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chrusa Special user Connecticut 736 Posts |
Hello everyone,
Magic has been a passion of mine ever since 1995 when I saw David Copperfield Fires of Passion and I immediatly knew I wanted to do magic. My grandfather drove me to the magic shop and got my first effects for me. I then started seeing other magicians such as the pendragons, lance Burton, and countless others and I have always dreamed of being an illusionist. There is one problem, if I were to purchase expensive illusions, or build them I can not justify it unless I have a show or performance venue. Now I know I will never get as big as the people I see on TV but I'm getting up there in age ill be 30 next year and really at least once in my life want to do an illusion show. I have absolutly no idea on how to break into the business. Most of the books I have seen teach you the workings, mechanics, and how to build them but I am not aware of any on how to get illusion shows. Now the local theater isn't going to just want me to perform because I am a nobody, I could probably rent it but I wouldn't sell enough tickets to justify renting it myself because I am not a known illusionist. How to you decide what venues to perform at. It seems everyone wants to hire for birthday parties or close up. I know its possible because I see many video clips on youtube of people doing illusion shows, how did they get these gigs? Are they compensated where its worth while? Do you get an agent? Is there some kind of book with this information or does anyone here know the answer from experience? Thanks Chris
Thanks,
<BR> <BR>Chris Hrusa |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Check out, "How to be your own booking agent" by Jeri Goldstein. It is a book written for bands, but it covers quite a bit about to business side of working theatrical venues and the business side of entertainment.
Thanks, Richard |
Lusion Special user 590 Posts |
Also try:
"The Event Illusionist" by J C Sum A Guidebook to Building & Marketing An Event Illusion Show |
Cashetta Regular user Rehoboth Beach, DE 128 Posts |
Hi Chris -
Practice like crazy and then offer your show for free. Children's hospitals, nursing homes, community centers. Buying a bunch of illusions does not an illusionist make. Performance experience is VITAL. The rest will start to come but unless you are out there in the real world and performing your chances of getting an agent or bookings are slim to none. Even if you were lucky enough to get some paid bookings, if you lack experience it will show on stage and that is something you DO NOT want. I know it's probably not the answer you wanted but it's the best advice I can give. Put the time and effort in and you will certainly reap the benefits. Also - you are never too old! I picked up my magic again when I was 29 and now tour, perform on cruise ships and television and have my now illusion show. There's no reason you can't make those dreams come true! There are great inexpensive illusions using cardboard and pvc that when performed properly will be just as astounding if you practice them well and make them entertaining. Search these forums as there is a wealth of info that will help you get started. Best of luck! |
Dr. Delusion Special user Eugene, Oregon. 733 Posts |
I agree with Cashetta, Start off with a few free shows to hone your act and find out what works will and what needs to be changed around. I'm not big time by any stretch of the imagination. Our show consist of fairly inexpensive used illusions that I've bought, such as a Zig Zag, Palaquin, Temple of Benares, and many others, so putting together the show diden't cost me a fortune. We stay busy performing at R.V. parks, Fairs, Festivals and city sponsered events. I have a package I send off about the show that includes a video of the show. In my area the papers will run ads once a week that mention places or events coming up that are looking for entertainers. I always send off a package and call them as well.
I hope this will help you get starting in the right direction. Bob. |
thebigboss New user 37 Posts |
"All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity;
but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible" --T.E. Lawrence |
illuzzionz New user 89 Posts |
Chris,
Start with a simple illusion or 2. You won't get booked for doing large shows if you don't have a large show and shouldn't get booked as you won't have the experience to pull off the quality it should be. But if you add 1 or 2 illusions that can play in most enviornments, you can start booking shows and getting the experience without the large up front investment for a whole show that will end up in the garage for most of the time. |
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