First Strolling Gig today at 12:00...

[RickEverhart]

I have my first strolling gig today at 12:00 and am a little nervous but think I will be fine. I've done kids birthday parties before but never walking around doing closeup for adults. I will post when I get home so everyone can see the lessons I learned...what went well what needs improvement. These are the close up effects I am taking due to it being strolling and not having places to lay things down on.

1.) Scotch and Soda
2.) Invisible Deck
3.) Slip Off Spots (Hot Rod Routine)
4.) Free Will ( 3 wooden disc mentalism routine)
5.) QuadFlex Bill (it is the dollar you can distort on both sides and bring it back)
6.) Smoke and Mirrors Packet Trick
7.) Razzle Dazzle Bead Trick
8.) Some Rubber band effects.

There are supposed to be about 150 people there. I am to do 1 hour or strolling magic and then roll straight into balloon animals and hats for the following hour. Hope all goes well. I just hate the nervous feeling you get in your gut before you get there.

Talk to you guys later this afternoon.

 

[Jack Webster]

Hey its cm22 from the chat last night. It sounds good, but also that version of Shape Shifter i showed you last night. If you don't know how i did it PM me

 

[praetoritevong]

Hope all goes well mate, break a leg.

 

[JDENredden]

Well have fun. Tell us how it goes. Also are you getting paid for it.

JDEN

PS. Nice DP

 

[Justin.Morris]

Hey sounds great! Best of luck.


j

 

[Morgan B]

Two piece of advice - keep this list somewhere...in one year, look at it again - I bet you aren't doing much of the same work...then look at it again in another year. This in itself is a good learning tool.

That being said, the more valuable advice - don't mistake being excited for being nervous. Use that energy to create fun and memories - you will be fine. Good luck.

 

[RickEverhart]

Well...I'm back.

Here is the run down as I reflect back. Today was a very valuable learning lesson.

The gig was at a doctor's office for a fall festival. I was supposed to do strolling magic from 1:30 to 2:30 and then balloons from 2:30 to 3:30. Crowd of 150 people.

Right from the get go it was terrible. I left in plenty of time to get there only to find out that the directions that were given to me from the wife of the doctor were incorrect. She listed an exit off of a main highway that didn't even have a sign for it. I looked and looked and couldn't find the exit and even used map quest for help.

This caused me to be 15 minutes late and looked quite embarrassing on my part. For those of you who have shown up late due to directions or some other reason know the feeling. I was sick to my stomach and had wet hands. Not a good combination for magic.

As I approached the parking lot where I saw all of the tables I was immediately bombarded by about 20 kids ranging between the ages of 3-10 who all wanted balloon animals...and like NOW. Ha Ha. My original plan was to finish with the balloons because that always runs over.

Immediately I scrapped the magic first idea and had to make these kids happy right away so I busted out the balloon apron, balloons, and pump and started making balloons as fast as I could. Within minutes I was back in my groove and the nerves were gone. Kids were happy, adults smiling, and I was happy again.
The only thing that made me mad was the adults with little children kept letting them put them near and around their mouths after I specifically said that it could be a choking hazard and to please be careful. Other kids chose not to listen and kept throwing their balloons animals on the ground and then they'd want another one because they broke it. Man..for all you balloonists out there...doesn't that just piss you off.

I did the balloons from 1:45 to 2:45.

Then I switched over to magic and started out easy with some little kids stuff and then started hitting the adults with the more hardcore effects. My invisible deck was frying people left and right. Man...I love the ID. I forgot how much fun it is.
My nerves were gone after the first couple of effects and I felt fine. Palms weren't too sweaty and I only flubbed one packet trick within the hour so that wasn't too bad I felt. I was able to recover to be honest I don't think the audience even caught it.

All in all I thought it was a great strolling experience for a rookie. You definitely have to watch your angles as people all want to "get in on the action" and see from your sides.

One thing I didn't like was that I didn't ever have a good moment to walk away and reset as I had planned on. Live and Learn I guess.

I knew this gig was going to be a challenge but I wanted to take it to learn and grow as an amateur. I kind of jumped it head first and was do or die...ha ha.

