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Street Magic Adventures

So I recently passed my audition to do street magic on City Walk at universal studios Hollywood.

First day on the job first person I do magic for is none other Jason Mewes. I'll be on Spoilers with Kevin Smith Monday on Hulu.

Effing epic way to start the day!
 

RickEverhart

forum moderator / t11
Elite Member
Sep 14, 2008
3,637
471
47
Louisville, OH
Nice Work Draven. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your good and bad experiences so that we can learn from them. Now blow some minds man.
 
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.
 
May 26, 2012
46
0
Greenville, SC
i had a really good encounter like that a couple of times, im a huge wrestling fan and my favortie is jeff hardy and i went to a house show in my hometown late september 2012 i was able to get something he threw into the crowd and after my parents took us to a waffle house cause it was about 1:30 am, it just happens that they had came there and were eating i got a chance to preform some of my best effects to them that to me was my greatest moment
 

RickEverhart

forum moderator / t11
Elite Member
Sep 14, 2008
3,637
471
47
Louisville, OH
Great info Will. That review is EXACTLY the stuff I want to hear about. Carrying less stuff and getting mileage out of what you have is probably definitely the way to go. I think a balloon swallow is visual for sure and would make people come over. I'd just be careful on that one though because if it is a family crowd, you don't want little Johnny going home, trying it and dying. Could be bad.

Keep up the good work and looking forward to hearing from you every so often. I don't need a day by day but once a week or two would be outstanding.
 
Jan 1, 2009
2,241
3
Back in Time
Have you thought about trying out something like Bill in Lemon. I think I read somewhere that Chris Randall did this on the streets in Las Vegas during his shows and it worked out great for him.
 
I don't think Bill in Lemon is quite my style Randy. Also I am a roaming atmosphere element. Caring around a bunch of fruit with me may not be productive.

What I need is an attention getting opener. Something HYPER visual at a good distance, but travels easy or packs light.
 
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