talkmagic.co.uk

After seeing what David Blaine has done 72 hours consecutive Street magic to raise money for the sufferers of Haiti, I am actually touched by this and although I am not directly effected by whats happend in Haiti, It is horrible and its great what he is doing.

I just thought I would get a thread up here for those who are not aware of what he is doing... I was just going to see if anybody is interested next sunday we all go out and do a few hours of street magic and whatever money we get give to the same appeal.

It won't be as much as David Blaine but I am sure every little bit counts.

TLS

I had not heard of this, thats really great of him.

TimLeStrange wrote:... I was just going to see if anybody is interested next sunday we all go out and do a few hours of street magic and whatever money we get give to the same appeal.

It won't be as much as David Blaine but I am sure every little bit counts.

TLS

Excellent Idea Tim.

I don't do street magic but I do collect for a charity, by performing magic in pubs most weekends.

If anyone would like to help the Haiti appeal by performing some pub magic and they are unsure how to go about performing charity table magic in a pub then I am happy to pass on the following pieces of advice. (Please PM me if you have a specific question.)

. Choose a time and venue in advance. Do not turn up un-announced at a pub and just expect to perform. Get permission from the owner/manager in advance. This is easier when the pub is not part of a large chain as you may need permission from 'head office.'

. Select a pub where most guests are likely to be seated. Choose a time when there are no major distractions going on such as TV, Pub Quiz, Karoke, loud music. Ideally somewhere which is fairly busy.

. Explain to the manager that you expect to be performing for a few minutes at each table and all money collected will be given to the manager so he/she can make the donation to the Haiti appeal in the pub's name. (This avoids awkward questions like "how do we know you [a stranger in this pub] will not just take some of the money.") This approach also means that you don't need any local authority charity collecting badge, or be part of an official fundraising event.

. have a good mat and/or a bar towel or some way of protecting your cards etc. from the beer that is on most pub tables. Be prepared to work in small places around/between/on top of plates, bottles, glasses. Avoid effect that have dangereous angles. Be wary of sudden gusts of winds if you are at tables outside the pub.

. You will get mixed reactions when you approach each table. Some people will have no interest in magic and some will have no interest in helping charities, some people will be a bit drunk, some will be quite rude. Don't try and preach or persuade or question them, or get in to long discussions about religion, or ethics, or politics. If they are not interested then politely thank them and move on.

. If someone is eating, or having a quiet chat, or seems hesitant (or if you think you are putting them in an awkward position) then suggest that you will be in the pub for some time and they can always attract your attention if they would like to see some magic later on.

. tell them that you will only perform a few minutes at their table in order to get around everyone - but can always come back later if they want to see more. That way they won't feel that you are about to 'steal' their evening out. Stick to your time promise unless they specifically ask for more.

. Do not suggest a figure for a donation in return for some magic. Simply suggest they might want to 'put someting in the tin' at the end. Sometimes I do some great magic for only coppers. Other times I fluff things or feel I get a weak response but they put some big notes in the tin. You just can't tell.

. If people have had a bit too much to drink then stick to simple effects that don't require much concentration. Do a simple opener and notice the reactions. This will help you gauge their attention span. Be ready to move on if they look like they are going to be hard work.

. Be prepared for the show off, the know-it-all and the grabber. Often they will want to show their friends their favourite trick (usually the 21 card trick.) Make sure you have an ordinary pack of cards with you
Do not use anything large or expensive that could be grabbed or broken.

. there are likely to be lots of interruptions and distractions during your performance. Bar staff collecting Glasses; mobile phones to be answered just as you're about to deliver the killer reveal; People heading off to the bar or toilets etc. That's normal and there is nothing you can do about it.

. If pub magic is not your usual style then be honest and tell them that this is a new experience for you but it's for a good cause.

. Thank the manager and staff at the end. If you're lucky you might get a free drink or two during the evening.

. Above all, have fun and enjoy the experience and be sure to hand out lots of business cards.

Good luck and I hope you raise loads of money.