|
|
w_s_anderson Inner circle The United States 1226 Posts |
I just got an exciting phone call asking if I would perform this year at the Magic Castle. I was going to last year but there was a scheduling conflict. I will be in the Palace of Mystery. I know there are some Castle Vets who frequent the Café and would like to pose the question, "What do you know now that you wish you'd have known before your first performance at the Magic Castle?"
Here is a few questions I have just off the top of my head. If you are the closing act how strict are they on the timeline. If you have 15 minutes are you shut down after 15 minutes or is there any forgiveness for a 16 or 17 minute spot? What is the daily schedule like for someone who is there? I run my own business through Edward Jones Investments and am planning on being able to put in a couple of hours a day at the office via my laptop while I am there. Is this a reasonable expectation? Am I responsible for all of my expenses? I know they mentioned one of the Castle apartments being available to me. Is there anything I should expect? How did you handle your meals? I am sure I will have more questions to follow, thank you to anyone with first hand knowledge to dispense. Scott |
Dennis Loomis 1943 - 2013 2113 Posts |
I've never seen an act cut off because they are a little long. After your first show, if you run long the stage manager may have a little chat with you and ask you to trim a bit. They do not like duplication, and will ask for a list of the things you are going to do. When you first arrive, you might meet some of the other acts and can ask them about the effects they plan. The applies to the shows in the Parlor as well as the Palace. (The show rooms are right next to each other, so it's not hard to meet the Parlor performers as well.) But have some spare items you can do in case any duplication issues do arise.
You are responsible for getting and paying for your breakfast and lunch. The Castle performers are allowed to have dinner there. In the old days, on slow nights, you could get a table in the dining room. However you may have to eat in your dressing room. You will have lots of hours during the morning and afternoon to do whatever you wish in the area. Your first show in the Palace will start at 8:30 pm. It's wise to be there and backstage plenty early. Especially on the first night. And, traffic in L.A. can be terrible so leave lots of time for driving. The locals can give you some guidelines as to how long it will take. Good Luck. I think you'll have a blast. The library is an incredible resource, and you never know who's going to drop in on any given evening. The first time I worked at the Castle (Many years ago now) I got to shake hands with Muhhamed Ali! When I did my first show, I walked on after the introduction to see Dai Vernon and Bill Larsen sitting in the third row. Another time I met Dick Cavatt. Dennis "Denny" Loomis
Itinerant Montebank
<BR>http://www.loomismagic.com |
Matt Adams Special user Harvest, AL 827 Posts |
Hey wow! How'd you get asked to do that?! Super cool man
Website: www.MattAdamsMinistries.com
Instagram: @mattadamsministries Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattadamsministries |
w_s_anderson Inner circle The United States 1226 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-03-18 00:10, Matt Adams wrote: The individual booking acts called me and asked if I'd be willing to do a week at the castle. To be honest Matt, I had received an award from the Academy of Magical Arts two years ago and was introduced to a lot of people who are involved with the magic castle. Over time they became familiar to who I was and what my act is, and how it's progressed since AGT. Thank you very much for your insight an information Dennis! |
Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
Congrats Scott!
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
Matt Adams Special user Harvest, AL 827 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-03-18 09:55, w_s_anderson wrote: SUPER cool, man! I'm really happy for ya!
Website: www.MattAdamsMinistries.com
Instagram: @mattadamsministries Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattadamsministries |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Call me after 10 my time.
714847 5311
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
The Castle use to have a room available at the Motel next door for entertainers.
Take extra money along as your salary will not cover actual expenses. Most do it for the experience and prestige more then the profit. I have always had a wonderful time at the Castle on the 3 occasions I was there. People from around the world come to enjoy the shows. Don't forget, you have to wear a jacket and tie or a suit at the Castle. No casual clothing and no fatigues. Your military look will have to be considered your costume while on stage. You will have to change to mingle in the Castle bars and dinning rooms. I know you will love the experience! |
Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
Within the last year, the Magic Castle has converted a number of apartment suites that it makes available for its entertainers. The dressing rooms have also been renovated and the salary has been revisited. You will also have a food and beverage allowance for the week. In all, the Magic Castle has tried to make the experience as enjoyable for the performers as it is for the guests. Have a great week!
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-03-17 19:46, Dennis Loomis wrote: Wow I bet that was a little unnerving? |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Shows with a story line seem to do well in the Palace, so I think you will be fine. I do think the advice about trying to ensure there won't be any duplication with other performers is good. Maybe you can get in touch with them well prior to your appearance.
When will you be there?
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
|
Dennis Loomis 1943 - 2013 2113 Posts |
To Dave Matkin,
Yes it was a little unnerving. If was my first night (Monday) and I had done two shows in Idaho on Saturday. So I spend all of Sunday driving and much of Monday as well. I had been booked by Peter Pitt and had not yet met Bill Larsen. This was my first time to perform at the Castle and the week worked out very well. I even did a lecture there that week. I used to have family in Southern California and so I got there often. But they all left the area many years ago and I must admit that I haven't been in the Castle in years. Dennis "Denny" Loomis
Itinerant Montebank
<BR>http://www.loomismagic.com |
w_s_anderson Inner circle The United States 1226 Posts |
Thank you guys for all the help and tips!!!! I will be there in November starting the 11th.
|
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-03-21 22:43, w_s_anderson wrote: 11/11 - Got to be a lucky day!
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
|
Aaron Smith Magic Inner circle Portland, OR 1447 Posts |
Congrats Scott!
|
charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
Btw this is Vetrans Day, so throwing in a patriotic piece for opening day might work well. Good luck!
|
harbour Loyal user 283 Posts |
Break a leg, Scott.
I would recommend meeting with the other acts as well, early on the first night. the comaraderie is infectious and very supportive. |
arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
Hey Scott, that's great news! Congratulations. Have a wonderful time!
Arthur Stead |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Grand illusion » » What works and what doesn't at "the castle" (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 < |