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unclesamayen Elite user Taiwan 459 Posts |
Hi everyone,
What I love is stand-up comedy magic. My favorite style is like Mac King or Michael Finney. But I'm wondering, can a stand-up comedy magician make a good money? As the magic environment nowadays, it seems to have to do some illusions to make money. Audience they like illusions, producers like illusions, casino like illusions. However, I don't like to do illusion and I don't have enough money to do that. I like to communicate with my audience and talk much to them. Maybe I'm wrong, but how is your opinion? Can a stand-up comedy magician make good money? or should I change my style? Become a mentalist? a psychic? Thanks for looking and answering. YuYen
Comedy, Mental, Busking.
Performing magic for the blinds. http://youtu.be/nW3O0nucQUI Busking in Mong Kok http://youtu.be/WqohXqTxRVU |
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Mac King rocks...and makes good money.
I am a comedy magician as well...and do not make quite as much as Mac. Ahem. I don't know about your part of the world...but yes...you can make a good living doing comedy magic. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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unclesamayen Elite user Taiwan 459 Posts |
Hi David,
Thanks for your response. You always give me some good advice. It's good to hear something from a comedy magician. What is the primary resourse of the income? Coorperative show? B'day party? Table-hopping? Is it easy to have a long-running show in the comedy club? I live in Taiwan and the magic environment is getting harder and harder due to the over-exposure of magic. Two years ago, you can attend a TV show and do just a "Ambitious Card Routine" but now you have to perform some illusions to attend a TV show. It makes a huge difference. That's why I'm thinking maybe I should change my style to meet what the audience like. YuYen
Comedy, Mental, Busking.
Performing magic for the blinds. http://youtu.be/nW3O0nucQUI Busking in Mong Kok http://youtu.be/WqohXqTxRVU |
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Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
YuYen, it seems like the East now-a-days is very magic crazy (as your post hints at). And unfortunately that is a problem you will have to deal with if you want to make it. But, lets be honest, how many of those performers you see on TV make a great living at magic?
Sure, they're on TV, and it adds to their credibility. But, if all you need to do is an illusion, then pretty much anyone with a couple of thousands of dollars can be on TV. Be a highly brandable and sought after performer, and you will do well. Magic isn't about the tricks, it is about the performer. |
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LVMagicAL Elite user 460 Posts |
Yes...you can make a good living doing comedy magic. If that's your purpose, go do it. Make it happen. Let go of the outcome (the making good money part) and focus on making the audience experience amazing, amusing and hilarious. When you create an experience that makes your audiences laugh and experience amazement and wonder, the $$$ part will take care of itself. It's kind of like the employee who goes into his boss and says "give me a raise and I'll become a better, more productive employee" as opposed to the boss who says "be a better more productive employee and I'll give you a raise". You've got to do your part first (creating and delivering a great entertainment experience for your audiences) and the increased income will most certainly follow.
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BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
My audiences, producers I deal with, and the casino I work for all want me - I don't do illusions. It has very little to do with what you do and everything to do with who you are. I do comedy magic in it's purest form, a legitimate integration of stand-up comedy and magic that happens to be humorous. I make a full time living, and enjoy every minute of it.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
In my opinion stand-up comedy magic is the most general, mass-appeal type of magic that many prefer. Unless you are a major stage show I feel you can't go wrong with this. Just make sure the comedy and style is appropriate for your tsrgeted audience, demo, etc. Good luck!
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Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
Yes.
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
YuYen
Just between you and me this is not the place to ask such a question, because 99% of magicians don't have what it takes to be funny. A true comedian was born to be funny, and very few truely funny guys want to be magicians. I started my performing career as a juggling comedian, and it was absolutely the best training for comedy magic that there is. I don't know what the Taiwan market is, but a really funny magician in the US is one in a million. If you are thinking about becoming a mentalist, or a psychic perhaps you were not born to be funny.
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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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Besides that, comics in general hate magicians! It's a really tough racket because the other comics do not want you there, and for the most part you are considered a "hack." And that is not just my opinion; that comes from many people I know, both comics and magicians, who have worked the club circuits.
Unless, of course, you have the qualities Al described above ... |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Starr
HA HA HA If you think magicians get no respect in comedy clubs. As a comic juggler they wouldn't even talk to me until I proved to them that I could make audiences laugh just as much as they could, and then they told me that I was cheating by using props. Now I use my physical comedy skill, my comedy timing, and my ability to write a funny monologue to make the little kiddies laugh. FYI All the comedy clubs around here closed years ago.
