|
|
TranMagic New user 13 Posts |
Hey guys!
So, I feel like I've been doing magic for about four years, but only seriously for about one year. I've put lots of work into practicing different things; coins, spongeballs, linking rings, cups and balls, cards... I've also had a decent number of opportunities to do various types of free performances (at a couple fundraiser events, arts shows, in front of family and friends, etc), and, I feel kind of bad about it, but it also seems very reasonable that I start making some money from magic. I am not comfortable enough with hosting a staged show (as would be ideal for my preferred effects) without having much of any reputation. So, I decided that I'd start out by doing some table hopping and strolling. If you guys don't mind, could you guys give me any tips on how to get a gig as a table hoppper/stroller? Doing so at a restaurant seems pretty ideal to me. Also, tips on how to shape my routine and performance personality to table hopping? I'm also really unsure about transitions and openings... I've compiled a '3 sets of 3' as suggested by grant I think? What do you guys think? Set 1: Million Dollar Monte Spongeball routine Chop cup routine Set 2: Stand up Monte Invisible Deck Routine (either) one coin routine with jumbo coin finish, or coins across/coins through table Set 3: Chicago Opener Out of this world (either) one coin routine with jumbo coin finish, or coins across/coins through table I don't know much about composing sets, but this is what I came up with, so any input you guys have would be very much appreciated. I'll be contacting some restaurants fairly soon, and hopefully I can get a gig. I still find it unbelievable that there's a possibility of me getting PAID for doing something that I LOVE to do. Magic is awesome! |
Craig1986 New user 1 Post |
Hey tranmagic ! Your sets sound cool, I am trying to work out
Some sets too, I've read that you should open with something That grabs their attention but isn't more powerful Than your tricks to follow and save your best till last Which I know you already know And is common sense really .You should look at Craig pettys chop as a subtitute For you chop cup either way check it out it's fantasticlally Magical .let me know how your first gig goes down . |
Ramin Regular user 119 Posts |
I'm not sure about Out Of this World. Will there be enough table space for it?
|
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Read the sticky by Christopher Lyle at the top of this section. Great place to start.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
bishthemagish Inner circle 6013 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-03-13 06:44, TranMagic wrote: There is nothing wrong with doing free shows when you are starting out to build an act into something that a client will be willing to buy for money and an audience would be willing to pay good money to see. When I started out as an eight year old birthday party magician I did free shows for about a year - and collected letters. Quote:
On 2013-03-13 06:44, TranMagic wrote: One needs no reputation to do stage magic - one needs an act and the ablility to sell it. Quote:
On 2013-03-13 06:44, TranMagic wrote: The first place I ever worked was for tips - and a letter. Once I was working I made a list of places I would like to work - and sold them. So in short the second place I worked was for money - however it was in my opinion easier to get a job performing close up magic when I had a job performing close up magic. Then as the years rolled by I sold more restaurants and charged what I felt what I am worth to a place. But also taking into consideration that in my opinion doing restaurant gigs are sot of like showcaseing your talent to the public for shows. And the way I worked my business I charge a lot more for a show than a night at a restaurant. I am also not into performing sets. I perform a show - close up at a table - and I add to the show and take away from it (to make it shorter) when I see the need to do so. I have one set act and then I have other magic routines that I use when I have re-pete guests. And I also use them if I am asked to go back to the table for a second routine. Others have their own way of doing things and this is what worked for me when I was doing restaurants. I hope this helps.
Glenn Bishop Cardician
Producer of the DVD Punch Deal Pro Publisher of Glenn Bishop's Ace Cutting And Block Transfer Triumphs |
Remagicon Regular user Somewhere over the Rainbow 124 Posts |
Do you have tricks that can be done on a table? What I've done is have the usual three (stand up) routines and then a tabled routine if I have space/permission to use the table.
Could be useful to have a single tabled routine when you know you have the space; you could put Out of this World in it!
"Ars Est Celare Artem"
It is art to hide art |
mixman Loyal user Northern Colorado 294 Posts |
Your sets look good to start out with. After a few turns, you will know which ones are your killers and which ones to remove. I agree with Remagicon, always have a set ready for just in your hands as well as one for on the table if you have room. I know the chop cup does not take up much more than the space of a folded napkin on the table. But if there are lots glassware on the table, some people may not be able to see the effect. but if everyone can see it, and you have the space, it is one of my favorite effects.
|
yankay37 Regular user Canada 176 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-03-13 06:44, TranMagic wrote: Nice sets. This is good, having a solid plan will help you get through it, and once you start doing it you'll form the routines naturally. Just keep in mind: Noone watches your first trick.. they are watching YOU. Keep it short, simple, just to break the ice. |
bishthemagish Inner circle 6013 Posts |
Quote:
Noone watches your first trick.. they are watching YOU. Keep it short, simple, just to break the ice. Everyone at the table watches the first trick. Use the first trick to draw them in. This is why I used the sponge rabbits as my opening trick for many, many years. It draws them in - now I open with the chop dice cup - I hand it out for them to look at - it draws them in - then - bam the big dice. Winning an audience is like fishing - you bait the hook (draw them in) then bam - hit them with something strong and entertaining and you got them hooked. Then move onto something else that is entertaining that will keep them interested and involved! I hope this helps.
Glenn Bishop Cardician
Producer of the DVD Punch Deal Pro Publisher of Glenn Bishop's Ace Cutting And Block Transfer Triumphs |
Daz Buckley Elite user Australia 469 Posts |
Your sets sounfd ok to begin with. Only you will know how well they go together.
Good luck on finding gigs. Let us know how it all goes. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » Time to head out into the world! (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |