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EXTREMENINJA1 Regular user 134 Posts |
So far I have performed at a few family gatherings and to groups of my friends. I have also performed to some strangers. I am starting to consider a career in card magic, I love performing it and I am willing to put the work in. But where do I go from here? My routines are set, everything is ready I just don't know how to advertise myself or whatever.
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bowers Inner circle Oakboro N.C. 7024 Posts |
Your local newspaper is a good start. I started off using gig salad. It is in most states. They have a free listing that will help you get out there.
todd |
Cervier Inner circle France 1274 Posts |
Before you advertise yourself, you must know at least vaguely what kind of audience you want to perform for, what kind of events, etc. Don't look for kid birthdays if you're a mentalist! If your act involves cutting a woman in halves, don't try restaurants. If you're a close-up magician, theatres are probably not the kind of venues you'll want to perform in...
What will you answer if someone asks you "what can you do?". Have that answer outlined. If you can't introduce yourself, people will have a hard time figuring out what they can use you for. THEN, advertise, throw your nets: - tell everyone you know that you're available (and be as precise as you can about what you do) - go and demonstrate you talents (if that doesn't involve cutting a woman in halves ) to people who might hire you or recommend you: restaurants (?), hotels (who host conventions, parties, etc.), the companies people turn to when they neeed a clown or any kind of entertainer,... I can also help if you know a fellow magician who does not the same kind of magic (someone you're not in competition with). One of my best friends is a magician, I'm more a mentalist, it's a very good partnership
"A friend is someone who know you well but loves you anyway" H. Lauwick
The Lynx Deck, http://jmmaries.free.fr/cervier/ Grapheeteez, on GooglePlay Telemos the peek envelope, on SkywardMagic Telemos en Francais sur TheMysteryStore |
EXTREMENINJA1 Regular user 134 Posts |
One thing I should add is that I am 16. This might be an issue with hotels and things (They may not be likely to hire a 16 year old). Is that a problem or does it not matter?
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Cervier Inner circle France 1274 Posts |
It does matter, you're likely to be taken less seriously both by potential employers and spectators if you look like a "kid who does magic tricks". So, first, don't look like a kid. Look, act, speak like you should be taken seriously, like you know your business.
If you can't, or feel you can't, you're probably not ready anyway. You can also go to an agent and convince him you're good enough, professionnal enough. Then, HE will convince employers.
"A friend is someone who know you well but loves you anyway" H. Lauwick
The Lynx Deck, http://jmmaries.free.fr/cervier/ Grapheeteez, on GooglePlay Telemos the peek envelope, on SkywardMagic Telemos en Francais sur TheMysteryStore |
EXTREMENINJA1 Regular user 134 Posts |
I interact well with people of all ages so I'm sure if they give me a chance to speak they will see that. The agent idea sounds interesting. I was considering doing something like table hopping (Since my area is close up card magic it should work well), what would be a good way to contact a restaurant? Should I ask to speak to the manager about a job or contact them in some other way? Perhaps I should post this in the "Table Hopping" section?
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BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
I landed my first restaurant gig at 16 and began my professional career right then. It's been my only job ever since. People have always assumed my age almost 5 years above what it actually is (so when I was 16, people thought I was 20 or 21). It's about looking and speaking as an adult, and professionally.
My recommendation is to look into locally owned restaurants. Forget chains for right now. You want to set up a meeting with the owner of a locally owned restaurant and pitch him/her about doing tableside magic. Before you do this, you really need to understand the ins and outs of restaurant magic. There are literally HUNDREDS of threads here on the Café with great lengthy advice on how to do that. You can also go the route of simply asking your parents and friends to tell anyone they know that you are available to perform for summer parties, and start that way. Word of mouth is still the best marketing tool available. No matter what you do, you'll need business cards. Don't print these at home. Get simple business cards designed (you can do this with Microsoft Word and other templates) that have your name, phone number, and email address (website if you have one - if not, start thinking about one) as well as a couple of words describing what you do. Get them printed at Staples, Office Depot, or online at places like Vista Print or Prints Made Easy. Hand out business cards to everybody. Okay? Everybody. The more people who know what you do AND have your contact information available, the higher the odds of getting some inquiries. |
Italia16 New user 49 Posts |
Good luck! I wish I had found something I was passionate about at 16.
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