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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Andrew Zuber Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 3014 Posts |
It's true - a lot of comics hate magicians. Then again, a lot of comedians are bitter in general. I've spent YEARS hanging out with comedians and more often than not the conversation is simply a snarky pi**ing contest to see who's "funniest." Throw a magician into the mix and he'll get slaughtered - I remember the first night I walked into my club, after ten years of working there, and did magic along with my standard material. It was almost like starting over, as though I'd gone to the dark side or something.
That said, don't let what comedians say affect you. They often have rotten attitudes in general. I'm allowed to say it because I was in that group for years and hated it. My show now is comedy and magic and once you've proven yourself to a club owner and to the audience, they love you because you bring something fresh to the table. Don't be surprised if at first they look down on you because it's happened to me and people will indeed think you're a hack, but they're just jealous because you have more to offer than stories about your ex girlfriend and your car being stolen. Keep at it - it's a LOT of fun and it makes you stand out from everyone else. My best advice is to pack small - you've got to be able to walk on that stage, do your show, and walk off. The more prep and set up you have to do, the more frustrated the owner and other comedians get, and they won't be too nice about it. If you can keep your show in your pockets, or perhaps a small case that opens up and is ready to go, you're in good shape. I carry a deck of cards, an orange, a pocket knife and a few feet of rope and I'm good to go!
"I'm sorry - if you were right, I would agree with you." -Robin Williams, Awakenings
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Comics do not make that much money in general.
Comedy magicians can make money but it depends on the market you choose to try for, and the area in which you live. I have NO idea what a comedy magician in Taiwan would pull down a year.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Kevin Viner Loyal user San Diego, CA 203 Posts |
Al, I understand the point you are trying to make, and respectfully disagree. Stand-up comedians are not "born funny." It's true that everybody develops their character, which is often a direct extension of themselves. However, they often write, test, and perform hundreds of jokes before honing in on their "act." If you disagree, have a look at the greet biopic "Comedian." It's a documentary about Jerry Seinfield, who created a new act from scratch AFTER becoming one of the most successful stand-ups and personalities out there. And this man, who some might say was "born funny." COMPLETELY BOMBED multiple times before re-establishing an act that would play well for his target demographic.
And Danny, I agree that MOST don't make a ton of money, but there are ALWAYS exceptions. Anybody who works hard enough to get to the top of their field, and either markets themselves well or hires a great marketing firm, should be just fine.
Warmest regards,
Kevin Viner Corporate Magician in Los Angeles, CA | Magician in San Diego | Magician in Orange County, CA | |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Of course there are exceptions to the rule, which is why I said "generally".
I will tell you this though. Starting out, don't plan on lots of money from comedy.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Kevin Viner Loyal user San Diego, CA 203 Posts |
I agree completely. There are simply too many comics out there, many of whom are not very funny. It's kind of like trying to begin a career in acting. The markets are all over saturated, and it's important to have something very unique to bring to the table.
Warmest regards,
Kevin Viner Corporate Magician in Los Angeles, CA | Magician in San Diego | Magician in Orange County, CA | |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Kevin
Being born funny does not guarante sucess, but if you were not born funny you haven't a prayer. I saw Jerry Seinfeld talk about being funny on TV, and according to Jerry he was born a smart ass, which IMHO if absolutely necessary to be a sucessful comedian. If you have the tools it is still a lot of work, but if haven't the basic tools, you are waisting your time. 15 years ago there were about 10 comedy clubs in my area. Today there are several strugling to stay in business, and all the comedians that perform there have sucessful day jobs. You can watch the comedy channel for free in the comfort of your own home. It is not the comedians that are not funny any more, it is a lack of audiences that has killed the comedy clubs.
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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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Al that could not be more wrong. Beleive it or not the comedy world is bigger than your city.
Comedy has gone through boom/bust sequence many times. This is just happening again. I have seen it happen many times in over 20 years of actually working them. Over saturation is what killed them. Plus having trouble throwing drinks down peoples throats is part of the reason. Supply and demand. There was a time EVERY bar with a 4 foot area and a spotlight had a comedian. Most of whom should not have been working. People got sick of it. This happens every few years. The strong survive. The Funny Bone, Zanies, Connexions will be arround for a long time. You are not speaking of comedy clubs, but one night rooms. BIG difference.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Danny
When they open a few comedy clubs around here I'll dust off my comic juggling act, and do it, because it was (to me) overcoming my biggest fear. After all it was where all of my heroes came from. I am by no means a Carlin, Prior, Cosby, or Seinfeld but making them laugh with a spotlight in my face made me feel 8 feet tall. For now I am content writing comedy monologues for birthyday partys, not quite as satisfying, but it pays the bills.
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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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Great for you. Till then you should hold off on pontificating about the comedy world in general because it is a lot bigger than your neighborhood. There are still some great "A" list rooms in this country that can be used and you can make money in. You have whole circuits that comedians make money running. But you have to leave home to do it.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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