Street Magic Review: City Walk// Universal Studios Hollywood, CA. 6/8/2012
The street magic gig at City Walk has been one that I've been chasing for 4 years. The ability to present magic at the studio (anywhere, on the walk or behind the gates) is something that I've wanted to do since I started working there during the day. The significant lack of the type of magic that I perform was an obvious opening that I saw, but let me tell you getting the gig was one of the hardest things I've ever done.
Long story short after 3 years of telling myself that it would be nice if I did this, and another 6 months of relentless chasing of the booking manager, leaving business cards, emails, voice mails, and the occasional fruit basket with complementary lotto tickets, and guest passes to the Magic Castle I FINALLY got the call back to audition. My audition? Go onto the walk into a cold (not temperature) environment, and draw/ hold a crowed. Here's the catch... family park so NO geek magic! The manager would be behind me with a camera video taping the entire thing.
I had to do this three times. Two to demonstrate different material, and the third to perform for people that didn't speak English. Universal is a tourist trap, so a lot of people that visit the studio aren't bilingual. Needless to say, because you already know that I worked the walk last night, I passed the audition.
The first night on the walk was an interesting one. The crowds were GREAT when I had them, and it was like pulling teeth to get one going. The tip money also wasn't bad either. Of course my very first performance was from Jason Mewes for his show Spoilers with Kevin Smith which will air on Hulu Monday. I wasn't even set up yet, as I was still loading my pockets when Jason came up to me and asked to interview me. I stood out because of my look. If you haven't read my article here on Theory11 called "The Hook" (which recently got reprinted online at The Session) then take a moment to do so now. Here's a link:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://themagicsession.com/blog&h=IAQErxpQ2
Why do I point this out? Because it was my hook that got me the experience!
Material wise I was doing ambitious to turn a tip (that means draw a crowd), and then went into a tossed out deck, followed by a comical ESP bit, into White Star, then a few pocket mentalism bits from outlaw-effects closing with a book test.
What did I learn from the experience? A few things.
1) I get paid just as much if I do a 7 minute show as I do if I do a 30 minute show. Probably more, because I turn people to tip me faster, because the crowd is likely to watch a few tricks and then walk away. If they walk, so does your chances to make money. At the end of the day, that's what this is all about. Making money.
2) Comedy is NOT my thing. I brought it along for the kids, but it's not my character, and it does not sell right with me.
3) Mentalism is hitting harder than card tricks. There is no one else doing mentalism on the walk. New direction? I think so. So now I need a clip board, a marker, paper, and figure out how to milk the hell out of this for 10 minutes.
4) I need to carry less stuff. Period.
5) Ambitious isn't enough to get people drawn in. I need something more visual. I am thinking about a balloon swallow. The first trick needs to scream LOOK AT ME GOD DAMMIT I'M INTERESTING!
Over all the experience was a positive and rewarding one. Being an employee of the walk I don't need a permit, and given how bloody difficult it was to get into the job chances are good I don't have to worry about some new guy coming up and doing my bit there anytime soon either. I am looking forward to Sunday when I return to the walk for my second day on the street.
