So is there anyone out there like myself who is always searching for that "perfect" way to present your show?

I've switched stuff around over the years and I think for the VERY FIRST TIME, I have found the perfect set up. I'm sharing it here with everyone just in case any of you are in the middle of changing around your set as well.

As of a month ago, my set up was a buskers table in the middle anchoring my set. On each side was a red bar stool with a standard size silver briefcase on top to use as a table. All of this took up lots of space in my vehicle and was heavy and cumbersome to load in and out.

With the help of Café' member, Aaron Smith...I have fixed all of this and now have the perfect set up. Check it out...

First, I wanted a SINGLE CASE that I could play out of that I could fit my entire act into. I went on a search and I found the perfect one:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0558.jpg
http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0561.jpg

I went to a music store out here in Dallas called Murphy's Music and found an accordion case that is made of heavy duty material that will take a beating for sure.

The Case measures 18x18x12. It's really large and I can fit an entire show in there with space to spare. These cases are available at pretty much any music store. The one I got was $90 but I talked the guy down to letting me have it for $60. AWESOME!

The case is lined with a very nice black faux velvet and is cushioned all the way around:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0565.jpg
http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0562.jpg

Here's a measurement on the inside from bottom to top with the lid opened:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0567.jpg

Then I took these:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q......EPMCMAA#

and I applied them to the outside front of the case with hot glue so they wouldn't come off as seen here:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0568.jpg

Next I had my logo printed up on a 15x15 piece of PVC Plastic and placed those same magnetic strips on the back to it would attach to the front of the case. I got the sign made at Fast Signs and it ran me $30. All put togther, it looks like this:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0569.jpg

Next I went to a company called Ace Mart Restaurant Supply and purchased a new waiters stand that would match the case (seen here):

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0556.jpg

The stand was only $20.

So all set up it looks like this:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0574.jpg

and inside with a 45 minute show all set up and ready to go:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......0575.jpg

I hope you will find this information helpful. It may not work for you and your act, but since my entire show is pack flat/play big, it works great for me!

Christopher

It looks great Christopher! I'm glad that I could help you find your perfect set-up. For those interested, here is my set-up that Christopher based his off of.

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad31/......t-Up.jpg

Looks great guys!

Excellent. That's what I call "Magicians helping Magicians".

It looks really great, neat, sober and professional.

Thanks for sharing the process of work behind youer new case ans table stand Christopher. It got me inspired.

Oliver.

Very nice

That looks great! Thanks for sharing.

Very clean and elegant looking. Dividers inside the case might help a tad.

Great idea Harry! Thanks....

Looks awesome Christopher!
I love looking at other magicians setups! I finally got mine to all match outfit, table, banner. It's fun tweaking all the little details and seeing how it improves the overall show!

Thanks a bunch Christopher, that was very kind of you to share. It has given me many ideas.
This is why I love this forum.

Ezzet

Very nice, guys! Since I do stage work, I use a table. For my last show, I borrowed one of the aluminum dish carts from our church kitchen (top, shelf, handle, on wheels). I covered with a black twin-size bedsheet from Wal-Mart ($5).

It was easy for my stage hand to wheel out quickly. The shelf allowed me to store the next act away from the prying eyes of the other folks backstage, and the 1" lip on the top provided a great cover for any gimmicks I needed to have easily accessable (such as a throw coil).

Worked perfectly. Unfortunately, these carts are expensive, so I will probably build one from lightweight wood, or try to find a used one.

Now I need to work on a logo and signage.

Just had a brainstorm...going to see if the local community college graphic arts class would like to have a logo-designing contest for their students. I will give a prize to the student with the winning design, plus they could get class credit for the project...and I'll get a professionally-designed logo VERY inexpensively!

That is a very good idea! I would be interested to know how that works out.

Aaron, where did you have your banner made, and what are the dimensions of it?

I designed it myself using Adobe Illustrator and got it printed through Vistaprint. Mine is the Large size which is 6' x 2.5'. It was extremely affordable, 25 bucks with free shipping! Let me know if you have any other questions.

http://www.vistaprint.com/custom-banners......2Signage

(Scroll down a bit to see the banners)

Great idea, Aaron. I am going to check locally, since I like to keep my dollars local if at all possible...but price has to be a considedration, as well. I have used VistaPrint in the past for business cards, and was satisfied.

Christopher, thanks for the post. Very helpful information.

Jeff