original analog bandwidth of 3002 hertz was that was where you could "Hear the Inflection" of the speaking voice. The human ear "hears" from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz but to reproduce that was very expensive (using the tech of the time). In the 30 Hz to 3002 HZ range you can "Hear" that smile....lol. Fully 1/3 of my bookings tell me after the show that one of the main reasons they choose me was, "I sounded interesting & excited!" Be sure you tape yourself and listen to yourself both during a gig and your phone message. We sound different to ourselves than to other people (has to due to the resonance of the skull). Put "Excitement" and "Smiles" into your voice. Yours, Aragorn
aka: I used to be BOB (It's Cellini's fault)
"All Right, Who's Volunteering to be Turned into a Frog???" www.aragornthemagician.com |
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Cody Comet Loyal user Louisville, KY 201 Posts |
Aragon-Some pretty interesting information you got there. I'll make sure I got my phone talking skills mastered! And your very right about sounding different to others than to yourself. I noticed that after watching videotapes of my magic preformances for self-critiquing. And thanks for the advice!
And everyone else, if you haven't already, then give me some of your advice on kids show magic. Anything will be appreciated. |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Cody, one of the most productive things you can do is to spend an hour or two every day researching the huge wealth of information already on this site. If you find a topic of interest, add a comment and bring it back to the top of the list. There are many, many hidden gems of information at the Magic Café....
Apart from that, dedication and a little hard work are required! |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Cody,
There is a lot of good advice here. Strive to be original in your market, get a good "hook" for marketing, and take a lot of thought before you buy a magic prop. I think we all have wasted fortunes on props that gather dust. There is a lot of work doing children’s parties, and a lot of people who couldn’t make it doing magic for adults drift into children’s magic – which is sad. Children’s magic is a different skill set than street magic, but if you aren’t a very good children’s entertainer, it is still possible to get work because you don’t need repeat customers. The people who hire birthday magicians often don’t have a lot experience hiring talent. Also the economics of the clientele are different. In children’s magic, a middle class family can afford, and often hire children’s magicians. The same family would not even dream about hiring a magician for an adult party – it is too cost prohibitive. Magic for adults is generally corporate or upper middle to upper class (or busking). Also, in children’s birthday magic, you will find a lot of magicians charging very little and getting a lot of work – something that is rare for adult shows. Clients hiring magicians for adults are much more selective. – Please don’t misunderstand me, there are some GREAT birthday magicians out there . . . there is also a lot that couldn’t make it in any other style. The best money (and most selective clients) for kid’s magicians are generally schools, and libraries. In order to get this type of gig with any type of regularity, you have to be good and offer something they want. Keep this in mind. The truth is, children's magicians "magic" skills are generally based on clowning and acting. I am not saying use a white face -- a costume does not make you a clown. Most children's magic is technically easy. 99% of kids magic "mechanics" can be learned in a few minutes. What makes one stand out is personality, flare, creativity - or lack there of . . . along with a well thought out and polished show. Study acting and yes, clowning. Use these skills in your show, and you will do better than those who just buy the next “magic box.”. One other note, don't believe the people here that say that street magic doesn't pay. It might not have paid them, but it does pay well. It doesn't pay if you are not any good, but if you are good, you can find a market. Bars, restaurants, fairs, private clubs, promotion companies (marketers), private parties, grand openings, schools, colleges and busking are all great venues to make good money having fun. I used to make a living 100% busking. Now I rarely busk, but those skills help my kids' shows, and I still make about 50% of my income doing "street" magic. Last night I did a tour of 3 bar/restaurants in Cary, and was paid extremely well. I also had people literally thrusting money at me, and the more I said I don't take tips, the more they insisted. With this job alone, done once a week, I could live and support my family. - Not "high on the hog", but we could survive. Not bad for a few hours of fun every week. On top of that, there is a lot of satisfaction. I am an entertainer for that satisfaction, and if I get a little bored with one style of magic, I just push another style more. While you want to polish your show, I would not limit yourself to just kids magic, or any other style. It can quickly become a "job". Mixing it up keeps it fresh and fun. - Laughing all the way to the bank! |
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disneywld Special user Denver, CO 614 Posts |
Currently I am working with a 10 year old and a 12 year old who are getting lots of bookings at their school for birthday parties. This gives them great practice and some extra cash to buy more magic goodies. They are in high demand. 12 shows through Christmas between them. The 10 year old girl performs in my shows too.
The Magic of Christopher Manos
www.christophermanos.com |
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Cody Comet Loyal user Louisville, KY 201 Posts |
Potty-i've read through some of the past topics, and there is a vault of info on this site. And I've got the dedication and hard work needed to be able to do kids shows.
Captain Kid-Thanks for the interesting insights and advive on kids shows and street magic. Just like everyone elses advice, I plan to make use out of yours. And right now, I plan to double in doing walk-around magic. As a matter of fact, I have a walk-around gig tommorow morning for the local childerns hospitial's x-mas party in which I'll be earning $75 bucks for doing, very helpful considering that Daytona Magic is doing a dealer show at my local magic club this Thursday. And again, thanks for the advice. disneywrd-Thats nice to hear. I wish them good luck with their shows. Thanks for everyone's advice so far and keep it coming. I want to ask:What would a good starting out price be? |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
How good did you say you were? Possibly $50, or possibly $250. How did you acquire this booking? Who's driving you to this job? Is it 6 kids in a rec. room, or a stage show for 150 cub scouts, and their families? Are you doing 20 minute of close up magic, or a 60 minute illusion show? Perhaps it would be a better question for someone who knows your work.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Cody Comet Loyal user Louisville, KY 201 Posts |
Al-For the questions, you asking about my walk-around gig tommorow that I mentioned to Captain Kid in my last post or are you talking about my kids show act?
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Cody
You asked for a starting out price, I was talking about a kid show, but a professional charges for every gig, so you should get a handle on what you are worth for every type of job opportunity.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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