So for all of you who proclaim to be awesome magicians and just sit in your rooms...ha ha...I have news....get out there and do it....that is the way to start getting experience. The books and DVDs can only prepare you so much. It is a humbling yet rewarding experience. And...the money was great. For the two hours I made $250 and had some people request business cards.

If anyone has any other questions feel free to ask. By no means am I a professional but I was tired of just sitting in the house and kidding myself.
It was time to get out there and do it.

Thanks for listening...I know some of you could care less but for others who are thinking about getting out there and trying it.....the experience was rewarding.

Talk to you guys later.

Rick

 

[Phenomena]

ive had bad experiences with kids....

always refuse to perform for them

annoying ugly children

 

[ThrallMind]

ive had bad experiences with kids....

always refuse to perform for them

annoying ugly children

Always refuse to perform for them...*sigh*

May I ask what your bad experience was? Were you only doing card tricks?

Aside from that...Rev, AWESOME to hear it went well

I used to be a clown, and the balloon animal thing...I feel your pain. Its awesome when you are hired at a pirate theme party in 100 degree weather, wearing a pirate outfit, making balloon swords for an hour. Balloons tend to pop in high heat, and kids tend to hit each other in the face with swords. Very bad combination

-ThrallMind

 

[Donald C.]

Good Job man. So did you say that was your first time performing?

 

[Jamie D. Grant]

Sounds like you had a great time, in the end. With regards to not being able to step away to reset;

The more gigs you start to do, the more you'll realize how important "Instant Reset" is. Things that don't require you to step away are not only a benefit but are often times crucial.

Something to think about. That and pocket management are key.

Congrats!

jamie d. grant

 

[DLeerium]

Hi just a quick question.

1) How much experience did/do you have when you had your first gig?
2) How did you get this gig?

Thanks

-DL

 

[praetoritevong]

It's quarter past 3, why are you up DLeerium? T.T

RE: instant rest also - there was a great post by JP about this called Thoughts of Working, have a look, there's a video and a great lesson.

 

[RickEverhart]

A few people have asked what my experience level was before this gig so this is the best description I can give.

I have been in magic 8 years but just toyed around the first seven only performing for friends and family with a trick here and a trick there.

However, for those 7 years I have also been a school teacher and performed for my students in my classroom every Friday for seven years. One trick per Friday.

The past year I have joined a IBM ring and have stepped it up quite a notch. I have done two paid birthday parities now and one non paid church magic closeup show.

I also have two -3 hour balloon sculpting gigs (paid) under my belt.

The way I was able to land this huge corporate gig was through my IBM ring. The group had called another magician / clown in our ring who was already booked. They tried to book only 6 days prior to the event and couldn't find someone. I knew it would be a step up and gladly took on the challenge. Who in their right mind would turn down 250 for two hours right.....ha ha. I figured I had nothing to lose.

If anyone else had any questions feel free to ask as well. I will gladly discuss it.

One thing I would do differently which was mentioned was to only use "instant" reset tricks where you do not have to have any cover or turn your back. There is no where to hide with 150 people around you on all angles.

Thanks guys for the compliments, tips and questions.

 

[Phenomena]

Always refuse to perform for them...*sigh*

May I ask what your bad experience was? Were you only doing card tricks?

Aside from that...Rev, AWESOME to hear it went well

I used to be a clown, and the balloon animal thing...I feel your pain. Its awesome when you are hired at a pirate theme party in 100 degree weather, wearing a pirate outfit, making balloon swords for an hour. Balloons tend to pop in high heat, and kids tend to hit each other in the face with swords. Very bad combination

-ThrallMind

i hate children
i get annoyed easially by them

all my patter/material is meant for an older crowd

 

[Morgan B]

A few things - Refer to my above post - already you have learnt that much of the stuff you planned was to be thrown out the window - I knew when I saw the list you were going to have trouble.

Being late - wow, major mistake - don't let it happen again.

