Routining for a Restaurant.

[jok3r]

Well im going out in the next week or so to try and find a restaurant gig, and i was wondering how you guys routine for that. I know it shouldn't take up to much time, some im wondering about number of tricks.

I have in mind, In no particular order

ACR
Here then there traspo routine
Simple Triumph
Sand which routine
Loops- (thats a big maybe)
Angle zero

those are some tricks i perform on a regular basis

I really like my Here then there routine, but i would like to make it flow into something else

any help, tips, ideas, would be great.

thanks

 

[cm763]

For time, 5-7 minutes max is more than sufficient. I'd try to stick to 5 minutes.

As for what effects to do, I'd try to pick things that have an instant (or quick) reset, so you're not fumbling around taking up time between tables trying to get ready and whatnot.

As for how to routine, try to start with a quick, visual trick. You want the magic to happen within about 30 seconds, to set the stage for what's to come.

I'll add more later.

 

[r.zhang]

I think that you should've prepared several routines already before you go looking for a job.

 

[jok3r]

For time, 5-7 minutes max is more than sufficient. I'd try to stick to 5 minutes.

As for what effects to do, I'd try to pick things that have an instant (or quick) reset, so you're not fumbling around taking up time between tables trying to get ready and whatnot.

As for how to routine, try to start with a quick, visual trick. You want the magic to happen within about 30 seconds, to set the stage for what's to come.

I'll add more later.

makes since, thanks for the tips

 

[Randy]

Get rid of Angel Zero it's more of a street magic/doing magic for friends type of effect.


Learn some coin magic. Learn some Sponge magic.

Sponge magic is quick and visual. not to mention really portable.
Coin magic is also quick and visual. Learn any type of coins across. 3 fly or coins across to spectators hand would work fine.

As for your opener. You really should open with introducing yourself as the entertainer and then going on from there.

Save the ACR for last. Reason being that with the ACR you could shorten it to whatever length you want. 2 phases. 3 phases. etc etc. It's also more of a closer type effect. Loops would be good but might be hard to set up when you are going from table to table.

If you want the help, you can pick up Live at the Jailhouse and also Jay Sankeys DVD on Restaurant and Bar Magic.

 

[jok3r]

I think that you should've prepared several routines already before you go looking for a job.

Yes but you cant just throw any routine into any gig, i mean most of my routines take up alot more time then 5 minutes. Alot of them cant be performed in the situations im going to be in.

Thats why im trying to gets some tips on routines for my situation before i go out looking for a job

 

[Randy]

Also get some business cards and maybe learn some magic with them as well.

 

[Close-Up Expert]

Wow...sorry to say, chances are you won't get the gig then with those sorts of questions.

You're looking at this all entirely wrong. You're focusing on the magic, and not the business aspect. The key to getting a restaurant gig is not so much focusing on the magic, but more how you can help make the restaurant more money. How you can help the staff, and what benefits the restaurant will get out of hiring you.

And another thing, if you're asking what to perform, then there is no way you're even ready to begin thinking about getting a rest. gig. No way at all. You should have a show before you try to sell it, and you should do your homework before you try to pitch the idea to any restaurant owners. It's very easy to burn a bridge in this industry, and once you get rejected from a restaurant, chances are they won't give you a second thought if you try to re-approach them.

My advice: Hold off for now. Read a book, watch some dvds, ask a lot of questions. Work on your routines relentlessly, and get some good performing experience. Work on your people skills and read some good books on the business side of it, and trying to sell the idea to a restaurant owner. And ask a ton of questions.


Best.
Steve

 

[jok3r]

Get rid of Angel Zero it's more of a street magic/doing magic for friends type of effect.


Learn some coin magic. Learn some Sponge magic.

Sponge magic is quick and visual. not to mention really portable.
Coin magic is also quick and visual. Learn any type of coins across. 3 fly or coins across to spectators hand would work fine.

As for your opener. You really should open with introducing yourself as the entertainer and then going on from there.

Save the ACR for last. Reason being that with the ACR you could shorten it to whatever length you want. 2 phases. 3 phases. etc etc. It's also more of a closer type effect. Loops would be good but might be hard to set up when you are going from table to table.

If you want the help, you can pick up Live at the Jailhouse and also Jay Sankeys DVD on Restaurant and Bar Magic.

I am working on some coin stuff, thanks for the help

 

[jok3r]

Wow...sorry to say, chances are you won't get the gig then with those sorts of questions.

You're looking at this all entirely wrong. You're focusing on the magic, and not the business aspect. The key to getting a restaurant gig is not so much focusing on the magic, but more how you can help make the restaurant more money. How you can help the staff, and what benefits the restaurant will get out of hiring you.

And another thing, if you're asking what to perform, then there is no way you're even ready to begin thinking about getting a rest. gig. No way at all. You should have a show before you try to sell it, and you should do your homework before you try to pitch the idea to any restaurant owners. It's very easy to burn a bridge in this industry, and once you get rejected from a restaurant, chances are they won't give you a second thought if you try to re-approach them.

My advice: Hold off for now. Read a book, watch some dvds, ask a lot of questions. Work on your routines relentlessly, and get some good performing experience. Work on your people skills and read some good books on the business side of it, and trying to sell the idea to a restaurant owner. And ask a ton of questions.


Best.
Steve

why do you think im asking these questions then? Im trying to ask alot of questions.

Im not worried about the business side of it, I have a few magician friends who have been doing this alot longer then me helping me out with that.

This thread was purely about how to make a flowing routine, nothing else.
If i want help with the business aspects, ill ask for those.

thanks

 

[Randy]

Well you need to know that if you go in with the Magician attitude they will probably laugh at you. Specially now with today's economy. You're not a magician. You're a promotional manager (which is what you should get put on the business card as well.). Also it's going to look really unprofessional if you don't have business cards or even a website. You'll just look like some little kid who "thinks" he knows what he's doing.

The reason Steve says to read books and watch the DVD's is because they can help you figure out what type of restaurants will be more likely to hire you and will also give you the advantage of not going in blind. You'll know what to expect and will end up prepared for it.

 

[jok3r]

Well you need to know that if you go in with the Magician attitude they will probably laugh at you. Specially now with today's economy. You're not a magician. You're a promotional manager (which is what you should get put on the business card as well.). Also it's going to look really unprofessional if you don't have business cards or even a website. You'll just look like some little kid who "thinks" he knows what he's doing.

The reason Steve says to read books and watch the DVD's is because they can help you figure out what type of restaurants will be more likely to hire you and will also give you the advantage of not going in blind. You'll know what to expect and will end up prepared for it.

Ive got business cards made, and im not stupid enough not to take his advice.
Im going to look into some book, dvds etc. about this kind of thing.

thanks for the help

 

[r.zhang]

If you don't know how to make a flowing routine, then you are not ready to start working yet. If you are unsure of how to market yourself, then you should not try to get in a job in the coming weeks. Make sure you've thought out how to convince people that you are what their business needs.

 

[Close-Up Expert]

why do you think im asking these questions then? Im trying to ask alot of questions.

Im not worried about the business side of it, I have a few magician friends who have been doing this alot longer then me helping me out with that.

This thread was purely about how to make a flowing routine, nothing else.
If i want help with the business aspects, ill ask for those.

thanks

Then why don't you ask them for help with the routing aspect as well?

Look, I'm not here to be a dick or shoot down your dreams...you'll do that anyways if you don't do your homework. I'm young, I've worked a few restaurants, 2 long term gigs as of now, and in regards to your situation, have literally been there and done that. For me, there is still much to learn, and I know the same goes for you as well. When the idea first popped into my head, I got told the same advice that I just told you. Then I waited almost a year, did A TON OF HOMEWORK, had a "package" of sorts put together, went out and booked my very first restaurant gig AT A CORPORATE RESTAURANT! That's not easy, especially since I had to get approval from both DISTRICT and REGIONAL levels at Red Robin. A ton of red tape to cut through, but I did it successfully.

