First Paid Performance

[quick_trick]

Hi guys,

I don't post often but I thought I'd share this awesome news with some like minded people that understand how cool this actually is. On Saturday the 14th I am performing walk around/table hopping card magic at some rich couples' wedding anniversary. I plan to routine about 3-5 small self working/basic sleight tricks so I can concentrate on the performance and showmanship side of things - and so I don't mess it up lol. It's a very small gig, but it's a paid gig none the less. I've been performing at parties and some charity things for free for a couple of years now but it's so nerve-racking now I'm on the dollar. If anyone has any advice or tips for me on my what I hope to be the beginning of a new career path I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Blaireau]

Hey man,

I just had to post a quick trick. Er...reply. I"m glad to hear of this, and I hope you'll come back and tell us the story of how it all went down. What is your set list so far? You said 3-5 small tricks, so I'll have to suggest a 3ACR. Do a simple 3 stage Ambitious: though it packeth flat, it playeth big. Check out some old David Blaine videos for things to do. He's got a lot of solid walk around material for small sets. Ah, but I get carried away. This is your show, so bring your engineering to it. Do what fits your persona.

As an idea, I think you should do a special set for the couple, seeing that is their wedding anniversary. The effect that comes to mind is Out of This World by Paul Curry (the original would work well seeing as you have two special participants).

Report back with a story.


Bless,
--Badger

 

[JDENredden]

Hey man

What are you doing cards, mentalism, coins etc.?

JDEN

PS. Where bouts in Adelaide do you live?

 

[RickEverhart]

You probably already know this but I would do about 3-5 tricks and if they are all card effects...please do not make all of them "pick a card" type effects.

Make one of them a pick a card with a sweet reveal.
Then maybe a 4 ace production.
Maybe invisible deck.
and Finish them with an ACR or something.
Packet Tricks such as Color Monte or Bannon's Twisted Sisters are great for walk around. Just learn how to reset quickly.

As long as each effect is different you will be fine. People stop paying attention if you keep doing pick a card tricks. Anything that involves laying a lot of cards out on their table I would avoid as well. Many times there is not a lot of room and you need to do all or most of the work in your own hands and their hands.

Be confident...people can see right through you if you are shaking and nervous.
After the first good reaction your nerves will calm and you will relax.
Most of all have fun. Talk to these people a little too. Don't just be the "trick guy".
Can't wait to hear back from you.

I have a show on the 16th and the 28th of this month as well.

 

[cardmagician]

Since you said it may lead to a new career path, you should get David Stone's book. It is PACKED with the REAL secrets to magic, with how to approach a table, what opener you should choose, how long your effects should be.... it's grrrrreeeeaatt. Also, if you don't have Sankey's Real work on restaurant and Bars, I highly recommend it as well as it has some very powerful, tricks that can be performed in a walk-around environment and also gives you some tips on tables, although the main goal of the DVD is for restaurants, you can still take the advice and adapt it to your situation. Also the David Stone DVD's are good as well. But if you are just looking for advice, I would go with David Stone's book... hope that helps

 

[RickEverhart]

I just recently purchased the Corporate Close Up 2 Disc 1 and Disc 2 Set.
They are fabulous in regards to teaching the ins and outs of paid gigs such as what you will be doing. You may want to look into those as well.

They teach you about when to arrive, the do's and don'ts of paid gigs, how to build crowds,etc.

It even throws in some effects for walk around as well.

I have heard good thing about the David Stone book also. I might look into that one for myself.

 

[KieranMackrell]

I can't remember the name of the effect but it one that is on the ulrtagaff deck where two selected cards join as one. I'm sure that there is some way that yopu could work that into them being united as a couple. Just a thought, may work, may not.

 

[RickEverhart]

You could do Harry Anderson's gang of 4 to really get a lot of people at each table involved. It is very easy (force 4 cards) and use one gimmicked card as a sweet reveal.

 

[Shodan]

Congratulations on landing your first paid gig. A couple of bits of advice:

Do material that you've been doing for years - you need to be 100% confident that you can perform the tricks well and deal with any mishaps or interruptions that may occour along the way. Do NOT listen to all the people recommending tricks to you - YOU know what you're already good at - just concentrate on honing that material.

Know your clients! "Some rich couple's wedding anniversary" isn't ideal. Find out names, what number anniversary and plan accordingly. you should do something special for the couple, preferably leaving them with a souveneer. A classic is the anniversary waltz of course but if you don't already do it, then of course you shouldn't be trying to learn it for this gig. An ACR with both their sigs on it is fine too.

Good luck!
David.

 

[heavymetalholic]

COngratulations, hope to hear how it went,
i would also love to know your set list.
As the avice above said, Jay sankeys DVD on restaurant and bars, and David stones DVDs are amazing.

 

[quick_trick]

Thanks for the advice, comments and support guys. I really appreciate it.

I own a few Sankey DVDs and just borrowed Real Secrets of Magic off a friend - it's so awesome I'm going to buy it now.

I haven't routined these tricks yet, but I'm planning on performing:

Do as I Do
ACR
Open Triumph (Ben Earls Triumph- if I have a table) or an in the hands Triumph
Card to Pocket or spectators pocket (audience permitting)

And If I'm asked for an encore I have a 2 spectator pick a card trick and I change one into the other and back again.


JDEN I live in Grange.

I'll let you all know how it goes, fingers crossed for a video camera there on the night also!!!

 

[StevenLevitt]

Nice one mate, keep it up!