I am glad it was a good learning experience, but at what expense to your buiness reputation. I think you could have been more prepared, without putting your own business at risk. I say this, not because I think you made a mistake, but I would hate to see a bunch of people from this site going out to perform, to learn through the result of trial by fire.

So - how else can you learn - go see another guy at work, as a butt load of questions about what it will be like, and of course...make sure your magic is strong both technically and performance wise...but that goes without saying...then again, so does showing up on time.

One more bit of valuable advice...or maybe a story...that may help you. I had a good friend in Ohio that was doing restaurant work weekly - he was frustrated because he would go to do some magic, see a kid - make one balloon animal and end up doing balloons all night. He was frustrated he didn't get to do more magic. I told him to leave the balloons at home then, he replied - but the kids love them - and I told him to make a choice. What do you want to be...a magician or a balloon artist? You can't expect to be taken seriously as a magician when you are doing balloons...not when you want to do magic for adults. Balloons say kids...and so does magic, by reputation. So, if you want to book adult shows, refuse kids work...even balloons OR go and do balloons but leave the magic at home. One way or another, it serves you better to be a master of one trade - than the jack of a few. My friend thanks me time and time again for the advice, as he is a seriously talented magician and books more magic shows for adults for more money, than doing balloon animals at kid shows he was getting for less money. SO - more $ and more magic that he wanted to do. I am not sure if this helped, but I think it may...

good luck with your next gig.

 

[RickEverhart]

Thanks for the tips. I am just so confused though because I really enjoy both balloons and magic. At this point I don't believe I could choose one or the other. I think it makes me a little more versatile but you are correct that in that if I would just focus on one or the other I would become even better at mastering that particular trade.

At this particular gig the person who hired me specifically said they wanted both...that was part of getting the gig....it had to be someone who could do both so I wasn't going to argue with him. They wanted one hour of strolling magic for adults and kids and then one hour of balloons.

As far as being late....I do blame that on myself as well as the poor directions. When you are told to specifically look for an EXIT by an exact name...and then find out that, said exit...does not exist...it is frustrating. Especially when I knew I had given myself sufficient time to get there on time. I realize that this could have and perhaps will hurt future bookings and that is the price I must pay now.
I cannot change the fact that it happened but you are right...by god...it will not happen again even if I have to check directions 3 times or call back to verify that the directions are very clear.

I do not know if I will ever do restaurant magic....I really like the birthday parties more and then occasional adult parties where everyone is seated and watching the table instead of strolling around and worrying about resets and angles.

As far as watching another person work...I did not get a chance to do that however I did meet with a professional who I will not name and he looked over my list of effects. He said they would be fine for strolling so I took his word for it.

As far as a business....to me this is just a hobby to make a little extra spending money to purchase more magic or balloon training dvds. I make sufficient money teaching with a master's degree as well as tutoring on the side and coaching our wrestling team. The only reason I do this is because I love the reactions from spectators, enjoy the smiles on young children, and am truly fascinated by magic.
It makes me feel like a kid again. My wife doesn't like me spending "our" money on magic so I can back myself up by using "my" earned money from gigs....ha ha.

As far as learning my being thrown into the fire...I brought that upon myself and again believe that I learned more from that one experience in 2 hours then any book or dvd will ever teach.

Thank you again for you tips and constructive criticism. This is the only way for me to improve upon myself and I'm sure everyone had to start somewhere.
If any new young guys have learned anything from listening to my experience then I am glad that I posted.

Rick

 

[Morgan B]

Hi reverhart - thanks for taking the feedback well - it was meant to help, and open up dialogue a bit more, so I am glad you responded to each point.

I know it's hard when they say they want both - however, I am not questioning your learning experience, but questioning what you would do different. My friend liked both too - but different client base for him - he wanted adults - he would accept kid shows and do balloons for kid events - but his goal was to do close up magic. You really have to keep them seperate, as one will always overshadow the other...and not always in a good way.

It sucks being late - it happens - and it's cool that you don't want it to happen again - I have mapquested, ask for directions, PRE-drove the route when close enough - to not be late.

I think you sharing your experience really helped the youth, so thanks for that.