I'll get off my soapbox now and tell you, I'm happy I waited so long before trying to approach a restaurant. I went in there in a professional manner, had everything organized and set to go, and acted like I was a seasoned pro. The General Manager liked the idea, but said she had to get approval from district and regional offices. Well, I had everything set and well rehearsed and they liked the idea as well. I was back 2 weeks later and everything was finalized and set to go.

That's what doing your homework is all about. But like I said, go for it and I truly wish you the best of luck. But if you're not prepared, you'll surely know it within the first few minutes.

Best.
Steve

 

[Close-Up Expert]

Ive got business cards made, and im not stupid enough not to take his advice.
Im going to look into some book, dvds etc. about this kind of thing.

thanks for the help

Now you're just shooting yourself in the foot. I thought you had some magic buddies that will help you with that sorta thing? Look, I realize I sound like an ******* on here, but I'm really trying to help you. I'm just not going to sugar coat everything to make sure I don't hurt your feelings, and the truth is you're just not ready. Hell, if you want to PM me I'll give you my number and we can talk on the phone. A lot easier that way as opposed to typing all this stuff out lol.

Best.
Steve

 

[Randy]

Wait you haven't even picked up anything on the subject? Seriously the few books and DVD's out there are really easy to get a hold of and are pretty cheap.

Once you know how to approach a place and present yourself, THEN you can worry about your routine and tricks.

 

[jok3r]

Now you're just shooting yourself in the foot. I thought you had some magic buddies that will help you with that sorta thing? Look, I realize I sound like an ******* on here, but I'm really trying to help you. I'm just not going to sugar coat everything to make sure I don't hurt your feelings, and the truth is you're just not ready. Hell, if you want to PM me I'll give you my number and we can talk on the phone. A lot easier that way as opposed to typing all this stuff out lol.

Best.
Steve

did you not read that?
I just said im not stupid enough NOT to take your advice.
im saying your right.
Im going to look into some books or whatever to help me.
Im taking your advice and doing some homework.

I think you took what i said the wrong way

 

[jok3r]

Then why don't you ask them for help with the routing aspect as well?

Look, I'm not here to be a dick or shoot down your dreams...you'll do that anyways if you don't do your homework. I'm young, I've worked a few restaurants, 2 long term gigs as of now, and in regards to your situation, have literally been there and done that. For me, there is still much to learn, and I know the same goes for you as well. When the idea first popped into my head, I got told the same advice that I just told you. Then I waited almost a year, did A TON OF HOMEWORK, had a "package" of sorts put together, went out and booked my very first restaurant gig AT A CORPORATE RESTAURANT! That's not easy, especially since I had to get approval from both DISTRICT and REGIONAL levels at Red Robin. A ton of red tape to cut through, but I did it successfully.

I'll get off my soapbox now and tell you, I'm happy I waited so long before trying to approach a restaurant. I went in there in a professional manner, had everything organized and set to go, and acted like I was a seasoned pro. The General Manager liked the idea, but said she had to get approval from district and regional offices. Well, I had everything set and well rehearsed and they liked the idea as well. I was back 2 weeks later and everything was finalized and set to go.

That's what doing your homework is all about. But like I said, go for it and I truly wish you the best of luck. But if you're not prepared, you'll surely know it within the first few minutes.

Best.
Steve

Honestly, I dont need help with a rountine. Ive got one planned, I just like to hear the guys on the forums input. Im sorry if i worded my post wrong, It should have been "what do you think about this routine"

I appreciate your help on everything.
Like you said most of what i need is the business side of it, Im really not worried about my material. I believe its solid, and will be impressive

 

[Close-Up Expert]

did you not read that?
I just said im not stupid enough NOT to take your advice.
im saying your right.
Im going to look into some books or whatever to help me.
Im taking your advice and doing some homework.

I think you took what i said the wrong way

You're right. My apologies.

The offer still stands if you want to give me a call. I'm a lot nicer over the phone as opposed to on here, lol.

Best.
Steve

 

[jok3r]

You're right. My apologies.

The offer still stands if you want to give me a call. I'm a lot nicer over the phone as opposed to on here, lol.

Best.
Steve

Lol its all good, that's pretty nice of you. I might take you up on that offer in the near future.