The one part that surprised me you wrote - this is just a hobby to make a little extra spending money to purchase more magic or balloon training dvds. I make sufficient money teaching with a master's degree as well as tutoring on the side and coaching our wrestling team. The only reason I do this is because I love the reactions from spectators, enjoy the smiles on young children, and am truly fascinated by magic. - it seemed odd that someone that must have as much dicipline as you to educate yourself at a high level, and must teach discipline for wrestling...would say that you only do this for what you get out of it and it's okay if you don't do it that well - as it's "just a hobby". I would challenge you and say two things on this point...just because it is a hobby, doesn't mean you shouldn't try and be great at it...AND - if you are asking for money, it's no longer a hobby - I am sure on your business card it doesn't say "hobbyist". As an educator, please keep in mind the lessons you are giving up and coming magicians.

I have been doing close up magic for a decade and am surprised when I meet "professionals" in other fields take this craft so lightly...as they claim to love it, but then dismiss it in the same sentence. I am not attacking you, as I have seen this before - I have a good friend that is a police officer and talented magician - he has won numerous awards - he tried to get away with charging less, as he "didn't need the money"; however, he realized it was perceived value and in a way undercutting. He now gets to buy MORE magic, because he gets MORE bookings and charges a higher fee for his talent...yet, it isn't his career either....oh, and his wife doesn't like him spending the money on magic either...haha...so he does the same.

Rick, if you ever need advice or have questions - I would love to chat with you - PM me - where do you live? Lastly, I am sorry that the unnamed pro didn't give your more guidance...perhaps his thoughts on your venue were different than he imagined.

Great thread - glad you started it.

 

[RickEverhart]

"I am sure on your business card it doesn't say "hobbyist". As an educator, please keep in mind the lessons you are giving up and coming magicians."

Ha Ha....I had to laugh at that because you so called me out on that one and it is funny because it is true. I guess I don't really consider myself a hobbyist but more of a "pretty good amateur, but by no means even close to professional".

I actually live in Canton, Ohio near the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

I will keep you in mind at my next gig if I have any questions.

The funny thing was...that gig was on Saturday and I felt it went o.k. but then did a very nice job at a birthday party on Sunday and had great reactions and people wanting my business card left and right. I think I was out of my league or element at the big corporate gig and felt more at home or "ease" around kids because that is who I teach on a day to day basis at school so it comes as second nature. I know how they think, know how to read them, and can just let loose and have fun.

The thing is though, I don't really know which direction I want to head. As I mentioned before, I feel that I am getting really good at balloons. We aren't just talking a dog or sword either. I can do the monkeys in palm trees, various big hats, bears holding hearts, etc.

My kids magic with props is coming along nicely too at birthday party gigs, but I have started to like entertaining adults as well with "Witness", Invisible Deck, Free Will, Bannon's Twisted Sister Routine, and a few others. Adults are starting to ask for private gigs for just adult material.

I feel as though I am trying to juggle three different aspects and really enjoy all of them. Tough to choose. Throw in a teaching job, coaching position, tutoring, a wife and two kids and I have a full plate. By no means are these excuses to keep my magic mediocre. I need to become great at it as I have in other aspects of my life.

I don't know if any other magicians have had this issue of trying to narrow down material. A lot of card guys just focus on cards and are amazing. Stage guys strictly stick with their big illusion and routines and don't dabble too much in close up.

Thanks again. I hope other people are reading this thread as well because I feel you make some great points.

 

[Deleted member 2755]

As Morgan said, great thread. Lots of good advice in here. Rev, congratulations on your first gig! Some things went wrong, but its a learning experience. Morgan, thanks for the great advice. Its nice to see a professional contributed knowledge here.
A lot of people say that they don't like to perform for kids because they are obnoxious. However, a magician told me just a few days ago that every magician starting out should perform for kids. Why? They are the worst. If you flash the slightest bit, they will jump at your hands. Its not that they want to heckle you and look bad. Its just that they don't know any better. Performing for kids will improve your magic tremendously.
Good luck in the future Rev and once again, congratulations. Glad to see you take your magic to a new level.

-Doug